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WiFi 7 has started to gain traction, with most big networking brands having at least one WiFi 7 product, such as routers, mesh systems, or access points.
Recently, Amazon launched the eero Outdoor 7, and Ubiquiti has UniFi U7-Outdoor. However, many people have noticed a significant omission from these products: there is no 6GHz band.
Why is There No 6GHz Band on Some Outdoor WiFi 7 Access Points?
The introduction of the 6GHz band in WiFi 7 brings significant improvements in terms of speed, capacity, and reduced interference. However, adding 6GHz to outdoor access points presents several challenges. Regulatory restrictions, interference concerns, and implementation complexities all contribute to why some outdoor WiFi 7 access points do not feature the 6GHz band.
Regulatory Restrictions
In many countries, the use of the 6GHz band for outdoor WiFi deployments is subject to strict regulations. The 6GHz band is shared with other services, such as fixed microwave links and satellite communications, which require protection from interference. To avoid disrupting these incumbent services, regulatory authorities often impose limitations on the use of 6GHz for outdoor WiFi access points.
These regulations may require outdoor access points to implement mechanisms such as Automated Frequency Coordination (AFC), which ensures that WiFi devices operate on frequencies that are not used by incumbent users in the area, whereas 5GHz uses Dynamic Frequency Selection. Implementing AFC adds complexity and costs to the deployment of outdoor WiFi 7 access points, leading some manufacturers to opt out of including the 6GHz band in their products.
Interference Concerns
The 6GHz band, while offering more channels and greater capacity, also requires careful management to avoid interference with existing users of the spectrum. In outdoor environments, the risk of interference is higher compared to indoor environments, as there are more potential sources of interference, including other wireless networks and licensed services.
To mitigate these interference risks, outdoor WiFi 7 access points would need to implement advanced coordination mechanisms such as AFC. However, not all manufacturers are ready to implement these mechanisms, and some may choose to exclude the 6GHz band to simplify the design and reduce costs.
Implementation Complexities
Including the 6GHz band in outdoor WiFi 7 access points also introduces technical challenges. The higher frequency of the 6GHz band means that the signal does not travel as far as the 2.4GHz or 5GHz bands, and it is more susceptible to obstacles such as walls and trees. This makes it more difficult to provide reliable coverage in outdoor environments, particularly in large open areas.
Additionally, the need for AFC and other interference management mechanisms adds to the complexity of the hardware and software design of outdoor access points. These complexities can increase the cost of the product, making it less attractive to consumers who are looking for affordable outdoor WiFi solutions.
Best Outdoor WiFi 7 Access Points With 6GHz
With the challenges associated with using the 6GHz band in outdoor environments, there is currently one brand that has developed an outdoor WiFi 7 access point that includes 6GHz support.
1. Ruckus T670 Outdoor WiFi 7 Access Point
Ruckus has developed the T670, an outdoor WiFi 7 access point that supports the 6GHz band. The T670 is designed for use in large outdoor areas, such as parks and public spaces, where high-speed connectivity is needed. The access point uses AFC to ensure that it operates on channels that are not used by other services, providing reliable performance and minimising interference.
It’s designed to be a cutting-edge outdoor access point for high-density environments like stadiums, public venues, and smart cities. This tri-band AI-driven Wi-Fi 7 access point delivers exceptional performance with its impressive specifications and advanced features.
Key Features:
- Tri-band connectivity supporting 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz frequencies (US/Canada model)
- AI-powered network assurance through RUCKUS AI
- Patented BeamFlex smart directional antenna technology
- Superior throughput with reduced latency
- Adaptive network resilience
Technical Specifications:
- Maximum combined data rate: 9.336 Gbps (tri-band model)
- Dual Ethernet ports: 1x 1/2.5/5 GbE and 1x 1 GbE
- 6 spatial streams (2×2:2 in 2.4GHz/5GHz/6GHz or, in dual-band mode, 2×2:2 in 2.4GHz and 4×4:4 in 5GHz)
- Support for up to 768 concurrent users
- Over 4,000 antenna patterns per band
- Antenna gain up to 4 dBi
- Operating temperature range: -40°C to +65°C
The T670 comes in two configurations to meet different regulatory requirements: a tri-band model for US/Canada (9.336 Gbps) and a dual-band model for global use (6.454 Gbps). Its robust design and advanced features make it particularly suitable for challenging outdoor environments such as resort spaces, transit stations, and harbour ports. The device supports multiple controller options, including Ruckus One, SmartZone, and Unleashed, offering flexibility in network management. For organisations requiring high-performance outdoor Wi-Fi coverage, the Ruckus T670 delivers enterprise-grade connectivity with the latest Wi-Fi 7 technology, making it an excellent choice for demanding outdoor applications.
As you might expect, the big caveat for this access point is it is aimed at the enterprise market, and being the only outdoor AP with 6GHz, they can command a premium price of $3,095.
Best Outdoor WiFi 7 Access Points Without 6GHz
For users who do not require the 6GHz band, there are several outdoor WiFi 7 access points available that operate solely on the 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands. These access points are typically more affordable and easier to deploy, as they do not require the additional coordination mechanisms needed for 6GHz operation. With these options you have various choice that suit both consumer and enterprise environments.
1. Amazon eero Outdoor 7
The Amazon eero Outdoor 7 is the most recent outdoor WiFi 7 access point to be launched. While you would typically associate Amazon eero with consumer use, it is actually considerably more expensive than the Ubiquiti UniFi U7-Outdoor, priced at $400.
The Amazon eero Outdoor 7 is a dual-band Wi-Fi 7 access point designed for outdoor installation. The AP features dual-band Wi-Fi 7 connectivity with 2×2 MIMO, offering speeds of up to 688 Mbps on 2.4 GHz and 2161 Mbps on 5 GHz bands. A single 2.5 GbE PoE+ port handles network connectivity.
The access point provides coverage for up to 15,000 square feet of outdoor space and can handle 100+ concurrent devices. For larger properties, multiple units can be deployed to create point-to-point connections.
One advantage it has over the other access points recommended on this list is the smart home integration. It supports:
- Thread protocol
- Zigbee
- Matter controller functionality
- Bluetooth Low Energy 5.0
This integration leans into the consumer aspect of Amazon eero rather than the more commercially orientated options on this list.
Network management is handled through iOS and Android mobile apps, offering features like parental controls and password sharing. However, there’s no local web interface available, which might be a limitation for some users.
Specification Overview
- 2.5 GbE PoE
- 2×2 2.4 GHz (688 Mbps peak)
- 2×2 5 GHz (2161 Mbps peak)
- Thread, Zigbee, and Matter (as a controller only), Bluetooth Low Energy 5.0, Works with Alexa, and Amazon Connected Home
- Includes one 30W Outdoor PoE+ power adapter (18.6 ft.)
2. Ubiquiti UniFi U7-Outdoor
Ubiquiti’s UniFi U7-Outdoor is another outdoor WiFi 7 access point that does not include support for the 6GHz band. The lack of 6GHz support makes the U7-Outdoor easier to deploy, as it does not require AFC or other coordination mechanisms.
At just £190, this is the most affordable outdoor WiFi 7 access point I am aware of.
Preview | Product | Rating | Price | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Ubiquiti U7 Outdoor 4300 Mbit/s White Power over Ethernet... | £202.54 | Buy on Amazon |
The U7-Outdoor delivers top-tier wireless connectivity in all weather, featuring an IPX6-rated enclosure to withstand harsh conditions. Its integrated directional super antenna provides extensive coverage of up to 465 m², ideal for large outdoor areas. Flexible mounting options allow installation on walls, poles, or ceilings to suit various deployment needs.
Capable of supporting over 200 concurrent devices, the U7-Outdoor is perfect for moderately dense enviroments environments such as public spaces and commercial areas, it is also ideal for residential use for prosumers. Leveraging WiFi 7 technology and 4 spatial streams, it achieves speeds up to 5 Gbps, while the 2.5 GbE uplink ensures a strong backbone connection for improved reliability.
Featuring a software-adjustable beamwidth, the U7-Outdoor’s antenna system offers balanced coverage using omni antennas, adaptable to different scenarios. Dual-band MIMO (2×2 for both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz) minimizes interference, ensuring efficient data transmission. The RP-SMA connectors provide customization options for specific coverage requirements.
Specification Overview
- 4 spatial streams
- 2.4 GHz – 2 x 2 – 688 Mbps
- 5 GHz – 2 x 2 – 4324 Mbps
- 465 m2 (5,000 ft2) open space coverage with the integrated directional super antenna.
- Software-adjustable antenna beamwidth for balanced coverage with the included omni antennas.
- 2.4 GHz – Directional internal: 8 dBi / External omni: 3 dBi
- 5 GHz – Directional internal: 12.5 dBi / External omni: 4 dBi
- 200+ connected devices.
- Powered using PoE+.
- 2.5 GbE uplink.
- Versatile wall and pole mounting.
- Weatherproof (outdoor exposed).
IO Outdoor WiFi 7 Access Point (by HFCL)
I am not familiar with IO by HFCL but they have developed the world’s very first OpenWiFi compliant Wi-Fi 7 Access Points. OpenWiFi is an open sourced, community-developed, disaggregated Wi-Fi software system. The system includes a cloud controller SDK and an Enterprise-grade Access Point (AP) firmware, designed and validated to work seamlessly together.
IO has four WiFi 7 access points but they all appear to be the same underlying hardware but with different antenna and physical designs to suit different requirements. They are all dual radio, so 2.4GHz and 5GHz only.
This range of access points has a dual-band throughput reaching 5.95 Gbps. The versatile range encompasses models featuring 9 dBi integrated omnidirectional aerials and 8/14 dBi integrated sector aerials, meticulously engineered to maximise coverage footprint and transmission distance.
Designed to accommodate up to 1,024 simultaneous connections, this powerhouse grants access to expansive 160 MHz channels in the 5GHz spectrum. The robust security framework incorporates WPA3 protocols and leverages advanced 1024 QAM modulation. Sophisticated features include non-WiFi interference identification and mitigation, Automatic Transmit Power Control (ATPC), and intelligent coverage gap detection with automated correction mechanisms.
This solution proves particularly valuable in demanding outdoor environments where minimal latency is paramount, such as autonomous vehicle networks, augmented and virtual reality deployments, sprawling corporate campuses, and retail complexes. The dual-radio architecture achieves peak rates of 5.95 Gbps whilst supporting coordinated bi-directional multi-user multiple-input and multiple-output (MU-MIMO) operations, multi-link operation (MLO) capabilities, innovative preamble puncturing, and sophisticated multiple resource unit (Multi-RU) functionality.
The Dual Radio ion8x is available in 5 variants:
- ion8x : with integrated 8dBi sector antenna
- ion8x_2 : with integrated 14dBi sector antenna
- ion8x_w : with integrated 9dBi omnidirectional antenna
- ion8xe : for external antenna (N connectors on the side)
- ion8xe_T : for external antenna (N connectors on the top)
Specification Overview:
- Up to 29 dBm transmit power for both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz (depending on country guidelines)
- Additional BLE Radio for advanced location services
- 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ac Wave2/ax/be
- Up to 5.95 Gbps aggregate data rate (4800 Mbps for 5 GHz and 1150 Mbps for 2.4 GHz)
- 4X4:4 MU-MIMO
- Access to a 160 MHz channel in the 5GHz band
- Available in a flexible range of variants with integrated or external antenna options to meet various coverage and range requirements
- 1024 concurrent client support
- Configurable in standalone mode or via cloud controller
- EasyMesh, Passpoint 3.0 and RoHS 3.0 certified
Conclusion
The introduction of WiFi 7 has brought new opportunities for improved performance and capacity, particularly with the addition of the 6GHz band. However, the challenges associated with using the 6GHz band in outdoor environments have led some manufacturers to release outdoor WiFi 7 access points without 6GHz support.
For users who need the benefits of the 6GHz band, there are several outdoor WiFi 7 access points available that include 6GHz support and use mechanisms such as Automated Frequency Coordination to manage interference. For those who do not require the 6GHz band, there are also many options available that provide reliable performance on the 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands.
Ultimately, the choice of outdoor WiFi 7 access point will depend on the specific needs of the user, including the required coverage area, performance requirements, and budget. Whether or not 6GHz support is needed, WiFi 7 offers significant improvements over previous WiFi standards, making it an excellent choice for outdoor wireless connectivity.
I am James, a UK-based tech enthusiast and the Editor and Owner of Mighty Gadget, which I’ve proudly run since 2007. Passionate about all things technology, my expertise spans from computers and networking to mobile, wearables, and smart home devices.
As a fitness fanatic who loves running and cycling, I also have a keen interest in fitness-related technology, and I take every opportunity to cover this niche on my blog. My diverse interests allow me to bring a unique perspective to tech blogging, merging lifestyle, fitness, and the latest tech trends.
In my academic pursuits, I earned a BSc in Information Systems Design from UCLAN, before advancing my learning with a Master’s Degree in Computing. This advanced study also included Cisco CCNA accreditation, further demonstrating my commitment to understanding and staying ahead of the technology curve.
I’m proud to share that Vuelio has consistently ranked Mighty Gadget as one of the top technology blogs in the UK. With my dedication to technology and drive to share my insights, I aim to continue providing my readers with engaging and informative content.
Last update on 2024-11-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API