Unifi WiFi 7

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Ubiquiti was previously a bit slow in adopting WiFi 6, but they are one of the first to adopt the latest Wi-Fi 7 technology.

The U7-Pro is a member of the UniFi 7, a new series of Wi-Fi 7 broadcasters. It offers a cost-effective solution for businesses and homes in need of reliable Wi-Fi connectivity.

The U7-Pro: A Wallet-Friendly Wi-Fi 7 Solution

Unlike the handful of competing options, Ubiquiti has opted for a more affordable specification using only 2.5GbE for the uplink port and a 2 x 2 design across each band.

This significantly reduces the price, with the U7-Pro costing just $189.99/£171.60 VAT Incl.

The 2×2 design may be less appealing, but in reality, in homes and small businesses, there will be no real-world difference in the throughput. It also significantly reduces the power consumption.

A Closer Look at the U7-Pro’s Design and Features

Ubiquiti U7 Pro

The U7-Pro retains the trademark round-shaped design synonymous with Ubiquiti’s UniFi access points. It is designed for ceiling or wall mounting, making it a versatile option for various spaces. As far as size goes, it is marginally larger and weighs slightly more than its predecessor, the U6 Enterprise.

The U7-Pro also incorporates Power over Ethernet Plus (PoE+), allowing it to be powered via an Ethernet cable, thus eliminating the need for a separate power source. However, it doesn’t come with any power accessories, so users will need to have a pre-existing PoE switch or purchase an injector to power it.

Comparing the U7-Pro’s Hardware Specifications

The U7-Pro, alongside the Zyxel WBE660S, is one of the first Wi-Fi 7 access points on the market. The table below provides a detailed comparison of the U7-Pro’s hardware specifications against the U6 Enterprise and the Zyxel WBE660S.

ModelU7 ProU6 EnterpriseZyxel WBE660S
NameUbiquiti UniFi U7 Pro Access PointUbiquiti UniFi U6 Enterprise Access PointZyxel WBE660S BE22000 Wi-Fi 7 Triple-Radio NebulaFlex Pro Access Point
Wi-Fi StandardsTri-band BE9200Tri-band AXE11000Tri-band BE22000
1st Band 2.4GHz(channel width)2×2 BE: Up to 688 Mbps(20/40MHz)2×2 AX: Up to 600Mbps(20/40MHz)4×4 BE: Up to 1376 Mbps(20/40MHz)
2nd Band 5GHz(channel width)2×2 BE: Up to 2882 Mbps(20/40/80/160MHz)4×4 AX: Up to 4800 Mbps(20/40/80/160MHz)4×4 BE: Up to 8646 Mbps(20/40/80/160MHz)
3rd Band 6GHz(channel width)2×2 BE: Up to 5765 Mbps(20/40/80/160/320MHz)4×4 AXE: Up to 4800 Mbps(20/40/80/160MHz)4×4 BE: Up to 11530 Mbps(20/40/80/160/320MHz)
Backward Compatibility802.11axe/ax/ac/n/g/a/b802.11ac/n/g/a/b802.11axe/ax/ac/n/g/a/b
Power over Ethernet (PoE)802.11at (PoE+)802.11bt (PoE++)802.11bt (PoE++)
Power Consumption21W22W41W
Network Port1x 2.5Gbps Multi-Gig PoE1x 10Gbps Multi-Gig PoE1 x 1/2.5/5/10Gbps LAN
1 x 1Gbps LAN
SecurityWPA, WPA2, WPA3WPA, WPA2, WPA3WPA, WPA2, WPA3
Mobile AppUniFiUniFiZyxel Nebula
Dimensions (W x D x H)Ø8.1 x 1.8″(Ø206 x 46 mm)Ø7.76 x 1.38″ (Ø197 x 35 mm)12.21 x 7.01 x 2.21 in (310 x 178 x 56 mm)
Weight1.5lb (680 g)1.32 lbs (600 g)3.11 lbs (1412 g)
US Retail Cost(at launch)$189.99$290$599.99

As evident from the table, the U7-Pro boasts mid-tier Wi-Fi 7 specifications. While it doesn’t quite match up to the Zyxel WBE660S, it’s a commendable offering, considering its price point. The U7-Pro can support up to 300 devices and provide Wi-Fi coverage for an area of roughly 1,500 square feet (140 square meters), making it suitable for most homes and small offices.

Pricing and Availability

Ubiquiti has priced the U7-Pro at an attractive $189, making it considerably more affordable than the Zyxel WBE660S and even the U6 Enterprise. This competitive pricing, along with its impressive features, makes the U7-Pro a strong contender for consumers seeking a reliable, budget-friendly Wi-Fi 7 access point.

It is worth noting that to make the most of this access point, you will want a 2.5GbE POE++ capable switch. Thankfully, because this access point only uses 802.11at (PoE+), you can use the slightly more affordable Enterprise 8 PoE, which is currently listed at £459.60 VAT Incl.

The Enterprise 24 PoE is better value for money per port priced at £766.80 VAT Incl, with 24 ports in total with 12 2.5GbE POE+ and the other 12 gigabit POE+.

If you are happy to use a different brand, there are plenty of affordable multi-gig switches and a growing number of these support POE.

Conclusion

Ubiquiti’s launch of the U7-Pro Wi-Fi 7 access point marks a significant milestone not just for the company but also for the wider Wi-Fi market. It offers a budget-friendly solution that doesn’t compromise on performance, making it an appealing choice for a wide range of users. As the Wi-Fi 7 landscape continues to evolve, we can expect to see more innovative products from Ubiquiti and other industry players.

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