Key Takeaways
1. Ubiquiti’s U7 Mesh Wi-Fi units launched at MWC, using Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) for improved mesh networking.
2. Coverage area remains at 140 square meters, with enhanced directional antennas in the 5 GHz band for longer distances.
3. Data rate on the 5 GHz band is 4.3 Gbps, down from 4.8 Gbps, but the U7 Mesh supports more clients with lower latency.
4. Installation requires a Power-over-Ethernet switch or PoE injector, and includes a 2.5GbE port for connectivity.
5. Redesigned for better outdoor protection and easier installation, the U7 Mesh units are priced at $199.
Ubiquiti Networks has just launched its latest U7 Mesh Wi-Fi units at the Mobile World Congress (MWC). These new Wi-Fi 7 access points, which use the 802.11be standard, can establish a wider Wi-Fi network thanks to their mesh technology. They are the next generation of the U6 Mesh, maintaining the same coverage area of 140 square meters and the feature to direct antennas in the 5 GHz band, allowing for longer distances between the mesh points. This is a significant upgrade from the previous models, which did not have this feature.
Performance Insights
Interestingly, the data rate has dropped from 4.8 Gbps to 4.3 Gbps on the 5 GHz band due to the transition to Wi-Fi 7. Nevertheless, the U7 Mesh is crafted to manage a high number of Wi-Fi clients more efficiently, thanks to its lower latency. However, the 6 GHz band, which came with Wi-Fi 6E, is not yet available. Currently, devices are limited to the 2.4 GHz band. The new Wi-Fi 7 generation enhances roaming between access points by supporting the 802.11k, r, and v standards.
Installation Requirements
To power the units, you’ll need a Power-over-Ethernet switch or a PoE injector, and Ubiquiti provides the latter. Additionally, there’s a 2.5GbE port for network connectivity.
Ubiquiti markets the units with accessories suitable for both indoor and outdoor setups, giving users the flexibility to decide how to install them post-purchase. For IPX6 protection, using the wall mount that comes with a rubber seal is essential. Thus, the U7 Mesh units can serve as an alternative to the current U7 (Pro) Outdoor models.
Design and Availability
Ubiquiti states that the U7 Mesh units have undergone a complete redesign, particularly enhancing their outdoor protection and simplifying the installation process.
The mesh units are now available for purchase at a price of $199.
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