On December 2, 2024, Ubiquiti unveiled its much-anticipated top-tier Enterprise Wi-Fi 7 access point, the UniFi E7. It’s the company’s Wi-Fi 7 AP of the the enterprise tier.
If you think the E7 is an upgrade to the U7 Pro Max, you’re not wrong—the two belong to the same UniFi ecosystem. However, the new AP is much more than its older cousin in both depth and breadth.
The new E7 has everything you’d want from a Wi-Fi 7 access point and then some. Most importantly, just because it’s enterprise-class doesn’t mean it’s not applicable to a home or a modestly-sized business.
Let’s find out more.
UniFi E7: A trio of powerful Wi-Fi 7 access points
The first thing to note about the new Enterprise 7 is the fact it’s not a single unit, like the case of the U7 Pro or U7 Pro Max. Instead, it comes in three options, including the standard E7 and two outdoor variants, the E7 Campus and the E7 Audience.
All three share the same core features, but the two outdoor units are designed to be rugged with additional applicable specs. The table below includes their details.
UniFi E7: Hardware specifications
Model | E7 | E7 Campus | E7 Audience |
Wi-Fi Standard | Tri-band BE21000 | Tri-band BE22000 | |
2.4GHz Specs (channel width) | 2×2 BE: Up to 688Mbps (20/40MHz) | 2×2 BE: Up to 1376Mbps (20/40MHz) | |
5GHz Specs (channel width) | 4×4 BE: Up to 8.6Gbps (20/40/80/160/240MHz) | ||
6GHz Specs (channel width) | 4×4 BE: Up to 11.5 Gbps (20/40/80/160/320MHz) | ||
Backward Compatibility | 802.11ax/ac/n/g/a/b | ||
Max Concurrent Clients | 1000 | 1500 | |
Antenna Gain | 2.4GHz: 5dBi 5GHz: 6dBi 6GHz: 6dBi | 2.4GHz: 9dBi 5GHz: 12dBi 6GHz: 12dBi | Small cell: 15dBi / Large cell: 11dBi Small cell: 15dBi / Large cell: 11dBi |
Max. TX power | 2.4GHz: 23dBm 5GHz: 30dBm 6GHz: 24 dBm / 30dBm(*) | 2.4GHz: 23dBm 5GHz: 30dBm 6GHz: 30dBm / 36dB(*) | 30dBm (all bands) 36dBm(*) (6GHz) |
Multi-Link Operation (MLO) | Yes | ||
Automated Frequency Coordination (AFC) | Yes (where applicable) | ||
Special Features | Real-time spectral analysis for enhanced channel selection, Dedicated spectral analyzer radio | Real-time spectral analysis for enhanced channel selection, High selectivity PRISM RF filtering technology, Dedicated spectral analyzer radio, Directional high gain antenna array | Real-time spectral analysis for enhanced channel selection, High selectivity PRISM RF filtering technology, Dedicated spectral analyzer radio, Selectable directional beamforming antenna (15 dBi, 50° or 11 dBi, 90°) allows for cell size optimization |
Waterproof Level | n/a | IP67 | IP68 |
Wind Survivability | n/a | 164.75 N at 200 km/h (37 lbf at 125 mph) | |
Estimate Wi-Fi Coverage | 2000 ft² (185 m²) | 5,000 ft² (465 m²) | |
Power over Ethernet (PoE) | 802.3bt (PoE++) | ||
Max Power Consumption | 43W | 44W | 51W |
Network Port | 1x 10Gbps Multi-Gig PoE++, 1x 1Gbps Multi-Gig PoE++ | ||
Security | WPA, WPA2, WPA3 | ||
Local Web-based Management | No (as a standalone AP) | ||
Cloud-Management | Yes (free) | ||
Mobile App | UniFi | ||
Operation Mode | Access Point | ||
Device Dimensions (W x D x H) | 9.8 x 9.8 x 1.7 in (250 x 250 x 43.5 mm) | 9.8 x 9.8 x 1.8 in (250 x 250 x 45.5 mm) | 18.7 x 10.5 x 1.7 in (474.1 x 265.5 x 42.2 mm) |
Mounting Dimensions | n/a | Ø4.1 x 5.9″ (Ø104 x 149.4) (articulating mount) | 5.9 x 4.5 x 4.9 in (150.4 x 113.6 x 125 mm) (bracket) |
Weight | 4 lb (1.8 kg) (with accessories) | Device: 4.9 lb (2.2 kg), Mount: 0.9 kg (2 lb) | Device: 7.3 lb (3.3 kg), With mount: 9.5 lb (4.3 kg) |
LED | Color-changing (White/blue) ring LED | ||
Availability | December 2024 | January 2025 | March 2025 |
US Retail Cost (at launch) | $499 | $799 | $1999 |
(*) With 6GHz Extended Range mode (AFC)
Dual PoE++ ports with AFC
As shown in the table, other than the top-tier Wi-Fi specs, there are two things to note about the Enterprise 7.
The first is the fact that it comes with two PoE++ that can be used at the same time for high availability. Specifically, if the primary (10Gbps) connection goes out, the secondary (1Gbps) can kick in to keep the data flow.
The second and most significant is the support for Automated Frequency Coordination (AFC), or “Extended Range mode,” as Ubiquiti calls it. This feature allows the 6GHz to have higher broadcasting power to deliver more extended coverage.
The E7 is the first Wi-Fi 7 access point that has AFC out of the box. The U7 Pro Max might have this feature via firmware updates.
Of the three, the E7 is designed for indoors and more applicable to general usage. The E7 Campus can also be used for a large home with a sprawling backyard or a ranch. The E7 Audience is a pure enterprise product with the highest specs that needs to be installed and configured by professionals due to the way its antennas are designed.
A similar remember in the UniFi family
Regardless of the specs, the new UniFi E7 is expected to be similar to the rest of UniFi APs. In fact, real-world performance and bandwidth aside, it’s likely the same as the U7 Pro Max in setup, features, and management.
As a result, while you can use the E7 as a standalone unit with any existing router, it’s best to be part of a system hosted by a UniFi controller, such as the UDM-SE or UCG-Max. Additionally, you’ll also need a 10Gbps PoE++ switch, such as the Zyxel XS1930-12HP, as the power sender, though a high-end injector will also do.
In terms of performance, that’s to be determined, but from the specs alone, it’s safe to say the E7 will be better than the U7 Pro Max. Generally, Ubiquiti’s enterprise broadcasters provide the most extended coverage and support the highest number of concurrent clients.
No matter which variant you use, the Enterprise 7 is likely a robust access point that’s simple to set up and has lots to offer. In fact, when used as part of an UniFi system, it’ll virtually have everything you’d want or need for a Wi-Fi network, including a fast-performing, well-thought-out mesh system when multiple units are used together.
Ubiquiti UniFi E7's PRELIMINARY Assessment
Pros
10Gbps PoE++ with top-tier specs and Wi-Fi 7's AFC
Seamless integration with an UniFi console to deliver a robust mesh system with lots of advanced and useful features
Three variants for different use cases
Cons
The 2nd PoE++ port is Gigabit; no PoE injector is included
No local management or web user interface when working as a standalone AP
The takeaway
The Ubiquiti UniFi E7 is an exciting Wi-Fi 7 access point that has everything for everyone. Judging from the U7 Pro Max, it’s safe to say it’ll deliver.
Still, if you want to see how it pans out in the real world, check back in early 2025 for an in-depth review based on hands-on experience. Can’t wait? Get the E7 today if you’re lucky enough to find it available and already have a UniFi console—the Cloud Gateways Max, the UDM-SE, or the UDM-Pro Max—to pair it with.
Is MLO support (or at least planned MLO support) for the E7 series confirmed? Unlike the U7 Pro or U7 Pro Max (which mention it’s “coming soon” and already have early-access firmware released with MLO support) it isn’t mentioned anywhere on the specification page on Ubiquiti’s website.
We’ll find out soon, Dave, but AFC is a much bigger deal. MLO is similar to Smart Connect from a client’s perspective. In any case, it’s only a matter of firmware.
Agreed although, in my case, not applicable as AFC (or outdoor 6GHz of any kind) doesn’t appear to be supported outside of the USA. At least not currently.
If, for some reason, they don’t add MLO support then it puts the E7 in an odd sort of place in the global market IMO. The cheaper U7 Pro and Pro Max are mean to support MLO “soon”, but I would have thought a device with a 10GbE port and additional spatial streams would be able to make more use of an aggregated WiFi link than devices with a 2.5GbE port and fewer spatial streams.
In that case, Dave, MLO won’t help much. In fact, it might force the client to use the 2.4GHz instead of the 5GHz. For dual-band Wi-Fi 7, I’d recommend turning MLO off on the front haul.
All three bands are available for indoor use, I’d just no option to use AFC as that’s only supported within the USA (at least that’s what I understand from Ubiquiti’s product pages).
My main reason for asking whether you’ve had confirmation from Ubiquiti regarding MLO support on the E7 is that they don’t seem to mention it anywhere whereas they do for the U7 models. I notice you mentioned MLO support in your table and I was just curious as to where that information came from e.g. it came from some kind of official press release.
That’s the available settings for all Wi-Fi 7 UniFi access points, Dave. I haven’t had time to test the E7, so I can’t confirm, but the settings are there with thin the console’s interface.