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Ubiquiti U7 Pro – The Lowest Cost Wi-Fi & Enterprise AP in the Industry

Last month Ubiquiti launched the U7 Pro, purported to be the industry’s lowest cost Wi-Fi 7 enterprise AP currently on the market. 

How Much is the new Ubiquiti U7 Pro?

This new device is a 6-stream ceiling-mount AP delivering a total of 9.3 Gbps across the three bands, with a price of £143 + VAT.

Why are industry professionals about the price point on this unit? Well, this new Ubiquiti AP at this price means that every enterprise will be able to embrace the introduction of Wi-fi 7 technology, even smaller businesses. 

Rumours have it that Apple’s next iPhone will be Wi-Fi 7 compatible, meaning that businesses across industries will need to be embracing Wi-Fi 7 and making sure their devices and Wi-Fi are compatible.

What’s the Spec of the Ubiquiti U7 Pro?

The Ubiquiti U7 Pro is a ceiling-mounted Wi-Fi 7 AP with 6 spatial streams and 6 GHz support for interference-free Wi-Fi in demanding, large-scale environments. You can find the full specification on the Ubiquiti website here. 

  • WiFi 7 with 6 GHz support (in these countries only)
  • 6 spatial streams
  • 140 m² (1,500 ft²) coverage
  • 300+ connected devices
  • Powered using PoE+
  • 2.5 GbE uplink
  • Multi-Link Operation (MLO) capability is coming soon and will be provided via software update.

Ubiquiti U7 Pro – Hardware Specifications

  • Networking interface – (1) 1/2.5 GbE RJ45 port
  • Management interface – Ethernet
  • Power method – PoE+
  • Power supply – UniFi PoE switch
  • Supported voltage range – 44—57V DC
  • Max. power consumption – 21W

Ubiquiti U7 Pro – Software Specifications

  • WiFi standards – 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax/be
  • Wireless security – WPA-PSK, WPA-Enterprise (WPA/WPA2/WPA3/PPSK)
  • BSSID – 8 per radio 
  • VLAN – 802.1Q
  • Advanced QoS – Per-user rate limiting
  • Guest traffic isolation – Supported
  • Concurrent clients – 300+

Ubiquiti U7 Pro – Application Requirements

  • UniFi Network – Version 8.0.26 and later
  • UniFi OS – Version 3.2 and later

The Ubiquiti U6 Pro vs U7 Pro – What’s the Difference? Which is Better?

Trying to decide whether to put the U6 Pro or U7 Pro to regular use in your enterprise? Let’s take a look at some real-user experiences since Ubiquiti launched their U7 Pro. 

According to some in the Wi-Fi community, issues have been reported of difficulties with 6Ghz performance.

6GHz Performance with the U7 Pro

One UI Community user noticed that the 6 GHz performance on the U7 Pro seems to be worse than the U6 Enterprise. They said:

‘In real-life performance, I’ve noticed the transfer speeds to be more variable on the U7 Pro; with the U6 Enterprise it’s possible to consistently saturate the gigabit backhaul that I currently have. The U7 Pro tends to be more unstable, that is, it will hit 112 MB/s and then drop down to the 40s and back up again multiple times during a large transfer.

If I check the RSSI in the Network Application for the U6 Enterprise, it reports my client device as -53 dBm. If I swap it with the U7 Pro and leave everything in the same physical location the RSSI drops to -64 dBm. The RSSI on the client side is pretty much the same with both APs (roughly -46 dBm) so it only seems to be the AP’s ability to receive from the client device that’s inhibited. This only seems to affect 6 GHz, my 5 GHz devices show similar stats with either AP.

Could this be related to the U7 Pro being a 2×2 device compared to the 4×4 on the U6 Enterprise?’

They’re not the only user to experience this. Suggestions were made as to the reason for this issue as well as possible resolutions:

  • A difference between the U6 being a 4×4 device compared to the 2×2 nature of the U7 (and should the U7 Pro therefore be called the U7 Lite instead?)
  • Issues with custom transmit power, solved by sticking with the ‘auto’ option on the U7
  • A possible resolution with further firmware updates

Boost In Throughput with the U7 Pro

One Reddit user reported a 10-15% throughput boost to their MacBook Pro (M1) and MacBook Air (M2) (both were WiFi 6, non-E). 

Previously, whilst using the U6 Pro,  they had never been able to break 600 Mbps with either one whereas now using the U7 they routinely hit 650 Mbps, and occasionally break into the low 700 Mbps on occasion. These speeds were tested using iperf3.

U7 Pro Offers Higher Bandwidth, More Quickly

A Reddit user noticed that the U7 Pro seems to ramp up to higher bandwidth more quickly than the U6 Pro, according to iperf3. 

The user reported seeing 1-2 seconds at around 150 Mbps before getting into the 500 Mbps range using the U6 Pro. 

With the U7-Pro, the first second is already at 500 Mbps and then achieves over 600 Mbps for the remainder of the test.

(The Bandwidth tests above were using the same manually-configured channels (11@20MHz, 149@80MHz) on the U6-Pro and U7-Pro).

Note: These claims (both positive and negative) are unverified via various user experiences on Reddit and UI Community platforms. 

The Ubiquiti U7 Pro can be Installed Using Pre-Existing Mounting Plates

Users have also noted that the new U7 Pro fits on the AP Pro Arm Mount (UACC-Pro-AP-AM). As per the FAQ’s on Ubiquiti’s new product announcement, the U7 Pro can be installed using the following pre-existing mounting plates:

  • U6-Enterprise
  • U6-Pro
  • U6-LR
  • UAP-AC-Pro
  • UAP-AC-HD
  • UAP-AC-SHD
  • UAP-AC-XG

U7 Pro is Backwards Compatible

U7 Pro is fully backwards compatible with Wi-Fi 6E and earlier client devices. A Wi-Fi 6E or Wi-Fi 7 client device is required to utilise the 6 GHz band.

U7 Pro is managed with UniFi Network 8.0.26 and later.

U7 Pro is powered by PoE+ with a 2.5 GbE uplink. Ubiquiti recommends pairing U7 Pro with a UniFi PoE switch that features 2.5 GbE performance and PoE+ output, such as Pro Max and Enterprise PoE switches.

Customise the Appearance of the U7 Pro 

The Ubiquiti U7 Pro has a fully customisable cover which will be available in the second quarter of 2024.

How Do I Decide Between the Ubiquiti U6 Pro and the New U7 Pro?

Really, the only person who can answer this question is you. You know the needs of your enterprise and how your current Wi-Fi performance is working for your business. 

There is a fine balance between prioritising what works well for you today, as well as what is going to work well for you in the future. Some things are worth investing in now in order to future proof your Wi-FI, keeping your business running smoothly and up-to-date with the latest technology. 

Call the Experts Here at Geekabit

If you’re unsure what the best Wi-Fi solution would be for your business, then get in touch with our Wi-Fi experts today. Our wireless engineers can look after you from the Site Survey stage all the way through to deployment. 

Don’t let poor performing Wi-Fi hold you back. 

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Geekabit’s Top 10 Blogs of 2023

2023 is coming to a close – And we know the new year will bring new technology and wireless improvements with it!

Here at Geekabit, we covered a lot of different Wi-Fi topics last year here on the blog. Much of what we write about is influenced by the enquiries and questions that our customers and clients ask our Wi-Fi Experts across Winchester, London and Cardiff. This year we’ve seen an increase in demand for 4G/5G broadband and Starlink Satellite broadband options, particularly for homes and businesses in rural areas.

We thought we would take a look back on the last year and see what blogs were most popular with you – Our readers!

In at Number 10, this blog had people wondering whether scientists could watch we are doing through walls!

Can Scientists Use Wi-Fi to Watch Us Through Walls? 
#10

Number 9 was all about finally getting 5G on the London Underground so you can stay connected whilst travelling around the capital.

London Underground: 5G Deployed by Virgin Media O2 UK 
#9

With Ubiquiti UniFi devices increasing in popularity, it’s no surprise that this fault finding blog about flashing lights on access points made it in at number 8.

Why Are My Ubiquiti UniFi Access Points Flashing?
#8

Here at Geekabit, we’ve talked a lot about how impactful broadband can be for rural businesses. This blog about unreliable broadband for rural businesses came in at number 7.

Small Rural UK Businesses Damaged by Unreliable Broadband
#7

It seems you all want to know how to choose and install a 4G and 5G mobile broadband antenna, as this blog telling you how narrowly missed being in our top 5 blogs of the year.

How To Choose and Install an External 4G or 5G Mobile Broadband Antenna
#6

Kicking us off in the top 5 was where best to place your router for successful results.

‘Where is the best place to put my Wi-Fi router?’
#5

Taking the 4th spot was a look into 2023 and what it had in store for us in the world of Wi-Fi.

2023 and Beyond: Wi-Fi Alliance Says All Roads Lead to Wi-Fi 
#4

In 3rd place was another blog on 4G and 5G mobile broadband, answering all your frequently asked questions.

4G and 5G Mobile Broadband Antennas: Frequently Asked Questions
#3

Narrowly missing the top spot, this blog about discounted Starlink Satellite Ultrafast Broadband here in the UK was one of your most popular reads this year.

Discounted Starlink Satellite Ultrafast Broadband for UK Customers
#2

And taking the top spot for most read Geekabit blog of 2023 was this one about the rise of UK Starlink broadband speeds.

UK Starlink Broadband Speeds Rise
#1

So it seems our readers were most looking for information on Starlink Satellite broadband and 4G/5G mobile broadband options. Does that mean that consumers and business broadband customers are interested in alternative Wi-Fi options for their homes and businesses?

We’re looking forward to what 2024 will bring in the tech world and seeing how that impacts all things Wi-Fi and staying well connected.

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Why Are My Ubiquiti UniFi Access Points Flashing?

Are you seeing flashing lights? There’s nothing more infuriating than getting lights flashing on your device and not knowing what it means.

If you’re experiencing flashing lights on a UniFi device then read on to find out why, and what you need to do about it.

The images below show blue and white LED’s flashing in different formats depending on the status they are showing. Each type of flashing applies to all of the following UniFi devices:

  • Access points
  • routers
  • switches
  • UDM base model

My UniFi AP is flashing white and then off every few seconds

If your Ubiquiti UniFi device is flashing white/off every 1 or 2 seconds, it means that the device is intialising and starting up.

Why does my UniFi AP have a steady white light?

If you UniFi AP (or other listed device) is exhibiting a steady white light, it means it is ready for adoption. This means it is ready to begin the process of connecting to the UniFi application that will manage it.

Why is my UniFi UDM flashing blue?

This applies to UDM units only. If you see a flashing blue light, it means that a client device is connected to the network via Bluetooth.

Why is my UniFi UDM flashing blue and then off?

Again, this flashing only applies to the UDM units. If it is lighting up blue and then going off after 5 seconds, then back to blue, then off, it means it is not connected to the internet.

What does a constant blue light mean on my UniFi access point?

A steady blue light means that the UniFi device is adopted (connected to the UniFi application managing it) and is in normal operating mode. The Access Point (AP) is broadcasting SSIDs (Service Set Identifier – Typically a network name).

Why is my UniFi AP rapidly flashing white and off?

If you UniFi access point is strobing white/off then you will need to power cycle it. If that doesn’t work, then you will have to get in touch with Ubiquiti’s customer support team for further help.

Help – Why is my Ubiquiti UniFi Access Point flashing white then blue?

If your UniFi AP is quickly flashing white then blue, it means the device firmware is being upgraded. It’s important you do not interrupt this process.

On a UDM unit, it will flash only white during this upgrade.

Why has my UniFi AP got a blue steady light that goes off every 5 seconds?

If your UniFi AP is blue but flashing off every 5 seconds, it means the AP has lost connectivity and is looking for a wireless uplink.

I have a rapidly flashing blue light on my UniFi AP – What does it mean?

If your UniFi AP is rapidly flashing blue and then off, it means the device “Locate” feature was activated in the UniFi Network application.

Why is my UniFi AP flashing white, blue and then off?

The device is in TFTP mode (Trivial File Transfer Protocol is a simple lockstep File Transfer Protocol which allows a client to get a file from or put a file onto a remote host).

To enable this mode:

  1. Hold the reset button before powering on.
  2. Continue to hold the reset button until this LED sequence appears.

If you haven’t intentionally put your AP into TFTP mode, make sure that the reset button on the device isn’t jammed. It should click when pushed.

There is no LED / light visible on my UniFi Access Point?

If you can’t see any light on your AP device and the LED is completely off, then it means the device is offline. To try and resolve the problem:

  • Check it has a power supply
  • Check POE (power over ethernet) cables
  • Check Ethernet cables

Ubiquiti UniFi Bridge to Bridge Devices

If you have a UniFi Bridge to Bridge device, then there are two more statuses to look out for in addition to those above.

My UniFi Bridge has a red light with circulating blue light

If your UniFi Bridge device is showing a red with circulating blue LED, it means the 60 GHz link cannot be established or has dropped due to bad weather.

If the UBB fails over to 5 GHz, the LED will remain red. When the 60 GHz link is re-established, the LED will turn blue (or the custom colour selected in the UniFi Network application).

It’s worth noting that if the other bridge device is within range and the UBB LED is red, Uniquiti recommend adjusting the UBB’s position to enhance the signal strength.

Why does my UniFi bridge have a green light?

If your UniFi Bridge is showing a green light, it means that the Alignment Tool is enabled in the UniFi Network application and the UBB devices are aligned properly.

If the other bridge device is within range and the UBB LED is green and red, Ubiquiti recommend adjusting the UBB’s position until the LED is green.

How to Disable Device LEDs

Did you know that you can disable device LED’s? Using the UniFi Network application, you can choose specific device status LED’s or the whole site’s to be disabled.

To disable (or re-enable) status LED’s:

  • Open the UniFi Network Application
  • Go to Settings
  • Go to Site
  • Go to the Services section
  • Edit the LED feature

If you want to specifically configure individual devices:

  • Open the UniFi Network application
  • Go to the Devices section
  • Click on the device you wish to edit to bring up the Properties panel
  • Go to Config, then General, then LED
  • Switch the Site Settings to On or Off

Ubiquiti UniFi Fault Finding

For more information on any of the above, or to find LED patterns for specific ports, head to the Ubiquiti website here.

Is Ubiquiti UniFi right for your business Wi-Fi?

If you’re wondering if Ubiquiti UniFi is the best option for the Wi-Fi needs of your business, then get in touch with our Wi-Fi Experts today. We can advise what the best network options would be for your premises, and take you from the site survey stage, through to design and deployment. No one should have to tolerate bad broadband or slow Wi-Fi at work.

All imagery from ui.com/wi-fi with thanks.

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Launch of UniFi Mobile Router

As regular installers of Ubiquiti kit since 2013, we’re excited to see the pending launch of their UniFI Mobile Router.

No signs yet that it is available in the UK, but as we work with Teltonika and Robustel 4G and 5G routers on a weekly basis, this has the potential to be a game changer in the market place for mobile connectivity Installers.

Enterprise clients will be looking to maintain the same manufacturer and one family of products wherever possible, and Ubiquiti will know this is a corner of the market they can easily win at.

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Our Top Wi-Fi Blogs of 2021

A new year has begun, and no doubt it will bring new technology and wireless improvements with it!

Here at Geekabit, we covered a lot of different Wi-Fi topics last year here on the blog, many of which were steered by the enquiries we were receiving to our Wi-Fi Experts across Winchester, London and Cardiff. We saw a big increase in demand for 4G broadband, particularly for homes in rural areas. Hybrid broadband has also soared in popularity!

We’ve also talked a lot about 5G and Wi-Fi 6 and a few of the products already available on the market. With there still being a heavy focus on working from home throughout 2021, it’s no surprise that reliable broadband and internet speeds at home were still crucial. We even launched our own product – SpeedScore – A great way for estate agents and landlords to accurately identify their broadband speeds.

With all of this in mind, we thought we would take a look back on the last year and see what blogs were most popular with you – Our readers!

#10 – Just making the top 10 reads from 2021 is a blog on the 4G Broadband Teltonika RUT950 router. This device was out top product for 4G broadband installations during 2021 – Click the blog to find out why.

4G Broadband and the Teltonika RUT950 Industrial Cellular Router

#9 – Continuing on the 4G broadband theme, in at number 9 is why 4G broadband could be the answer for all your rural Wi-Fi woes. 2021 brought us many clients desperate for a quicker Wi-Fi service in rural areas, particularly those who had moved out of London but expected the same internet connectivity. If you’re sticking with more working-from-home as we move into 2022, then have a read of this blog to see if 4G broadband could bring you a better connection.

4G Broadband – The Answer to Your Rural Wi-Fi Woes?

#8 – Last year we saw a big buzz around 5G. This blog was all about the Robustel R5020 router – An exciting product offering 5G connectivity at a competitive price.

The Robustel R5020 5G Router

#7 – We can’t talk about 4G broadband without talking about data plans. Joining in on the blog popularity of 4G/5G broadband and pieces of kit was this blog on Unlimited 4G broadband data plans. well worth a read if you’re going down the 4G broadband route.

The Best Unlimited 4G Data Plans for Broadband

#6 – Which brings us nicely to hybrid broadband. This has seen a soar in popularity, and we’re expecting to see a lot more of this in client enquiries over this coming year. But what is hybrid broadband? If you’re wanted unbreakable Wi-Fi for your home or business then this could well be the solution you’ve been searching for.

 

What is Hybrid Broadband?

#5 – 2021 saw Facebook launch it’s own Wi-Fi – But what is it? Hundreds of thousands of businesses are already using it, but if you’re not yet one of them then click the blog below to see what you need to know.

What is Facebook Wi-Fi?

#4 – Anything to do with Ubiquiti always proves a popular blog topic. And with good reason – These devices are one of the staple pieces of kit here at Geekabit. The Ubiquiti UniFi range of access points are always easy to match to our clients needs.

How Do I Choose The Right Ubiquiti UniFi Access Point?

#3 – Wi-Fi 6 was another topic on everyone’s lips last year. This blog on the Amplifi Alien Wi-Fi 6 router was a big favourite of our readers – Could that be because of the ongoing need to work and learn from home?

Amplifi Alien – The New Wi-Fi 6 Router from Ubiquiti

#2 – How do you choose the right wireless product for your home or business? It’s a question often asked so no wonder this blog looking at 3 top wireless products almost made the top spot. If you want to compare UniFi, Meraki and Aruba bits of wireless kit then this is the blog for you.

UniFi vs Meraki vs Aruba

#1 – And here we are at number one. The most popular blog last year was this one on Starlink and what it meant for broadband here in the UK. another interesting read, particularly those living and working in more rural areas, struggling with connectivity.

What is Starlink and what does it mean for UK broadband?

So there you go – Our top ten Wi-Fi blogs of 2021. We’re excited to see what 2022 will bring!

 

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Ubiquiti Wi-Fi Expert Help

Here at Geekabit, we love Ubiquiti – It’s no secret. We’re often asked what bits of Wi-Fi kit are our favourites, and Ubiquiti is definitely one of them. We use Ubiquiti wireless devices so much that we consider ourselves a bit of an expert when it comes to Ubiquiti Wi-Fi installations. We’ve done quite a few blogs sharing our expert knowledge of Ubiquiti Wi-Fi devices, so this week we thought we’d do a quick round-up on some of the things we’ve touched on.

Let’s start with how Ubiquiti UniFi could help your business. This blog was the first in a series of three looking at the benefits of Ubiquiti UniFi in a business setting. If excellent, reliable Wi-Fi is critical to your business operations, then this is well worth a read.

[Part 1] What is Ubiquiti UniFi and How Could It Help Your Business?

In the above blog, we looked at what Ubiquiti UniFi actually was and how it could function as a network in your business. This next one focuses in on the Controller and UniFi Cloud Key and their expert Wi-Fi function within an effective wireless network.

[Part 2] Ubiquiti UniFi – The Brains

The third in that series of blogs looked at the elements that complete the Ubiquiti UniFi network and how they could provide you with a better connected business. After the last 18 months, we’ve all seen how vital it is to have a reliable connection. This series of 3 blogs on Ubiquiti UniFi highlights how these interconnected devices could be the ideal solution for keeping your business well connected.

[Part 3] Ubiquiti UniFi – The Elements

Ubiquiti Access Points are a staple in our Wi-Fi toolkit. We’re confident that their selection of access points are straightforward to match to our clients needs and satisfy your end users. For a blog that takes you through choosing the right Ubiquiti access point for your business, check out the link below.

How Do I Choose The Right Ubiquiti UniFi Access Point?

Of course, Ubiquiti isn’t the only provider out there. How does it compare to some other top options on the wireless device market? See how it stacks up against popular choices from Meraki and Aruba.

UniFi vs Meraki vs Aruba

With all the Wi-Fi 6 hype, you might be wondering what the choices are in terms of Ubiquiti Wi-Fi 6 products. In that case, you’ll probably want to have a read about the Amplifi Alien – The new Wi-Fi 6 router from Ubiquiti.

Amplifi Alien – The New Wi-Fi 6 Router from Ubiquiti

If you have a large area to cover with your network range, then mesh could be the right option for you. Mesh is essentially like a interconnected grid or net of access points that all communicate with each other, ensuring that even if one goes down you don’t drop your connection. If this sounds like something that could work for your business Wi-Fi network, have a read of the blog below explaining Ubiquiti UniFi Mesh models.

Ubiquiti UniFi – What are Mesh and Mesh Pro Models?

The latest from our Ubiquiti blogs is the range of Ubiquiti airMAX products. With something to match every business Wi-Fi need – from a functional perspective to design aesthetics – This blog will take you through the Ubiquiti airMAX device choices.

Which Ubiquiti airMAX product should I choose?

If you need Ubiquiti Wi-Fi expert help then give us a call here at Geekabit. Our Wi-Fi experts operate out of London, Hampshire and Cardiff and are all competent in Ubiquiti wireless devices.

To get in touch, give us a call or drop us a message.

 

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