Ubiquiti has just unveiled three groundbreaking additions to its UniFi networking lineup. These devices bring enterprise-grade features and Wi-Fi 7 performance to the prosumer and small business markets.
The new Dream Router 7 (UDR7), Express 7 (UX7), and Cloud Gateway Fiber (UCG-Fiber) represent significant upgrades from their predecessors, featuring 10-gigabit connectivity options, Wi-Fi 7 support, and enhanced security capabilities.
Let's dive into what makes these new devices stand out and which one might be the right fit for your networking needs.
UniFi Dream Router 7 (UDR7): The All-in-One Wi-Fi 7 Powerhouse
The UniFi Dream Router 7 ($279) maintains the same iconic cylindrical design as its predecessor but packs substantial performance upgrades:
UniFi Dream Router 7 (UDR7)Key Features:
- Wi-Fi 7 Integration: Features tri-band connectivity with 6GHz support and 320MHz channel width
- 10G Ready: Includes a 10G SFP+ port, one 2.5G WAN port, and three 2.5G LAN ports (one with PoE)
- Enhanced Processing Power: Quad-core ARM Cortex-A53 1.5GHz CPU with 3GB RAM
- Full UniFi OS Support: Runs all UniFi applications, including Network, Protect, Talk, Access, and Connect
- Integrated Storage: Comes with a pre-installed 64GB WD Purple microSD card for surveillance footage
- Advanced Security: 2.3 Gbps IDS/IPS throughput with threat management capabilities
The UDR7 elevates the home and small business networking by handling up to 30+ UniFi devices simultaneously while supporting 300+ clients.
Its Wi-Fi 7 capabilities deliver remarkable wireless performance, with theoretical speeds up to 5.7Gbps on the 6GHz band, 4.3Gbps on 5GHz, and 688Mbps on 2.4GHz.
Why Upgrade to the UDR7?
- Wi-Fi 7 significantly outperforms older Wi-Fi 6 or Wi-Fi 5 standards with lower latency and wider channels
- 2.3 Gbps IDS/IPS throughput provides enhanced security without sacrificing speed
- Integrated PoE port lets you power a camera or additional AP directly
- Full multi-application support in a single compact device
Ideal For:
- Small office or branch deployments needing all UniFi apps under one device
- Home power users seeking advanced Wi-Fi 7 speeds and straightforward Protect hosting
- Fiber ISPs and MSPs want a compact, high-performance subscriber gateway
UniFi Express 7 (UX7): Compact Wi-Fi 7 Gateway for Starters
The UniFi Express 7 ($199) offers an affordable entry point into the Wi-Fi 7 ecosystem:
UniFi Express 7 (UX7) Key Features:
- Compact Design: Ultra-portable form factor ideal for small spaces or travel
- Wi-Fi 7 Performance: Same wireless capabilities as the UDR7 with 6GHz support
- 10G Connectivity: Features a 10G RJ45 WAN port and a 2.5G LAN port
- Versatile Deployment: Works as a standalone gateway, wired AP, or mesh extender
- Increased Capacity: Manages up to 30 UniFi devices (up from 4 on the original Express)
- Enhanced Security: 2.3 Gbps IDS/IPS throughput with advanced firewall capabilities
The UX7 represents a massive upgrade over the original Express, particularly in network throughput, device management capacity, and wireless performance.
Its 10G WAN port future-proofs your connection for high-speed fiber, while the 2.5G LAN port provides faster-wired connectivity than standard gigabit.
Why Choose Express 7?
- Lower price point than other models for those who don't need multi-app support
- Minimal footprint with quick deployment and robust speeds on the 6GHz band
- Easy mesh expansion as a starting point for new UniFi users looking for Wi-Fi 7
- USB-C powered design for simplified installation
Best Use Cases:
- Small homes or studios with limited LAN devices but requiring fast 6GHz Wi-Fi
- Meshed installations where you might start with this as a gateway, then convert to an AP later
- Cost-effective Wi-Fi 7 deployment for early adopters on a budget
UniFi Cloud Gateway Fiber (UCG-Fiber): Maximum Connectivity Without Wi-Fi
The UniFi Cloud Gateway Fiber ($279) focuses on high-performance wired networking:
UniFi Cloud Gateway Fiber (UCG-Fiber) Key Features:
- Extensive Port Selection: Dual 10G WAN ports (SFP+ and RJ45), one 10G SFP+ LAN port, and four 2.5G LAN ports (one with PoE+)
- Superior Performance: 5 Gbps IDS/IPS throughput (more than double the UDR7/UX7)
- Powerful Processing: Quad-core ARM Cortex-A73 2.2GHz CPU with 3GB RAM
- Expandable Storage: Supports NVMe SSD up to 2TB for UniFi Protect
- Higher Capacity: Manages 50+ UniFi devices and 500+ clients
- No Integrated Wi-Fi: Designed to work with separate UniFi access points
Unlike the other two models, the UCG-Fiber doesn't include built-in Wi-Fi, making it ideal for users who prefer deploying dedicated access points or who primarily need robust wired networking capabilities.
The additional 10G SFP+ LAN port allows for high-speed connections to NAS devices or switches.
Why Choose UCG Fiber?
- Multiple 10G ports provide maximum flexibility for both WAN and LAN connections
- Higher 5 Gbps IDS/IPS throughput for security-intensive environments
- M.2 NVMe support for larger Protect deployments
- Dream Machine Pro-level performance in a compact desktop form factor
Who Needs UCG Fiber?
- Medium to large networks requiring license-free SD-WAN plus advanced routing
- Environments with higher camera counts needing local video storage
- Performance-focused installations requiring multiple 10G links and maximum throughput
Key Differences Between the Three Models
⬅️ Swipe left to see more ⬅️|
| Wi-Fi | Integrated Wi-Fi 7 | Integrated Wi-Fi 7 | No built-in Wi-Fi |
| Default WAN Ports | (1) 10G SFP+, (1) 2.5G RJ45 | (1) 10G RJ45 | (1) 10G SFP+, (1) 10G RJ45 |
| LAN Ports | (3) 2.5G RJ45 with (1) PoE | (1) 2.5G RJ45 | (1) 10G SFP+, (4) 2.5G RJ45 with (1) PoE+ |
| UniFi Applications | Full suite | Network only | Full suite |
| Managed Devices | 30+ | 30 | 50+ |
| Max Clients | 300+ | 300 | 500+ |
| IDS/IPS Throughput | 2.3 Gbps | 2.3 Gbps | 5 Gbps |
| Processor | Quad-core ARM A53 (1.5GHz) | Quad-core ARM A53 (1.5GHz) | Quad-core ARM A73 (2.2GHz) |
| Storage | 64GB microSD included | None | Optional NVMe SSD (up to 2TB) |
| Price | $279 | $199 | $279 |
Setup & User Experience
All three gateways integrate seamlessly with the UniFi mobile app or browser-based interface. Setting up these devices is straightforward, with guided configuration for both beginners and network professionals.
The UniFi OS provides an intuitive experience for managing:
- Zone-Based Firewall for simplified security management
- WAN failover and load balancing for improved reliability
- VLAN segmentation for traffic isolation
- Advanced VPN features, including WireGuard, OpenVPN, and more
Wi-Fi 7 and 10G: Future-Proofing Your Network
Why Wi-Fi 7 Matters
These products represent some of the first 802.11be (Wi-Fi 7) devices on the market. Here's what this new standard brings:
- 6GHz Spectrum: Less congested frequency band for cleaner, faster connections.
- 320MHz Channel Width: Double the width of Wi-Fi 6E for substantially higher throughput.
- Multi-Link Operation (MLO): Connects on multiple bands simultaneously for greater reliability.
- Higher Data Rates: Delivers up to 5.7Gbps with just 2×2 antenna configuration.
- Lower Latency: Perfect for gaming, video conferencing, and real-time applications.
10G Connectivity Benefits
The inclusion of 10G ports addresses several current and future networking needs:
- Support for Multi-Gig ISP Plans: Ready for 2Gbps, 5Gbps, and 10Gbps internet services.
- Future-Proof Infrastructure: Network components that won't need replacement for years.
- High-Speed Network Backbone: For NAS devices, servers, and performance workstations.
- Eliminated Bottlenecks: Your gateway won't limit your network's potential speed.
Security and Performance
All three models offer advanced security features through UniFi Network 9:
- Advanced Zone-Based Firewall: Simplified yet powerful security management.
- CyberSecure: Optional subscription with expert-researched threat signatures.
- Site-Magic SD-WAN: Simple interconnectivity for multi-site organizations.
- Content Filtering: Block inappropriate content with customizable categories.
- DPI and Traffic Identification: Full visibility into network application usage.
The UDR7 and UX7 provide 2.3Gbps IDS/IPS throughput, while the UCG-Fiber offers 5Gbps—preventing security features from becoming performance bottlenecks.
Choosing the Perfect Gateway for Your Needs
Choose the UDR7 if you:
- Want an all-in-one solution with Wi-Fi 7
- Need full UniFi application support
- Have multiple devices requiring 2.5G connectivity
- Want to use UniFi Protect without additional hardware
- Prefer the iconic design of the Dream Router series
Choose the UX7 if you:
- Need an affordable entry point to Wi-Fi 7
- Want simplicity with fewer ports to manage
- Have a smaller network with fewer devices
- Need portability or plan to use it as a mesh extender
- Are primarily focused on networking (rather than cameras/phones)
Choose the UCG-Fiber if you:
- Already have (or plan to buy) separate UniFi access points
- Need maximum wired throughput with multiple 10G ports
- Run security-intensive applications requiring higher IDS/IPS capacity
- Manage a larger network with 50+ devices
- Want to run UniFi Protect with substantial storage capacity
Conclusion
Ubiquiti's new UniFi Cloud Gateways represent a significant step forward in bringing enterprise-grade networking to prosumer and small business environments.
With 10G connectivity, Wi-Fi 7 support, and enhanced security features, these devices are well-positioned to handle the growing demands of modern networks.
The inclusion of multiple multi-gigabit ports addresses the increasing availability of faster internet services, while Wi-Fi 7 capabilities future-proof your wireless network.
Whether you choose the versatile UDR7, compact UX7, or connectivity-focused UCG-Fiber, these new gateways deliver exceptional value for their respective use cases.
Are you ready to overcome network bottlenecks with advanced 802.11be technology? These devices offer the perfect balance of performance, features, and scalability to meet your needs today and in the future.
Deals
