EnGenius has recently launched the ECW526 cloud-managed Wi-Fi 7 access point. This 2×2:2 MIMO access point based on the Qualcomm Networking Pro 1220 Wi-Fi 7 platform is priced at just $299, making it one of the most affordable Wi-Fi 7 access points and a good alternative to the Ubiquiti Unifi U7 Pro and Zyxel NWA130BE.
Specifications Comparison Table
| Feature | EnGenius ECW526 | Zyxel NWA130BE | Ubiquiti Unifi U7 Pro |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 190 x 190 x 39.5 mm | 250 x 160 x 47 mm | Ø206 x 46 mm |
| Weight | 720 g | 808 g | 680 g |
| Networking Interface | 1 x 10GbE RJ45 port | 2 x 2.5GbE RJ45 ports | 1 x 2.5GbE RJ45 port |
| Power Method | PoE+ (802.3at) | PoE (802.3af, 802.3at, 802.3bt) | PoE+ |
| Max Power Consumption | 21 W | 24 W | 21 W |
| Max TX Power | 2.4 GHz: 23 dBm, 5 GHz: 22 dBm, 6 GHz: 22 dBm | 2.4 GHz: 27 dBm, 5 GHz: 25 dBm, 6 GHz: 23 dBm (US); 2.4 GHz: 19 dBm, 5 GHz: 25 dBm, 6 GHz: 21 dBm (EU) | 2.4 GHz: 22 dBm, 5 GHz: 26 dBm, 6 GHz: 23 dBm |
| Antenna Gain | 2.4 GHz: 5 dBi, 5 GHz: 6 dBi, 6 GHz: 6 dBi | 2.4 GHz: 3 dBi, 5 GHz: 4 dBi, 6 GHz: 4 dBi | 2.4 GHz: 4 dBi, 5 GHz: 6 dBi, 6 GHz: 5.8 dBi |
| MIMO | 2×2:2 | 2×2:2 | 2×2:2 |
| Throughput Rate | 2.4 GHz: 700 Mbps, 5 GHz: 2900 Mbps, 6 GHz: 5800 Mbps | 2.4 GHz: 688 Mbps, 5 GHz: 4324 Mbps, 6 GHz: 5764 Mbps | 2.4 GHz: 688 Mbps, 5 GHz: 2882 Mbps, 6 GHz: 5765 Mbps |
| Supported Standards | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax/be | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax/be | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax/be |
| Wireless Security | WPA2, WPA3 | WEP, WPA, WPA2, WPA3 | WPA-PSK, WPA-Enterprise (WPA/WPA2/WPA3/PPSK) |
| BSSID | 8 per radio | 8 per radio | 8 per radio |
| VLAN | 802.1q | Yes | 802.1Q |
| Advanced QoS | Yes | Yes | Per-user rate limiting |
| Concurrent Clients | 512 | Not specified | 300+ |
| Operating Temperature | 0°C to 40°C | 0°C to 50°C | -30°C to 60°C |
| Operating Humidity | 90% non-condensing | 10% to 95% non-condensing | 5% to 95% non-condensing |
| Certifications | FCC, CE, IC, UKCA | FCC, CE, IC, BSMI, LP0002 | CE, FCC, IC |
| Management Interface | Cloud Managed | Nebula managed/standalone | Ethernet |
| Mounting Options | Ceiling/wall mount | Ceiling mount | Ceiling/wall mount |
| Supported Data Rates | Multiple, including EHT 20/40/80/160/320 MHz | Multiple, including EHT 20/40/80/160/320 MHz | Multiple, including EHT 20/40/80/160/240/320 MHz |
| Special Features | Mesh support, cloud management | NebulaFlex, RF filters, DCS, Load Balancing, Smart Client Steering | Guest traffic isolation, advanced QoS |
| Power Supply | 802.3at PoE injector input | 802.3af/802.3at/802.3bt PoE | UniFi PoE switch |
| Price | $299 (Approx £235) | £185 | £171 |
Detailed Breakdown
Mechanical Specifications
The dimensions and weight of each access point are essential considerations for installation, as they determine how well the device will fit into the intended environment. The EnGenius ECW526 has a compact form factor at 190 x 190 x 39.5 mm and weighs 720 g, making it relatively light and easy to mount. The Zyxel NWA130BE is larger at 250 x 160 x 47 mm and slightly heavier at 808 g, offering a robust build. The Ubiquiti Unifi U7 Pro, with dimensions of Ø206 x 46 mm and a weight of 680 g, strikes a balance between size and weight, suitable for various mounting options.
Networking Interface
The networking interfaces provided by each device influence their connectivity and integration capabilities. The EnGenius ECW526 features a single 10GbE RJ45 port, ensuring high-speed connectivity. The Zyxel NWA130BE includes two 2.5GbE RJ45 ports, offering flexible and cost-effective integration with existing infrastructure. The Ubiquiti Unifi U7 Pro includes a single 2.5GbE RJ45 port, providing a solid connection but with fewer interface options compared to the Zyxel model.
Power Method and Consumption
Power methods and consumption are critical for ensuring continuous operation and easy installation. The EnGenius ECW526 and Ubiquiti Unifi U7 Pro both support PoE+ (802.3at), with a maximum power consumption of 21W. The Zyxel NWA130BE supports multiple PoE standards (802.3af, 802.3at, 802.3bt) with a higher maximum power consumption of 24W, offering more versatility in power sourcing.
Wireless Performance
Wireless performance is a significant aspect, impacting the speed and reliability of connections. The EnGenius ECW526 supports supercharged speeds up to 5,800 Mbps on 6 GHz, 2,900 Mbps on 5 GHz, and up to 700 Mbps on 2.4 GHz. The Zyxel NWA130BE offers 688 Mbps on 2.4 GHz, 4324 Mbps on 5 GHz, and 5764 Mbps on 6 GHz. The Ubiquiti Unifi U7 Pro supports 688 Mbps on 2.4 GHz, 2882 Mbps on 5 GHz, and 5765 Mbps on 6 GHz. Each model supports the latest Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) standard, ensuring high data rates and low latency.
It is worth noting that the 10GbE port on the EnGenius ECW526 will allow it to achieve higher throughput than its rivals, which are limited to 2500Gbps due to the 2.5GbE port.
Security Features
Security features are essential for protecting networks and data. All three models support advanced wireless security protocols, including WPA3. The EnGenius ECW526 and Zyxel NWA130BE support WPA2 and WPA3, while the Ubiquiti Unifi U7 Pro also includes WPA-PSK and WPA-Enterprise (WPA/WPA2/WPA3/PPSK), offering a broader range of security options.
Management and Software Features
The management and software capabilities of each access point determine their ease of use and flexibility. The EnGenius ECW526 offers cloud management with the EnGenius Cloud App, allowing remote monitoring and configuration. The Zyxel NWA130BE features NebulaFlex, enabling users to switch between standalone and cloud-managed modes via the Nebula Control Center, providing extensive management options. The Ubiquiti Unifi U7 Pro uses a straightforward Ethernet management interface and integrates with the UniFi Network and UniFi OS for comprehensive management.
Mounting and Environmental Specifications
Mounting options and environmental specifications dictate where and how the access points can be deployed. All three models support ceiling and wall mounting. The EnGenius ECW526 and Ubiquiti Unifi U7 Pro are suitable for a wide range of temperatures and humidity conditions, making them versatile for various environments. The Zyxel NWA130BE has a slightly narrower operating temperature range but still offers robust environmental resilience.
Price
While the EnGenius ECW526 is much cheaper than the flagship Engenius Wi-Fi 7 access point, it is the most expensive model in this comparison, priced at $299, which works out at around £235.
The Ubiquiti Unifi U7 Pro is the most affordable at £171 and available on Amazon for £176.
The Zyxel NWA130BE is slightly more expensive at £185.
You should factor in the cost of a POE switch as well. If you want a cloud-managed switch that integrates with the above access points, then your most affordable options are:
- EnGenius ECS2510FP 8-Port 240W PoE+ Multi-Gig, 2.5 Gb Switch, priced at $500 (approximately £400).
- Zyxel XMG1915-10EP an 8-Port 2.5-Gigabit PoE++ Switch w/ 2 x 10G SFP+ Ports (130W) priced at £276.90.
- Unifi Enterprise 8 PoE and 8-port, Layer 3 switch with 2.5 GbE PoE+ output priced at £460.
With the EnGenius, you would obviously be limited to 2.5GbE, but it was the fairest comparison. EnGenius also has the ECS5512FP 8-Port 10 Gigabit PoE++ Switch with 4 SFP+ Ports, which is priced at $1300 in the US and £1320 in the UK.
Conclusion
Each model has its strengths, making them suitable for different deployment scenarios and user requirements.
The EnGenius ECW526 stands out for its compact size and high-speed capabilities, the Zyxel NWA130BE for its extensive management features and power flexibility and dual Ethernet ports, and the Ubiquiti Unifi U7 Pro for its balanced specifications and robust performance.
