Any hyperlinks to on-line shops ought to be assumed to be associates. The corporate or PR company offers all or most evaluate samples. They don’t have any management over my content material, and I present my trustworthy opinion.
I’ve been a fan of EnGenius through the years and used their merchandise for many of my networking wants at house earlier than switching to Unifi, which I solely did as a result of that’s what the MSP I work for makes use of.
My one criticism of their merchandise was that the pricing was not very accessible for house customers or small companies with restricted budgets.
Within the case of small UK MSPs, most shoppers are extraordinarily price-sensitive and baulk on the thought of paying greater costs for good-quality {hardware}, so my previous criticisms really feel much more legitimate now. From my expertise, Unifi has managed to determine a major presence amongst small companies, MSPs, and faculties as a result of its broad product vary and inexpensive value factors.
EnGenius has been slowly introducing extra inexpensive {hardware} to compete with Unifi. Zyxel additionally has some improbable, inexpensive entry factors, however I hardly ever see these utilized in small companies across the UK.
The EnGenius ECW520 is the newest inexpensive WiFI 7 entry level. That is priced at $189, making it the identical RRP because the Unifi U7 Professional. In the mean time, there isn’t any phrase on UK availability, however it is going to seemingly be accessible quickly.
Associated Evaluations
Options
- Tri-band Wi-Fi 7 design with legacy assist
The entry level is constructed on a three-radio Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) platform, but it surely nonetheless works with earlier Wi-Fi requirements, so older units aren’t unnoticed. - Excessive theoretical throughput throughout all bands
On paper, you’re taking a look at speeds as much as round 5.8 Gbps on the brand new 6 GHz band, 4.3 Gbps on 5 GHz, and roughly 700 Mbps on 2.4 GHz. Clearly, these are splendid figures, however they offer you a sign of the bandwidth headroom accessible. - 2.5 GbE port with PoE++ assist
A single 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet port handles the backhaul, with assist for each 802.3at and higher-power 60W PoE injectors. Which means you may run it on a single cable for each information and energy over distances as much as 100 metres. - Safety with WPA3 included
Encryption requirements embrace WPA3, with fallback to WPA2-AES if wanted. That covers each fashionable and barely older enterprise deployments. - Cloud-based administration and mesh functionality
The unit is designed to run underneath EnGenius Cloud, so you may provision, monitor and troubleshoot remotely. It additionally helps each normal AP mode and mesh mode, so it could actually both change a wired entry level or prolong protection wirelessly. - Simple onboarding and upkeep
Units might be shortly enrolled with a QR scan after which centrally configured. Updates, monitoring, and ongoing diagnostics are dealt with remotely by means of the Cloud interface. - Scalable administration at no additional value
In contrast to some competing platforms, there isn’t a tough cap on the variety of entry factors you may handle. Every part is dealt with by means of the EnGenius Cloud app, which works anyplace with an web connection. - Self-optimising mesh networking
For those who deploy multiple entry level, the mesh system mechanically balances connections, tweaks channel use, and recovers from node failures with none handbook intervention.
The complete specification is on the backside of this publish, as it’s a lengthy desk.
Channel Width
Up to now, one among my criticisms of EnGenius was the restricted channel width choices; 5 5GHz was restricted to 80Mhz when manufacturers like Unifi allowed you to make use of 160Mhz.
With the launch of WiFi 7, the issue was repeated, with UniFi permitting 240MHz and EnGenius being restricted to 160MHz.
EnGenius now enable as much as 240MHz region-dependent.
Admittedly, there’s not a lot sensible use for 240MHz if in case you have multiple entry level, however it’s good to have for individuals who can take advantage of it.
Unboxing / Design
Whereas most APs look nearly equivalent between a model’s fashions, this new AP has a barely totally different design with rounded edges. With it being a 2×2 MIMO AP and solely 2.5GbE, the general dimension of it’s affordable.
You’ve gotten a single 2.5GbE port, adopted by a DC12V barrel port, in case you don’t have entry to PoE. I doubt many individuals would use this however it’s a good function to have and one thing many different manufacturers lack.
Set Up
The setup is equivalent to that of all different EnGenius merchandise and could be very easy. For brand new EnGenius customers, you have to to arrange an account with cloud.engenius.ai and create an organisation and community.
You may then pre-set up your SSID and WiFi settings.
When you’re prepared so as to add the entry level, you may manually add merchandise on the web site utilizing the serial quantity, or if in case you have the EnGenius Cloud To-Go app, you may scan the QR code and assign it to your community.
It would undertake the community settings, and also you then have the choice to customize the settings on the AP itself.
EnGenius Cloud Settings
You get all of the options discovered on the way more costly fashions, apart from among the security measures which can be accessible on the S fashions, such because the ECW230S.
Customisation is in depth, with choices to alter channels, channel width, accessible bands and accessible SSIDs per AP.
Efficiency
Throughput exams appear considerably moot when evaluating equally spec’d units when I’m solely utilizing one consumer gadget. Issues like 2×2 / 4×4 MIMO will make no real-world distinction. With 10GbE-equipped units, it’s typically potential to exceed 2.5Gbps, however I hardly ever discover that it is a sustainable velocity long run.
However it is a evaluate, and we have to have goal outcomes, so right here you go:
WiFi 7 (6GHz)
| Location | EnGenius ECW520 | EnGenius ECW516L | EnGenius ECW536 | Ubiquiti Unifi U7 Professional | Zyxel Nebula NWA130BE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Similar Room | 1903 Mbps | 2013 Mbps | 2141 Mbps | 2004 Mbps | 2076 Mbps |
| Dwelling Room – Down one flooring | 1097 Mbps | 1081 Mbps | 1174 Mbps | 1068 Mbps | 1213 Mbps |
| Entrance Room – Down one flooring and two rooms over | 38 Mbps | 47 Mbps | 46 Mbps | 51 Mbps | 32 Mbps |
WiFi 7 (5GHz)
| Location | EnGenius ECW520 | EnGenius ECW516L | EnGenius ECW536 | Ubiquiti Unifi U7 Professional | Zyxel Nebula NWA130BE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Similar Room | 1765 Mbps (160MHz) | 925 Mbps (80MHz) | 1734 Mbps | 1544 Mbps | 1512 Mbps |
| Dwelling Room – Down one flooring | 674 Mbps | 663 Mbps | 698 Mbps | 687 Mbps | 609 Mbps |
| Entrance Room – Down one flooring and two rooms over | 124 Mbps | 109 Mbps | 117 Mbps | 147 Mbps | 121 Mbps |
WiFi 7 (2.4GHz)
| Location | EnGenius ECW520 | EnGenius ECW516L | EnGenius ECW536 | Ubiquiti Unifi U7 Professional | Zyxel Nebula NWA130BE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Similar Room | 284 Mbps | 321 Mbps | 337 Mbps | 342 Mbps | 301 Mbps |
| Dwelling Room – Down one flooring | 116 Mbps | 122 Mbps | 127 Mbps | 140 Mbps | 131 Mbps |
| Entrance Room – Down one flooring and two rooms over | 77 Mbps | 86 Mbps | 82 Mbps | 86 Mbps | 79 Mbps |
Whereas the AP did rating barely decrease than previous critiques, it’s too small to attract any important conclusion. WiFi speeds can change day by day relying on circumstances. I might say that vary is probably fractionally decrease than among the different fashions I’ve examined.
Worth and Different Reasonably priced WiFi 7 Entry Factors
The RRP of the EnGenius ECW520 is an inexpensive $189.
EnGenius additionally has the ECW516L, which is a 2x3x3 tri-band design priced at $199.
This locations it on the identical value level as the favored Unifi U7 Professional, which has an nearly equivalent specification with 2.5GbE and 2x2x2 tri-band.
For an additional $10, I’d argue the U7 Professional XG is extra interesting; it’s the identical spec because the Professional, however you then get a ten GbE port to maximise throughput.
Unifi does have cheaper choices, together with the U7 Lengthy Vary at $159 and the U7 Lite at $99, however these each lack a 6Ghz band.
TP-Hyperlink Omada has the EAP772, which is a contact cheaper at $170, which can be successfully the identical spec. In addition they have dual-band choices at cheaper value factors, such because the EAP723, which is obtainable for $90.
The Zyxel Nebula NWA130BE seems to be essentially the most inexpensive choice, which is obtainable for $160, and has the identical WiFi specs, however has a slight benefit of twin 2.5GbE ports, which you should use to daisy chain different units to. You in all probability wouldn’t do this in a enterprise surroundings, however it is rather helpful for house customers.
A number of IT professionals suggest HPE Aruba, however they don’t have a WiFi 7 AP, but. The WiFi 6E S1T23A is obtainable for £213.
Total
The EnGenius ECW520 is one other good addition to the EnGenius product vary, which permits them to compete with one among Unifi’s hottest entry factors.
From an MSP perspective, EnGenius appears to be a greater choice than Zyxel Nebula and particularly TP-Hyperlink Omada, with TP-Hyperlink receiving loads of dangerous press lately because of the US-China disputes.
The one actual gripe is that, regardless of being attractively priced, EnGenius lacks the in depth product vary protecting all value factors that Unifi provides, and restricts some options to a professional subscription.
One factor I can’t touch upon is the standard of EnGenius buyer assist. For Unifi, it’s mainly non-existent, which is the primary argument by MSPs or inner IT departments for not utilizing them.
Total, although, the EnGenius ECW520 is a superb WiFi 7 entry level, and I may give it a robust suggestion.
Specification
| Class | Particulars |
| Requirements | IEEE 802.11be (2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, 6 GHz) |
| Backward suitable with 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax | |
| IEEE 802.3 u/ab | |
| Antenna | 2 × 2.4 GHz: 6 dBi (Built-in Omni-Directional) |
| 2 × 5 GHz: 6 dBi (Built-in Omni-Directional) | |
| 2 × 6 GHz: 6 dBi (Built-in Omni-Directional) | |
| Bodily Interfaces | 1 × 2.5GE Port (PoE+) |
| 1 × DC Jack | |
| 1 × Reset Button | |
| LED Indicators | 1 × Multi-colour LED |
| Energy Supply | Energy-over-Ethernet: 802.3at Enter |
| 12VDC / 2A Energy Adapter | |
| Max Energy Consumption | 25.4 W |
| Working Frequency | Tri-Radio Concurrent 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, 6 GHz |
| Operation Modes | Managed mode: AP, AP Mesh, Mesh |
| Frequency Vary | 2.4 GHz: 2400–2482 MHz |
| 5 GHz: 5150–5250, 5250–5350, 5470–5725, 5725–5850 MHz | |
| 6 GHz: 5925–7125 MHz | |
| Transmit Energy | As much as 23 dBm (2.4 GHz) |
| As much as 23 dBm (5 GHz) | |
| As much as 20 dBm (6 GHz) | |
| Max restricted by regulatory area | |
| Radio Chains | 2 × 2:2 |
| SU-MIMO Functionality | 2 spatial streams per band |
| • 2.4 GHz: As much as 700 Mbps (EHT40) | |
| • 5 GHz: As much as 4,300 Mbps (EHT240*) | |
| • 6 GHz: As much as 5,800 Mbps (EHT320) | |
| MU-MIMO Functionality | 2 spatial streams per band |
| • 2.4 GHz: As much as 700 Mbps (EHT40) | |
| • 5 GHz: As much as 4,300 Mbps (EHT240*) | |
| • 6 GHz: As much as 5,800 Mbps (EHT320) | |
| 5 GHz EHT240 accessible regionally | |
| Supported Information Charges | 802.11be: 2.4 GHz: 700 Mbps; 5 GHz: 4,300 Mbps; 6 GHz: 5,800 Mbps |
| 802.11ax: 2.4 GHz: 9–574 Mbps; 5 GHz: 18–2,400 Mbps; 6 GHz: 18–2,400 Mbps | |
| 802.11b: 1, 2, 5.5, 11 Mbps | |
| 802.11a/g: 6–54 Mbps | |
| 802.11n: 6.5–600 Mbps | |
| 802.11ac: 6.5–1,733 Mbps | |
| Supported Radio Applied sciences | 802.11be/ax: OFDMA |
| 802.11a/g/n/ac: OFDM | |
| 802.11b: DSSS | |
| Channelisation | 802.11be: EHT 20/40/80/160/240/320 MHz |
| 802.11ax: HE 20/40/80/160 MHz | |
| 802.11ac: VHT 20/40/80 MHz | |
| 802.11n: HT 20/40 MHz, HT40 (256-QAM) | |
| Helps A-MPDU, A-SPDU | |
| Supported Modulation | 802.11be: BPSK, QPSK, 16/64/256/1024/4096-QAM |
| 802.11ax: BPSK, QPSK, 16/64/256/1024-QAM | |
| 802.11ac: BPSK, QPSK, 16/64/256-QAM | |
| 802.11a/g/n: BPSK, QPSK, 16/64-QAM | |
| 802.11b: BPSK, QPSK, CCK | |
| Max Concurrent Customers | 512 |
| Shopper Balancing | Supported |
| Auto Channel Choice | Supported |
| Administration Options | A number of BSSID (8 SSIDs per band) |
| VLAN Tagging (802.1q SSID-to-VLAN) | |
| Cross-Band VLAN Cross-By way of | |
| Administration VLAN | |
| Spanning Tree Protocol (802.1d) | |
| QoS | IEEE 802.11e compliance |
| WMM | |
| SNMP | v1, v2c, v3 |
| MIB | I/II, Personal MIB |
| Quick Roaming | 802.11r/ok |
| Wi-fi Safety | WPA2-PSK, WPA2-Enterprise |
| WPA3-PSK, WPA3-Enterprise | |
| SSID hiding | |
| Shopper isolation | |
| Entry management | |
| Wi-fi STA checklist | |
| Interface | IPv4, IPv6 |
| Native Internet Entry | HTTP/HTTPS |
| Environmental Circumstances | Working Temp: 0–40 °C (32–104 °F) |
| Storage Temp: -40–80 °C (-40–176 °F) | |
| Working Humidity: ≤ 90% (non-condensing) | |
| Storage Humidity: ≤ 90% (non-condensing) | |
| Dimensions & Weight | 158 × 158 × 35.8 mm |
| 600 g | |
| Package deal Contents | 1 × ECW520 Cloud Managed Indoor Entry Level |
| 1 × Ceiling Mount Base (9/16” Path) | |
| 1 × Ceiling Mount Base (15/16” Path) | |
| 1 × Ceiling/Wall Mount Screw Package | |
| 1 × Product Card | |
| Regulatory Compliance | FCC, CE, IC, UKCA, VCCI, AU |
Abstract
The EnGenius ECW520 is an attractively priced WiFi 7 entry level that delivers strong tri-band efficiency with sturdy throughput throughout all bands. Setup is straightforward, administration is cloud-based, and the function set is aggressive with rivals just like the Unifi U7 Professional. Whereas vary is barely behind some alternate options and EnGenius nonetheless lacks the breadth of fashions that Unifi provides, the ECW520 represents glorious worth for small companies and MSPs searching for an inexpensive WiFi 7 improve.
Execs
- Reasonably priced value
- Tri-band WiFi 7
- Simple setup
- Cloud administration
- Robust throughput
Cons
- Slim product line (in comparison with Unifi)
- Subscription options
- Single 2.5GbE port
I’m James, a UK-based tech fanatic and the Editor and Proprietor of Mighty Gadget, which I’ve proudly run since 2007. Captivated with all issues expertise, my experience spans from computer systems and networking to cellular, wearables, and sensible house units.
As a health fanatic who loves operating and biking, I even have a eager curiosity in fitness-related expertise, and I take each alternative to cowl this area of interest on my weblog. My numerous pursuits enable me to carry a singular perspective to tech running a blog, merging life-style, health, and the newest tech developments.
In my tutorial pursuits, I earned a BSc in Info Techniques Design from UCLAN, earlier than advancing my studying with a Grasp’s Diploma in Computing. This superior examine additionally included Cisco CCNA accreditation, additional demonstrating my dedication to understanding and staying forward of the expertise curve.
I’m proud to share that Vuelio has constantly ranked Mighty Gadget as one of many high expertise blogs within the UK. With my dedication to expertise and drive to share my insights, I goal to proceed offering my readers with participating and informative content material.
