I have previously reviewed the Firewalla Gold Plus and found it to be exceptional, offering enterprise-level security features with a user-friendly interface, making it ideal for home users/prosumers and small businesses.
The Gold Plus is a router only, without WiFi capabilities, but Firewalla has started releasing WiFi hardware to complement their firewall routers.
Currently, they have the basic Firewalla Wi-Fi SD priced at $59, which is a USB dongle designed for up to 5 clients, serving as a temporary backup for your LAN in case of WiFi failure.
They have also launched the Access Point 7, a $400 desktop access point with tri-band WiFi 7 and multi-gig Ethernet connectivity, including a 10GbE port.
The Access Point 7 has a unique desktop design and uses DC power instead of POE. It can only be used with a Firewalla router, as it seamlessly integrates with Firewalla features, allowing you to create zero trust networks and enhance network security.
The hardware features of the Access Point 7 include two bridged, multi-speed Ethernet ports, DC power supply, factory-reset button, front-panel LED for status indication, desktop form factor, and internal omni-directional antennas.
In terms of wireless specifications, the Access Point 7 supports various WiFi standards, tri-band radios, up to 8 spatial streams, and maximum theoretical data rates for different bands. It also offers advanced network and security features like VLAN support, wireless security protocols, QoS, guest isolation, and the ability to handle 300+ concurrent clients.
The software features and configuration via the Firewalla App include zero trust and microsegmentation, SSID customization, personal key (PPSK), mesh capabilities, visibility and monitoring, WiFi testing, multi-link operation (preview), advanced settings per AP, global WiFi settings, and convenience tools.
Regarding power and environmental requirements, the Access Point 7 has a power draw of up to 30W, operates within specific temperature and humidity ranges, and offers storage conditions from -40 °C to +70 °C.
To set up the Access Point 7, you can wire it directly into a Firewalla Gold or Purple device running in router mode. The app is required for setup and management, and firmware prerequisites are needed for some features.
In conclusion, the Firewalla Access Point 7 is priced at $399 and offers competitive hardware features compared to other brands like Unifi. It provides seamless integration with the Firewalla ecosystem, making it an ideal choice for existing Firewalla users who prioritize network security. However, UK buyers may incur import fees, making it less attractive compared to locally available alternatives.
