May U7 v U6
Wi-Fi 7 (U7 series) access points generally have a shorter effective mesh range compared to Wi-Fi 6 (U6 series) devices. This is primarily due to the characteristics of the 6 GHz frequency band utilised by Wi-Fi 7.
πΆ U6 vs. U7 Mesh Range Comparison
| Feature |
|---|
βββββββββββββββ | | Wi-Fi Standard | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) | | Primary Mesh Band | 5 GHz | 6 GHz (with 5 GHz fallback) | | Max Outdoor Mesh Distance | ~60β120 meters (line-of-sight) | ~30β50 meters (line-of-sight) | | Wall Penetration | Moderate (better at 5 GHz) | Poorer (6 GHz attenuates more through walls) | | Ideal Use Case | Long-range outdoor or mixed indoor/outdoor mesh | High-speed indoor mesh with minimal obstructions |
π§ Why U7 Mesh Range Is Shorter β’ Higher Frequency: The 6 GHz band used by Wi-Fi 7 offers higher data rates but has a shorter range and less ability to penetrate obstacles compared to the 5 GHz band. β’ Attenuation: Signals at 6 GHz are more susceptible to attenuation from walls and other obstructions, leading to reduced coverage in non-line-of-sight scenarios. β’ Regulatory Constraints: In some regions, the 6 GHz band may have stricter power limits, further impacting range.
β Recommendations β’ For Extended Range: If you require longer mesh links, especially in outdoor or large indoor environments with obstacles, U6 Mesh or U6 Long-Range (U6-LR) access points are more suitable - DOWN THE YARD? β’ For High-Speed, Short-Range: If your priority is achieving the highest possible speeds over shorter distances with minimal obstructions, U7 Pro or U7 Outdoor access points are ideal. THE HOUSE? THE OFFICE? β’ Hybrid Approach: Consider using a combination of U6 and U7 devices to balance range and performance, deploying U6 APs for broader coverage and U7 APs in areas where ultra-high-speed connectivity is essential. οΏΌ
We could try: 1 U7 in the office - wired (as in may as well) 1 U7 in the house - wired (may as well) 1 wired U6 half way up the yard 1 wired U6 up top the yard though I suppose if wired the the yard could have U7s as well. Then itβs a case of how to get the benefits of U7 in all the wireless devices - or simply leave as is and wait for newer devices to catch up. And Avoid 2.4ghz - switch it off unless you find a specific device needs it.