Extend your Wi-Fi 6 network with the Grandstream GWN7660EM

Conference table with several connected devices, with a close-up of the Grandstream GWN7660EM Wi-Fi 6 extender and access point, distributed by TeleDynamics

Grandstream has made a name for itself in the wireless networking industry with a broad portfolio of high-performance access points and networking devices. The company continues to expand its lineup with innovative solutions designed to simplify deployment and extend wireless coverage.

One of the latest additions is the GWN7660EM wireless access point. Featuring a pluggable design, it can function as a standalone wireless access point (WAP) or as a wired or wirelessly meshed access point. In this article, we examine the capabilities and benefits of this newest addition to Grandstream’s family of Wi-Fi devices.

Grandstream’s expanding networking portfolio

Grandstream has built a comprehensive portfolio of Wi-Fi solutions and quickly become a major force in wireless networking. With strong offerings across Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 7 devices, including tri-band options, along with network switches and specialized infrastructure devices, the company is increasingly positioned as a one-stop shop for networking, wireless connectivity, and unified communications.

The GWN7660 family of access points provides a flexible and streamlined approach to deploying and expanding Wi-Fi 6 networks. The GWN7660E model delivers strong performance and reliable connectivity for a wide range of environments. Building on this foundation, the GWN7660EM introduces a convenient plug-in form factor designed to simplify wireless network expansion and improve coverage in areas where traditional ceiling- or wall-mounted access points may be less practical.

Introducing the GWN7660EM

The GWN7660EM is a pluggable mesh access point that can enhance and expand your existing Grandstream wireless network. The device is highly versatile and can be used in various wireless connectivity scenarios. It supports the Wi-Fi 6 standard, with theoretical maximum aggregate wireless speeds approaching 3 Gbps. It delivers dual-band connectivity with MU-MIMO 2x2 at 2.4 GHz and MU-MIMO 3x3 at 5 GHz. It also has a single Gigabit Ethernet port that can be used for either uplink or host connectivity.

The GWN7660EM will typically function as a Layer 2 wireless bridge, forwarding all traffic to connected network infrastructure. Routing and other Layer 3 functions, such as DHCP and NAT, are typically relegated to attached network devices through the uplink connection. Alternatively, the GWN7660EM device can be deployed to serve as a DHCP server, a NAT device, and a default gateway for connected wireless clients. Additional features include 802.1x authentication and captive portal capabilities.

Its QoS capabilities also make it ideal for VoIP Wi-Fi deployments, offering seamless connections to Grandstream’s Wi-Fi-capable IP phones.

With a connectivity range of 400 feet (120 m), it is ideal for extending existing Grandstream Wi-Fi networks, delivering robust connectivity while expanding or filling in gaps in small office or residential wireless networks.

Flexible installation and deployment options

Among the most noteworthy characteristics of the GWN7660EM is its versatility of deployment. It can be installed as a standalone wireless access point, obtaining network connectivity by using the Gigabit Ethernet port as an uplink. It can also be installed as a mesh access point, using a wireless uplink to a GWN7062E or GWN7062ET wireless router for network access. This mesh compatibility will be extended to additional Grandstream routers in the future. In this second scenario, the Gigabit Ethernet port can be used to connect another end device—such as a PC, a laptop, an IP camera, or a network printer—allowing additional wired hosts access to the network.

The GWN7660EM is extremely easy to deploy: you simply plug it into a power outlet! There is no need for tools or any specialized mounting equipment. Outlets are often in inconspicuous locations and are convenient for the easy connection of non-user host devices such as network printers or IP cameras.

In addition, the actual setup process is simple whether you use a wired or wireless option. This short video describes how to set up the device with either option, highlighting its simplicity and ease of initial configuration.

The device has a controller-less distributed network management design, i.e., it doesn’t require an external controller. The controller is embedded within the product and can be configured via its web user interface. The embedded controller can also be leveraged to control up to 10 local GWN series access points. Network control can be further extended due to its compatibility with GDMS Networking and the GWN Manager, Grandstream’s cloud and on-premises Wi-Fi management platforms.

Key features of the Grandstream GWN7660EM

The key features that make the GWN7660EM so attractive for residential and small business/small office deployments include the following:

Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) access point
Dual-band operation (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz)
Up to ~3 Gbps aggregate wireless throughput
MU-MIMO
- 2×2:2 on 2.4 GHz
- 3×3:2 on 5 GHz
OFDMA support for improved efficiency in dense environments
XTRA Range technology with beamforming for extended coverage
Plug-in form factor for simple and fast deployment
Support for multiple deployment scenarios:
- Standalone AP
- Wired mesh
- Wireless mesh (with supported GWN routers)
Embedded controller (controller-less architecture) via web interface
Compatibility with Grandstream network management systems, including GDMS Networking (cloud) and GWN Manager (on-prem)
Up to 128 concurrent Wi-Fi client devices
1× Gigabit Ethernet port for wired connectivity
Advanced QoS for low-latency applications
Captive portal
Multiple SSIDs (up to 16)
Enterprise-grade security:
- WPA3
- Secure boot
- Digital signatures
- Unique device credentials
Up to 400’ (120 m) coverage range (depending on environment)

Comparison with the GWN7660E

The following table compares the key specifications of the GWN7660E and the GWN7660EM, highlighting the differences in form factor, power options, and deployment scenarios to help you determine which model best fits your needs.

Feature	GWN7660E	GWN7660EM
Maximum clients	Up to 256	Up to 128
Coverage range	Up to 575' (175 m)	Up to 400' (120 m)
Ethernet ports	1× 10/100/1000 Base-T Ethernet port
PoE support	PoE 802.3af / 802.3at at 12.95 W Max	No PoE (AC plug-in powered)
2.4 GHz throughput	574 Mbps (2×2:2 MIMO)	574 Mbps (2×2:2 MU-MIMO)
5 GHz throughput	2402 Mbps (3×3:2 MIMO)	2402 Mbps (3×3:2 MU-MIMO)
Wi-Fi standards	IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax
SSIDs	32 SSIDs total, 16 per radio (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz)	16 SSIDs total
Management	Supports local web configuration, GWN Manager, and GDMS Networking	Controllerless embedded management plus GWN Manager and GDMS Networking
Antennas	5 individual internal antennas	2 dual-band internal antennas
Security	WEP, WPA/WPA2-PSK, WPA/WPA2 Enterprise (TKIP/AES); WPA3
Form factor / mounting	Indoor wall mount or ceiling mount	Plug-in (socket-style) design for wall outlet deployment
Dimensions	7.1" × 7.1" × 1.6" (180 × 180 × 41 mm)	4.3" × 4.3" × 2.2" (110 × 110 × 57 mm)
Deployment role	Enhanced performance enterprise AP	Mesh node / extender / standalone AP with simplified deployment

Conclusion

The Grandstream GWN7660EM provides a simple and practical way to extend Wi-Fi coverage without the complexity of traditional access point installations. Its plug-in design, flexible deployment options, and support for Wi-Fi 6 make it an ideal solution for quickly expanding wireless networks in small offices, homes, and other environments where running additional Ethernet cabling may be impractical.

When combined with Grandstream’s broader networking ecosystem and centralized management platforms, the GWN7660EM offers an efficient and scalable way to enhance wireless connectivity while maintaining the reliability and performance today’s networks require.