Grandstream GWN7664E and GWN7664ELR access points with next-gen Wi-Fi 6

Written by Daniel Noworatzky | Aug 14, 2024 2:19:00 PM

Grandstream stays true to its “connecting the world” goal by introducing two new high-performance, high-capacity Wi-Fi 6 access points, the GWN7664ELR and the GWN7664E. These devices provide unprecedented performance at unparalleled distances with unmatched wireless client capacity.

In this article, we examine the benefits and capabilities of these devices as we review their specs, showing why they are ideal for virtually all enterprise networks and applications.

Enterprise-grade access points

The GWN7664E and GWN7664ELR access points are enterprise-grade devices poised to deliver next-generation wireless performance to enterprise networks. Both devices support Wi-Fi 6, up to 6 Gbps of aggregate wireless throughput, and connect up to 512 wireless clients simultaneously.

Indoor performance

The GWN7664E is an indoor model with a sleek round shape and inconspicuous profile that can easily be wall or ceiling-mounted. With a coverage range of up to 575 feet (175 m), it is ideal for conference rooms, auditoriums, and large office spaces within educational institutions, medical facilities, hotels, and other such sites.

Outdoor capabilities

The GWN7664ELR provides the same unprecedented performance as the E model but with a coverage range of nearly 1,000 feet (300 m). This model can be wall or pole mounted and sports a 2.5 Gbps SFP port for fiber optic connectivity. This gives it greater flexibility in installations that may need to exceed the 100-meter cable limitations of UTP.

Key features

Both wireless access points support dual-band Wi-Fi 6, which is one of the most cutting-edge Wi-Fi technologies available today. Wi-Fi 6’s primary focus is on improving overall network capacity and performance, achieving a 300% increase in network aggregate speeds over its predecessors.

This significantly improves the user experience, resulting in clients perceiving fewer slowdowns, especially in high-density and crowded situations.

Both devices sport eight internal antennas in a 4X4:4 MU-MIMO arrangement, which accounts for their high performance. Advanced quality of service features ensure that time-sensitive applications, including VoIP and unified communications services, are delivered successfully and with the highest quality.

Power can be supplied via a wall outlet at the device itself or via PoE or PoE+. Power over Ethernet is a safer, less costly, and more scalable power solution, allowing the delivery of power over the same Ethernet cable providing the data connection.

There are many options for managing the wireless network, as well. Each device contains an embedded controller that can manage up to 50 local GWN series access points, making network deployment easy and scalable.

Alternatively, the Grandstream Device Management System (GDMS), which is a cloud-based network management service, can be used to manage an unlimited number of access points. Another option is to deploy the Grandstream Wireless Network (GWN) Manager, which is an on-premises enterprise network software controller.

Comprehensive features list

The following is a comprehensive list of features of the GWN7664E and GWN7664ELR access points.

Both devices

6 Gbps aggregate wireless throughput
Wi-Fi 6 certified
Dual-band 4x4:4 MU- MIMO with OFMDA
512 concurrent Wi-Fi client devices
Meshing capabilities
Advanced QoS to ensure real-time performance of low-latency applications
Anti-hacking secure boot and critical data/control lockdown via digital signatures; unique security certificate/random default password per device
Self-power adaptation upon auto-detection of PoE or PoE+
Embedded controller can manage up to 50 local GWN series APs; GDMS offers unlimited AP management; GWN Manager offers premises-based software controller
Captive portal capabilities

GWN7664E

2x 2.5 Gbps RJ-45 network ports
Coverage range of up to 575 feet (175 m)

GWN7664ELR

1x 2.5 Gbps RJ-45 network port
1x 2.5 Gbps SFP network port
Coverage range of up to 1,000 feet (300 m)

Use cases

There are many use cases that demonstrate how the GWN7664E and GWN7664ELR can address the connectivity requirements of diverse environments, providing high-performance and reliable Wi-Fi coverage both indoors and outdoors.

By utilizing both access points together, you can effectively support a wider range of applications, enhancing the versatility and reach of your enterprise network.

Here are some of the most common applications for each model.

Grandstream GWN7664E indoor access point

Enterprise offices:

Provides high-speed Wi-Fi connectivity for a large number of users
Supports seamless roaming for mobile employees
Can handle high bandwidth and low latency for all sorts of business applications, including video conferencing, voice services, and cloud services

Educational institutions:

Ensures reliable internet access in classrooms and lecture halls
Supports online learning platforms and digital content delivery
Facilitates Wi-Fi coverage in libraries and student common areas

Healthcare facilities:

Enables secure and fast Wi-Fi for patient care applications
Supports mobile access to medical records and telemedicine services
Provides connectivity for IoT medical devices

Hospitality industry:

Delivers robust Wi-Fi for guests in hotels and resorts
Supports high user density in conference rooms and event spaces
Ensures coverage in common areas like lobbies, restaurants, and pools

Retail environments:

Supports mobile point-of-sale (POS) systems
Enhances the customer experience with in-store Wi-Fi
Facilitates Internet of Things (IoT) applications like inventory management and digital signage

Grandstream GWN7664ELR outdoor access point

Outdoor events and venues:

Provides high-performance Wi-Fi in open areas such as stadiums, parks, and outdoor event spaces
Supports large crowds with high user density and bandwidth needs

Campus-wide coverage:

Ensures seamless outdoor connectivity across school, university, or corporate campuses
Connects multiple buildings and outdoor areas with a unified network

Municipal Wi-Fi:

Supports city-wide Wi-Fi initiatives for public internet access
Enhances connectivity in public parks, squares, and transportation hubs

Industrial environments:

Delivers robust Wi-Fi in outdoor manufacturing plants, warehouses, and logistics centers
Supports outdoor IoT applications and devices

Rural and remote areas:

Provides reliable internet access in rural and underserved regions
Supports community centers, farms, and remote office locations with high-speed connectivity

Conclusion

The Grandstream GWN7664E and GWN7664ELR access points offer comprehensive solutions for diverse networking needs. The GWN7664E excels at providing robust indoor Wi-Fi coverage, while the GWN7664ELR is designed to ensure reliable connectivity in outdoor spaces.

By leveraging the strengths of both access points, businesses can create a seamless, high-performance network that meets the demands of various applications and settings, enhancing overall connectivity and the user experience.