Which UniFi Gateway is Right for You? UDR7, UX7, or UCG Fiber
Compare the new UniFi Dream Router 7, Express 7, and Cloud Gateway Fiber. Detailed specs, use cases, and recommendations for choosing the right compact gateway.
Key Takeaway
Ubiquiti's new compact UniFi gateways—Dream Router 7 ($279), Express 7 ($199), and Cloud Gateway Fiber ($279-$529)—bring Wi-Fi 7 and 10G connectivity to smaller deployments. The UDR7 is ideal for all-in-one home/small office setups, the UX7 offers an affordable entry point with mesh capabilities, and the UCG Fiber delivers maximum throughput (5 Gbps IDS/IPS) for advanced users who prefer external access points.
Here at iFeeltech, we've always been fans of Ubiquiti's UniFi ecosystem, and the release of their latest gateway devices—the Dream Router 7 (UDR7), Cloud Gateway Fiber (UCG Fiber), and Express 7 (UX7)—has us excited about the possibilities for smaller installations and flexible setups. While our go-to devices for most installations remain the rack-mountable UDM Pro SE and UDM Max, these new gateways present compelling options for environments where space is limited or specific networking needs arise.
Let's take a closer look at what makes these devices stand out and how they fit into different use cases.
Introducing All-New 10G UniFi Cloud Gateways: Dream Router 7, Cloud Gateway Fiber, Express 7
Overview of the New UniFi Gateways
Dream Router 7 (UDR7)
The Dream Router 7 builds on the success of its predecessor by offering a compact, all-in-one solution with impressive performance upgrades. It features:
- Integrated Wi-Fi 7 with six-stream 6 GHz support for high-speed connectivity
- Ports: One 10G SFP+ WAN port, one 2.5G RJ45 WAN port, and three 2.5G LAN ports (including one PoE port)
- Built-in LCM status screen for real-time updates
- SD card storage for UniFi Protect, making it suitable as a lightweight NVR
Best For
The UDR7 is ideal for small offices, coffee shops, or residential setups needing robust connectivity without additional hardware.
Cloud Gateway Fiber (UCG Fiber)
The Cloud Gateway Fiber is designed for users who require high throughput and scalability but don't need integrated Wi-Fi. Key features include:
- Dual WAN ports: One 10G SFP+ and one 10G RJ45
- Four 2.5G LAN ports including one PoE+ port
- Support for over 50 UniFi devices
- Expandable storage via an M.2 NVMe slot for enhanced UniFi Protect capabilities
This gateway is particularly exciting to us at iFeeltech because it fits seamlessly into network designs that prioritize performance and flexibility. Its compact size makes it a great option for installations where space is at a premium.
Express 7 (UX7)
The Express 7 is compact, versatile, and designed to grow with your network. Highlights include:
- Integrated Wi-Fi 7 with six-stream support
- One 10G RJ45 WAN port and one 2.5G LAN port
- Flexibility to function as a cloud gateway, wired access point, or mesh AP
Best For
The UX7 is perfect for home users or businesses with minimal setups that plan to scale their network over time.
Key Features Across the Lineup
Wi-Fi Capabilities
Both the UDR7 and UX7 feature integrated Wi-Fi 7 technology, delivering faster speeds, reduced latency, and improved efficiency—perfect for environments with multiple connected devices. The UCG Fiber does not include built-in Wi-Fi but allows users to integrate external access points for tailored wireless setups.
Advanced Networking Features
All three gateways offer enterprise-grade networking capabilities:
- User-friendly Zone-Based Firewall with powerful security features
- Optional cybersecurity enhancements through Proofpoint's intrusion prevention system
- Site-Magic SD-WAN support enabling seamless interconnectivity across multiple sites
Performance Highlights
Each device supports up to 10G WAN connections:
| Device | IDS/IPS Throughput | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Dream Router 7 | Up to 2.3 Gbps | Small office/home with Wi-Fi needs |
| Express 7 | Up to 2.3 Gbps | Minimal setups, mesh expansion |
| Cloud Gateway Fiber | Up to 5 Gbps | High-throughput deployments |
The UCG Fiber's doubled IDS/IPS capability makes it suitable for larger setups requiring higher bandwidth with security features enabled.
Use Cases and Recommendations
Dream Router 7
Dream Router 7 Verdict
Best suited for small offices or homes needing an all-in-one solution with integrated Wi-Fi and lightweight NVR capabilities through UniFi Protect.
Express 7
Express 7 Verdict
Ideal for minimal setups focused on wireless connectivity with fewer wired devices. Its compact design makes it an excellent entry point into the UniFi ecosystem.
Cloud Gateway Fiber
Cloud Gateway Fiber Verdict
Perfect for advanced users or enterprises requiring high throughput and scalability without integrated Wi-Fi. This gateway excels in environments where external access points are preferred.
Pricing Breakdown
| Device | Price | Key Features | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dream Router 7 | $279 | All-in-one solution with Wi-Fi 7 | Small offices, home setups |
| Express 7 | $199 | Compact design, integrated Wi-Fi 7 | Minimal setups, home users |
| Cloud Gateway Fiber | $279-$529 | Dual 10G WAN ports, PoE+, NVMe storage up to 2TB | Advanced users, business setups |
The pricing reflects a range of options catering to different budgets and needs while maintaining access to Ubiquiti's robust UniFi ecosystem.
Setup Process Made Easy
Setting up these gateways is simple using the UniFi mobile app:
- Plug in your device and connect it to your modem
- Download the UniFi app on iOS or Android
- Discover your device on the network and follow the setup wizard
- Configure network settings such as SSIDs, VLANs, or firewalls through the app or web interface
For advanced users, additional configurations like multi-WAN failover or VPN setup can be managed via the UniFi web interface.
Conclusion
Summary
Ubiquiti's new UniFi Gateways—Dream Router 7, Cloud Gateway Fiber, and Express 7—are excellent additions to their lineup, offering solutions that cater to diverse networking needs. Whether upgrading your current network or starting from scratch, these devices provide future-proof options that integrate seamlessly into the UniFi ecosystem.
At iFeeltech, while we'll continue relying on rack-mounted solutions like the UDM Pro SE for larger installations, we're particularly excited about the Cloud Gateway Fiber's potential in compact yet powerful network designs. These gateways are a testament to Ubiquiti's commitment to innovation in networking technology.
Ready to elevate your network? Give us a call, and we can assist you with start-to-finish network design and installation.
Need help choosing the right UniFi gateway for your setup? Our team provides comprehensive network assessments and professional installation services throughout South Florida. Contact us for a personalized evaluation of your infrastructure needs.
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