Which UniFi Gateway is Right for You? UDR7, UX7, or UCG Fiber

Ubiquiti's latest gateway release—the UDR7, UX7, and UCG Fiber—fills a crucial gap for high-performance networks in compact spaces. While rack-mountable units like the UDM Pro SE and UDM Max remain the standard for larger installations, these new devices offer compelling alternatives where space is limited or specific networking requirements arise.

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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

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
• LAN ports: One 10G SFP+ LAN downlink, plus four 2.5G RJ45 ports (including one PoE+)
• Support for over 50 UniFi devices
• Expandable storage via an M.2 NVMe slot for enhanced UniFi Protect capabilities

The UCG Fiber's 10G SFP+ LAN downlink is its defining feature—connect to a 10G switch for high-speed backbone connectivity without rack space. It fits seamlessly into network designs where performance matters but space is limited. Pair it with WiFi 7 access points for complete coverage.

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

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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:

The UCG Fiber's doubled IDS/IPS capability makes it suitable for larger setups requiring higher bandwidth with security features enabled.

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Use Cases and Recommendations

Dream Router 7

Express 7

Cloud Gateway Fiber

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Pricing Breakdown

The pricing reflects a range of options catering to different budgets and needs while maintaining access to Ubiquiti's robust UniFi ecosystem.

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Setup Process Made Easy

Setting up these gateways is simple using the UniFi mobile app:

1. Plug in your device and connect it to your modem
2. Download the UniFi app on iOS or Android
3. Discover your device on the network and follow the setup wizard
4. 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.

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Conclusion

For most of our Miami clients, the Cloud Gateway Fiber has become the go-to recommendation for compact, high-speed deployments with 10G backbone requirements. While we continue to rely on the rack-mounted UDM Pro SE for larger installations, the UCG Fiber offers a powerful alternative where space is at a premium.

Ready to elevate your network? Give us a call, and we can assist you with start-to-finish network design and installation.

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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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Frequently Asked Questions

Can the Express 7 (UX7) run UniFi Protect cameras?

No. The Express 7 runs UniFi Network only and cannot host other UniFi applications like Protect, Talk, or Access. If you need camera support, choose the Dream Router 7 or Cloud Gateway Fiber instead.

Which gateway has the best IDS/IPS throughput?

The Cloud Gateway Fiber leads with 5 Gbps IDS/IPS throughput—double the capacity of both the Dream Router 7 and Express 7 (2.3 Gbps each). Choose the UCG Fiber if you have multi-gigabit internet and want full security features without bottlenecks.

Can I use the UDR7 or UX7 as a mesh access point?

Yes. Both the Dream Router 7 and Express 7 can function as mesh nodes to extend coverage in larger deployments. The Express 7 is particularly well-suited for this role due to its compact size and lower cost.

Does the Dream Router 7 have enough storage for cameras?

The UDR7 includes a 64GB microSD card, which supports approximately 2-4 HD cameras with 7-day retention. For larger deployments or longer retention, the Cloud Gateway Fiber with NVMe storage (up to 2TB) is a better choice.