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.
Table of Contents
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.
- A built-in LCM status screen for real-time updates.
- SD card storage for UniFi Protect, making it suitable as a lightweight NVR.
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.
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:
- A user-friendly yet powerful Zone-Based Firewall.
- Optional cybersecurity enhancements through Proofpoint’s intrusion prevention system.
- Support for Site-Magic SD-WAN, enabling seamless interconnectivity across multiple sites.
Performance Highlights
Each device supports up to 10G WAN connections:
- The UDR7 and UX7 share similar hardware configurations, offering IDS/IPS throughput of up to 2.3 Gbps.
- The UCG Fiber doubles this capability with IDS/IPS throughput of up to 5 Gbps, making it suitable for larger setups requiring higher bandwidth.
Use Cases and Recommendations
Dream Router 7
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
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
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
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.