The EnGenius ECW516L is a cloud-managed tri-band Wi-Fi 7 access point designed for small to medium-sized businesses. It operates across the 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz frequency bands, offering combined wireless speeds of up to 13.7 Gbps. This access point is part of the Cloud AP Lite Series, which offers a reduced feature set compared to the standard EnGenius Cloud models, making it a cost-effective option for smaller businesses and prosumers.
Specifications
- Wireless Standards: IEEE 802.11be on 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz
- Backward Compatibility: 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax
- Antenna: 2×2 2.4GHz (5 dBi), 3×3 5GHz (5 dBi), 3×3 6GHz (5 dBi) Integrated Omni-Directional
- Physical Interfaces: 1 x 2.5GE PoE+ Port, 1 x DC Jack, 1 x Reset Button
- LED Indicators: Power, LAN, 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, 6 GHz
- Power Source: Power-over-Ethernet 802.3at Input, 12VDC /2A Power Adapter
- Maximum Power Consumption: 20.7W
- Operating Frequency: Tri-Radio Concurrent 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz
- Operation Modes: AP, AP Mesh, Mesh
- Frequency Bands: 2.4 GHz: 2400-2482 MHz; 5 GHz: 5150-5850 MHz; 6 GHz: 5925-7125 MHz
- Transmit Power: Up to 22 dBm on 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz
- Radio Chains: 2×2:2, 3×3:3
- SU-MIMO Data Rates: 700 Mbps (2.4GHz), 4,300 Mbps (5GHz), 8,700 Mbps (6GHz)
- MU-MIMO Data Rates: 700 Mbps (2.4GHz), 4,300 Mbps (5GHz), 8,700 Mbps (6GHz)
- Supported Data Rates:
- 802.11be: Up to 8,700 Mbps
- 802.11ax: Up to 3,600 Mbps
- 802.11ac: Up to 1,733 Mbps
- 802.11n: Up to 600 Mbps
- Supported Radio Technologies: OFDMA (802.11be/ax), OFDM (802.11a/g/n/ac), DSSS (802.11b)
- Channels: EHT 20/40/80/160/320 MHz, HE 20/40/80/160 MHz, VHT 20/40/80 MHz, HT 20/40 MHz
- Supported Modulation: BPSK, QPSK, 16-QAM, 64-QAM, 256-QAM, 1024-QAM, 4096-QAM
- Max Concurrent Users: 128 per radio
- Client Balancing: Yes
- Auto Channel Selection: Yes
- Regulatory Compliance: FCC, CE, IC, UKCA, UK PSTI, AU
Environmental Specifications
- Operating Temperature: 0°C to 40°C (32°F to 104°F)
- Storage Temperature: -40°C to 80°C (-40°F to 176°F)
- Operating Humidity: 90% or less (non-condensing)
- Storage Humidity: 90% or less (non-condensing)
- Weight: TBD
- Dimensions: 205 x 205 x 33 mm
Features
- Wi-Fi 7 Technology: Supports 320 MHz channel bandwidth, Multi-User Multiple Input Multiple Output (MU-MIMO), 4096-QAM, Multi-Link Operation (MLO), and Multi-RU puncturing. These features enhance data transmission efficiency, reduce latency, and improve network stability.
- Coverage and Capacity: Provides up to 1,200 square feet of wireless coverage and supports up to 200 simultaneous client connections, making it suitable for small to medium business environments.
- Tri-Band Connectivity: Operates on three frequency bands:
- 2.4 GHz: Suitable for legacy devices and long-range connectivity.
- 5 GHz: Offers faster speeds with reduced interference.
- 6 GHz: Provides additional capacity for modern high-speed applications.
- Single 2.5 GbE PoE+ Port: Ensures high-speed wired connectivity and supports Power over Ethernet (PoE+) for flexible deployment without requiring additional power cables.
EnGenius Cloud vs EnGenius Cloud Lite
EnGenius offers multiple options to cater to different budgets, which can be complex to navigate. The main options are:
- EnGenius ECW Cloud: Full-featured cloud-managed access points.
- EnGenius ECW Cloud Lite: Managed with the same UI as EnGenius Cloud but with fewer features.
- EnGenius FIT: Offers two management options: FitController100 (same UI as EnGenius Cloud) or FitXpress (a more basic cloud management option).
The Cloud AP Lite Series targets smaller businesses that do not require ongoing licensing fees to access all features.
| Feature | Cloud AP Lite Series | Normal EnGenius Cloud APs |
| Target Audience | Small businesses (1-50 users) | Small to mid-sized businesses (100-500+ users) |
| Licensing | No license required (optional Pro upgrade) | Pro or Basic license required |
| Features | Basic Wi-Fi features (VLANs, guest networks, captive portal) | Advanced features (Google Authentication, MyPSK, LDAP, Azure AD, Radius) |
| Max Concurrent Clients per AP | ~100 devices | Up to 1000 devices |
| Security Features | WPA3, guest isolation, VLAN segmentation | Advanced authentication, Wi-Fi security suites, MyPSK, Google LDAP, dynamic VLANs |
| Supported Devices | Only Lite Series APs, but works under EnGenius Cloud ecosystem | All Cloud-managed EnGenius APs, switches, gateways, PDUs, cameras (future) |
| Cloud Features | Centralised management, limited API integrations | Full API support, advanced monitoring, traffic analysis, and automation |
| Upgradeability | Can upgrade to Pro plan for additional cloud features | Already includes advanced networking features |
| Price Range | $99 – $199 (one-time cost) | Higher cost due to pro features & licensing |
The ECW Lite range also offers a professional plan that adds features, though not as extensive as the full EnGenius cloud models.
| Access Point | ECW Lite – Basic Plan | ECW Lite – Professional Plan |
| Statistic Data Storage | 1 Day | 30 Days |
| Cloud Radius and Voucher Service | 100 | 100 |
| Change Log | Yes | Yes |
| Alert Notification | On-line/Off-line | On-line/Off-line |
| Backup & Restore | – | Yes |
| Clone Network | – | Yes |
| Client List Export | – | Yes |
| Topology | Yes | Yes |
| API Integration (3rd party) | – | Yes |
| Broadcast Suppression | Yes | Yes |
| Application QoS (AVXpress) | Yes | Yes |
| Live Diag Tools | Limited | Limited |
| Live Client List | – | Yes |
| VIP/Allowlist/Block List | 100 | 100 |
The ECW Lite models can be integrated within the normal EnGenius cloud ecosystem, allowing businesses to start with Lite models and gradually migrate to standard ECW cloud devices as needed.
Set-Up
The ECW516L uses the standard EnGenius Cloud interface, making the setup process identical to other EnGenius access points. The access point is powered on and added to the system using the EnGenius Cloud to Go app by scanning the QR code on the AP.
EnGenius Cloud User Interface and Settings
The ECW516L functions similarly to other EnGenius access points, with an identical user interface. Smaller businesses or enthusiast home users will find the experience nearly the same as with standard ECW access points. Features like captive portals are supported, though options are limited to EnGenius Authentication, Custom RADIUS, and Voucher Service.
Channel Width Limitations
One limitation of the ECW516L is that the 5 GHz band is restricted to an 80 MHz channel width, whereas the flagship ECW536 supports 160 MHz. This may be a drawback for home users seeking maximum throughput but is less significant in commercial environments where stability and reliability are prioritised over peak speeds.
Performance Testing
For performance testing, the ECW516L was compared with the EnGenius ECW536, Ubiquiti Unifi U7 Pro, and Zyxel Nebula NWA130BE. Testing was conducted using a TerraMaster F4-422 10GbE 4-Bay NAS and a Geekom Mini IT13 Mini PC. Devices used for testing included the Pixel 9 Pro XL, Honor Magic7 Pro, Huawei Matebook 14, and a desktop PC with a TP-Link Archer TBE550E Wi-Fi 7 adapter.
Multi-Link Operation (MLO)
MLO is a key feature of Wi-Fi 7, allowing devices to connect to multiple bands simultaneously. However, MLO support is still limited, and in testing, it did not provide significant performance benefits. The Pixel 9 Pro XL showed a connection with all three bands, but throughput was only 364 Mbps.
Close Range Performance
- 6 GHz:
- EnGenius ECW516L: 2013 Mbps
- EnGenius ECW536: 2141 Mbps
- Ubiquiti Unifi U7 Pro: 2004 Mbps
- Zyxel Nebula NWA130BE: 2076 Mbps
- 5 GHz:
- EnGenius ECW516L: 925 Mbps (limited to 80 MHz channel width)
- EnGenius ECW536: 1734 Mbps
- Ubiquiti Unifi U7 Pro: 1544 Mbps
- Zyxel Nebula NWA130BE: 1512 Mbps
- 2.4 GHz:
- EnGenius ECW516L: 321 Mbps
- EnGenius ECW536: 337 Mbps
- Ubiquiti Unifi U7 Pro: 342 Mbps
- Zyxel Nebula NWA130BE: 301 Mbps
Living Room – Down One Floor
- 6 GHz:
- EnGenius ECW516L: 1081 Mbps
- EnGenius ECW536: 1174 Mbps
- Ubiquiti Unifi U7 Pro: 1068 Mbps
- Zyxel Nebula NWA130BE: 1213 Mbps
- 5 GHz (80 MHz):
- EnGenius ECW516L: 663 Mbps
- EnGenius ECW536: 698 Mbps
- Ubiquiti Unifi U7 Pro: 687 Mbps
- Zyxel Nebula NWA130BE: 609 Mbps
- 2.4 GHz:
- EnGenius ECW516L: 122 Mbps
- EnGenius ECW536: 127 Mbps
- Ubiquiti Unifi U7 Pro: 140 Mbps
- Zyxel Nebula NWA130BE: 131 Mbps
Front Room – Down One Floor and Two Rooms Over
- 6 GHz:
- EnGenius ECW516L: 47 Mbps
- EnGenius ECW536: 46 Mbps
- Ubiquiti Unifi U7 Pro: 51 Mbps
- Zyxel Nebula NWA130BE: 32 Mbps
- 5 GHz:
- EnGenius ECW516L: 109 Mbps
- EnGenius ECW536: 117 Mbps
- Ubiquiti Unifi U7 Pro: 147 Mbps
- Zyxel Nebula NWA130BE: 121 Mbps
- 2.4 GHz:
- EnGenius ECW516L: 86 Mbps
- EnGenius ECW536: 82 Mbps
- Ubiquiti Unifi U7 Pro: 86 Mbps
- Zyxel Nebula NWA130BE: 79 Mbps
Price and Alternative Options
The EnGenius ECW516L has a recommended retail price of $199. It is positioned between the Ubiquiti U7 Pro ($189) and U7 Pro Max ($279). The ECW516L offers a 2×2 (2.4 GHz) and 3×3 (5 GHz/6 GHz) antenna configuration with a transmit power of 22 dBm.
Other EnGenius Wi-Fi 7 access points include the ECW526 ($349) and the flagship ECW536 ($589), which includes a 10GbE PoE injector.
Conclusion
The EnGenius ECW516L is a strong addition to the EnGenius product lineup, offering a cost-effective Wi-Fi 7 solution for small businesses. Its low price point and compatibility with the EnGenius Cloud ecosystem make it an attractive option for managed service providers (MSPs) managing multiple clients with varying budgets. While the lack of 160 MHz channel width may deter some home users, the ECW516L is well-suited for small businesses seeking reliable Wi-Fi 7 performance without the need for licensing fees.
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