Firewalla AP7 Generic FAQ
Pinned
Why does the Firewalla AP7 require a Firewalla (firewall) unit to run?
The AP7 is an access point, it can't function as a router. And in order to have it provide zero trust features at layer 2 (LAN), it will need to closely work with your Firewalla, which can control layer 3 (network layer/WAN) traffic.
The Firewalla unit is also the local controller managing your AP7's.
Will my Managed or Unmanaged switch work with the Firewalla AP7?
Firewalla AP7 will work with both switches. (The AP7 is not much different from a generic Wi-Fi Mesh or AP unit from installation perspective)
If you plan to segment Wi-Fi devices and you're not worried about someone sniffing traffic at your switch, you can use an unmanaged switch and segment your network using VqLAN or VLAN.
Firewalla router -> unmanaged switch -> Firewalla AP7
If you're connecting through a managed switch and want to use VLANs with the AP7, ensure the switch port connected to the Firewalla Access Point is a trunk port (carrying all VLANs).
When will the AP7 be available in countries other than the USA?
We don't know yet. The 1/7/2025 unit will only ship to USA address, and it can only operate in USA frequency. We do plan to build a world version that' is shippable to places outside of the USA. We do not know when this unit will be available. Please see this survey https://forms.gle/FeVYUSQXJksSEuUCA
Can I mix my existing WiFi Routers with Firewalla AP7?
The best way is to use different SSIDs for your existing and the Firewalla AP7.
Can I use the same SSID for my existing and AP7 WiFi?
You shouldn't; doing so may cause your client to disconnect/reconnect while roaming. Roaming means seamless handoff from one AP to another; if the APs are not from the same manufacturer, this will cause a disconnect and reconnect, and your network may not be stable during the process.
Can I connect the AP7 to a switch?
Yes! If you want the AP7 to work with VLAN's, you will need to connect the AP7 to a "trunk" or a "tagged" port. You will also need to ensure any VLAN you create via Firewalla is configured on your switch. (This is a basic requirement that's not related to AP7)
How many devices can each Firewalla AP7 support?
In theory (from the ASIC vendor), each frequency band can support up to 128 devices, And we do have real-world tests that support >100 devices (mixed type) per AP.
Can the microsegmentation work with other Access Points (not made by Firewalla)?
No; microsegmentation is implemented inside the AP + Firewalla controller, it can not run on other manufacturer's AP/WiFi
Can the 10Gbit and 2.5Gbit interfaces connect to Gigabit?
Yes, both 10Gbit and 2.5Gbit interfaces are multispeed interfaces. (10Gbit works with 5Gbit, 2.5Gbit, 1G, and 2.5Gbit works with 2.5G, 1G).
Why is the Firewalla AP7 Ceiling hot?
Wi-Fi 7 has many radios and it is very hot to operate. The AP7C is compact and the back side is a heatsink. A temperature of about 140F is normal for this unit.
Future Products
Will there be an outdoor access point?
Unknown at the moment.
-
Do we have any specifications on the AP7 ceiling version? The technical specifications for the desktop is
- Triband 2.4Ghz 2x2, 5Ghz 2x2, 6Ghz 4x4
- 8 Spatial Streams, 320Mhz channel support 6Ghz
Will the ceiling mount version add 4x4 to the 2.4 and/or 5Ghz channels or be the same in a different format (ceiling mount).
I am just trying to determine do I purchase the Desktop AP7 or wait for the ceiling mount version (which might be more expensive)
-
@firewalla the install manual states the following ‘If it's the FIRST Firewalla Access Point to be set up with your Firewalla router, connect one end of your ethernet cable to the LAN port of your Firewalla Box (VLAN-only ports are not supported)’.
I’m confused on this, if I have multiple VLANs and plugging the AP directly to firewalla, should it not be a port with all VLANs, or do I have to create a separate LAN only network on that port with no VLANs?
This verbiage is confusing and it similarly states the same for additional wired AP’s that plug back into firewalla box.
Please sign in to leave a comment.
Comments
23 comments