Firewalla AP7 Ceiling Version (Status and Updates)
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The Firewalla AP7 Ceiling Version
Sale begins 4/15/2025, 9 AM PDT via https://firewalla.com/products/firewalla-ap7-ceiling
Guides:
Shipping:
- Everything shipped as of 5/2/2025
If you are not in the USA, please see this survey https://forms.gle/FeVYUSQXJksSEuUCA
Shipping Update 5/5
- All AP7C units shipped
- All new orders will be shipped 24 hours from payment
- All units should be shipped today. (including the t-bar brackets)
- On 5/5, we will be going to our standard shipping cycle. (shipping one day after order)
- We will be able to send out all AP7C orders on May 2nd
- 25% more units will be send out today
- next batch likely next week ... (hopefully)
Shipping Update 4/18
- Around 20% units will be send out 4/18 or 4/21 (pacific time)
- next batch time is unknown.
(shipping is not deterministic at the moment, so please be patient, we will do our best to update everyone as we have something)
FAQ:
What is the main difference between this ceiling unit and the desktop unit?
The ceiling unit antenna is optimized in one direction (downwards from the ceiling), while the desktop version has an antenna radiating in all directions. By having the AP mounted on the ceiling, you are going to get less interference and more focused power.
The ceiling unit is also powered by PoE+ via the 10Gbit interface, so you do not need to run another power line.
- Ceiling-mounted APs often avoid furniture and human body absorption, leading to cleaner signal propagation.
- Desktop APs may be affected by desks, walls, and objects, leading to signal obstructions and multipath interference.
- There is no power adapter included in the AP7C
Can I use the ceiling unit on the desktop?
It is fully possible, but we do not recommend it. You may get blind spots behind the unit.
Can I use the ceiling unit on the wall?
Yes, but behind the wall, signals may not be that good.
Can this unit be mounted over a 1 gang power box?
Yes, you have two screw holes that line up just for that. It also works nicely with a 2 gang power box with 4 holes.
Can I use these with WiFi backhaul?
Yes. You can power the unit either with a injector (with no ethernet) or a 12V barrel power cord. You can configure it work with WiFi backhaul from another AP7 ceiling or desktop unit.
Can I use this with the AP7 Desktop?
Yes.
What PoE Injector should I get?
PoE+ Injectors that can perform the speed you want. (2.5Gbit or 10Gbit)
Why is the 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.
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Rocking two brand spanking new AP7Cs as of yesterday. The installation took about 30 or so minutes for the 1st one and about 15 or so minutes for the 2nd one. Loving them so far, they work as advertised :)! Replaced two EAP670s and not going back. I essentially replicated my configuration of multiple VLANs from Omada. The only issue I ran into while transitioning from Omada/EAP670s was that two of Kasa devices couldn't reach Homebridge, so had to "allow" HomeBridge hub in the config of these two devices. I will look to explore new layer 2 segmentation features (VqLANs, etc.) soon.
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I got my 4x ceiling mount Firewalla devices today. I love how simple it was to setup and get configured. The unit is VERY well made and the bracket is simple and sturdy.
Here is my only complaint. While the bracket works for single gang and double gang boxes it's not a great install experience for a single gang remodel box. It won't sit flush and my 2 options are either to install screws into the drywall (goes against everything inside me) or increase the size to a double gang and have it sit flush.
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Yes i did try that and it just made it more unstable. I think the root of the problem is that the bracket's holes are not centered and it only get's worse when the unit is mounted to it. Had there been a set of holes centered (Single Gang) and another set farther out (Double Gang, as is) then it would not have been an issue? OR the second option would have been to make a bracket that extended more to the sides to possibly allow it have exterior leverage?
I'm not a designer but looking at other mounts i've installed like eero and Ubiquiti, there is plenty of surface area that sets their mounts flush to the ceiling.
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Agreed with John above — adding some washers in between should help. From the pictures you sent, the holes for mounting the bracket aren’t flush with the surface of the gang box. When you tighten the screws, the bracket gets tilted, and installing an AP device on it would make it look even worse.
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I'm going to 3D print some washers to test tonight when I get home. If that does not work, I'll upgrade my boxes to 2-gang for stability.
I see the orange one you all used and that's a mud ring not a box. The issue with using a mud ring is that you will be exposing the attic of a home to the air-conditioned space along with dust. I think the biggest issue is the mount needs to be centered when attaching so there is no leverage from another side. Had there been holes in the center of the mount and then a 4 hole pattern (as is) then it would have worked beautifully. Unfortunately the way the mount is designed there is no way to put holes in the middle as they will interfere with other parts.
If look at Ubiquiti and eero they have more surface area, and the holes are centered.
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Here is the single gang box from Home Depot:
Product Information
Internet # 202077323
Model # B120R
UPC Code # 034481124030
Store SKU # 141206
I do agree that using the 4 holes with a double gang would be the "Ideal" mounting position. -
Hi John, All the options you list in your photo are for "New Construction" and would be installed prior to drywall or cutting open your drywall to install and they are doing patch work. Both the option I'm using and the orange ring that firewalla used in their testing are meant for "remodel" where drywall is already in place and finished. Secondly every option you listed also requires that the box be installed along a stud where that is not how you would install a remodel box that allows installation anywhere and is secured with the adjustable clamps.
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After lots of testing i was able to get a remodel box to work as is with a 3d printed spacer with a thickness of 2.08mm. It's still a little wobbly since it's only secured from one side but it works. I'll still probably upgrade my boxes to a 2-gang for stability. The spacers i was using yesterday were either too thin or too thick.
I've uploaded the print profile to makerworld for anyone that needs it. I'm still looking into making a side cover profile that will come in a few weeks as well to hide the ports.
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