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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I've been running mine for a few weeks now and all my network wireless lagging issues have all gone away. They also have a greater range to connect my garage devices from my AP in the house and I have not yet installed my 4th out there yet.
Beyond impressed and planning to swap my parents out as well at their homes soon. Thanks Team Firewalla for all you did to bring this to market.
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Hey Ali. Out of curiosity were you using before?
I've been traveling and busy for work so I haven't had a chance to replace mine (I need to do some cutting and running of cables). But right now I'm using three Netgear WAX630 (AX6000) inside and a WAX610Y (AX1800). I don't like the subscription model but he main problem is my phones and laptops don't seem to switch between APs. So I'm hoping the AP7 will solve that. I may have to leave the external Netgear outside until I find a way to house an AP7 somehow.
I'll see if my generator can connect to the AP7s and general connectivity once they are all up.
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Hi John,
I had a really mixed environment and could never track down my issues other than it had to be the AP's. I was running a Ubiquiti Cloud Key Gen2 with 3x U6 Pro's and 2x AP AC Pro's. 5 total ap's would barely reach areas through walls and now I'm only using 3x Firewalla AP7C with better signal than I could have hoped for and the speed is incredible.
All in I'm now running a much cleaner environment with less management. My next step is Firewalla switches :P..... Just waiting at this point. Switches are going to be more difficult because everyone's needs are going to vary so curious to see what kind of a lineup comes out of the discussions.
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I'm using NetSpot to map out before and after. It wont be a completely fair comparison because I'm going to add at least one location, but I just need to quantify things. Is there any software you've used to map out the coverage in your house?
I'm also looking forward to a switch from Firewalla. They put so much thought into their products I'm sure it will be cool. And I think they will probably offer a couple variants to satisfy folks.
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Hi John, I was using the Ubiquiti planning tool and Firewalla's Wi-Fi speed test tool. At work I have tools available from Meraki but that didn't help me much at home. My best performance meter was how loud the screaming was from my son when his game was lagging, and he died. I cringed and laughed at the same time.
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We made this to cover the AP7C cable notch, please let us know if you like it or not
https://github.com/firewalla/fw_addons/blob/main/AP7C.stl
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I like your design but here is what happened on my end. I downloaded and printed it on a Bambi X1C with a .4 hot end and it looks too tall. I ended up cutting it down and it fits much better. I’m going to print it a few more times to test the profile and will let you know. Can you measure your print and see if it matches the “stock” version I have?
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Print Profile was successful with a .4mm and 30% infill.
https://makerworld.com/en/models/1467191-firewalla-ap7c-cover-plate#profileId-1530691
Credit to MelvinTo for building the first version. THANK YOU
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Depending on where you live you can look on FB Marketplace. There are people out there that print stuff for a few bucks and you can get it locally.
3D printing is fun but it will also frustrate the utter hell out of you when things don't work. Took me 6 failed prints to get this profile to work and stick to the plate just right. -
If you read from this point in the thread down:
https://help.firewalla.com/hc/en-us/community/posts/44554559351059/comments/44555941599635
It seems to be a combination of demand and regulatory requirements. Each country or region has some sort of certification process and the demand in a given country doesn't support the effort to go through that certification process.
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The ambient operating temperature is like 104. This is consistent with what I see on my units (I used an IR thermometer). My garage generally peaks just above 90 in the summer, I have a temperature monitor there, and I didn't have any issues this summer. I know that's less than what you're looking at.
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