Ubiquiti integrates Thread into Wi-Fi 7 access points: The UniFi network becomes a smart home backbone

Ubiquiti takes smart home seriously: Current approval documents from the US authority FCC show that the manufacturer of prosumer network technology plans to integrate dedicated Thread radio modules directly into its upcoming UniFi Wi-Fi 7 access points. This seamlessly transforms the professional WLAN infrastructure into a comprehensive backbone for Matter networks.

Anyone who builds their smart home on Matter and Thread knows the problem: A stable and responsive mesh network requires a well-distributed Thread Border Router. So far, this task has primarily been handled by smart speakers such as the Apple HomePod, Google Nest Hubs or eero routers.

With the coming UniFi U7 Mesh Wall Ubiquiti now takes the next logical step. By moving the Thread protocol directly into the access points (APs) mounted on the wall or ceiling, the everyday home network becomes the foundation of the smart home. Since UniFi users usually distribute several APs in-house in order to optimize the WLAN signal, an extremely robust, tight-meshed Thread network that reaches to the rearmost angle is created as a by-product.

What the FCC documents reveal about the U7 Mesh Wall

The FCC (Federal Communications Commission) registration files reveal the secret behind the unannounced access point. Although Ubiquiti has requested a confidentiality period until April 2027 for the real product photos and manuals, the public radio test reports speak a clear language.

The new U7 Mesh Wall is a multi-radio device:

• Dual band Wi-Fi 7: The access point transmits on the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands.
• No 6 GHz band: Remarkable is the lack of the 6 GHz band. Thus, the U7 Mesh Wall is based on entry-level devices such as the U7 Lite. The elimination of 6 GHz reduces hardware costs, power consumption and, above all, waste heat – a decisive factor for compact flush or wall devices.
• Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) & Thread: Separate test reports confirm that in addition to Bluetooth, a dedicated Thread radio chip also works in parallel with the WLAN antennas in the 2.4 GHz spectrum.

Ubiquiti's deep foray into the Matter world

For readers of matter.tips This hardware leak fits into a larger, high-tensioning image. Ubiquiti is currently massively preparing its ecosystem for the smart home standard.

Only this month the rollout of UniFi Network 11. The major software update is the network management “Matter-aware”. Users can integrate Matter-over-Thread devices directly into the UniFi interface via their pairing code. The sensors subsequently appear in the known network topology map alongside the regular WLAN and LAN clients. Visible are metrics such as signal strength, Thread channel, the exact connection route and the battery level of the smart home devices.

Previously, Ubiquiti had with the SuperLink Gateway HA already an IoT-Gateway for your own camera system UniFi Protect presented. This device also functions as Thread Border Router and can manage up to 128 Thread devices.

Thread Border Router in any room

The fact that the Thread technology is now migrating into the access points themselves is a game changer for system integrators and ambitious home users. While UniFi Network 11 was previously still dependent on external Border Router (such as a Apple TV or a Smart Speaker) in the local area network, the new U7 APs will supply the Thread infrastructure ex works. The WLAN and Smart Home networks can thus be set up, expanded and monitored centrally from a single source.

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Price and availability

An official release date for the U7 Mesh Wall is still pending. According to experience, however, Ubiquiti hardware appears in the in-house early access store a few months after the successful FCC certification.

Priced, the device should be based on the current US price of 199 US dollars. In the European Ubiquiti store (EU store), this usually corresponds to a price of about 199 euros exclusive VATWhat in Germany on a retail price of just under 237 euros (incl. 19% VAT) runs out.

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This article was automatically translated from German. Read the original