EnGenius ECW515 Access Point: A Comprehensive Review

Specification

Design

Set Up

If you are familiar with EnGenius products, then the set-up is a breeze. You can either scan the QR code on the back of the AP using the EnGenius Cloud app or manually add the serial number to the web-based interface.

To set up the network, simply assign it to the AP, and it will automatically detect and apply any existing WiFi settings that are already configured.

In my experience, after adopting the AP, it updated itself to firmware 1.9.106 and began broadcasting the SSIDs that were previously set up for my EnGenius test network, with the country settings configured for the United Kingdom. The entire process only took a few minutes, most of which was waiting for the firmware update to complete.

One important aspect to consider is power requirements. The AP does not come with a PoE injector or DC adaptor in the package, and it requires 802.3at PoE+ instead of the standard 802.3af PoE. Therefore, older PoE switches or inexpensive injectors may not provide sufficient power. EnGenius specifies a maximum power consumption of 18W over PoE, excluding any devices powered from the PoE out port. I powered mine using a PoE+ switch, which is likely the most common setup for deployment.

It’s essential to note that this is a cloud-managed access point, so having an EnGenius account is necessary. While there is a local web page available, it is limited to displaying status information and performing firmware updates. Configuration of SSIDs or ports cannot be done through the local web page, meaning there is no true standalone mode available.

The EnGenius ECW515 utilizes the same EnGenius Cloud interface as other products in the range, offering a familiar experience for users already accustomed to working with EnGenius cloud products. The dashboard provides a quick overview of network health, displaying channel utilization, AP and switch usage, client ratios across different frequencies, client counts, and throughput graphs. Additionally, there is a power status panel that is more beneficial for users with EnGenius PoE switches or PDUs integrated into the network.

Within the interface, users can access detailed system information, such as IP address, current channels, transmit power, and antenna gain. Tabs for Summary, Ports, Logs, and Historical Clients offer additional insights and customization options for the AP. The Ports tab allows users to enable or disable the four Gigabit ports, configure VLAN settings, and set up “SSID on LAN” to mirror wireless settings for wired devices. This feature is particularly useful for maintaining network security and segregating guest networks.

The SSID settings offer comprehensive options, including radio selection, security protocols, VLAN configurations, and advanced features like fast roaming and protected management frames. Captive portal options support various authentication methods, including click-through, guest access, custom RADIUS, and more. Hotspot 2.0 is also available but requires specific security protocols to be enabled. The inclusion of AVXpress in the application control feature is a sensible addition for a device aimed at meeting rooms, as it allows users to prioritize voice calls, video conferencing, streaming, and online gaming at different levels. However, application analysis may result in a slight performance cost.

The Radio Settings feature allows users to set defaults for the entire network, including indoor and outdoor profiles. Users can customize channel width, target transmit power, minimum bitrate, client limit, dynamic channel selection intervals, client balancing, mesh, zero-wait DFS, and fast handover RSSI thresholds per band. For a home network with one or two access points, the default settings are sufficient. For larger deployments, the level of control offered is comparable to UniFi and Omada.

The Basic tier of EnGenius includes most of the features that a home user or small business would need, making it a compelling choice over some competitors. The Pro license unlocks additional features such as longer log retention, detailed client troubleshooting, and directory-based captive portal options, but it comes at an additional cost. The interface may not always reflect changes instantly, which can be frustrating during troubleshooting.

The Ethernet and PoE passthrough capabilities of the ECW515 make it a versatile choice for users. The 2.5GbE uplink port and Gigabit ports operate as a small unmanaged switch with cloud control when powered by PoE+. Users can also power the AP with a DC adaptor to utilize LAN2 as a non-PoE uplink. LAN5 provides 802.3af PoE output, but the power budget is limited. Higher power devices may require the AP to be powered by a DC adaptor or a separate PoE source.

In terms of Wi-Fi performance, the ECW515 delivers decent speeds for its specifications. Close-range speeds of up to 915 Mbps were achieved on 5 GHz 80 MHz using WiFi 7, while 2.4 GHz 40 MHz reached speeds of 168 Mbps. Increasing the 5 GHz channel width to 160 MHz allowed for speeds of up to 1,208 Mbps at close range, but this may not be recommended in environments with multiple APs or neighboring networks. The 2.4 GHz performance is modest due to congestion in most UK homes. I would opt to keep the 2.4 GHz frequency at 20 MHz for IoT devices and long-range coverage instead of prioritizing speed.

During my testing, MLO was disabled. However, with MLO enabled, a compatible Wi-Fi 7 client can connect to both radios simultaneously. In practice, MLO on 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz focuses more on resilience and latency rather than just raw throughput, as the 2.4 GHz link only marginally increases bandwidth. The true advantage of MLO is seen when 5 GHz is paired with 6 GHz, a feature that this AP lacks.

The default transmit power settings are conservative, with the cloud dashboard displaying 11 dBm on 2.4 GHz and 17 dBm on 5 GHz, below the maximum levels allowed. Lower power levels are suitable for densely populated areas like hotels, where you want to avoid signal bleeding into neighboring rooms. For larger home areas, adjusting the transmit power settings may be necessary.

The range of the AP is typical for a 2×2 wall plate AP, covering a room or a small home area. Reviews suggest a realistic coverage of approximately 90 to 120 square meters. It is not intended to replace a centrally located ceiling AP in a larger residence.

Stability during testing was reliable, with no instances of disconnections reported.

In terms of pricing and alternatives, availability of the EnGenius ECW515 in the UK is limited. The US price is around $289, but stock availability is uncertain. Comparatively, other options like the UniFi U7 In-Wall and TP-Link Omada EAP775 offer similar features at slightly lower prices.

Overall, the EnGenius ECW515 is a solid choice for those already invested in the EnGenius ecosystem, especially for home or small office setups lacking multiple Ethernet ports in each room. While performance is satisfactory for most users, the absence of the 6 GHz band may limit the full potential of Wi-Fi 7 connectivity. For users open to other networking brands, alternatives like UniFi and TP-Link Omada may offer better value and specifications. EnGenius users will find the EnGenius EWS850AP a suitable choice due to its four Gigabit ports, a 2.5GbE PoE+ uplink, PoE passthrough capabilities, and the ability to apply wireless security policies to wired ports. Additionally, the quick QR code setup and free cloud tier, along with a fanless and silent operation, make it a convenient option. The device also comes with a five-year warranty for added peace of mind.

However, the EnGenius EWS850AP lacks certain features that may be important to some users. These include the absence of a 6 GHz band, Gigabit-only downstream ports, a 7 W PoE output limit when the AP is PoE powered, and the fact that no PoE injector or power adaptor is included. Furthermore, there is no standalone local management option available for this device, which may be a drawback for some users. Additionally, the high pricing and limited availability in the UK may deter potential buyers.

In conclusion, while the EnGenius EWS850AP offers several advantages for existing EnGenius users, such as its robust feature set and convenient setup process, it may not be the best choice for those looking for specific features or shopping on a budget. Transform the following text into a more formal tone:

Original text: Hey there! How are you doing today?

Formal text: Greetings. How are you faring this day?