Conclusion
It's time to summarize our thoughts and impressions as we conclude our review. The WBE758 access point is an excellent choice for SOHO and prosumer audiences seeking a business-grade wireless solution.Its extended WiFi range is a notable highlight, along with a robust cloud-based management suite that simplifies operations. This device not only performs well but also excels, offering the possibility to fine-tune settings for even better coverage. By adjusting the 6 GHz band to maximize available channels, we were able to achieve impressive distances of up to 10 meters, even through obstacles.
A small tip: by placing your AP in the center of your house or office on the ceiling of the first floor you can extend the range to 20 meters (10 meters to the left, 10 meters to the right, and the same for up and down). Although the 6 GHz band has shown promise with manual adjustments, it is important to remember that for longer-range coverage, the device will switch to the more common 5 GHz and 2.4 GHz bands on most common WiFi 6 and lower clients. The single-band performance at 5 and 6 GHz exceeded our expectations, showcasing the WBE758's potential when optimized.
If you primarily use a PC or are a gamer with a new WIFI7 compatible WLAN nic, connect to the 6 GHz frequency and activate 320 channels. This will allow you to achieve the same results as shown above in the same room. However, in your neighbouring room, you may experience speeds ranging from 1500-2500 Mbps. The product we tested is a premium flagship, priced at $1100 and similar prices in euros. A Netgear WBE750 version will also be available at better prices, yet still hovering in the 700-800 euro range.
Final words
We believe that Netgear is providing extra value by offering free usage of their cloud-based software suite, which would normally require a license. However, by simply logging into the software suite and registering, you can receive four years of free usage for the Pro version. The classic web interface (GUI) is equally effective and provides all the primary features you need. The cloud access is useful if you have a suite of Netgear products in an SOHO environment. However, per-device web-based management is also excellent. Netgear prioritizes security, and the WBE758 scans the region for dangerous devices and ways to improve the network. After upgrading its firmware, the device provided numerous monitoring options, which were initially overwhelming. Once it's operational, you won't regret it. I appreciate the extended WIFI range the AP provides. In a recent review of WIFI6E AP, I mentioned that the importance of the 6 GHz band is debatable. However, after what we've seen today, that argument is no longer relevant. With 320 channels, you're sure to experience exceptional performance. A piece of advice: the WBE758 defaults to a lower channel width. To enable 320 (6E) channel widths, adjust the SSID settings for the 5 and 6Ghz radio. Opt for 80 channels for the 5 GHz frequency and configure 40 channels for 2.4 Ghz. With these adjustments, we were able to achieve speeds of over 3 Gbps at short ranges, and even at 7 meters passing through walls, we maintained speeds of 1500-2000 Mbps. The hardware is sound, but the configuration may require some exercise and expertise. We were pleasantly surprised by the power consumption, even during heavy congestion with 32 simulated clients, it only peaked at around 18 Watts. In a low-usage (wifi) office, it only consumes around 13 Watts. Enabling energy-saving features can even bring it below 10 Watts. Although the Netgear WBE758 provides exceptional performance with premium WiFi coverage across all available frequencies, it requires some expertise to navigate the cloud-based interface. There is a significant learning curve when using this product. The device combines the 5 and 6GHz bands to achieve speeds beyond 2 and 3 Gbps at a reasonable distance, making it a top-tier access point. Single link-wise benefits are available for 6G-capable devices, which helps ease congestion on the crowded 2.4 and 5GHz band. Although it's unclear whether small to medium businesses or private users are willing to upgrade to WIFI7 due to the cost, we found the experience enjoyable and exciting. While the AP's $1,199.00 MSRP may seem steep, the WBE758 is worth considering for small office owners who are in a position to upgrade. However, it's important to note that this is enterprise hardware with a premium price. Regular consumers will have to wait for more simplified products in a sub-$600 price range. However, in terms of WiFi 7 performance, this is an exceptional piece of hardware.
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