Grandstream GWN7003 Multi-WAN Gigabit VPN Router

The Grandstream GWN7003 is the largest of the multi-WAN VPN routers: nine Gigabit ports, two 2.5G SFP ports, two PoE output ports and up to 2.2 Gbps of throughput, with a built-in firewall and VPN.

The embedded controller is the part that changes the budget. It manages itself and up to 150 GWN access points — no separate controller appliance, no licence, no subscription. For a site or a chain that would otherwise be quoted a controller on top of the hardware, that is usually the largest single saving in the comparison.

Multi-WAN is the other reason to buy it. Two or more internet connections can share the load, and if one fails the traffic moves to the other. For a business that cannot be offline — a contact centre, a practice, anywhere taking payments — that is worth more than any speed figure on the box.

Key features

• 9 Gigabit Ethernet ports and 2 × 2.5G SFP
• 2 PoE output ports — power an access point or a phone directly
• Up to 2.2 Gbps throughput
• Embedded controller for up to 150 GWN access points — no licence
• Multi-WAN — load balancing, failover and bandwidth management
• Built-in VPN — in-office and inter-office connectivity
• Deep packet inspection — application and protocol monitoring with traffic statistics
• Advanced QoS
• Content filtering — application, URL, DNS and web content
• Built-in firewall

Works with

• GWN7002 — 4 Gigabit ports and 2 SFP
• GWN7001 — 6 Gigabit ports, no SFP or PoE out
• Grandstream GWN access points — the fleet this manages
• Grandstream GWN switches
• All Grandstream routers

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a separate Wi-Fi controller?

No, and that is the point. This router manages up to 150 GWN access points itself, with no licence and no appliance to buy. When comparing against other brands, put their controller cost in the column — it is often the biggest number nobody mentions.

What does multi-WAN actually do for me?

It lets you plug in two internet connections. Normally both carry traffic; if one fails, everything moves to the other. Whether staff notice depends on how you configure it, but the business stays online — which is why sites taking payments or calls buy this rather than a single-WAN router.

GWN7003, GWN7002 or GWN7001?

Ports. The 7003 has nine Gigabit ports plus two SFP and PoE output; the 7002 has four Gigabit plus the same SFP and PoE; the 7001 has six Gigabit and no SFP or PoE output. All three do multi-WAN, VPN and the 150-AP controller.

What are the PoE output ports for?

Powering a device directly from the router — an access point in the same room, or a phone — without adding a PoE switch. Two ports, so it is a convenience rather than a switch replacement.

Is the VPN licensed separately?

No. VPN, firewall, DPI and content filtering are part of the router.

Can it replace my switch?

For a small office, nine ports may be enough. Beyond that, use it as the router and put a switch behind it — routers are not designed to be the wiring closet.

Designing a site network? Call 0333 242 1314 or email sales@clisecure.com — tell us the internet connections, the access point count and the sites to link, and we will size it.