The single digit in the model name that separates TP-Link Omada EAP783 from the previously reviewed EAP773 makes a huge difference.
Specifically, the higher-end AP you’re reading about is almost double in physical size and has twice as much in Wi-Fi bandwidth. In return, it’s also sizably more expensive. Overall, it’s a formidable contender to the similarly-specced Zyxel WBE660s that came out almost a year ago.
Here’s the bottom line: If you can handle the TP-Link EAP783’s bulky physical size and comparatively hefty cost of $500, it’s one of the best Wi-Fi 7 access points to bring home today.
Looking to upgrade your network to Wi-Fi 7? Get a TP-Link Omada EAP783 today or a couple to form a robust mesh!
TP-Link Omada EAP783: An (almost) non-compromising Wi-Fi 7 access point
The Omada EAP783 shares the same pie-like design as the lesser EAP773, except it is much larger, over 20% more in diameter alone.
The extra space allows for another significant difference in capability: it’s the first AP with two 10Gbps ports, one being a PoE+ port, allowing it to host a fast-wired device in addition to being a Wi-Fi broadcaster.
On the inside, it features top-tier 4×4 Wi-Fi 7 specs. That, plus the 10Gbps wired grade, means it’s comparable to the Zyxel WBE660s, which has a 10Gbps PoE+ port and a Gigabit LAN port. The two have enough hardware specs to potentially offer the best performance that Wi-Fi 7 has to offer.
The table below shows the specs of these two high-end Wi-Fi 7 access points. I’ll also add the EAP773 for those who want to see the difference in the tiers of Omada Wi-Fi 7 hardware.
Hardware specifications
A typical Omada access point
Like the case of most business APs, the EAP783 doesn’t include a power adapter or a PoE injector. That said, before you can use it, you need a PoE switch.
In this case, like the case of the Zyxel WBE660S, you need a PoE++ switch, preferably one with 10Gbps capability, such as the Zyxel XS1930-12HP. Or you can get an injector. Alternatively, you can also get a standard 12V power adapter, but in this case, you’ll lose flexibility in hardware placement.
Once the power situation is sorted out, the EAP783 will be the same as all standard APs in terms of the hardware setup. Specifically, to hook the hardware to the existing network, all you need to do are:
- Mount the AP where you want it to be using the included mounting accessories.
- Connect one end of a network cable to the AP’s PoE network port and the other end to a PoE++ switch or an injector of the same PoE standard that’s connected to the network.
After that, like all Omada access points, you have a few options to handle the EAP783, including:
- To use it as a standalone Wi-Fi broadcaster, you use the local web user interface.
- To use it as part of a mesh system, such as when you use multiple units:
This review evaluates the EAP783 as a standalone access point. The rest of what it can do as a member of a system is covered in this post on TP-Link Omada.
Standard web UI
TP-Link Omada EAP783’s performance: The fast access point to date
I tested the Omada EAP773 for over a week as a standalone unit, with the help of a Zyxel XS1930-12HP, and was impressed by its performance.
It’s the first Wi-Fi 7 to break the 3Gbps mark of sustained Wi-Fi speed when hosting a 2×2 Wi-Fi 7 client. It was faster than the Xyxel WBE660S in most tests, as shown in the charts below.
Like the case of all Wi-Fi 7 access points released in 2024 and before, the TP-Link EAP783 didn’t have AFC at the time of testing, which might be added via firmware in the future. The point is its 6GHz expectedly had a shorter range than the 5GHz, making MLO less ideal than it could be.
Overall, it shares the same Wi-Fi coverage as the WBE660S. While it’s impossible to put Wi-Fi range in numbers, and your mileage will vary if you live in a home of 2500 ft2 (232 m2) or smaller and can live it at the center, chances it’ll be able to blanket the entire place.
The AP also passed my 3-day stress test with no disconnection. Once set up, it generally just worked as intended.
The EAP783 had excellent wired performance, too. I tested its two 10Gbps, and they delivered the sustained real-world speed of almost 9.5Gbps, which is the highest number to date.
Another good thing about this top-tier access point is the fact it didn’t get hot. Thanks to the large physical size with lots of ventilation on the underside, the TP-Link EAP783 became only warm during operation, cool enough for me to be able to hold it indefinitely, unlike the case of other Wi-Fi 7 counterparts, such as the Ubiquiti U7 Pro Max. Still, it’s recommended that you leave it in an open space.
Pros
Top Wi-Fi 7 performance with MLO and two 10Gbps PoE port
Robust local web UI with lots of settings and features
Easy to mount, lots of advanced controller options
Cons
Bulky design; no power adapter or injector is included
No AFC at launch; a bit pricey
Conclusion
The TP-Link Omada EAP783 is an excellent BE22000 Tri-Band Wi-Fi 7 access point for those wanting to upgrade to Wi-Fi 7 with a non-compromising performance grade.
Additionally, the support for Omada mesh, which includes the new and free loud-based controller, means you can get a few units to build a robust mesh system on top of an existing router.
On the downside, it’s not cheap, and that’s not to mention the fact adding 10Gbps-capable PoE++ to the network itself can be quite an investment.
But EAP783 is worth the cost. Compared to the similarly priced Zyxel WBE660S, it’s not only faster but also more flexible in terms of management. So, consider it today!
