GRANDSTREAM GWN NETWORKING · UNMANAGED GIGABIT SWITCH FAMILY
GWN7700 Unmanaged Switch Series
The Grandstream GWN7700 Unmanaged Switch Series is a plug-and-play family for businesses that need straightforward Gigabit Ethernet expansion without a managed-switch configuration layer. The current family covers compact 5- and 8-port desktop options, 16- and 24-port models for larger endpoint groups, and a 48-port model with fiber uplink capability. Selected P and PA variants add IEEE 802.3af/at PoE for compatible IP phones, Wi-Fi access points, cameras and other powered endpoints.
This Fourteck page is designed to help buyers choose the right GWN7700 model by port count, PoE requirement, power budget, mounting preference and deployment role. It focuses on the exact differences inside the family rather than treating every GWN7700 switch as interchangeable. For Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and wider UAE projects, the most important step is to match the switch to the endpoint schedule and to decide early whether unmanaged switching is sufficient for the approved network design.
PoE+ variants available
No configuration required
Desktop / wall / rack options by model
What problem does the GWN7700 series solve?
The series is aimed at a common networking requirement: a site already has a router, firewall or upstream network and simply needs more wired Ethernet connections. In that situation, a fully managed access switch can be unnecessary if there is no requirement to configure VLAN membership, port security, spanning-tree policy, aggregation or remote switch administration at that edge point. A GWN7700 model can provide a simple forwarding layer between the uplink and local devices.
Typical examples include a reception desk that has one network drop but several local devices, a small branch with phones and computers, a meeting room that needs wired endpoints, a point-of-sale area, a training room, a compact CCTV edge location, or an office rack that requires additional Gigabit access ports. PoE-capable models can reduce the need for separate power adapters where compatible endpoints are designed to take power over Ethernet.
The simplicity is also the main limitation. Unmanaged switching is not the correct choice when the business expects the switch itself to enforce configurable segmentation, provide detailed remote monitoring, expose per-port administration or participate in a managed campus design. If those capabilities are part of the requirement, compare a managed Grandstream switch family rather than buying an unmanaged model and trying to make it perform a role it was not designed to perform.
GWN7700 series model selector
Grandstream positions the current GWN7700(P&PA) family as a nine-model unmanaged range. The table below keeps the decision focused on the differences that most often change a quotation: data-port count, powered-port count, stated PoE budget where applicable, and mounting style.
| Model | Gigabit RJ45 | PoE ports | PoE budget | Enclosure / mounting | Practical fit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GWN7700 | 5 | None | Not applicable | Plastic; desktop / wall | Very small non-PoE edge expansion |
| GWN7700P | 5 | 4 | 60 W total | Metal; desktop / wall | Small PoE phone, AP or camera group |
| GWN7701 | 8 | None | Not applicable | Plastic; desktop / wall | Small office with more wired devices |
| GWN7701P | 8 | 4 | 60 W total | Metal; desktop / wall | Mixed powered and non-powered endpoints |
| GWN7701PA | 8 | 8 | 145 W total | Metal; desktop / rack | Eight-device PoE-heavy small installation |
| GWN7702 | 16 | None | Not applicable | Metal; desktop / rack | Medium non-PoE access group |
| GWN7702P | 16 | 8 | 138 W total | Metal; desktop / rack | Mixed 16-port network with up to eight PoE links |
| GWN7703 | 24 | None | Not applicable | Metal; desktop / rack | Higher-density non-PoE access |
| GWN7706 | 48 + 2 SFP | None | Not applicable | Metal; desktop / rack | Large unmanaged copper edge with fiber uplink option |
Selection note: the number of powered ports and the total PoE budget are separate constraints. A switch can have enough physical ports but still be unsuitable if the combined endpoint demand exceeds the available power budget. Confirm the maximum power requirement of the exact phone, camera, access point or other endpoint before finalizing the PoE model.
How the nine models differ in real projects
GWN7700: compact five-port expansion
The GWN7700 is the simplest non-PoE model in the family. It provides five 10/100/1000 Mbps RJ45 ports, a 10 Gbps switching capacity, a 2K MAC address table and 9 KB jumbo-frame support. Its compact plastic enclosure suits desktop or wall mounting. Use it where the job is simply to connect a few local Ethernet devices and none of those devices requires power from the switch.
GWN7700P: five ports with four PoE outputs
The GWN7700P keeps the five-port footprint but changes the enclosure to metal and adds four IEEE 802.3af/at PoE-capable ports. Grandstream specifies up to 30 W on an individual supported port within a 60 W total budget. This model is relevant to small clusters such as several compatible phones around a reception area, a small camera group or a compact access-point deployment, provided the total power calculation fits.
GWN7701: eight non-PoE ports
The GWN7701 moves to eight Gigabit RJ45 ports while remaining a non-PoE desktop or wall-mount switch. The current datasheet lists 16 Gbps switching capacity, an 8K MAC address table and 9 KB jumbo frames. It is a practical option where a small office, meeting space or back-office area needs more wired connections than a five-port model provides but power injection is handled elsewhere.
GWN7701P: eight ports, four powered
The GWN7701P combines eight Gigabit data ports with four PoE ports and a stated 60 W total power budget. This is useful for mixed environments in which only part of the endpoint group needs PoE. For example, a small branch could connect several computers or printers while powering a limited number of compatible phones, cameras or wireless access points from the same switch.
GWN7701PA: all eight ports available for PoE
The GWN7701PA is the PoE-heavy eight-port option. Grandstream specifies eight PoE ports and a 145 W total budget, with a metal chassis and rack-mount support. It can be attractive for a small communications rack where most connected devices require PoE. The buyer should still calculate endpoint demand individually because eight powered interfaces do not mean eight devices can each draw the maximum port value simultaneously.
GWN7702: sixteen-port non-PoE access
The GWN7702 provides 16 Gigabit RJ45 ports in a metal chassis intended for desktop or rack deployment. The datasheet lists 32 Gbps switching capacity, an 8K MAC address table and 10 KB jumbo frames. It suits a medium endpoint group where the network only needs transparent Gigabit switching and power is not required from the switch.
GWN7702P: sixteen ports with eight PoE outputs
The GWN7702P keeps the 16-port access density and adds eight IEEE 802.3af/at PoE ports. Grandstream specifies a 138 W total PoE budget. This model can fit branch racks or technical rooms where a mixture of powered and non-powered devices share one unmanaged access layer. Before ordering, confirm which eight endpoint connections need PoE and how much power they can draw under worst-case operating conditions.
GWN7703: twenty-four-port non-PoE density
The GWN7703 expands the family to 24 Gigabit RJ45 ports, with a metal desktop/rack chassis, 48 Gbps switching capacity, an 8K MAC address table and 10 KB jumbo-frame support in the current datasheet. It is aimed at sites that want a larger unmanaged copper access block but do not need PoE from the switch itself.
GWN7706: forty-eight Gigabit ports plus SFP
The GWN7706 is the highest-density model in this family description. Grandstream lists 48 Gigabit RJ45 ports plus two SFP fiber ports, a 16K MAC address table and 100 Gbps switching capacity. It is the clear choice to investigate when the requirement is a large unmanaged copper edge and the site benefits from fiber uplink connectivity. It remains an unmanaged model, so density alone should not be confused with managed-enterprise functionality.
PoE selection: calculate the load, not just the port count
The GWN7700P, GWN7701P, GWN7701PA and GWN7702P are the PoE variants highlighted in Grandstream’s current series material. They support IEEE 802.3af/at on their powered interfaces, with Grandstream specifying up to 30 W on an individual supported port. The total budget is lower than the sum of every port operating at 30 W, so project design must consider both limits.
| PoE model | Powered ports | Stated total budget | Buyer question |
|---|---|---|---|
| GWN7700P | 4 | 60 W | Can four endpoints operate inside a shared 60 W budget? |
| GWN7701P | 4 | 60 W | Do you need four powered links and four additional data links? |
| GWN7701PA | 8 | 145 W | Will all eight PoE endpoints remain within 145 W combined? |
| GWN7702P | 8 | 138 W | Is eight powered plus eight non-powered connections a good fit? |
For a phone deployment, use the telephone’s documented maximum PoE requirement rather than guessing from typical consumption. For cameras, account for modes such as infrared illumination if they change power demand. For Wi-Fi access points, check the exact radio configuration and model requirement. Then add a practical project allowance where appropriate. If the calculation is close to the switch limit, choose a model or architecture that provides more headroom instead of designing around a permanently saturated power budget.
Core switching capabilities across the family
The GWN7700 family is designed around automatic Ethernet operation. Auto-negotiation lets ports recognize compatible 10, 100 or 1000 Mbps devices and select the appropriate link speed. Auto MDI/MDIX removes the normal need to think about crossover cabling for switch-to-device and many switch-to-switch connections. These characteristics are valuable during small office expansions because the installer can concentrate on cabling quality, endpoint requirements and uplink design rather than basic port configuration.
Grandstream also lists IEEE 802.3x flow control across the family material. Flow control is intended to help when a receiving device or switch port cannot process incoming frames as quickly as they arrive. The series documentation also references MAC-address auto-learning and auto-aging, LED status indication, green technology for reduced power consumption, storm-control behavior, and default strict-priority QoS where present. Treat these as built-in behaviors rather than as a substitute for configurable managed-switch policies.
Jumbo-frame support varies by model group in the current datasheet: the five- and eight-port models list 9 KB, the 16- and 24-port group lists 10 KB, and the GWN7706 lists 9 KB. Jumbo frames only provide a benefit when the complete traffic path and applications are designed for a consistent larger frame size. A switch advertising jumbo-frame support does not automatically improve ordinary internet or VoIP traffic.
Where unmanaged switching is a good fit
Reception and front desk
A front desk may need a PC, printer, phone, payment terminal and another local device from a limited number of wall outlets. A small GWN7700 switch can expand the local wired connections when the upstream network already provides the required security and segmentation.
Small branch office
A branch with a modest endpoint count may only need stable Gigabit access to an existing router or firewall. The 8- or 16-port models can provide simple expansion while avoiding a configuration layer that local staff do not need to administer.
IP phone cluster
A PoE variant can power compatible Grandstream or third-party IP phones while providing Ethernet transport. PBX registration, voice VLAN policy and call quality still depend on the wider network and telephony platform, so the switch should be treated as one infrastructure component.
Wireless access-point edge
A suitable PoE model can power a small number of compatible wireless access points, but buyers should compare AP power requirements and wired interface speeds. If the access points require multi-Gigabit Ethernet, the standard GWN7700 Gigabit family may not be the best match.
Camera edge network
For a small camera group, PoE models can simplify power and data cabling. Confirm the recorder path, expected aggregate video traffic and endpoint power. Larger surveillance projects usually deserve a more complete capacity, redundancy and management review.
Training and meeting spaces
Temporary or semi-permanent rooms may need several wired computers, displays, conferencing devices or desk phones. A plug-and-play switch can make the local expansion straightforward when the room is already connected to a correctly designed upstream network.
When not to choose a GWN7700 unmanaged switch
Choose a managed alternative when the switch itself must provide configurable network functions. Common examples include per-port VLAN assignment, central switch administration, detailed port diagnostics, configurable link aggregation, policy-based traffic control, managed redundancy or a formal enterprise access-layer design. Do not assume that a simple unmanaged switch can be made equivalent through an external cloud platform.
Also reconsider this family when endpoint links need more than 1 Gbps. Grandstream has a separate GWN7700M unmanaged multi-Gigabit family for faster copper links. The exact choice should follow the device interfaces and expected workloads. A Wi-Fi 6E or Wi-Fi 7 label by itself does not prove that a 2.5 Gigabit wired interface is necessary, but the AP datasheet and traffic plan may justify it.
If you are uncertain about the switch category, use Fourteck’s Grandstream network switch selection guide before comparing individual models.
Planning the correct port count
Start with a physical endpoint schedule rather than choosing a familiar switch size. Count computers, phones, printers, access points, cameras, video devices, door systems, gateways, smart displays and any other equipment that connects directly to the switch. Add the uplink if it uses one of the copper ports. Then add realistic planned growth. This avoids a common problem in which a nominal eight-port switch effectively has only seven endpoint connections after one port is used upstream.
If an IP phone has a second Ethernet port for a connected computer, one switch port may serve both devices. That arrangement can be practical, but it should not be assumed automatically. Confirm the phone’s LAN and PC-port speed, the organization’s cabling standard and any voice/data VLAN design. A separate connection for the computer may be preferred for troubleshooting, performance or policy reasons.
Port count should also be reviewed by location. A 48-port switch may seem efficient when looking at the total building requirement, but cable lengths and floor layout may make smaller switches in several communications cabinets more appropriate. Conversely, adding multiple small switches beneath desks can complicate power protection and fault isolation. Fourteck can help compare the physical topology rather than selecting only from total endpoint count.
Mounting, power and cabinet considerations
The smallest models are convenient for desktop or wall deployment, while the larger metal models support rack-oriented installation. The GWN7701PA, GWN7702, GWN7702P, GWN7703 and GWN7706 are relevant when the project benefits from placing the switch in a communications rack. Verify the exact packaging and mounting hardware included with the model before the installation date.
Power design matters even for a basic switch. A non-PoE unit still needs stable electrical supply, and a PoE model may become part of the power path for phones, cameras or wireless access points. If those endpoints must stay operational during a local outage, the UPS must support the switch and every other device required for the service, such as the router, firewall, modem, PBX or recorder. Keeping only the access switch powered does not guarantee that calls, internet access or surveillance recording will continue.
The current datasheet lists typical operating temperatures of 0 to 40 °C for the GWN7700 through GWN7703 groups and 0 to 45 °C for the GWN7706. These are equipment limits, not a recommendation to operate a UAE communications cabinet near the maximum. Review airflow, cabinet heat load and air-conditioning reliability so the installation has sensible thermal margin.
Dubai and UAE deployment guidance
In Dubai offices, the GWN7700 family can be useful for small structured-cabling extensions, branch fit-outs and local endpoint groups where the upstream network is already designed. A Business Bay reception, Deira retail counter, JLT meeting room or Dubai South site office may need only a few reliable wired links. In these situations, a five- or eight-port model can be easier to place than a rack-sized managed switch, provided the project does not require configurable policies at that local edge.
For larger Dubai and Abu Dhabi offices, the 16-, 24- and 48-port models should be evaluated as part of the cabinet plan. Confirm patch-panel capacity, rack space, UPS load, uplink method and spare-port requirement. The GWN7706 deserves particular attention when a 48-port unmanaged block plus SFP uplink capability suits the topology. If the site needs VLAN administration, remote monitoring or managed redundancy, move the shortlist toward an appropriate managed Grandstream series instead.
Sharjah, Ajman and other UAE branches may have smaller local IT teams, which can make plug-and-play equipment attractive. Simplicity should still be balanced against support needs. If a remote support team expects to disable a failed port, monitor errors, check link history or change segmentation centrally, an unmanaged switch may actually make troubleshooting harder. Write those operational expectations into the requirement before selecting the hardware.
Regional branch planning beyond the UAE
For multi-country organizations using similar branch designs in Kuwait, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Ghana or Nigeria, the GWN7700 series can support a standardized unmanaged edge role where the local requirements are genuinely the same. Standardization should include the exact switch model, power supply, rack or wall arrangement, uplink design, cable labeling and replacement procedure. Do not standardize only on the family name because the port count, PoE capability and power budget vary significantly between models.
Before regional procurement, confirm the receiving destination, quantities, commercial terms and current model availability for each order. This page does not claim local stock, delivery time, warranty terms or installation presence in any particular country. Fourteck can use the endpoint schedule and site list to prepare a more accurate quotation and help determine whether one model can be reused across branches or whether different sites need different GWN7700 variants.
GWN7700 versus other Grandstream switch choices
| Requirement | Family to investigate | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Simple 1 GbE plug-and-play expansion | GWN7700 | Unmanaged Gigabit models with several port and PoE choices |
| Unmanaged 2.5 GbE edge | GWN7700M | Designed for faster multi-Gigabit copper connectivity |
| Essential switch management | Grandstream Layer 2 Lite families | More appropriate where configurable management is part of the requirement |
| Managed business access layer | GWN7800 / related managed families | Better fit for VLANs, administration and managed-network operations |
For a broader category decision, see Grandstream plug-and-play network switching solutions. For installation scope, cabling checks and commissioning considerations, continue to Grandstream network switch installation and configuration.
Using GWN7700 switches with IP phones
An unmanaged GWN7700 switch can transport Ethernet traffic for SIP phones in the same way it carries ordinary IP traffic, and a suitable PoE variant can supply power to compatible handsets. The switch does not create a PBX service and does not by itself make a telephone compatible with a particular PBX. Registration, dial plan, codecs, SIP security and extension features belong to the telephony platform and endpoint configuration.
For a small office, a GWN7700P or GWN7701P may be attractive when only several phones need power. The GWN7701PA can support a larger all-PoE eight-port group, while the GWN7702P provides 16 data ports with eight PoE outputs. Choose by both phone count and maximum power demand. If the organization uses separate voice and data VLANs that must be configured at the access switch, an unmanaged model may not be suitable even if its PoE capacity looks perfect.
Also review the complete failure path. A PoE phone can remain powered while calls fail because the upstream router, firewall, PBX or internet connection is unavailable. UPS planning should therefore follow the communication service, not just the switch specification.
Using GWN7700 switches with Grandstream Wi-Fi access points
PoE versions of the GWN7700 series can be useful when a small number of compatible wireless access points need power and a Gigabit Ethernet uplink is sufficient for the intended AP model. Check the AP’s required PoE standard, maximum input power and wired-port speed. Newer wireless access points may include 2.5 GbE or faster wired interfaces, in which case a standard 1 GbE GWN7700 switch can become the wired bottleneck even though the wireless radio supports higher aggregate throughput.
For Wi-Fi projects, cabling and RF design matter as much as the switch. Access-point placement should follow coverage and capacity planning, while switch placement should follow structured cabling and power requirements. Fourteck’s Grandstream access point installation and configuration page covers the wider deployment process.
Multi-site use and support strategy
Unmanaged switches can reduce configuration effort at a small branch because there is no local switch configuration to maintain. That can be an advantage when the branch should simply extend an already-approved network segment. However, it also means the remote team has fewer switch-level diagnostic and control tools. If support engineers need detailed port visibility, remote shutdown, VLAN changes or historical monitoring, choose a managed platform instead.
For organizations with several branches, document the switch role at each site. Record the model, serial information during deployment, uplink port, connected endpoints, PoE allocation, physical location and UPS dependency. Keep a replacement plan for critical branches. The goal is to make a simple device genuinely simple to support rather than allowing it to become an undocumented box under a desk.
For broader branch operations, see Fourteck’s Grandstream multi-site network management guidance. That page helps determine when centralized management requirements justify a different switch class.
Pre-order checklist for Fourteck
List every device that will connect directly, including the uplink and planned growth.
Identify which ports need power and provide the exact endpoint models or maximum power requirements.
Confirm whether unmanaged operation is acceptable or whether VLANs, monitoring and remote control are required.
Check whether 1 GbE is sufficient for every endpoint and the uplink, especially Wi-Fi access points and storage paths.
State whether the switch will sit on a desk, mount on a wall or install in a rack, and confirm available space and airflow.
Define whether the switch and attached PoE devices must remain active during an outage and size UPS support accordingly.
Provide site locations, switch quantities and requested project timing so commercial terms can be checked accurately.
State whether the requirement is supply only or includes installation, cabling checks, testing, documentation or migration support.
Frequently asked questions about the GWN7700 Unmanaged Switch Series
Is the GWN7700 series managed or unmanaged?
It is an unmanaged switch family. The purpose is plug-and-play Ethernet expansion without a normal managed-switch configuration workflow. If your project requires configurable VLANs, remote port administration or other managed functions at the access switch, compare a managed Grandstream family instead.
Which GWN7700 models support PoE?
The current family material identifies GWN7700P, GWN7701P, GWN7701PA and GWN7702P as PoE models. The GWN7700P and GWN7701P provide four powered ports, while GWN7701PA and GWN7702P provide eight. Confirm the exact model and latest datasheet before ordering.
Can the PoE models power Grandstream IP phones?
They can power compatible IEEE 802.3af/at endpoints within the port and total switch power limits. Check the exact phone model’s power requirement and calculate the combined load. The switch provides network transport and power; it does not replace PBX configuration or determine SIP compatibility.
What is the difference between GWN7701P and GWN7701PA?
Both are eight-port Gigabit models, but GWN7701P provides four PoE ports with a 60 W total budget, while GWN7701PA provides eight PoE ports with a 145 W total budget. GWN7701PA also uses a rack-capable metal format suited to a more PoE-intensive installation.
Does the GWN7700 series support Gigabit Ethernet?
Yes. The standard GWN7700 family described here uses 10/100/1000 Mbps RJ45 ports with auto-negotiation. The GWN7706 additionally includes two SFP ports. If the project needs 2.5 Gigabit copper access, compare Grandstream’s separate GWN7700M multi-Gigabit family.
Can I use a GWN7700 switch for Wi-Fi access points?
Yes, when the access point’s Ethernet speed and PoE requirements match the selected switch. For newer APs with multi-Gigabit wired ports, a standard 1 GbE GWN7700 link may limit wired throughput, so check the AP datasheet before finalizing the switch.
Which model is best for a small office?
There is no single best model. A five-port GWN7700 may suit a very small non-PoE extension, GWN7700P can add four powered links, and eight-port options fit larger local groups. Choose after counting endpoints, the uplink, PoE devices and expected growth.
Does GWN7706 provide PoE?
The current GWN7706 datasheet describes it as a 48-port non-PoE Gigabit switch with two SFP ports. If your 48-port project requires powered endpoints, do not assume GWN7706 will provide PoE; compare another switch family or architecture that meets the required power budget.
Can I manage a GWN7700 switch through GDMS?
Do not select the unmanaged GWN7700 family expecting the same configurable switch-management experience as a managed Grandstream model. Other Grandstream products may use centralized management platforms, but an unmanaged switch should be selected for its plug-and-play role. If remote switch administration is a requirement, choose a managed family that explicitly supports it.
What information should I send Fourteck for a quotation?
Send the required quantity, installation location, endpoint count, number of PoE devices, endpoint models where possible, preferred mounting method, existing uplink arrangement and project timing. If several branches are involved, include a site-by-site schedule so the model can be matched to each location instead of assuming one size fits every branch.
Request a GWN7700 series quotation from Fourteck
For a useful quotation, send Fourteck the device list rather than only the model name. We can compare the number of Gigabit ports, PoE port count, total power requirement, mounting arrangement and need for managed features. This helps avoid selecting a switch that looks correct by port count but does not fit the endpoint power or operational requirement.
Availability, lead time, delivery scope, warranty handling and project services should be confirmed for the actual order. For supply-only requests, provide the quantity and destination. For installation projects, also include the existing router or main switch, cabinet details, cabling status and any requirement for UPS protection or handover documentation.