The GWN ecosystem
Grandstream's networking line — the GWN series — lets you run an entire network from one vendor and manage it centrally for free. The four building blocks are:
- Access points — Wi-Fi 5, Wi-Fi 6, Wi-Fi 6E and the latest Wi-Fi 7 models for high-density sites.
- Switches — from unmanaged to Layer 2+ access and Layer 3 aggregation, with PoE/PoE+ to power devices.
- Routers & gateways — multi-WAN, VPN and firewall for the network edge.
- Management — GWN.Cloud (free cloud), GWN Manager (on-premise), or a controller embedded in the access points.
Access points
Choose APs by coverage area and user density. Wi-Fi 6/6E handles busy offices, while Wi-Fi 7 is ideal for very high-density environments like auditoriums, campuses and hotels. Features include band steering, mesh, captive portal and voucher-based guest Wi-Fi.
Switches
Layer 2+ access switches (the GWN78xx family) connect and power your APs, IP phones and IP cameras, while Layer 3 switches (the GWN781x family) handle routing between VLANs in larger networks. Size the PoE budget to the devices you need to power.
Routers & security gateways
Grandstream routers (the GWN70xx family) provide multi-WAN failover, site-to-site and client VPN, QoS and firewalling — the right edge for multi-branch businesses.
One platform: GWN.Cloud & GWN Manager
This is Grandstream's biggest differentiator: GWN.Cloud is free, with no per-device licence fees. Manage multiple sites, provision devices with zero-touch, monitor health and receive alerts from a single dashboard — or run GWN Manager on-premise if you prefer to keep management in-house.
Designing a GWN network — a quick method
- Map coverage and user density to decide the number and type of access points.
- Count the devices that need power (APs, cameras, phones) to size switch ports and PoE budget.
- Assess WAN links and VPN needs to choose the router.
- Decide management: free GWN.Cloud or on-premise GWN Manager.
- Plan VLANs and SSIDs (staff, guest, voice, CCTV) for security and QoS.
| Layer | Grandstream family | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Wireless access | GWN76xx access points | Wi-Fi coverage and capacity |
| Wired access | GWN78xx switches | Connect and power endpoints (PoE/PoE+) |
| Core / aggregation | GWN781x L3 switches | Routing between VLANs |
| Network edge | GWN70xx routers | WAN, VPN and firewall |
| Management | GWN.Cloud / GWN Manager | Monitor and configure everything |
UC + networking convergence
Grandstream networking pairs naturally with Grandstream's UCM IP PBX, IP phones and GSC cameras on one platform — see our IP PBX guide for the telephony side, or explore the full Grandstream range.
Key takeaways
- GWN covers access points, switches, routers and management from one vendor.
- GWN.Cloud management is free — no per-device licences.
- Wi-Fi 7 APs suit high-density sites; size switches by PoE budget.