Huawei Introduces Wi-Fi 7 Router with 11 Internal Antennas

In April 2025, Huawei introduced the Router X1 Pro in China, a Wi-Fi 7 router that abandons the typical external antenna design for a sleek cylindrical shape containing 11 internal antennas. Priced at 899 yuan (approximately $125), the device offers a competitive option on paper but is currently exclusive to the Chinese market.

The Router X1 Pro’s cylindrical design aims to provide 360-degree wireless coverage while avoiding the cluttered appearance common to routers with external antennas. This innovative form factor earned the device a 2025 German iF Design Award. On the rear panel, it includes four 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet ports, catering to users with multi-gigabit broadband connections or those operating network-attached storage (NAS) systems.

Powered by Huawei’s proprietary Lingxiao system-on-chip (SoC), the X1 Pro supports Wi-Fi 7 and incorporates Multi-Link Operation (MLO). MLO enables compatible devices to connect simultaneously to both the 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands, allowing one band to compensate if the other experiences congestion, a feature beneficial in densely populated residential areas. Additionally, Huawei offers a Game Turbo mode designed to prioritize gaming traffic, claiming a 37% reduction in latency for supported devices, based on the company’s own marketing data without independent verification.

The router also integrates a StarFlash gateway supporting NearLink, Huawei’s proprietary low-latency protocol intended for smart home devices, positioning it as an alternative to Bluetooth and conventional Wi-Fi for accessory connectivity. The entire system operates on HarmonyOS, which closely integrates the router with Huawei’s ecosystem of devices.

Challenges for Western Market Entry

Despite its competitive price and award-winning design, the Router X1 Pro faces significant barriers to entry in Western markets. Huawei’s consumer router presence remains minimal in the United States and United Kingdom, where established brands like TP-Link, with its Deco BE95, and ASUS dominate the Wi-Fi 7 gaming router segment, supported by extensive retail availability and positive reviews. Furthermore, NearLink lacks substantial smart home device support in Western regions, limiting its appeal. The reliance on HarmonyOS offers limited advantages to users without existing Huawei devices.

No official plans have been announced regarding the router’s availability in the US or UK. Consumers currently seeking Wi-Fi 7 routers in these markets are advised to consider established alternatives until Huawei provides retail options locally.

Ethernet ports on the Huawei Router X1 Pro. Illustration: Huawei

Huawei Router X1 Pro. Illustration: Huawei