It offers more flexibility and functionality than most consumer brands, while being less expensive and less complex than enterprise solutions.
UniFi networks come in all shapes and sizes: from a small apartment to thousands of devices in a stadium, with many networks in between.
You choose the elements you need, with no obligation to adopt a complete UniFi solution.
You can start with a single device and expand your network gradually.
If you only need Wi-Fi, their access points can be connected to any switch, receiving packets from any router.
If a managed switch or router is required, Ubiquiti also offers this equipment.
While there are advantages to owning the complete package, it’s not a necessity.
UniFi’s real added value lies in its network software, and that’s what we’re going to cover in this article.
UniFi OS software and applications: Software-Defined Networking
Software-Defined Networking (SDN) may sometimes sound like an empty buzzword, but it simply refers tonetwork administration carried out via software, independently of the physical equipment.
With UniFi, this is done via the UniFi Network application.
This free software is compatible with Windows, macOS or Linux.
You can run it on any available PC, on a physical server, or in a virtual machine or Docker container.
It is also integrated into UniFi Dream Machines and UniFi Cloud Keys.
The Network application is used to configure and monitor your UniFi network.
Any changes to settings, additions of additional devices or firmware updates are made via this application.
The main access to the software is via a web browser, although Ubiquiti also offers mobile apps for Android and iOS that take over most of the functionality of the web interface.
Some settings can be made via SSH on the command line, but in general, UniFi devices are designed to be managed via the graphical interface.
Finally, it’s possible to link one or more sites via the controller (Dream Machine or Cloud Key) to the “UniFi Site Manager” Cloud console, which lets you manage the equipment. remote andhave a backup.
Network application: UniFi network management controller
The network application links all UniFi devices, providing a Web interface for their configuration.
The software doesn’t need to be active for the network to work, but it is necessary for configuration and monitoring.
However, leaving it active at all times has advantages, such as tracking and collecting statistics on your network.
UniFi devices don’t have much storage, so they depend on the software to record network information.
Having the software active at all times also avoids certain configuration problems, especially for remote networks.
To take full advantage of the UniFi ecosystem, it’s advisable to have a controller that’s always accessible, regardless of how it’s hosted.
If software execution is not possible, a UniFi access point can be configured in stand-alone mode via the UniFi mobile app.
A standalone access point can provide Wi-Fi, but its functionality will be limited.
These access points cannot be managed remotely and offer a reduced set of functions.
It’s better to run the network application somewhere to configure the access point than to opt for stand-alone mode.
Even a temporary run on a PC, deactivated once configuration is complete, will make the access point more useful and less limited.
Things to remember
Compared with conventional Web interfaces from Netgear, TP-Link and others, the UniFi Network application is undoubtedly superior. It’s easier to use than most consumer network device interfaces.
However, like any solution, it also has its limitations, and doesn’t offer many advanced network settings at the moment.
If we compare UniFi’s products with those of Aruba Instant On, we find that they are equivalent.
Indeed, the UniFi management console is even slightly more advanced.
Other Aruba products are more advanced: for example, some UniFi switches are level 3, but with rather limited functionality.
There’s no ACL (Access Control List) capability, and command lines are also very limited. In short, most UniFi products are like this: good for their price, but limited and certainly not up to a definition of enterprise quality.
There are no licenses or upgrade fees to worry about.
In our opinion, as a reseller and installer in French-speaking Switzerland, this solution is an attractive interface covering most basic functionalities.
If you’re interested in installing Ubiquiti Wi-Fi, please visit our dedicated page or send us your inquiry.
