The 1st generation devices often ran into issues with database corruption when powered off suddenly. The 1st generation Cloud Key is still for sale, but the 2nd generation is much better. Cloud Keys are little Linux computers that run the software for you. If you don’t want a UDM, or don’t want to manage a self-hosted or cloud-hosted UniFi controller, Ubiquiti makes dedicated appliances called Cloud Keys. If you’ve never seen the UniFi controller in action, you can use the demo on Ubiquiti’s website. For what it is, a pretty interface that covers most basic functionality, it gets the job done. There are no licenses or upgrade costs to worry about. I feel that comparing it to expensive software is unfair, since this is free software that comes with inexpensive networking equipment. Almost all UniFi products are this way - good for it’s price point, but limited and definitely not my definition of enterprise-grade. It won’t match up well to an enterprise product from Aruba or Cisco. It definitely has limits though, and doesn’t offer a lot of advanced network settings. It comes with it’s fair share of issues and bugs, but it’s easier to use than most consumer network device interfaces. When compared to a typical web interface from Netgear, TP-Link, or others, the UniFi Network application is arguably better. Even if you run it temporarily on a PC and turn it off when setup is over, the access point will be less limited and more useful. I’d recommend running the Network application somewhere to set up the access point rather than using standalone mode. Standalone APs can’t be managed remotely, and have a limited set of features. An AP in standalone mode is capable of providing Wi-Fi, but its other features are limited. If you can’t run the software, you can setup a UniFi access point in standalone mode using the UniFi mobile app. To get the full benefits of the UniFi ecosystem, I recommend that you have an always-available controller, no matter how it’s hosted. Having it running all the time also saves you some configuration headaches, especially on a remote network. UniFi devices don't have a lot of storage, and they require the software to log information about your network. The software monitors and collects statistics about your network. Having the software running constantly has benefits, though. It is only required to be running for configuration and monitoring. The software doesn’t need to be running for the network to function. The Network application is what ties all UniFi devices together, giving you a web interface to configure them. A few things can be done on the command line via SSH, but in general, UniFi devices are meant to be managed through the GUI. Ubiquiti also make mobile applications for Android and iOS which have most of the functions found on the web interface. The primary way of accessing the software is in a web browser. If you need to make changes to your settings, add additional devices, or upgrade firmware, you’ll do all of that through the Network application. The Network application is used for configuring and monitoring your UniFi network. It also runs inside the UniFi Dream Machines and UniFi Cloud Keys. You can run the software on any PC you have, on a physical server, or in a VM or Docker container. This is free software that can run on Windows, macOS or Linux. With UniFi, you use the UniFi Network application. Software-defined networking can be a meaningless buzzword, but the basic definition is that the administration is done in software, separate from the actual networking equipment. UniFi OS Software and Applications Software-Defined Networking There are benefits to having all the pieces, but it’s not necessary.Ī lot of the value of UniFi is in the Network software, so lets talk about that first. If you need a managed switch or router, Ubiquiti makes those too. If you only need Wi-Fi, their access points can be connected to any switch, and served packets from any router. You can start with one device and build it out over time. You choose the pieces that you need, and you are not required to have a full UniFi stack. UniFi networks come in all shapes in sizes: from a small apartment, up to thousands of devices in a stadium, and a lot of networks in between. It’s in the middle ground, offering more flexibility and features than most consumer-grade brands, but lacking the expense and complexity of enterprise. UniFi equipment exists somewhere between enterprise and cheap home networking gear. UniFi is Ubiquiti’s line of networking equipment with different models of wireless access points, routers, switches, security cameras, controller appliances, VoIP phones, and access control products.
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