Here at Geekabit, one of our Wi-Fi engineers’ top choices when it comes to Wi-Fi hardware and cloud management is Ubiquiti UniFi.
This brand offers scalable, license-free cloud management which are vital features for business Wi-Fi. These features allow our clients to rapidly expand their network capacity, and thus supporting more users and devices without the complex maintenance.
If your business is looking for Wi-Fi that is:
- Flexible
- Cost effective
- Centralised and secure
Then you’re in the right place.
For help with the technical jargon and terminology in this article, skip to the end for a detailed list.
How do I get my business Wi-Fi started with UniFi?
The best way to get started is with a Cloud Gateway. This combines UniFi management software with a powerful network gateway.
This article will look at how to get started with a Cloud Gateway and how they work.
Are there other control plane options?
Other control plane options are available, which usually run on dedicated hardware devices running UniFi OS like UniFi Consoles, and the UniFi applications (Network, Protect, Access, Talk, Connect) which serve as a local control plane.
We’ll look at the alternative consoles later, but it’s worth noting that these are recommended for advanced users.
How to Begin With a Cloud Gateway
For the best UniFi experience, our Wi-Fi experts here at Geekabit would strongly recommend starting with a Cloud Gateway.
This integrates the following into one single device:
- Networking
- Security
- UniFi management software
Which one you need depends on the size of your deployment.
Which UniFi Cloud Gateway do I need for small to mid-sized Wi-Fi deployments?
For a balance of performance and management capabilities, the below products would work well for small to mid-sized Wi-Fi deployments:
- The Dream Machine Pro (UDM-Pro)
- Dream Machine Special Edition (UDM-SE)
- UCG-Ultra
The key difference between these is their form. The first two are UDMs and are rack-mounted. The UCG-Ultra and UCG-Max are desktop units.
I have a mid- to large-scale Wi-Fi deployment – Which UniFi Cloud Gateway do I need?
For mid to large scale Wi-Fi deployments, the below will provide significantly more CPU and RAM for additional users and UniFi devices, plus a second HDD for video recording resilience.
- The Dream Machine Pro Max (UDM-Pro-Max)
Which UniFi Cloud Gateway is best for an enterprise-scale network?
A larger, enterprise network can benefit from the ultra-high performance with 25 GbE networking and support for more than 5,000 users via
- The Enterprise Fortress Gateway (EFG)
Should I Offload Other UniFi Applications to a Different Console?
For more enhanced capacity and performance, you may opt to run other UniFi Applications like Protect, Access and Talk on a different, dedicated Console.
It’s worth noting that if you are using an Enterprise Fortress Gateway (EFG) for a larger network, then you can only run the Network application on that gateway, not the other applications. For the other UniFi applications, you will need a separate UniFi console.
To use Protect in a large UniFi deployment you could use the following consoles:
- A UNVR-series device would provide reliable, high-capacity video storage and management
- An ENVR provides even more storage and camera support for the most demanding deployments
- Vantage Point can be used to manage multiple UNVRs from a single control plane
For Protect or Access needs in smaller UniFi deployments:
- The CloudKey+ can support up to 12 cameras and multiple UniFi applications in a compact form factor.
What are the other Control Plane Options for advanced UniFi users?
Cloud Gateways are excellent Control Plane options for almost all types of Wi-Fi deployments, but there are other UniFi options that can also provide additional control plane choices. These are Hardware UniFi Consoles, Official UniFi Hosting and Self-Hosted UniFi Networks.
Most users choosing to use one of these options will pair it with a UXG for UniFi’s routing, VPN and security features.
Hardware UniFi Consoles
- CloudKey+: This is a compact option for running UniFi Network, Protect, Access and Talk.
- CloudKey Enterprise: This console is designed for larger UniFi networks, and can support up to 1,000 APs and switches.
Official UniFi Hosting
Official UniFi Hosting is a cloud-based UniFi Network management solution for users who prefer a managed hosting option over dedicated hardware.
Self-Hosted UniFi Network
Advanced users can run a Self-Hosted UniFi Network on their own hardware.
Detailed Comparison of UniFi Console Options
If you are an advanced user, the table below outlines specific details for each UniFi Console type and the related models.
| Console Type | Function | Applications Supported | Key Models / Form Factors |
| Cloud Gateways | Combines UniFi Network management with routing, security, and performance optimization. | All UniFi applications (except for EFG, which runs UniFi Network only). | Compact: UCG-Ultra (1Gbps routing), UCG-Max (2.3Gbps routing & full suite) Rack-Mounted: UDM-Pro / SE (3.5Gbps routing & full suite), UDM-Pro Max (more CPU/RAM, 2nd HDD), EFG (25 GbE, 5,000+ clients, Network Only) |
| CloudKeys | Dedicated UniFi Consoles for small and mid-sized deployments. | CloudKey+: UniFi Network, Protect, Access and Talk. CloudKey Enterprise: UniFi Network manager (supports up to 1,000 APs and switches). | CloudKey+, CloudKey Enterprise |
| UniFi Network Video Recorders | Primarily designed for UniFi Protect deployments. | Protect and Access only. | UNVR, UNVR-Pro, ENVR |
| Official UniFi Hosting (OUH) | Cloud-based UniFi Network hosting (not a physical console but functions as one). | UniFi Network only. | N/A (Cloud-based service) |
Do you need help with your Wi-Fi deployment?
If you’re interested in utilising UniFi components in your business Wi-Fi network, whether it’s a small, mid-size or enterprise deployment, then our Wi-Fi engineers here at Geekabit can help.
From Site Surveys to Network Design to Deployment, let our Wi-Fi experts guide you and make sure your business Wi-Fi is as reliable, robust and secure as it can be.
Get in touch with Geekabit today.
UniFi Console Terminology
Tech terminology can get confusing. If you’re wondering what all the abbreviations and terms mean, then read on.
EFG: Enterprise Fortress Gateway
OUH: Official UniFi Hosting
UCG: UniFi Cloud Gateway
UDR: UniFi Dream Router
UDM: UniFi Dream Machine
UniFi Cloud Gateway: A UniFi Console with a built-in network gateway, such as a Dream Machine Pro or UCG-Ultra. These devices combine network management, security, and routing in one unit.
UniFi Console: A UniFi Host running on Ubiquiti hardware, such as a CloudKey+, UNVR, UNAS or Cloud Gateway.
UniFi Host: A general term for any device running UniFi applications.
UNVR: UniFi Network Video Recorder
ENVR: Enterprise Network Video Recorder
With thanks to https://uk.store.ui.com/uk/en/products/udm-pro for the image.
