Ubiquiti

UniFi Wi-Fi for Business: Is Ubiquiti Good Enough for a Professional Network?

Here at Geekabit, we talk a lot about Ubiquiti and use their hardware for many of our business clients. Ubiquiti UniFi has become extremely popular, being used in home networks as well as offices, hospitals, retail and other commercial environments.

With attractive pricing and a single management ecosystem, it’s an inviting choice when it comes to planning a network. But we’re commonly asked this question: Is UniFi really suitable for a professional business network?

The short answer is Yes, it’s absolutely suitable in the right environment. But professional Wi-Fi is about far more than just the logo on your Access Point. Proper design, configuration and ongoing management are critical for your business network to work reliably and efficiently.

What Is Ubiquiti UniFi?

Ubiquiti UniFi is an integrated networking ecosystem. Products in a Ubiquiti network include:

Wireless access points
Network switches
Gateways and firewalls
Controllers
Cameras and security
Other network infrastructure

It has a central management interface and is suitable for networks ranging from relatively small deployments to substantial multi-AP installations.

Is UniFi Suitable for Business Wi-Fi?

Yes. UniFi can be an excellent business Wi-Fi platform when appropriately designed, specified and managed.

A Ubiquiti UniFi network could work well in various business environments, including:

Offices
Retail
Hospitality
Warehouses
Schools and education campuses
Multi-site businesses
Guest Wi-Fi environments

Individual suitability should always be assessed against your business’ specific operational requirements.

Why Is UniFi Popular with Businesses?

There are a number of reasons why Ubiquiti Uni is a popular option for business networks. It’s an attractive solution for any organisation wanting a cohesive network, rather than a mish-mash of unrelated products.

In our experience here at Geekabit, our clients and businesses opt for UniFi when choosing their business network due to:

Competitive hardware pricing.
Broad hardware ecosystem.
Centralised management.
Strong visibility into network devices.
VLAN/ network capabilities.
Guest Wi-Fi functionality.
Remote management.
Wide AP range.

Is UniFi ‘Enterprise Grade’?

‘Enterprise grade’ isn’t exactly a technical standard that us Wi-Fi experts tend to use. It’s also important to recognise that different organisations can have very different requirements.

The reason why UniFi is often the ‘go to’ option is that it can comfortably support many professional and business requirements.

Organisations that are very large, and/or have mission-critical requirements may be more suited to alternative options like Cisco, Aruba or Ruckus. These types of environments could include requirements like:

Vendor support SLAs
Advanced security
Regulatory requirements
Hardware redundancy
Change control
Integration
Very large-scale management

Our Wi-Fi engineers here at Geekabit are committed to matching the right technology to each specific business case. That means that we don’t automatically assume one ecosystem (like UniFi) is universally superior. We make sure that any platform selection for a business follows their specific requirements and is the best choice for their needs.

UniFi Hardware Isn’t the Same Thing as Good Wi-Fi

Unfortunately, it’s not as easy as just buying excellent APs – That alone doesn’t guarantee you’ll have an excellent wireless network. Fortunately, engaging expert Wi-Fi professionals like Geekabit means that your network is designed around your working environment.

Excellent APs but poorly deployed can still cause your network to suffer. You might experience:

Dead spots
Interference
Congestion
Poor roaming
Excessive transmit power
Poor channel planning
Incorrect channel widths
Too many APs
Too few APs

Which UniFi Access Point Should a Business Choose?

We could make you a whole list of APs here, but you don’t need us for a catalogue of products. What we can explain however, is what things to consider when you’re choosing an AP. Considerations to make when selecting an AP include:

Wi-Fi generation – Are you going for Wi-Fi 7 yet? What generation are your user devices? Will all your hardware be the same generation?
Client density – How many clients will be accessing your AP at once time / location?
Required bands – What frequency bands will you be using?
Coverage requirements – Where do you need Wi-Fi coverage?
Mounting position – Do you know where the best mounting position is? And where to avoid mounting APs?
Indoor/ outdoor – Do you need to cover an outdoor area as well as indoors?
Ethernet uplink – Where will there be a connection to Ethernet?
PoE requirements – Will you be needing to pass power as well as data over Ethernet connections?

It’s worth remembering that a higher model number or more expensive AP doesn’t automatically mean it’s a better option for every location. Your AP selection should always happen after you have identified requirements and done the RF planning.

How Many UniFi Access Points Does My Business Need?

As much as we wish there was a simplistic square-metre rule, there just isn’t unfortunately.

The number of APs your business needs depends on various factors, including:

The building materials used in your office
Client density
Applications
Coverage
Capacity
Interference
Roaming
High-Density areas

Good, successful Wi-Fi design should always be based on a Wi-Fi survey that has determined the best quantity and placement for APs in your specific business environment.

What About UniFi Switching and PoE?

Your wireless network is only as reliable as the infrastructure underneath it.

UniFi APs require appropriate Ethernet connectivity and, in most business installations, PoE (Power over Ethernet).

When defining the exact technical requirements and features you need to meet with a switch, you should consider:

The total number of APs and other PoE devices.
Total available PoE power budget — not simply the number of PoE ports.
PoE / PoE+ / PoE++ requirements of individual devices.
1 GbE versus 2.5 GbE or faster uplinks, particularly with newer Wi-Fi 7 APs.
Required number of switch ports.
SFP/SFP+ requirements between switches or buildings.
Future expansion.

A PoE switch that doesn’t meet your specifications can lead to:

APs failing to start correctly.
Devices operating with restricted functionality.
Intermittent behaviour.
Problems appearing when additional equipment is connected.

You should also consider any existing structured cabling.

A new UniFi AP won’t fix:

Damaged Ethernet cabling.
Poor terminations.
Links negotiating at 100 Mbps rather than 1 GbE.
Inappropriate legacy switches.

A professional installation should always test the whole path from:

Client → AP → switch → gateway → internet

rather than treating the AP in isolation.

Do You Need a UniFi Cloud Gateway or Controller?

First let’s explain these UniFi devices.

A UniFi Cloud Gateaway is an all-in-one hardware device by Ubiquiti that acts as your home or business network router and firewall while hosting the built-in software controller used to manage your UniFi equipment.

A UniFi Controller (now officially called the UniFi Network Application) is a centralized management platform created by Ubiquiti to configure, monitor, and control your UniFi networking hardware from a single dashboard.

Depending on the installation, this can be hosted on:

A UniFi Cloud Gateway/ Console.
Suitable dedicated UniFi hardware.
A self-hosted environment where appropriate.

A business should consider:

Who manages the controller.
Who has administrator access.
How configuration backups are handled.
Software/ firmware update policy.
Remote support requirements.
What happens if the controller/ gateway fails.

It’s worth remembering that loss of the management interface does not necessarily mean the Wi-Fi network immediately stops functioning. But gateways/ controllers can provide other critical network services, so architecture matters.

Professional deployment should always avoid situations where nobody knows the admin credentials or who owns/ manages the network!

Can UniFi Provide Guest Wi-Fi for a Business?

Yes, Ubiquiti UniFi can provide Guest Wi-Fi for a business. UniFi can support separate guest networks and different approaches to guest authentication and access.

This means that businesses can separate:

Staff devices.
Guest devices.
IoT equipment.
Other operational systems.

VLANs and appropriate firewall/ network policies can help keep guest traffic separated from internal resources.

Your Guest Wi-Fi requirements may include:

Captive portal.
Terms of use.
Authentication.
Branded landing pages.
User data capture
Marketing integrations.

Where personal data is collected, businesses also need to consider:

UK GDPR policies.
Privacy notices.
Getting consent where appropriate to comply with laws.
Data retention.
Third-party integrations.

Remember that “Guest” SSID alone isn’t a complete guest-network security strategy.

Is UniFi Secure Enough for a Business?

It would be silly of us to claim that any vendor is automatically secure, as that is not the case.

However, UniFi provides the tools needed to build secure networks for many business environments.

The security of your network depends heavily upon configuration and management.

For a safe and secure Wi-Fi network it’s important to consider:

Strong administrator authentication.
MFA where available.
Appropriate firewall rules.
VLAN/network segmentation
Secure Wi-Fi authentication.
Guest isolation
Firmware/software updates.
Restricting unnecessary management access.
Maintaining backups.

A professionally configured UniFi network can be very different from an out-of-the-box installation using largely default settings.

Can UniFi Handle Multiple Offices or Sites?

UniFi can be particularly attractive for businesses with multiple locations.

Centralised visibility can make it easier to monitor:

APs.
Switches.
Gateways.
Connected clients.
Network health.

Standardised configurations can simplify supporting multiple sites and remote troubleshooting can reduce unnecessary site visits.

But, network architecture should still reflect each individual site’s requirements. Don’t assume that a configuration that works in one office should simply be copied to every other building as RF conditions are inherently site-specific and what works for one premises, might not work for another.

Is UniFi Good for Large or High-Density Wi-Fi Networks?

Potentially, yes — but this is where RF design becomes increasingly important. High-density Wi-Fi isn’t automatically solved by simply installing lots of APs.

For example, environments like:

Busy offices.
Conference/event spaces.
Hospitality.
Education.
Warehouses.
Public-facing venues.

You still need to consider:

Number of simultaneous clients.
Device capabilities.
Airtime utilisation.
Channel reuse.
Channel widths.
Transmit power.
AP placement.
Backhaul capacity.

Capacity planning can become more important than simply achieving signal coverage. It’s a fine balance, and one that can be struck by engaging a Wi-Fi professional. Our expert Wi-Fi engineers here at Geekabit are wireless specialists and have the credentials to make sure that both your coverage and capacity needs are met, from small business networks to large, high-density business networks.

What Are the Downsides of UniFi for Business?

This article shouldn’t read like a Ubiquiti fan page. We sing their praises, and rightly so, but it isn’t the right solution for everyone and it’s part of our job here at Geekabit to make sure that we match the right hardware to your specific network requirements. We won’t automatically reach for Ubiquiti every time.

We always make the following considerations matching hardware to business network needs:

Support model compared with some traditional enterprise vendors.
Firmware/ software changes need to be managed appropriately.
Different generations of UniFi hardware have different capabilities.
Advanced enterprise requirements may require alternative platforms.
Organisations with strict vendor SLAs or specific compliance requirements should assess those requirements carefully.

Also price. Hardware cost shouldn’t be the sole basis for selecting a network platform.

For some organisations Cisco, HPE Aruba, Ruckus or another enterprise platform may be more appropriate.

Conversely, paying substantially more for an enterprise platform doesn’t automatically create better Wi-Fi.

Design, configuration and ongoing management remain fundamental regardless of vendor.

UniFi vs Traditional Enterprise Wi-Fi

When you’re comparing UniFi with other traditional enterprise Wi-Fi, you should be considering some of the following:

Hardware cost.
Licensing/subscription model.
Central management.
Product range.
Vendor support.
Advanced enterprise features.
Ease of deployment.
Multi-site management.
Suitability for SMEs.
Suitability for large/complex enterprise environments.

The answer you’re looking for will always depend on your organisation’s needs rather than merely brand reputation.

Should I Replace My Existing Business Wi-Fi with UniFi?

The answer to this question should always start with understanding why the existing network isn’t meeting your requirements.

Don’t replace functioning infrastructure purely because UniFi has a newer AP available.

You will need to assess the following:

Current APs
Coverage.
Capacity.
RF environment.
Cabling.
Switches.
PoE availability.
Gateway/firewall.
Internet connection.
Current and future client devices.

In some scenarios, reconfiguration may solve your problems. Other times, you may need additional or repositioned APs to help solve the Wi-Fi issues.

Of course, in some situations, a complete redesign may make more commercial sense. You might find our recent article “Do I Need More Wi-Fi Access Points – or Better Wi-Fi Design?” in this case.

Do I Need a Wi-Fi Survey Before Installing UniFi?

If your business is a small, relatively simple site, then your Wi-Fi network requirements could be straightforward.

For larger, complex or business-critical environments, professional Wi-Fi Design and a Site Survey can substantially reduce guesswork and improve the outcomes of your Wi-Fi network.

Wi-Fi Surveys and Design can help establish:

Appropriate AP quantity.
AP locations.
Expected coverage.
Areas requiring additional capacity.
Effects of walls/building materials.
Existing interference.
Appropriate channels/channel widths.

Post-installation validation can confirm whether the finished network meets its objectives. The objective is a network that works reliably for your people using it.

Already Have UniFi but Experiencing Wi-Fi Problems?

Here at Geekabit, we find that many businesses already have perfectly capable UniFi equipment, but remain unhappy with their Wi-Fi.

Some of the most common problems our Geekabit engineers encounter in these situations are:

Poor AP placement.
Automatic settings not appropriate for the environment.
Excessive transmit power.
Poor channel allocation.
Inappropriate channel widths.
Coverage gaps.
Too many APs.
Insufficient AP capacity.
PoE issues.
Ethernet faults.
Incorrect VLAN/network configuration.
Legacy equipment mixed into newer deployments.

Automatically just replacing everything shouldn’t be the first response. You need to get curious first!

And our Wi-Fi experts here at Geekabit love to get curious about a Wi-Fi network not performing at its optimum. A Wi-Fi network health check can establish what is actually going wrong – And how best to fix it.

So, Is Ubiquiti UniFi Good Enough for Professional Business Wi-Fi?

Yes — UniFi is suitable for professional business Wi-Fi in many environments.

It offers capable wireless hardware, switching, gateways and centralised management at a competitive cost.

But remember, simply buying UniFi equipment isn’t the same thing as designing a professional network.

A successful business Wi-Fi network depends upon:

Correct requirements.
RF design.
AP selection and placement.
Channel planning.
Correct switching and PoE.
Reliable cabling.
Security/configuration.
Monitoring and maintenance.

You shouldn’t just be asking “Is UniFi good enough?” You also need to know that your network has been designed properly.

How Geekabit Can Help with UniFi Business Wi-Fi

Here at Geekabit, we’re not just another general IT or Managed Service Provider. We specialise in Wi-Fi and networking and can work with:

Existing UniFi installations.
New deployments.
Network upgrades.
Problem networks installed by others.

Our expert Wi-Fi engineers offer services including:

Wi-Fi/network health checks.
Wireless site surveys.
RF design and optimisation.
UniFi AP configuration.
Switching and PoE assessment.
Ethernet/cabling diagnostics
Guest Wi-Fi.
Remote monitoring/support.

Working out of Hampshire and the South of England, our professional Wi-Fi engineers also cover London for business Wi-Fi work as well as UK wide projects where appropriate.

If your business already has UniFi but the Wi-Fi isn’t performing properly, don’t automatically replace it — have the network assessed first. Get in touch with our friendly team today.

FAQs

Is Ubiquiti UniFi suitable for business use?

Yes, for many businesses.
Widely applicable to offices, hospitality, retail, warehouses and multi-site environments.
Suitability depends on the organisation’s technical, operational and support requirements.
Correct network design remains important regardless of vendor.

Is UniFi enterprise grade?

“Enterprise grade” doesn’t have one universal definition.
UniFi can support substantial professional networks.
Some larger or highly regulated organisations may require enterprise support SLAs, specialist features or redundancy available from other vendors.
Assess requirements rather than relying on the label.

Is UniFi better than Cisco or Aruba?

There isn’t a universal winner.
UniFi can provide excellent value and a strong integrated ecosystem.
Cisco/Aruba and other enterprise vendors may offer features/support models required by particular organisations.
Network design is often more important to day-to-day Wi-Fi quality than the badge on the AP.

How many UniFi access points does my office need?

No reliable “one AP per X square metres” formula.
Depends on:
- Building construction.
- Layout.
- Users.
- Devices.
- Applications.
- Coverage.
- Capacity.
- Interference.
Survey/design is the best way to determine requirements.

Can you have too many UniFi access points?

Yes.
Excessive AP density can create unnecessary contention and interference.
Incorrect transmit power and channel planning can compound the problem.
More APs don’t automatically mean better Wi-Fi.

Why is my UniFi Wi-Fi slow even though I have full signal?

Strong signal doesn’t guarantee good performance.
Potential causes include:
- Interference.
- Congestion.
- Channel utilisation.
- Retries.
- Poor roaming.
- Ethernet problems.
- Switch/PoE issues.
- Internet/WAN limitations.
Diagnose the whole network rather than relying on the Wi-Fi signal indicator.

Does UniFi require a subscription?

Many core UniFi networking functions don’t rely on the per-device licensing model associated with some enterprise networking platforms.
Exact cloud services/features should be checked for the particular deployment.
Worth mentioning as one reason businesses compare UniFi with traditional enterprise vendors.

Can UniFi provide separate staff and guest Wi-Fi?

Yes.
Networks can be separated using appropriate network/VLAN and security configuration.
Guest users should not simply be placed on the same unrestricted network as business systems.
Captive portal and guest-access functionality can also be incorporated.

Do I need a UniFi Cloud Gateway?

Not necessarily in every architecture.
UniFi Network requires an appropriate management environment.
The right gateway/controller arrangement depends upon the network.
Businesses should also consider remote management, resilience and ownership of administrator access.

Can existing UniFi Wi-Fi be improved without replacing the access points?

Very often, yes.
Improvements might come from:
- Repositioning APs.
- Channel planning.
- Changing channel widths.
- Adjusting transmit power.
- Resolving interference.
- Fixing cabling/PoE issues.
- Correcting network configuration.
Existing hardware should be assessed before assuming replacement is necessary.

Recommended for larger, complex or business-critical environments.
Helps determine AP quantity and placement before installation.
Reduces trial-and-error deployment.
Existing UniFi installations can also be surveyed to diagnose performance problems.

Should I get a Wi-Fi survey before installing UniFi?

Recommended for larger, complex or business-critical environments.
Helps determine AP quantity and placement before installation.
Reduces trial-and-error deployment.
Existing UniFi installations can also be surveyed to diagnose performance problems.

by admin18th September 2026

Aruba Business Network Business Wi-Fi Cisco Meraki Network Ubiquiti

Which is the Best Wireless Product for my Business? Ubiquiti vs Cisco Meraki vs Aruba

If you’re in the market for a bit of wireless kit then you’re rather spoilt for choice these days. Whilst it’s great to have a choice of products, it does beggar the question, how do I choose the right wireless product for my business?

Some of the biggest players when it comes to wireless network products are Ubiquiti UniFi, Cisco Meraki and Aruba. But which one is right for your specific deployment? Let’s have a look.

Based on the information provided in the article, here is a comparison table for Ubiquiti, Cisco Meraki, and Aruba:

Feature	Ubiquiti Wireless Products	Cisco Meraki Wireless Products	Aruba Wireless Products
Price-point	Low (Unbeatable value, fantastic value for money)	High (Licensing/subscription fees push price up)	Medium (Lower than Meraki, but licensing/subscription fees push price up)
Licensing	No licenses required (Quick and easy deployment)	Required (Subscription fee; product useless if not paid)	Required (Complexity in ensuring right licenses; separate licenses for features in Aruba Central)
Management UI	Single, intuitive UI for all elements	Single, intuitive user interface	May require multiple user interfaces (depending on products used)
Deployment Ease	Easy to deploy and use (SMB)	Easy to deploy and use (SMB/Enterprise cloud)	Controller-based products difficult (SMB); Deployment is difficult (General)
On-premises Option	Cloud and on-premises management available	No on-premises option	Traditional single tenant hardware controller (base product)
Enterprise Performance	Very high access point performance; Good HD Wi-Fi control	Performance falters with high traffic	Large configurations can handle large networks; Instant APs not sufficient for larger enterprises
Arena/Stadium Focus	Specific capabilities: integrated high gain antennas, multi 5 GHz radio access points	No capabilities specifically targeted; HD Wi-Fi performance is weak	No specific capabilities targeted; HD Wi-Fi performance is weak
Support	Free support (without support agreement) + community	Service subscription required (No support without it)	Support within a 90-day warranty; Paid support agreement required after 90 days
Network Expansion	Easy to expand without additional licenses	Lack of flexibility may cause problems	May require additional licensing and costs

Ubiquiti Wireless Products

We’ve spoken a lot about Ubiquiti and their range of wireless products – They are a firm favourite with our Wi-Fi experts here at Geekabit. Ubiquiti provides a range of wireless networking products including access points, wireless controllers, antennas and wireless bridges. Whatever your Wi-Fi requirement, they’re likely to have a product solution.

Ubiquiti Product Portfolio

Ubiquiti have the product range to meet a complete enterprise network
They cover both wireless and wired products
They have the management and security systems to go alongside

The Benefits of Ubiquiti for SMB Networks

They are easy to deploy and use
Lots of features
One intuitive User Interface to make the human-computer interaction as simple as possible
Unbeatable value

The Benefits of Ubiquiti for Enterprise Networks

All access points, switches and routers are easy to manage from one Use Interface
It has central management capabilities and troubleshooting
It is straightforward to use for network admin staff, with no certification needed
Cloud and on-premises management available
Very high access point performance
Good HD Wi-Fi control capabilities

The Benefits of Ubiquiti for Arena / Stadium Networks

They can provide arena access points with integrated high gain antennas
One access point can have up to 3 5GHz client serving radios
Multi 5 GHz radio access points save in installation and cabling costs
Outstanding performance in a high traffic environment

What is Ubiquiti User Experience Like?

Quick and easy deployment with no licenses required
A single, intuitive user interface for all Ubiquiti elements with secure remote access
It’s easy to expand the network if and when needed without additional licenses
They provide free support (without needing a support agreement) plus a community of Ubiquiti users for extra support, buffered by Ubiquiti employees

How Expensive is Ubiquiti?

The price-point for Ubiquiti wireless products is low compared to other brands, offering fantastic value for money

Cisco Meraki Wireless Products

The Meraki MR series from Cisco delivers Wi-Fi 6 access points, faster access point deployment, simplified administration, and richer visibility.

Cisco Meraki Product Portfolio

Meraki have the product range to meet a complete enterprise network
They cover both wireless and wired products
They have the management and security systems to go alongside

How Does Cisco Meraki Work for SMB Networks?

They are easy to deploy and use
You have to pay a subscription fee, which renders the product useless if not paid
It works well for smaller businesses and enterprises, apart from it being expensive
For better prices, you need to commit to several years and pre-pay

Can Cisco Meraki Handle Enterprise Networks?

It is easy to deploy and use cloud infrastructure
There is no on-premises option
Performance falters with high traffic
Ongoing licensing is expensive

Can You Use Cisco Meraki for Arena / Stadium Networks?

There are no capabilities specifically targeted to venues of this size or type
For focused radio frequency, external antennas are required which will incur extra costs and will need mounting
There are no multi 5 GHz radio products, and RF tuning capabilities are weak
HD Wi-Fi performance is weak

What is the User Experience with Cisco Meraki?

Quick and easy deployment but a lack of flexibility may cause problems
Licensing is required, but all features are included
It has a single, intuitive user interface
Support services are available from Meraki, but a service subscription is required. Without it there is no support
Additional support is available at an additional cost

How Expensive is Cisco Meraki?

The price-point for Meraki MR wireless products is high compared to other brands, with licensing and subscription fees pushing it up.

Aruba Wireless Products

The range of Aruba Access Points deliver a fast, reliable Wi-Fi solution with great performance levels and a boost to network efficiency. They will also support the growing mobile and IoT density demands on your network.

Aruba Wireless Product Portfolio

Aruba have most of the product range to meet a complete enterprise network need
They cover both wireless and wired products
They have the management and security systems to go alongside

Can You Use Aruba Wireless for SMB Networks?

Controller based products can be difficult to deploy and use
Instant access points lack features unless you have other Aruba products such as Aruba Central or Aruba AirWave licenses
Aruba Central has a good cloud-based product for small to medium sized business, but it is very expensive

Does Aruba Wireless Work for Enterprise Networks?

Large configurations can handle large networks
The base product is a traditional single tenant hardware controller which can make it difficult to deploy and use
For adequate reliability, you will need redundant controllers which are pricey
The Aruba instant access points are not sufficient for larger enterprises or multisite premises
Aruba Central provides a cloud alternative but uses separate licenses for features. This means that you may require additional licenses for future functionality which could prove very expensive
The ongoing admin of handling expiring licenses is time consuming

Can Aruba Handle Arena / Stadium Networks?

As with Meraki, for focused radio frequency with Aruba products, external antennas are required which will incur extra costs and will need mounting
There are a maximum of 2 5 GHz radios per access point
The Aruba multi 5 GHz access points have filtering
HD Wi-Fi performance is weak

What is the Aruba Wireless User Experience Like?

Deployment is difficult, with added complexity of ensuring you have the right licenses which can be time consuming
Depending on the products used, you may require multiple user interfaces
Expanding your network or adding new features may require additional licensing and subsequently more costs
Aruba does provide support within a 90-day product failure warranty. Additional support after that requires a paid support agreement. If you don’t pay, you don’t get support

How Expensive is Aruba Wireless?

The price-point for Aruba wireless products is lower than Cisco Meraki but medium compared to other brands. As with Cisco Meraki, the costs involved with licensing and subscription fees with Aruba pushes the price up.

Still not sure what wireless products you need for your network?

If you’re unsure what wireless products would be suitable for your network – Whether it be small or arena sized – Our Wi-Fi experts would be happy to chat through the options.

Our experienced Wi-Fi engineers can match the right wireless network products with your requirements to get you the most reliable Wi-Fi possible. Let’s strengthen your connection today – Get in touch now.

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.

by admin9th February 2026

6 GHz Power over Ethernet Ubiquiti UDB Switch Wi-Fi 7

New Ubiquiti UDB Switch Offers 5 and 6 GHz Wi-Fi Uplink and PoE+

(Image source: Ubiquiti)

Ubiquiti’s new UniFi Device Bridge (UDB) Switch is designed to easily connect multiple remote IoT devices with wired connections to a network and supply them with power via Power over Ethernet Plus (PoE+).

How does the UDB Switch Work?

The UDB switch connects IoT devices with wired connections to a network and supplies them with power via PoE+ by using a Wi-Fi 7 uplink across 3 frequencies.

For example, an environment with heavy Wi-Fi traffic would use the 6 GHz band.

For wired devices that are installed in places that can’t be reached with a cable, the UDB switch acts as a Wi-Fi Bridge. The switch also has features that can bring PoE devices onto a network.

Power

The UDB switch itself needs 25 watts of power, but it also supplies 185 watts to connected powered devices. These can be connected to eight RJ45 ports. PoE+ (also known as IEEE 802.3at) with up to 30 watts is available as well.

It should be noted that Ubiquiti only includes a 60 watt power supply with the switch, which reduces its power budget to just 35 watts. Users who need more than that should order the optional power supply with 210 watts.

Speed

Furthermore, there are noteworthy differences in terms of speed. One of the ports is a 10GbE connection that can also serve as an uplink, while the other 802.3bz ports offer up to 2.5GbE.

Network Connections

For connecting to the main network, the UDB switch also has a Wi-Fi unit. The 6 GHz and 5 GHz bands are used for this, it does not support the lower band. Moreover, it supports the Wi-Fi standards 802.11a/n/ac/ax/be and WPA3. According to the spec sheet, 802.11b/g is not supported.

Diagnostics and Environment

For diagnostics on-site, the Ubiquiti UDB switch comes with a small non-touch status display.

The network device is also flexible in diverse environments such as warehouses where temperature can fluctuate. The UDB switch can be used in cooler environments down to -30°C and warmer climates up to 40°C.

If you’re going for the optional additional power supply, then do bear in mind that it’s only suitable for temperatures above freezing.

Coming Soon

Ubiquiti’s new switch will be available in the UK soon for £286.80 inc. VAT.

You can shop the range of Ubiquiti Wi-Fi Bridging on their website here.

by admin4th December 2025

Business Wi-Fi Cat6 Ethernet Cable Connectivity Fibre Broadband Ubiquiti Ubiquiti UniFi Wi-Fi Wi-Fi Advice Wi-Fi Design Wi-Fi for Historic Premises Wi-Fi for Hospitality Wi-Fi Installation Wi-Fi Site Survey Wireless Network

Geekabit Deploys Wi-Fi Solution to New Gastropub in Historic Space in Farnham, Surrey

This week on the blog we’re excited to share the completion of a recent Wi-Fi project for a client over in Farnham, Surrey.

Find out how our Wi-Fi engineering experts helped to transform this remarkable historic space into a well-connected Gastropub.

The Venue

Third Monkey is a new Gastropub, Restaurant and Cocktail Bar providing high-end hospitality and fun family dining in the heart of Farnham.

The historic building was designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens in the late 1800’s and whilst much of his original architecture will remain, the updated premises will boast 2 floors of buzzing atmosphere plus a roof terrace.

The building has been used as The South Street Social Club in recent years, formerly known as the Liberal Club, but closed back in 2023 due to the ongoing effects of the pandemic as well as other factors.

Now under new owners, Third Monkey and its Executive Chef are breathing new life into this notable building, bringing with it ‘refined yet relaxed’ vibes through its welcoming Gastropub on the ground floor, and a more elevated dining experience in the Restaurant and Cocktail Bar upstairs. And let’s not forget the Rooftop Terrace complete with weekend DJ’s providing a late-night destination venue for Surrey’s most sought-after town.

You can find this exciting new venue at 46 South Street, Farnham, Surrey, GU9 7RP.

Expert Wi-Fi Solution for Historic Premises Turned Gastropub

Wi-Fi Site Survey

As with all new Wi-Fi projects, we started with a Wi-Fi Survey. This is Geekabit’s key tool in analysing the performance of your network and helping to diagnose issues.

As you can imagine, a historic building built in the 1800’s isn’t going to have been designed with Wi-Fi in mind! Unlike modern constructions, this type of building can present unique challenges for signal penetration and Wi-Fi infrastructure installation. Therefore, carrying out a thorough Wi-Fi site survey is vital.

Upon visiting, it was clear that the Third Monkey, was a completely fresh and new fit-out –
and we could get involved at the earliest stages to ensure that the possibilities for Wi-Fi
access point placement could work with the new building materials being used.

In this instance for Third Monkey, we used the information gathered during the Wi-Fi Site Survey to advise on the necessary networking equipment required as well as Fibre WAN providers.

Wi-Fi Installation

Whilst some may think that installing Wi-Fi isn’t much more than sticking a box on the ceiling and plugging it in, there is actually a great deal more thought and expertise that goes into it if you want a successful Wi-Fi network.

There’s little point in carrying out a Wi-Fi Site Survey to identify how to equip a historic building such as this with robust internet connectivity, if you’re not going to follow it up with expert installation.

For Third Monkey, Geekabit completed a full Wi-Fi Installation using one of our favoured brands Ubiquiti Wi-Fi and Ubiquiti network equipment.

This Wi-Fi network deployment included:

Full data network installation
Network design
Data network cabinet installation
Termination of Cat 6 ethernet cabling
Setting up of network security devices
Commissioning of equipment, Wi-Fi configuration and optimisation, and post-installation Wi-Fi Site Survey

A big part of any Wi-Fi Installation also involves effectively co-ordinating with other suppliers and installers to enhance network efficiency and security.

Of course, we round off any Wi-Fi deployment right back where we started – With a Wi-Fi Site Survey. This ensures we leave our clients with their optimum Wi-Fi network.

Our Wi-Fi engineers are also on hand to provide ongoing Network Support, Wi-Fi Management and Wi-Fi Guest Portal services. Another benefit of bringing in the expertise and knowledge of a Wi-Fi professional.

Why Robust Wi-Fi is a Must for Hospitality Businesses

Despite the potential complexities that using a historic building for a modern use can have, this project shows that the two can indeed go hand-in-hand.

We know how vital it is for hospitality businesses to have reliable Wi-Fi. A strong wireless network is not only essential for operational efficiency (ie. supporting POS systems and internal communications) but also in enhancing customer experience through Guest Wi-Fi.

This particular hospitality venue is striving for a refined yet relaxed atmosphere, offering diverse customer experiences from casual dining to a late-night rooftop terrace. For this venue and others, seamless Wi-Fi connectivity underpins the ability to deliver high-quality service and attract a contemporary clientele, ultimately contributing to its success and reputation.

This Wi-Fi installation for Third Monkey demonstrates perfectly how you can take the charm of a historic building and bring it up to date with the modern amenities we come to expect from a high-end venue. Strong, reliable Wi-Fi is a must.

Steve Cross, Director at Geekabit, comments:

“We’ve been impressed by the team at the Third Monkey, who have been passionate advocates for ensuring they work with specialists in each field to create a high quality fit-out and venue that really raises the concept of the gastropub and restaurant. From an initial site survey visit, through to the entire Wi-Fi and network installation, we’ve been able to support the transformation of an historic space into a great addition to the Surrey town of Farnham.”

by admin21st July 2025

Business Wi-Fi Ubiquiti Wi-Fi Wi-Fi Advice Wi-Fi Help Wireless Network Wireless Technology WLAN

Ubiquiti is Skyrocketing – Here’s Why

It’s no secret that our Wi-Fi experts here at Geekabit are big fans of Ubiquiti and their range of Wi-Fi devices and equipment. We love their kit and it would seem we’re definitely not the only ones.

We’ve been chatting about the benefits of using Ubiquiti Wi-Fi equipment for your network for years. A blog from a few years back was one of our first on the topic and is a good place to start if you’re unfamiliar with the pros of using Ubiquiti for a business network.

Over the past year in particular, Ubiquiti devices have really increased in popularity, with shares in Ubiquiti Inc (UI) surging up by 222.8% in the past year. Why? Their customer base has seen a gradual yet steady increase in growth, supported by a flexible business model. If you’re into stocks, shares and investments then you might like to research UI as an investment option.

But here at Geekabit, investment advice isn’t really our forte – We’re all about the wireless equipment, and this manufacturer has our attention.

What makes Ubiquiti so popular?

There are many wireless internet device manufacturers on the market – Why are UI doing so well?

In our fast moving world, the demand for the internet is constant. There is a continuous stream of data traffic with the need for round-the-clock access to video, audio, online gaming and social networking (not to mention work emails, online conference calls and file transfers).

This means that we require fast, seamless connectivity that can support these bandwidth-intensive apps whilst simultaneously moving away from wired network connections.

Our need for strong, wireless networks is met perfectly with Ubiquiti’s comprehensive range of products and solutions. From Ubiquiti you can find:

A range of networking devices
Network infrastructure for fixed wireless broadband
Wireless backhaul systems
Routing
Wireless LAN infrastructure
Video surveillance products
Machine-to-machine communication components
And much more

Our Wi-Fi experts and engineers here at Geekabit aren’t the only ones that rave about Ubiquitis products – They have a rapidly growing community that are highly engaged with their range, including:

Service providers
Distributors
Value-added resellers
Systems integrators
Corporate IT professionals

This community might be what sets UI apart. They leverage the strength of the Ubiquiti Community by providing rapid product support and dissemination of information, thus reducing operational costs whilst maintaining a proprietary network communication platform. Ubiquiti works from an extremely flexible business model which can therefore adapt to market demands.

Will Ubiquiti continue to grow?

Continued growth is expected for Ubiquiti, with significant opportunities in developed as well as emerging economies. Emerging countries are relentless in their pursuit of staying connected with the world, and adopting wireless networking infrastructure is a big part of that. Developed economies are always looking to increase bandwidth further in order to bridge the gap between demand and supply.

Ubiquiti are committed to research and development, and spend significantly on activities that help them develop innovative new products that use state-of-the-art technology – All helping them to stay on the cutting-edge of networking technology with their market offering.

With products that offer both high performance and best value, they continue to beat their rivals. Ubiquiti product families such as UniFi and AmpliFi have both seen improvements and added features.

Invest in a reliable network

Whether you’re into investments, tech, wireless networking or a combination of all 3 – Ubiquiti has something to offer.

Positive market gains remain diverse across various sectors, including finance, healthcare, energy and of course tech industries.

Ubiquiti just so happens to be listed by quite a few investment analyst outlets as having skyrocketing stock with it reaching an all time high at the start of this year. Offering networking technology to service providers, enterprises and consumers, UI saw their stock surge by nearly 21% towards the end of January. Perhaps they have their supply chain improvements and product availability to thank for this?

If stocks and shares aren’t your thing, but you’re ready to invest in a strong, reliable wireless network for your business, then get in touch with our Wi-Fi experts today.

by admin3rd February 2025

AP Ubiquiti Ubiquiti U7 Pro

Ubiquiti U7 Pro – The Lowest Cost Wi-Fi & Enterprise AP in the Industry

Last month Ubiquiti launched the U7 Pro, purported to be the industry’s lowest cost Wi-Fi 7 enterprise AP currently on the market.

How Much is the new Ubiquiti U7 Pro?

This new device is a 6-stream ceiling-mount AP delivering a total of 9.3 Gbps across the three bands, with a price of £143 + VAT.

Why are industry professionals about the price point on this unit? Well, this new Ubiquiti AP at this price means that every enterprise will be able to embrace the introduction of Wi-fi 7 technology, even smaller businesses.

Rumours have it that Apple’s next iPhone will be Wi-Fi 7 compatible, meaning that businesses across industries will need to be embracing Wi-Fi 7 and making sure their devices and Wi-Fi are compatible.

What’s the Spec of the Ubiquiti U7 Pro?

The Ubiquiti U7 Pro is a ceiling-mounted Wi-Fi 7 AP with 6 spatial streams and 6 GHz support for interference-free Wi-Fi in demanding, large-scale environments. You can find the full specification on the Ubiquiti website here.

WiFi 7 with 6 GHz support (in these countries only)
6 spatial streams
140 m² (1,500 ft²) coverage
300+ connected devices
Powered using PoE+
2.5 GbE uplink
Multi-Link Operation (MLO) capability is coming soon and will be provided via software update.

Ubiquiti U7 Pro – Hardware Specifications

Networking interface – (1) 1/2.5 GbE RJ45 port
Management interface – Ethernet
Power method – PoE+
Power supply – UniFi PoE switch
Supported voltage range – 44—57V DC
Max. power consumption – 21W

Ubiquiti U7 Pro – Software Specifications

WiFi standards – 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax/be
Wireless security – WPA-PSK, WPA-Enterprise (WPA/WPA2/WPA3/PPSK)
BSSID – 8 per radio
VLAN – 802.1Q
Advanced QoS – Per-user rate limiting
Guest traffic isolation – Supported
Concurrent clients – 300+

Ubiquiti U7 Pro – Application Requirements

UniFi Network – Version 8.0.26 and later
UniFi OS – Version 3.2 and later

The Ubiquiti U6 Pro vs U7 Pro – What’s the Difference? Which is Better?

Trying to decide whether to put the U6 Pro or U7 Pro to regular use in your enterprise? Let’s take a look at some real-user experiences since Ubiquiti launched their U7 Pro.

According to some in the Wi-Fi community, issues have been reported of difficulties with 6Ghz performance.

6GHz Performance with the U7 Pro

One UI Community user noticed that the 6 GHz performance on the U7 Pro seems to be worse than the U6 Enterprise. They said:

‘In real-life performance, I’ve noticed the transfer speeds to be more variable on the U7 Pro; with the U6 Enterprise it’s possible to consistently saturate the gigabit backhaul that I currently have. The U7 Pro tends to be more unstable, that is, it will hit 112 MB/s and then drop down to the 40s and back up again multiple times during a large transfer.

If I check the RSSI in the Network Application for the U6 Enterprise, it reports my client device as -53 dBm. If I swap it with the U7 Pro and leave everything in the same physical location the RSSI drops to -64 dBm. The RSSI on the client side is pretty much the same with both APs (roughly -46 dBm) so it only seems to be the AP’s ability to receive from the client device that’s inhibited. This only seems to affect 6 GHz, my 5 GHz devices show similar stats with either AP.

Could this be related to the U7 Pro being a 2×2 device compared to the 4×4 on the U6 Enterprise?’

They’re not the only user to experience this. Suggestions were made as to the reason for this issue as well as possible resolutions:

A difference between the U6 being a 4×4 device compared to the 2×2 nature of the U7 (and should the U7 Pro therefore be called the U7 Lite instead?)
Issues with custom transmit power, solved by sticking with the ‘auto’ option on the U7
A possible resolution with further firmware updates

Boost In Throughput with the U7 Pro

One Reddit user reported a 10-15% throughput boost to their MacBook Pro (M1) and MacBook Air (M2) (both were WiFi 6, non-E).

Previously, whilst using the U6 Pro, they had never been able to break 600 Mbps with either one whereas now using the U7 they routinely hit 650 Mbps, and occasionally break into the low 700 Mbps on occasion. These speeds were tested using iperf3.

U7 Pro Offers Higher Bandwidth, More Quickly

A Reddit user noticed that the U7 Pro seems to ramp up to higher bandwidth more quickly than the U6 Pro, according to iperf3.

The user reported seeing 1-2 seconds at around 150 Mbps before getting into the 500 Mbps range using the U6 Pro.

With the U7-Pro, the first second is already at 500 Mbps and then achieves over 600 Mbps for the remainder of the test.

(The Bandwidth tests above were using the same manually-configured channels (11@20MHz, 149@80MHz) on the U6-Pro and U7-Pro).

Note: These claims (both positive and negative) are unverified via various user experiences on Reddit and UI Community platforms.

The Ubiquiti U7 Pro can be Installed Using Pre-Existing Mounting Plates

Users have also noted that the new U7 Pro fits on the AP Pro Arm Mount (UACC-Pro-AP-AM). As per the FAQ’s on Ubiquiti’s new product announcement, the U7 Pro can be installed using the following pre-existing mounting plates:

U6-Enterprise
U6-Pro
U6-LR
UAP-AC-Pro
UAP-AC-HD
UAP-AC-SHD
UAP-AC-XG

U7 Pro is Backwards Compatible

U7 Pro is fully backwards compatible with Wi-Fi 6E and earlier client devices. A Wi-Fi 6E or Wi-Fi 7 client device is required to utilise the 6 GHz band.

U7 Pro is managed with UniFi Network 8.0.26 and later.

U7 Pro is powered by PoE+ with a 2.5 GbE uplink. Ubiquiti recommends pairing U7 Pro with a UniFi PoE switch that features 2.5 GbE performance and PoE+ output, such as Pro Max and Enterprise PoE switches.

Customise the Appearance of the U7 Pro

The Ubiquiti U7 Pro has a fully customisable cover which will be available in the second quarter of 2024.

How Do I Decide Between the Ubiquiti U6 Pro and the New U7 Pro?

Really, the only person who can answer this question is you. You know the needs of your enterprise and how your current Wi-Fi performance is working for your business.

There is a fine balance between prioritising what works well for you today, as well as what is going to work well for you in the future. Some things are worth investing in now in order to future proof your Wi-FI, keeping your business running smoothly and up-to-date with the latest technology.

Call the Experts Here at Geekabit

If you’re unsure what the best Wi-Fi solution would be for your business, then get in touch with our Wi-Fi experts today. Our wireless engineers can look after you from the Site Survey stage all the way through to deployment.

Don’t let poor performing Wi-Fi hold you back.

by admin19th February 2024

4G 4G Mobile Broadband 4G Wi-Fi 5G 5G Mobile Broadband 5G Wi-Fi Hampshire Mobile Broadband Rural Broadband Satellite Broadband Satellite Internet SpaceX Starlink Ubiquiti Ubiquiti UniFi Ubiquiti UniFi Status LED's Wi-Fi

Geekabit’s Top 10 Blogs of 2023

2023 is coming to a close – And we know the new year will bring new technology and wireless improvements with it!

Here at Geekabit, we covered a lot of different Wi-Fi topics last year here on the blog. Much of what we write about is influenced by the enquiries and questions that our customers and clients ask our Wi-Fi Experts across Winchester, London and Cardiff. This year we’ve seen an increase in demand for 4G/5G broadband and Starlink Satellite broadband options, particularly for homes and businesses in rural areas.

We thought we would take a look back on the last year and see what blogs were most popular with you – Our readers!

In at Number 10, this blog had people wondering whether scientists could watch we are doing through walls!

Can Scientists Use Wi-Fi to Watch Us Through Walls?

#10

Number 9 was all about finally getting 5G on the London Underground so you can stay connected whilst travelling around the capital.

London Underground: 5G Deployed by Virgin Media O2 UK

With Ubiquiti UniFi devices increasing in popularity, it’s no surprise that this fault finding blog about flashing lights on access points made it in at number 8.

Why Are My Ubiquiti UniFi Access Points Flashing?

Here at Geekabit, we’ve talked a lot about how impactful broadband can be for rural businesses. This blog about unreliable broadband for rural businesses came in at number 7.

Small Rural UK Businesses Damaged by Unreliable Broadband

It seems you all want to know how to choose and install a 4G and 5G mobile broadband antenna, as this blog telling you how narrowly missed being in our top 5 blogs of the year.

How To Choose and Install an External 4G or 5G Mobile Broadband Antenna

Kicking us off in the top 5 was where best to place your router for successful results.

‘Where is the best place to put my Wi-Fi router?’

Taking the 4th spot was a look into 2023 and what it had in store for us in the world of Wi-Fi.

2023 and Beyond: Wi-Fi Alliance Says All Roads Lead to Wi-Fi

In 3rd place was another blog on 4G and 5G mobile broadband, answering all your frequently asked questions.

4G and 5G Mobile Broadband Antennas: Frequently Asked Questions

Narrowly missing the top spot, this blog about discounted Starlink Satellite Ultrafast Broadband here in the UK was one of your most popular reads this year.

Discounted Starlink Satellite Ultrafast Broadband for UK Customers

And taking the top spot for most read Geekabit blog of 2023 was this one about the rise of UK Starlink broadband speeds.

UK Starlink Broadband Speeds Rise

So it seems our readers were most looking for information on Starlink Satellite broadband and 4G/5G mobile broadband options. Does that mean that consumers and business broadband customers are interested in alternative Wi-Fi options for their homes and businesses?

We’re looking forward to what 2024 will bring in the tech world and seeing how that impacts all things Wi-Fi and staying well connected.

by admin21st December 2023

Business Wi-Fi Hampshire Ubiquiti Ubiquiti UniFi Ubiquiti UniFi Status LED's Wi-Fi

Why Are My Ubiquiti UniFi Access Points Flashing?

Are you seeing flashing lights? There’s nothing more infuriating than getting lights flashing on your device and not knowing what it means.

If you’re experiencing flashing lights on a UniFi device then read on to find out why, and what you need to do about it.

The images below show blue and white LED’s flashing in different formats depending on the status they are showing. Each type of flashing applies to all of the following UniFi devices:

Access points
routers
switches
UDM base model

My UniFi AP is flashing white and then off every few seconds

If your Ubiquiti UniFi device is flashing white/off every 1 or 2 seconds, it means that the device is intialising and starting up.

Why does my UniFi AP have a steady white light?

If you UniFi AP (or other listed device) is exhibiting a steady white light, it means it is ready for adoption. This means it is ready to begin the process of connecting to the UniFi application that will manage it.

Why is my UniFi UDM flashing blue?

This applies to UDM units only. If you see a flashing blue light, it means that a client device is connected to the network via Bluetooth.

Why is my UniFi UDM flashing blue and then off?

Again, this flashing only applies to the UDM units. If it is lighting up blue and then going off after 5 seconds, then back to blue, then off, it means it is not connected to the internet.

What does a constant blue light mean on my UniFi access point?

A steady blue light means that the UniFi device is adopted (connected to the UniFi application managing it) and is in normal operating mode. The Access Point (AP) is broadcasting SSIDs (Service Set Identifier – Typically a network name).

Why is my UniFi AP rapidly flashing white and off?

If you UniFi access point is strobing white/off then you will need to power cycle it. If that doesn’t work, then you will have to get in touch with Ubiquiti’s customer support team for further help.

Help – Why is my Ubiquiti UniFi Access Point flashing white then blue?

If your UniFi AP is quickly flashing white then blue, it means the device firmware is being upgraded. It’s important you do not interrupt this process.

On a UDM unit, it will flash only white during this upgrade.

Why has my UniFi AP got a blue steady light that goes off every 5 seconds?

If your UniFi AP is blue but flashing off every 5 seconds, it means the AP has lost connectivity and is looking for a wireless uplink.

I have a rapidly flashing blue light on my UniFi AP – What does it mean?

If your UniFi AP is rapidly flashing blue and then off, it means the device “Locate” feature was activated in the UniFi Network application.

Why is my UniFi AP flashing white, blue and then off?

The device is in TFTP mode (Trivial File Transfer Protocol is a simple lockstep File Transfer Protocol which allows a client to get a file from or put a file onto a remote host).

To enable this mode:

Hold the reset button before powering on.
Continue to hold the reset button until this LED sequence appears.

If you haven’t intentionally put your AP into TFTP mode, make sure that the reset button on the device isn’t jammed. It should click when pushed.

There is no LED / light visible on my UniFi Access Point?

If you can’t see any light on your AP device and the LED is completely off, then it means the device is offline. To try and resolve the problem:

Check it has a power supply
Check POE (power over ethernet) cables
Check Ethernet cables

Ubiquiti UniFi Bridge to Bridge Devices

If you have a UniFi Bridge to Bridge device, then there are two more statuses to look out for in addition to those above.

My UniFi Bridge has a red light with circulating blue light

If your UniFi Bridge device is showing a red with circulating blue LED, it means the 60 GHz link cannot be established or has dropped due to bad weather.

If the UBB fails over to 5 GHz, the LED will remain red. When the 60 GHz link is re-established, the LED will turn blue (or the custom colour selected in the UniFi Network application).

It’s worth noting that if the other bridge device is within range and the UBB LED is red, Uniquiti recommend adjusting the UBB’s position to enhance the signal strength.

Why does my UniFi bridge have a green light?

If your UniFi Bridge is showing a green light, it means that the Alignment Tool is enabled in the UniFi Network application and the UBB devices are aligned properly.

If the other bridge device is within range and the UBB LED is green and red, Ubiquiti recommend adjusting the UBB’s position until the LED is green.

How to Disable Device LEDs

Did you know that you can disable device LED’s? Using the UniFi Network application, you can choose specific device status LED’s or the whole site’s to be disabled.

To disable (or re-enable) status LED’s:

Open the UniFi Network Application
Go to Settings
Go to Site
Go to the Services section
Edit the LED feature

If you want to specifically configure individual devices:

Open the UniFi Network application
Go to the Devices section
Click on the device you wish to edit to bring up the Properties panel
Go to Config, then General, then LED
Switch the Site Settings to On or Off

Ubiquiti UniFi Fault Finding

For more information on any of the above, or to find LED patterns for specific ports, head to the Ubiquiti website here.

Is Ubiquiti UniFi right for your business Wi-Fi?

If you’re wondering if Ubiquiti UniFi is the best option for the Wi-Fi needs of your business, then get in touch with our Wi-Fi Experts today. We can advise what the best network options would be for your premises, and take you from the site survey stage, through to design and deployment. No one should have to tolerate bad broadband or slow Wi-Fi at work.

All imagery from ui.com/wi-fi with thanks.

by admin15th May 2023

4G Router 4G Wi-Fi 5G Router 5G Wi-Fi Mobile COnnectivity Router Ubiquiti Wi-Fi Wi-Fi Advice Wi-Fi Product Feature

Launch of UniFi Mobile Router

As regular installers of Ubiquiti kit since 2013, we’re excited to see the pending launch of their UniFI Mobile Router.

No signs yet that it is available in the UK, but as we work with Teltonika and Robustel 4G and 5G routers on a weekly basis, this has the potential to be a game changer in the market place for mobile connectivity Installers.

Enterprise clients will be looking to maintain the same manufacturer and one family of products wherever possible, and Ubiquiti will know this is a corner of the market they can easily win at.

by admin20th December 2022