Ubiquiti UniFi Network 101: Build a Solid System Today!

Among popular networking vendors, Ubiquiti has a unique approach, called UniFi, that fits all user demographics, from novice to enterprise-class.

This post will give you an overview of this relatively new ecosystem and show you how to buy and build a UniFi-based network, including a Wi-Fi system, for your home or small office.

If you’ve never heard of Ubiquiti before, you didn’t miss much. Coinciding with the official availability of Wi-Fi 7, UniFi has only recently become exceptionally relevant to home and SMB users and, therefore, worthy of your attention.

Ubiquiti UniFi: A single ecosystem for everything

Ubiquiti was founded in 2003 in San Jose (California, USA). Initially, it focused on advanced users via various hardware “controllers” to deliver a flexible approach to networking.

We’ll discuss these “controllers” a bit more below, but nowadays, with Ubiquiti, you start with a UniFi console—often in the form of a UniFi Cloud Gateway (UCG)—which comes in different physical sizes, from compact to rackmount.

No matter the shape, a UniFi console is a “container” device—a computer in more ways than one—powered by Ubiquiti’s open-source operating system, UniFi OS. First introduced to the masses in 2019 with the UDM, UniFi OS is a platform on which Ubiquiti has built a suite of proprietary applications for several hardware categories.

All UniFi Cloud Gateways (a.k.a. hardware consoles) share the same basic features and settings, but their capacities, namely the breadth and depth of applications they can handle, vary depending on the hardware specs.

Main applications in the UniFi Application Suite include:

1. Network (default): This application enables the hardware to function as an advanced router by managing all things network-related, including network settings/features, security, firewall, Wi-Fi, and support for extenders and access points to form a Wi-Fi system.
2. Protect: The support for IP cameras as an advanced surveillance system, including a built-in NVR.
3. Talk: A locally hosted Voice-over-IP system.
4. Access: A “platform designed for Access Control Systems”—per Ubiquiti. Examples are door-related security IoT devices, such as doorbells, keyfobs, locks, etc.
5. Connect: Application that manages digital signage and EV Stations 

Each of these applications is a world in itself, with various in-depth customizations and different types of UniFi devices.

To make use of a UniFi application, you need UniFi hardware of the same category.

For example, Network works with the console’s built-in switch and WAN port to create a network. After that, you can add external UniFi access points—some consoles, such as the UDR7, have built-in Wi-Fi access points—or additional switches to extend the system.

This Network application is the main topic of this post, but the same idea applies to other applications.

The majority of UniFi consoles can run more than one application at a time. Apart from the Network app, you can turn on the Protect app and add a few UniFi cameras to create a surveillance system similar to the Synology Surveillance Station, or use the Access app with a doorbell, and so on.

These extra apps require lots of storage space to store their data. Consequently, a UniFi console has ample built-in internal storage or ways for users to add storage: a microSD card slot, an M.2 SSD slot, or a standard SATA drive bay.

While many users only use the Network application, the UniFi console is designed to be the “unified” host of multiple UniFi hardware categories. It allows users to manage their entire ecosystem of different hardware categories in a single place—the console itself. And that’s a good thing.

Not long ago, things weren’t always this way in the world of Ubiquiti hardware.

UniFi Cloud Gateway (console) vs. UniFi independent gateway (controller)

At the beginning, as mentioned, Ubiquiti didn’t offer the UniFi console. Instead, it made UniFi controllers with a specific function or hardware capacities but without the UniFi OS. As a result, they are fragmented, and users would need multiple hardware pieces to have the same effect as a single UniFi console.

Take the UniFi Gateway Max (UXG-Max), for example. It’s a network controller that doesn’t run the Unifi OS and, therefore, can’t run any of the applications mentioned above or even function on its own. The UXG-Max doesn’t have built-in storage, either. As a result, you’ll need to couple it with a UniFi hosting device—such as the CloudKey+, which is a separate hardware box that can run the UniFi Application Suite and has built-in storage—before you can actually make use of it.

This UXG-Max and Cloud Key+ combo equals the same capability as UniFi Cloud Gateway Max (UCG-Max), which has similar network-related hardware specs as the UXG-Max.

As mentioned, these controllers are made for advanced users. They still exist today to support Uniquiti’s legacy approach, which has its advantages. However, if you want to build your Network with Ubiquiti hardware today, you can forget about them and go with a UniFi Cloud Gateway (a.k.a UniFi console).

We’ll proceed that way, but not before we address another elephant in the room: AmpliFi. That’s right! UniFi is not the only networking approach Ubiquiti has offered.

Ubiquiti network hardware: UniFi vs. AmpliFi

UniFi and AmpliFi are two networking product lines from Ubiquiti. They have entirely different architectures and initially serve two separate user demographics.

The UniFi family—represented by UniFi Cloud Gateways—was originally aimed at business/pro/enterprise users. Its comprehensive consoles or controllers act as the central controllers of various products, of which networking is only part of the picture.

On the other hand, the AmpliFi family, represented by the Wi-Fi 5 HD Wi-Fi system, first launched in August 2017, and then the Wi-Fi 6 Alien, is explicitly made for the home environment. These simple Wi-Fi routers are easy to use but have a limited feature set.

In 2019, the UDM was the first UniFi product that also works well as a home router thanks to its friendly design and simple setup process. After that, the UDR and subsequent compact UniFi consoles further bridged the gap, making UniFi hardware increasingly applicable to the home.

It seems that Ubiquiti will eventually phase out AmpliFi and focus on UniFi as its only encompassing platform.

Ubiquiti has not made a new AmpliFi product since late 2019, and nowadays, a UniFi Cloud Gateway can be an excellent fit as home or business “routers.” In fact, the compact options, such as the latest UDR7, UCG-Max, or UCG-Fiber, are ideal for any home in terms of design. No matter which you get, the hardware can do a lot thanks to the comprehensive Network application.

Ubiquiti UniFi consoles: Quick buying guide

The first thing to consider when buying hardware is its size. The device has to fit physically.

As mentioned, UniFi Cloud Gateways (consoles) come in different shapes and sizes. For a business network, you can choose the full-scale rackmount design. For a home, there are more compact options for desktop placement or wall mounting. That said, cost and capacities aside, pick one that meets your placement and that potential “spouse approval” requirements, and these devices can work interchangeably.

In most cases, though, a compact console is more applicable since the rackmount ones are very large and generally don’t have built-in Wi-Fi. After that, there are a few more things to consider

Which UniFi console to get: Wi-Fi-enabled vs. non-Wi-Fi

Some UniFi consoles have built-in access points, similar to Wi-Fi routers. Others don’t—they are non-Wi-Fi routers. However, either can host multiple UniFi access point(s) to add Wi-Fi or extend coverage. Once adopted, these add-on APs are part of the system and function as though they were part of the gateway itself.

The point is that using a UniFi Cloud Gateway and UniFi APs combo will give you a robust Wi-Fi mesh system no matter which console you start with. So, should you get one with or without built-in Wi-Fi?

Here’s the answer: If you don’t need Wi-Fi, it’s simple. You only need a non-Wi-Fi gateway. Otherwise, it’s a bit more nuanced. There are two main scenarios:

1. If your home only requires a single Wi-Fi broadcaster to blanket, then:
   • If you can place the “router” at the optimal location for best coverage, then get a single Wi-Fi-integrated console.
   • If your home is wired with network cable, it might be best to get a non-Wi-Fi console plus a separate access point or the UX7/UX and use it in the access point mode. This way, you can place the access point where it delivers the best coverage.
2. If your home requires more than one broadcaster, then:

In most cases, it’s best to get your home wired and start with a non-Wi-Fi console. Without built-in Wi-Fi, a UniFi console won’t become obsolete when there’s a significant change on the Wi-Fi front. Speaking of which, if you decide to go with a Wi-Fi-integrated UniFi console, it’s a good idea to get one with Wi-Fi 7.

In any case, using a combo of a non-Wi-Fi router and access points is the most flexible way to build a Wi-Fi system with optimal coverage.

Ubiquiti UniFi Wi-Fi system: Things to note in terms of hardware combo

While a UniFi console gives you lots of in-depth customization, the hardware options to build a Wi-Fi system with it can be less flexible than other brands, such as Asus AiMesh.

With UniFi, you get a primary console (router), namely a UniFi Cloud Gateway, and then add UniFi access points to it to build a Wi-Fi system. Specifically, two things to note:

1. Most UniFi consoles can only work as the primary router for a Wi-Fi system. They can’t work as an access point or a Wi-Fi extender. In other words, you can’t use them as a satellite unit in a Wi-Fi system. For example, if you’re using the UDR and now get the UDR7 as an upgrade, you can’t use the UDR as a satellite unit to extend Wi-Fi coverage. Needless to say, you can use multiple units of either to create a system.
2. Even with the few consoles that can work in different roles, namely the UX7 or the UX, you can’t change their role after they’ve already been set up. As a result, there’s no way to use an entire UniFi Wi-Fi system in the access point mode.

The takeaway here is that you should use a UniFi system only when you don’t need to keep the ISP-supplied gateway unit or an existing router. Otherwise, double NAT is the only outcome.

To be clear, this is not necessarily a drawback. That’s because to build an advanced network, you want to use the UniFi console as the sole router of your system. So, when you order your broadband service, make sure you get only the terminal device, such as a cable modem or a fiber-optic ONT.

Ubiquiti UniFi Network setup and management: Most comprehensive, yet non-intimidating

No matter which UniFi console you get, you can set it up the way you handle any standard router.

Specifically, from a connected computer, navigate the browser to the default IP address, which is 192.168.1.1. The rest is self-explanatory. You’ll be asked to create an admin account and, if you have a Wi-Fi-integrated unit, a Wi-Fi SSID and password. That’s it! Now your Network is ready.

For those more comfortable with the phone, the UniFi mobile app can make the initial setup even faster and the ongoing management even more convenient. Still, I’d recommend the web UI and a large computer screen for the tasks.

It generally won’t take more than 10 minutes to get your Network up and running with a UniFi console. The point here is that while being the most advanced hardware, all UniFi Cloud Gateways are also not intimidating. Novice users will find any of them simple and straightforward to set up, especially when using the UniFi mobile app, and advanced users can dig in via the web user interface and find all sorts of things that meet their needs.

It’s worth noting that you can manage the UniFi hardware completely independently from Ubiquiti, whether you use the UniFi app or the web user interface.

However, there’s an option to create a UI login account and tie the hardware to it in return for a few cloud-based features and better ease of use.

Ubiquiti and your privacy

Generally, Ubiquiti insists on a vendor-connected login account during the initial hardware setup process. However, that’s not a requirement, and logging in with a vendor translates to privacy risks.

UI account and UniFi gateways

Here’s the link to the US networking company’s privacy policy.

Online privacy and security are a matter of degree. Different companies handle their users’ data differently.

That said, it’s a personal choice whether the Ubiquiti-connected account is worth it. In any case, all UniFi consoles feature remote management via Dynamic DNS, and that is only one of many things they have to offer as a router via the UniFi Network application.

UniFi Network application: Everything you can expect from a router and more

As mentioned, the UniFi Network is the application that turns a UniFi console into a “router.” This app, currently in version 9, has everything you’d look for in an advanced network, possibly more.

Specifically, here are a few examples applicable for homes and SMBs:

• Flexible and in-depth port management, including VLAN, Dual-WAN, WAN/LAN roles, PoE, and much more.
• Advanced VPN servers, including WireGuard, Site-to-Site VPN, Teleport, and more.
• Advanced firewall and threat protection, including content/access-blocking per categories/countries and ad-blocking.
• Excellent monitoring system for connected devices, including web filtering based on different categories applicable to a group or particular device(s). For the home, these are easily the best parental control options.
• In-depth Wi-Fi configuration, including up to 8 SSIDs per Wi-Fi band, captive portal SSIDs, isolation… and the settings for Wi-Fi 7’s MLO and AFC feature (when applicable). These settings automatically apply to any added UniFi access points.

Again, that’s only the job of the Network application. A UniFi console can run multiple apps at a time. For example, if you have UniFi cameras, you can run the Protect app to have yourself an advanced surveillance system. A similar thing can be said about the Talk app and UniFi IP phones.

UniFi Wi-Fi mesh system: The one-click adoption

As mentioned above, you can add any UniFi access points to a UniFi console to create a Wi-Fi system. The process is straightforward.

Specifically, once you’ve already had the primary UniFi console running, all you have to do is:

1. Get the UniFi access point ready by resetting it to default factory settings and:
   • Connect it to the Network via a network cable to have a system with wired backhauling. This scenario is applicable to all UniFi consoles and all UniFi access points. Or
   • If you want to build a wireless mesh system, place it a few feet from the UniFi console. This scenario only applies when you use a Wi-Fi-integrated console and either a UX7 or the UX unit as a mesh point, as mentioned in the buying guide above.
2. Plug the UniFi access point into power (if it’s not PoE-powered) and wait for it to boot up.
3. Upon booting up, the UniFi access point will appear within the primary UniFi console’s interface (the UniFi mobile app or the web page) and can be adopted with a single click, just like any UniFi device. Then, after a few minutes, it’ll work as part of the system, sharing the same Wi-Fi SSIDs and password as those of the existing Network.

Overall, in my experience, besides the time for hardware placement, you can build a robust UniFi Wi-Fi system with multiple broadcasters in about half an hour.

UniFi Network: Excellent performance

Over the years, I’ve used about half a dozen UniFi consoles for personal and business purposes, and they all have worked reliably. My first unit, the UDM, for example, worked almost non-stop from late 2019 until early February 2025 without any issues, despite having a relatively loud internal fan. I only replaced it because the UDR7 is clearly better.

That said, it’s safe to say UniFi hardware is long-lasting. Over the years, Ubiquiti has also improved the thermal design. The U7 and U7 Pro Max, for example, both come with an internal fan, yet still run hot. However, the new U7 Pro XG and U7 Pro XGS come with a much better heatsink, like the case of the E7, and produce little heat.

In terms of performance, the UniFi hardware is generally as fast as it can be for the specs, as shown in the charts. Additionally, UniFi Wi-Fi broadcasters often deliver better coverage than the vendor’s estimation.

Finally, these devices come with an excellent appearance and thoughtful physical designs. And that never hurts.

Conclusion

In the past decade, Ubiquiti has generally been an excellent choice for building a robust Wi-Fi system.

However, it wasn’t until the introduction of Wi-Fi 7 that the company released its first compact and uncompromising UniFi Cloud Gateway with plenty of 10 Gbps ports for the home, namely the UCG-Fiber. With it, the ecosystem instantly became one of the best, if not the best, ways to build a Wi-Fi 7 system. It’s now my go-to choice.

That said, get your home wired, and then, depending on your bandwidth needs, pick a UniFi console and maybe a couple of UniFi access points today. If You make the decision based on reading this pat thoroughly, chances are you won’t be disappointed. Need a quick decision? Below is the top five UniFi “routers” to consider for your home, or an office.