UniFi Network - Wireless Client Connectivity

Poor wireless connectivity comes from interference within a busy radiofrequency (RF) environment. But not following appropriate wireless standards can also create compatibility problems in some client devices.

Unlike many vendors that want to achieve maximum speed, UniFi’s default settings aim to optimize for client compatibility and connection stability. 

What to do if I experience frequent client disconnections?

1. Make sure you are using our default settings (explained below). These maximize client compatibility and connection stability.
2. Update your APs to the latest version. Updates appear in your Devices tab.
   • Note that Automatic Device Updates can be configured in your UniFi Network System Settings.
3. Update your UniFi Network Application to the latest version. 
   • Users with a UniFi OS Host (e.g., Cloud Key Gen2 Plus or Dream product) can do this in UniFi OS settings.
   • Users with a self-hosted UniFi Network on a Windows, macOS, or Linux machine can download and install the latest version here. 
4. Make sure all APs are sufficiently powered. Some APs, such as the U6 LR, require PoE+ instead of regular PoE.
   • See UniFi PoE Modes and Availability for more information.
5. Make sure the cable connecting your AP to the network is not damaged. If you are unsure, replace it as a test.
6. If you still experience connectivity problems, you most likely have a high-interference environment. Consider redesigning your WiFi environment. UniFi offers a few tools to plan an optimal deployment:
   • Design Center allows you to create or upload your floor plan, map your WiFi coverage and see the impact of walls and other features.
   • WiFiman Mobile App (iOS /Android) Signal Mapper (requires a UniFi gateway) allows you to map out your real-time signal strength as you walk around your environment.

What to do if a specific client won’t connect?

1. Make sure you are using our default settings (explained below). These maximize client compatibility and connection stability.
2. Update your APs to the latest version. Updates appear in your Devices tab.
• Note that Automatic Device Updates can be set up in your UniFi Network’s System Settings.
3. Update your UniFi Network Application to the latest version. 
• Users with a UniFi OS Host (e.g., Cloud Key Gen2 Plus or Dream product) can do this in UniFi OS settings.
• Users with a self-hosted UniFi Network on a Windows, macOS, or Linux machine can download and install the latest version here. 
4. Contact Support. We want to know about any client connectivity issues, so we can improve your experience.

What if only one AP isn’t working?

1. Make sure you are using our default settings (explained below). These maximize client compatibility and connection stability.
2. Update your APs to the latest version. Updates appear in your Devices tab.
• Note that Automatic Device Updates can be configured in your UniFi Network’s System Settings.
3. Update your UniFi Network Application to the latest version. 
• Users with a UniFi OS Host (e.g., Cloud Key Gen2 Plus or Dream product) can do this in UniFi OS settings.
• Users with a self-hosted UniFi Network on a Windows, macOS, or Linux machine can download and install the latest version here.
4. Make sure your APs are sufficiently powered. Some APs, such as the U6 LR, require PoE+ power instead of regular PoE.
• See UniFi PoE Modes and Availability for more information.
5. Make sure the cable connecting your AP to the network is not damaged. If you are unsure, replace it as a test. You can also try a different port if using a PoE switch. If using multiple networks, test if the AP works when all networks are selected.
6. Contact Support. We will help assess if the AP needs to be replaced.

What if an entire WiFi SSID won’t work?

If an entire WiFi SSID will not work (e.g., no clients can connect to it), this is likely a result of incorrect network configuration. You have restricted traffic somewhere on your gateway or your switch ports and that is preventing clients from being able to connect. 

See Virtual Network Connectivity and Isolation for more information.

The Stability of Our Default Settings

Our default AP and WiFi SSID settings have been designed with optimum compatibility in mind. They should only be toggled off by advanced users who have a specific use case. Be aware of the following settings and how they impact connectivity:

Nightly Channel Optimization

This allows your APs to select channels based on daily performance and interference trends. This automatically includes the following practices:

• Only uses Channels 1, 6, or 11 on 2.4GHz
• Ensures nearby APs are not on overlapping channels
• Uses daily analytics to select the highest performing channels

This all happens in the background so you can enjoy the benefits without experiencing network interruptions.

Band Steering

This setting forces compatible devices to use the 5GHz band. Unlike the high-interference 2.4GHz band, 5GHz will offer reduced interference and improved performance.

Channel Width

Increasing the channel width may increase maximum speeds, but it also introduces larger amounts of interference. Our default settings are:

• 2.4GHz uses 20MHz widths
• 5GHz uses 40MHz widths

Although many users will have success with increasing their 5GHz channel to 80MHz or 160MHz, we do not recommend increasing the 2.4GHz channel above 20MHz.

Transmission (TX) Power

This determines the strength of a signal being sent out from an AP. A higher power enables the WiFi SSID to reach further and results in a higher signal strength for a client device. This is important because low signal strengths (less than -70dBm) will cause devices to disconnect. We recommend keeping this on Auto (High).

Security Mode and PMF

Many client devices are not compatible with WPA3 or PMF. These settings may negatively impact their connectivity. If you are experiencing problems, try using a basic WPA2 security mode with PMF disabled.

Note that WPA2/WPA3 Transition Mode is not recommended, as it presents further connectivity challenges.

Minimum Data Rate

This defines the minimum rate at which APs will allow clients to connect. Some legacy devices are only capable of low data rates (e.g., those that only have 802.11b compatibility). Furthermore, increasing the Minimum Data Rate will reduce the maximum WiFi range. This is because data rates reduce as the distance increases between the AP and the client. As a result, we recommend using a minimum rate of 1 Mbps on 2.4GHz, and 6 Mbps on 5GHz.

DTIM Period

This defines how often beacons are sent to clients to determine their connectivity. We do not recommend changing this from the default:

• 2.4GHz = 1
• 5GHz = 3

Other Considerations

Wireless Mesh Networks

Wireless meshing is a convenient way to extend coverage when a hardwired AP is not possible, but a wired network will always maximize your wireless performance. For more details, see Considerations for Optimal Wireless Mesh Networks.

DFS Channels

Dynamic Frequency Selection (DFS) is a standard that reserves specific 5 GHz channels for things like radar, military, weather and satellite communication. Although these channels offer increased availability and less interference, wireless clients will disconnect if radar events are detected. This is a compliance requirement that varies by country, and disconnection ranges from 1 minute to 10 minutes. These channels are only recommended in areas that do not encounter these external radar events.

Minimum RSSI

Minimum RSSI sets a signal strength threshold for each individual AP. All devices that fall below it are automatically disconnected from your network. This setting facilitates roaming within deployments with tightly-packed APs. If it is set incorrectly, though, you may experience client instability. We do not recommend this unless you have carefully mapped out your network’s WiFi.