Understanding UniFi Cloud Architecture
UniFi’s hybrid cloud model ensures local control while providing the scalability of remote management. With UniFi Site Manager (unifi.ui.com), you can remotely manage your network without licensing fees while keeping full local control.
By keeping the control plane on-premises while enabling seamless remote access, you can maintain data privacy and security without sacrificing cloud-based convenience.
For a full introduction to UniFi, learn more here.
How UniFi Cloud Architecture Works
UniFi’s hybrid cloud approach ensures local data privacy while leveraging cloud-based control for seamless remote access. The diagram below illustrates the key components described in the following sections.
UniFi Devices & Applications
UniFi provides a suite of software applications that work in tandem with UniFi devices to collectively enable end-to-end IT device management. The applications and their related devices include:
- Network – Gateways, WiFi access points, and switches with SD-WAN capabilities for efficient traffic routing.
- Protect – AI-powered security cameras with motion detection, event-based recording, and alarm integrations.
- Access – Ethernet-based access control for doors, gates, and elevators, featuring biometric authentication and remote unlock.
- Talk – A VoIP system with call automation, IVR (interactive voice response), and multi-site compatibility.
- Connect – Management for digital signage, EV chargers, and smart lighting systems.
Control Plane Options
Cloud Gateways are the preferred choice for hosting UniFi applications, which serve as your control planes, while also providing an integrated security gateway. Other options include CloudKeys, Network Video Recorders, Official UniFi Hosting, and Self-Hosted Servers.
All UniFi devices are adopted to this local control plane (learn more here), ensuring optimal performance and security while remaining remotely accessible through Site Manager for cloud-like convenience without third-party hosting.
For a full breakdown of options for hosting a control plane, including advanced options beyond Cloud Gateways, read our detailed guide.
UniFi Site Manager
Site Manager (unifi.ui.com) provides a license-free dashboard for managing all UniFi devices across multiple sites. The management experience remains consistent, regardless of hosting choice (see above). Key features include powerful SD-WAN, real-time Internet performance metrics, and granular admin and permission controls.
For more information about Site Manager, click here.
Advantages of UniFi’s Hybrid Cloud Model
With traditional cloud solutions, all network data is stored in the cloud, creating potential privacy concerns and recurring licensing fees. UniFi’s hybrid cloud architecture eliminates these issues by keeping all data locally on the control plane, ensuring full ownership and security.
The cloud (unifi.ui.com) is not used for data storage but instead acts as a secure, license-free bridge between the administrator and the local control plane. This enables seamless remote access and adds a layer of management flexibility without compromising data privacy.
The only exception to fully local control planes comes when using a fully remote hosting option, such as Official UniFi Hosting or a remote self-hosted deployment. This is only recommended for expert users. For more information, see our guides on Official UniFi Hosting or Self-Hosting a UniFi Server.