Introduction to UniFi

UniFi provides a comprehensive environment for all your IT needs, starting with networking and seamlessly integrating security cameras, VoIP phones, door access, and much more. At the hard of UniFi are our Cloud Gateways, giving you unparalleled control over your entire IT infrastructure paired with world-class network security.

Visit ui.com to learn how we can help simplify your IT management.

UniFi Cloud Gateways

For the best experience, we recommend using UniFi Cloud Gateways as an all-in-one solution. In addition to being an industry-leading gateway/firewall, they come pre-installed with UniFi Network so you can manage your Access Points and Switches without any additional software. Most Cloud Gateways can also run other UniFi applications, further empowering full-stack IT management. UniFi Site Manager extends this even further by enabling license-free remote management and cloud orchestration across all your UniFi deployments.

Explore our different Cloud Gateways to find the perfect fit for your needs:

• Rack-Mounted: Our highest capacity solution, ideal for large-scale deployments including hotels, stadiums, or central offices. These models offer extensive processing power, advanced security features, and high-capacity storage.
• Compact: Robust performance in a space-saving design, great for small to medium-sized businesses and branch offices. These models are suitable for both home and enterprise environments, providing varying levels of performance and features.
• Wi-Fi Integrated: Combined routing and wireless capabilities make this the perfect option for small offices and remote sites. These models are compact and affordable, with built-in Wi-Fi and easy setup.

UniFi Applications

The UniFi application suite is thoughtfully constructed to serve a wide variety of technological needs within your home or business. These applications run on UniFi Cloud Gateways:

• UniFi Network - Combines powerful internet gateways with scalable WiFi and switching. Provides real-time traffic dashboards, visual topology maps, and optimization tips. If you have heard of a 'UniFi Controller' before, most likely that is someone referring to the UniFi Network application by an informal name. The preferred way to deploy UniFi Network is on a UniFi Cloud Gateway, rather than on a server, laptop, or other self-hosted environment
• UniFi Protect - AI-driven camera platform for local video storage. Features smart detection, customizable recording schedules, and flexible notification settings.
• UniFi Access: Secure and intuitive access control system featuring modern touch-screen readers, integrated video for entry and exit events, multi-tenant intercom systems, elevator hubs, and flexible mobile credentials. It simplifies user and policy management while maintaining UL 294 compliance.
• UniFi Talk - Plug-and-play VoIP system for small and medium businesses. Includes advanced call routing and admin features, with touchscreen phones offering a smartphone-like experience.
• UniFi Connect - Enterprise of Things platform for digital signage, EV charging stations, building-wide lighting and display content.

Additional UniFi Consoles

We offer various UniFi Consoles, which host UniFi applications but do not have integrated gateways. Each Console is optimized for different use cases to meet your specific needs.

UniFi Network Video Recorder (UNVR)

The UNVR is dedicated to UniFi Protect and is ideal for large-scale video surveillance deployments. It features high-capacity RAID storage for data redundancy and protection against disk failure, ensuring your video data is secure and always available. The UNVR can be used alone or paired with another UniFi Console for added scalability.

CloudKey Devices

CloudKey devices are suitable for users who do not want to deploy a UniFi Gateway. These devices run UniFi Network and can be a way to manage your networking devices if you have a non-UniFi gateway.

• CloudKey+: A versatile console for smaller setups, offering automatic cloud backups and system updates. It serves as a cost-effective, plug-and-play replacement for a Self-hosted UniFi Network server.
• CloudKey Enterprise: Designed for managing large-scale deployments, supporting over 1,000 devices and 10,000 clients. It features a 10G SFP+ port, redundant power supplies, and a rack-mounted form factor for robust and reliable performance.

Adopting Devices

One of the first steps you will take is adopting your UniFi devices into your Cloud Gateway. This process links the device to the respective UniFi Application, allowing you to securely manage it. For more details, see our guide on Device Adoption.

UniFi Site Manager

UniFi Site Manager provides a license-free hybrid cloud solution, allowing remote management while keeping data local and secure. Simply log in to unifi.ui.com with your UI Account to access features like secure SD-WAN for multi-site connectivity, organization-based admin and permission assignments, central NOC monitoring and alerting, global update management, and seamless API integrations.

See Connecting to UniFi to learn more about remote and local connections.

Other benefits of using a UI Account include:

• Secure multi-factor authentication, including our seamless single-touch solution with UI Verify (iOS / Android).
• Automatically scheduled backups and updates.
• Configure email and mobile push notifications for important system activity.

Other UniFi Hosting Options

Official UniFi Hosting offers a robust alternative for managing UniFi Network sites, allowing for scalable deployment of up to 1,000 devices from a centralized platform. It pairs well with UXG Series Gateways for a comprehensive UniFi networking solution, eliminating the need for on-site hardware consoles and making it ideal for large-scale operations.

It is also possible to run UniFi as a Self-Hosted Network Server on a third-party device, such as a personal computer. However, it may be more difficult to optimize for a good user experience and high performance with a self-hosted setup.