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 heart 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.

For instructions on how to get started, see How to Set Up UniFi.

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. Learn more here.
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. Learn more here.
UniFi Connect - Enterprise of Things platform for digital signage, EV charging stations, building-wide lighting and display content.

UniFi Hosts

A UniFi Host runs the UniFi Application software and connects its associated UniFi devices to Site Manager. No matter how you choose to host UniFi, you will be able to take advantage of the scalable management capabilities of our Site Manager.

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.

Other UniFi Hosts

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

UniFi Network Video Recorders (UNVR)

These hosts are dedicated to UniFi Protect and are optimized for large-scale video surveillance deployments. They feature high-capacity storage with RAID support, ensuring data redundancy and protection against drive failure. These devices can operate independently or integrate with other UniFi Hosts for expanded capabilities.

CloudKeys

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 host 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.

UniFi Network-Attached Storage (UNAS)

UniFi offers network-attached storage (NAS) solutions designed for large-scale file storage, sharing, and backup. These high-performance, rack-mounted devices include RAID support for data protection and high-speed network connectivity, ensuring seamless integration with the UniFi ecosystem.

Official UniFi Hosting

Official UniFi Hosting is functionally the same as a CloudKey, except that it does not require an on-premise appliance to run the UniFi application software. Instead of using a Cloud Gateway (which would otherwise serve as both a UniFi Host and firewall/router), it is used with the UXG Series Gateways. For more information, see Getting Started With Official UniFi Hosting.

Self Hosting UniFi Network

Although the options above provide "out-of-box" solutions for running the UniFi control plane, it is also possible to self-host the UniFi Network Server on your own hardware, or in your own cloud environment (e.g., AWS, Azure, GCP, etc).

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.

For a more in-depth visual of the relationship between UniFi Hosts, UniFi Applications, and UniFi Site Manager, see Understanding UniFi Cloud Architecture.

Getting Started