Unifi Basics: Initial Adoption and Setup

Jul 9, 2024

Unifi Basics: Initial Adoption and Setup

Introduction

  • Overview of how to fully configure a Unifi network in 2024.
  • Initial adoption of equipment and setting up a Unifi Network.

Rogue Support

  • Expert help available through Rogue Support by Crosstalk Solutions.
  • Easy ticket system and payment only on issue resolution.
  • Visit rogue.support for assistance.

Equipment Overview

  • Gateway: Using UCG Ultra (Cloud Gateway Ultra).
  • Switch: Switch Ultra (210-watt version recommended for heavy PoE use, 60-watt version recommended for home users).
  • Access Point: U6 Plus, preferred over U6 Lite for home users due to better bandwidth.
  • A Flex Mini Switch added to the setup.
  • Links to equipment in video description.

Setup Steps

Preparing the Gateway

  1. Start with the Gateway as it is the brains of the operation.
  2. Plug in the Internet connection (e.g., T-Mobile home internet).
  3. Connect power and let the gateway boot for 2 minutes.
  4. The device indicates readiness on the screen.

UniFi Account Setup

  • Create a UniFi account at ui.com (free, strong password recommended, multi-factor authentication required by July 2024).

Gateway Setup Methods

Using the UniFi App

  1. Available on iOS and Android (App Store/Google Play Store).
  2. Log in with UniFi account credentials.
  3. Within Bluetooth range, the gateway appears for adoption. Click Setup.
  4. Name the gateway, perform speed test, install UniFi OS, perform any firmware updates.
  5. The gateway appears in the UniFi app, ready for configuration.

Using a Laptop/Desktop

  1. Connect the laptop/desktop to the gateway's LAN port.
  2. Ensure the computer is set to receive an IP address automatically via DHCP.
  3. Navigate to the displayed IP address (typically 192.168.1.1) in a browser.
  4. Follow similar steps to the UniFi app method for setup.
  5. Option to restore from backup or continue brand new.

UniFi OS Overview and Settings

  • Dashboard: Gateway and OS information, internet connection status, speed test results.
  • UniFi OS Applications: Install or update apps (UniFi Network, InnerSpace, etc.). Enable auto-updates for OS and applications.
  • Admins and Users: Add UniFi account users and local admins for emergency access.
  • Console Settings: Change device name, enable automatic backups, adjust LED screen brightness, etc.

Network Setup

Configuring the Main LAN Subnet

  1. Navigate to Networks settings.
  2. Modify network subnet if needed (e.g., change 192.168.1.x to something else).
  3. Set content filtering, DHCP range, etc.
  4. Optional: Create a guest network with network isolation and filtering.

Internet Settings

  • Dual WAN settings for multiple connections.

Security Settings

  • Enable ad blocking, DNS Shield, internet safety, and IDS/IPS as needed.

Adding Devices to the Network

Adding a Network Switch

  1. Connect an Ethernet cable from gateway to switch port and power up the switch.
  2. Adopt the switch in the UniFi network (factory reset if previously used).
  3. Rename and change settings as needed.

Adding an Access Point

  1. Connect the access point to the switch.
  2. Adopt the access point in the UniFi network.
  3. Create wireless networks (primary and guest) with appropriate settings (e.g., guest isolation, speed limits).

Adding a Flex Mini Switch

  1. Connect to network and power up via PoE.
  2. Adopt in the UniFi network (factory reset if necessary).

Conclusion

  • Recap of setting up and configuring a complete UniFi network.
  • Invite to like, subscribe, and seek support from Crosstalk Solutions.