The demand for high performance Wifi has never been greater. Ubiquity Networks has made a name for themselves with great WiFi gear that meets the needs of small and large installations. We like Ubiquity Networks for their robust networking and security features, and value.
(Note: This article was written in June of 2019. There is a new solution we wrote about in July of 2020 that could be a better solution than the 3 pack, it is called the Dream Machine. https://offthegridit.com/2020/07/24/why-the-ubiquiti-unifi-dream-machine-should-be-your-next-home-or-office-router/)
Meet the 3 Pack
We call these bundles of UniFi equipment the “3 Pack.” The 3 Pack is one Firewall/Gateway, one Access Point, and a matching Switch.
Note: The following UniFi 3 Pack options are targeted towards smaller networks.
UniFi Security Gateway
1. First Select a Gateway / Router / Firewall
USG – UniFi Security Gateway
Enterprise Gateway Router with Gigabit Ethernet
- Advanced Security, Monitoring, and Management
- Sophisticated Routing Features
- Integrated with UniFi Controller Software
MSRP: $139
Features
- (3) Gigabit RJ45 Ethernet Ports
- Managed by UniFi Controller
- Supported by UniFi Mobile App
In larger networks you may opt for the larger UniFi Security Gateway Pro
USG PRO – UniFi Security Gateway
Enterprise Gateway Router with Gigabit Ethernet
- Advanced Security, Monitoring, and Management
- Sophisticated Routing Features
- Integrates with UniFi Controller Software
MSRP: $344
Features
- (2) Gigabit SFP Combination Ethernet Ports
- (2) Gigabit RJ45 Ethernet Port
- 1U Rack-Mountable
- Managed by UniFi Controller
- Supported by UniFi Mobile App
If you need 10G performance in your enterprise network consider this one for your Gateway the UniFi XG
USG XG – UniFi Security Gateway XG
Features
- (8) 10G SFP+ Ethernet Ports
- (1) Gigabit RJ45 Ethernet Port
- (2) Hot-Swappable Modular PSU Bays
- (1) 100W AC/DC Modular PSU Included
- Bluetooth Management Interface
- 1U Rack-Mountable
- Managed by UniFi Controller
- Supported by UniFi Mobile App
UniFi AC Pro
2. Second select an AP (Access Point.)
UniFi AC Pro
Gigabit, 802.3af-powered access point suitable for indoor or outdoor use
Currently in the middle of the line up and with some of the fastest theoretical throughputs. This is a popular model for good reasons.
UniFi AP AC LR
The UniFi AP AC LR is ideal for long-range deployment
It has an additional 200ft of range over the UniFi AC Pro, but slightly lower maximum theoretical speeds.
UniFi HD Access Point
The UniFi HD is targeted towards larger installations with many more users.
Build your Wi-Fi network with the UniFi® HD Access Point, part of the Ubiquiti Networks® UniFi Enterprise Wi-Fi System. The UAP-AC-HD, is an indoor/outdoor, high-performance, 802.11AC Wave 2 dual-band access point, capable of throughput speeds of up to 2533 Mbps and a maximum range of up to 122 meters. Engineered from the ground up to take advantage of 802.11AC Wave 2, the UAP-AC-HD provides unparalleled multi-user support.
Unifi Cloud Key
3. The UniFi Network is completed with a Controller
Ubiquity Networks makes 2 models of controllers. The basic Cloud Key and Cloud Key Gen2.
UniFi Cloud Key
Fully Integrated, Stand-Alone UniFi Controller Hardware
The controller stores the information for your UniFi Controller and facilitates changes. There are many options for running your controller.
UniFi Cloud Key Gen2
More powerful UniFi Cloud Key G2
- 4X more powerful than the original Cloud Key
- Built-in battery for automatic safe shutdown
- Front panel display for at-a-glance network details
Other UniFi Cloud Controller options:
- Raspberry Pi is an excellent choice for customization of your network monitoring
- Monitor IoT devices
- Interact with the environment
- On Private Network
- Use a VM (Virtual Machine) to host your Cloud Controller
- Can run on existing hardware
- Can be run from Managed Service Provider
- Can be run from Amazon, Azure, or Google GCE
- Use VirtualBox on Mac, PC, or Linux
- Use existing VMWare infrastructure
- On Private Network
- Recurring cost
- Managed from Ubiquity Networks Cloud
- On 3rd Party Network
Unifi Switch 8 60W
4. (optional) Depending on your needs start out with a small PoE switch
This one with (4) PoE ports and 4 Standard Networking Ports is a great addition to your network as it will allow VLANs, and PoE ports for cameras, phones, and other devices.
Some smaller models:
US-8-60W
US-8-60W-5
8-Port Fully managed 802.3af PoE Gigabit switch, delivering robust performance and intelligent switching for enterprise networks.
The US-8-60W offers the flexibility of (8) Gigabit Ethernet ports with (4) auto-sensing PoE ports to power your UniFi access points and other PoE devices. The US-8-60W supports up to 8 Gbps total, non-blocking line rate, and up to 15W output per PoE port.
US-16-150W
This UniFi Switch delivers robust performance over its 18 independent switching ports. Two SFP ports offer optical connectivity, and 16 Gigabit Ethernet ports offer 802.3af/at PoE+ or 24V passive PoE sharing a total of 150W PoE.
The Ubiquity Networks line of network equipment fits nicely into any standard cabinets.
Enterprise Networking
In larger networks offthegridit and Ubiquity Networks has you covered.
You can always match your existing Managed Switch with the UniFi equipment, but if you are starting from scratch or want to keep everything in one Dashboard the UniFi switches are a nice addition.
- Create virtual network segments for security and network traffic management
For the updated and complete line of Ubiquity Networks Routing and Switching equipment visit them here.
For questions on deployment and assistance with setup and configuration call offthegridit at # 408-475-3282