What is UniFi?
UniFi is a ecosystem that includes: wireless access, point routers, switches, security cameras, controller appliances, VoIP phones, and access control products. UniFi exists somewhere between enterprise networking and low-cost home networking equipment. It’s a good compromise, with more flexibility and features than AmpliFi but without the cost, licencing, and complexity of enterprise-grade equipment.
A typical UniFi network allows you to select which parts you want and how many of them you want. You can begin with one access point and work your way up to getting everything. The UniFi controller software connects everything, providing a web interface (and mobile app) for configuring everything. The controller software is only needed for configuration.
Despite the controller not running, UniFi devices will still function but Numerous UniFi advantages, such as monitoring, logging, analytics, etc., demand the controller to be running, though. You should consider getting one, and there are a few options.
The controller application can be self-hosted or operate on specialised hardware made by Ubiquiti, known as a CloudKey. Current models include the CloudKey Gen2 and Gen2+. The Gen2+ includes a hard drive bay and can function as a network video recorder (NVR) for their UniFi Protect camera system. The footage recorded from this system will store itself on the hard drive in the Gen2+ CloudKey.
The UniFi controller software can also be operated on any PC you own, on a real server, in a virtual machine, or in a Docker container. If you wish to self-host, a lot of people advise using Docker. The Raspberry Pi is ideal for doing this.
Other vendors’ equipment will operate with UniFi equipment, but you’ll have to manage at least two different systems. Many people want to add UniFi wireless access points to their current switches and routers, which is a good way to get your UniFi network started.
Although it is not necessary, using the entire UniFi stack has advantages.