UniFi -- centrally managed network devices
Updated November 30, 2019
UniFi -- centrally managed network devices
Score 9 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Overall Satisfaction with Ubiquiti Networks UniFi
We use UniFi network equipment at all of our two dozen locations. UniFi provides what they call a 'controller,' which acts as a central hub to which all of our network equipment reports. This means that from a single dashboard we can manage network equipment and settings across all of our locations. Features include offline device alerts (if an AP goes down, admins receive an email immediately), a dashboard to view usage across all sites, a central dashboard to adjust settings at individual sites, and the ability to restart devices and POE ports remotely from a web interface or phone app.
Pros
- Central dashboard: From a single web page or phone app, admins can monitor and adjust network devices and settings even when off-site.
- Central controller: No need to log into individual network devices, all UniFi devices report back to a single controller.
- Fair to low-cost equipment: UniFi hardware is very reasonably priced. It is much lower in terms of cost than most peers.
- $0 license for controller: The central controller (management interface) has no cost. This is without comparison as competing platforms charge large sums for monthly licensing.
- Supports any size network: Anything from a SOHO up to an enterprise with hundreds of separate physical locations across regions can be managed with a single UniFi controller allowing a single dashboard for the entire group of networks.
- Well supported hardware: Controller and device firmware frequently updated to add features and address industry-wide security changes.
Cons
- Learning curve: It takes some time and practice to grasp the concepts and implementation behind the UniFi controller and device adopt/provision approach. Bench testing with multiple demo sites is advisable before a real deployment.
- Fewer features than some competitors: The UniFi platform does not have all of the features that some competitors provide. UniFi charges $0 in licensing for the controller, but competitors charge large amounts of money for their controllers.
- Relatively limited hardware options: As compared with competitors, the UniFi hardware product line does not have as many options as some competitors. Depending on a location's needs, this could be limiting.
- Positive: proactive visibility to offline devices. The IT team sees outages immediately before a support call.
- Positive: much lower cost firewalls and access points.
- Positive: visibility on each individual site allows simpler consistent network configuration.
- Positive: remote support and updates from controller avoid time and mileage for site visits.
- Negative: basic (non-PoE) switches cost more than an unmanaged (non-smart) switch, though UniFi's allow port level VLAN tagging and other advanced features.
- Negative: the central controller must be online constantly for most advanced features (guest portal, VPN, etc.).
One way of looking at network equipment is by grouping all into two categories: Standalone, and Centrally Managed.
Most home or SOHO network equipment is standalone, meaning each device is configured individually. If you need to adjust settings off-site, you need to allow it through a firewall or pay for some remote access system. There is no comparison with this type of network equipment since managing standalone devices at multiple sites quickly becomes unmanageable. UniFi is geared towards centrally managing multiple sites.
As for other central management solutions, most others charge many times more for each piece of equipment and much more for the central controller. Since UniFi provides the central controller (and API) for free, it is an easy choice for many use cases. For very large businesses or customers with very specific advanced needs, UniFi might not support certain features out of the box. But for the cost and ease of use, it's definitely worth checking out and testing!
Most home or SOHO network equipment is standalone, meaning each device is configured individually. If you need to adjust settings off-site, you need to allow it through a firewall or pay for some remote access system. There is no comparison with this type of network equipment since managing standalone devices at multiple sites quickly becomes unmanageable. UniFi is geared towards centrally managing multiple sites.
As for other central management solutions, most others charge many times more for each piece of equipment and much more for the central controller. Since UniFi provides the central controller (and API) for free, it is an easy choice for many use cases. For very large businesses or customers with very specific advanced needs, UniFi might not support certain features out of the box. But for the cost and ease of use, it's definitely worth checking out and testing!
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