How to Set Up a UniFi Network – Comprehensive Guide 2024
Ubiquiti has made the process of setting up a UniFi Network remarkably straightforward. You can have your network operational in just five minutes. But what comes next after the initial setup? How can you optimize the network for peak performance? This guide will walk you through every step of the UniFi setup process.
Additionally, proper placement of your access points is crucial to achieving optimal performance throughout your entire home, so we’ll cover that as well.
In this Guide:
• UniFi Setup
• Step 1 – Initial Setup
• Step 2 – Update UniFi Apps and OS Settings
• Step 3 – Adopt Devices
• Step 4 – Configure Wireless Networks
• Step 5 – Network Configuration
• Step 6 – Optimizing Internet Settings
• Step 7 – VPN Setup (Optional)
• Step 8 – Security Settings
• Step 9 – System Configuration
• Guest Network
• Conclusion
This guide will lead you through the entire UniFi setup process, explaining each setting and offering tips to ensure your network performs at its best.
UniFi Setup
In this walkthrough, we’ll use a UniFi Express as a Cloud Controller and integrate a UniFi Lite access point along with a UniFi Lite switch. The network configuration will be tailored for a typical home, including both a guest network and a primary wireless network.
While the UniFi Express does not support threat detection features like IDS/IDP, we’ll switch to the UDM Pro, which I have on hand, for that portion. If you’re interested in the differences between UniFi Cloud Gateways, check out this comparison article.
We won’t be configuring VLANs in this guide, but if you plan to use them, be sure to read this article once you’ve completed the setup.
Step 1 – Initial Setup
To begin setting up your UniFi Cloud Gateway or Console, the recommended method is using a Bluetooth connection with the UniFi Network app. You can download the app here for Android and here for Apple. Ensure the app is installed on your mobile device.
Connect the WAN port of your Cloud Gateway or console to the internet and power up the device. It will take a few minutes to boot up, during which you should open the app on your mobile device.
Note:
If you prefer not to use the app, you can connect a laptop to the network, open a browser, and navigate to http://192.168.1.1 to complete the initial setup.
While the console is still initializing, click on Sign In to log into your UI Account or create a new Ubiquiti account. This account facilitates easy network management from the internet and enables cloud-based automatic backups of your configurations.
After signing in, you may need to click on the Plus icon to locate the new console. Once the console has finished initializing, click on Tap to Setup.
During the initial setup of your UniFi console, you can assign a name to the console (or leave it as the default). Depending on your console type, you may also configure a wireless network at this stage. Although the network settings can be modified later, this allows for a quick connection to your network once the setup is completed. Click on Connect when you’re ready and wait for the setup process to finalize.
Step 2 – Update UniFi Apps and UniFi OS Settings
If you created or used a Ubiquiti account in the previous step, you can now log in at unifi.ui.com to access your console. This will open the Site Manager, where your console will be displayed.
The first task is to ensure that everything is fully up-to-date. At the time of writing, UniFi Network 8.0 has been released, but the console may still be operating on version 7.x. Click on the console icon to access the console settings (UniFi OS).
It may take a few moments for the console to check for updates, but ensure that all applications are updated to the most recent version.
While you’re in the UniFi OS Settings, navigate to the console settings. Confirm that System Config Backup is enabled and that the location and time zone are correct. You also have the option to adjust the LED or LCM screen settings. For devices like the UniFi Dream Router or UniFi Express, which are often placed in visible areas, consider turning off the screen at night or reducing the brightness.
Step 3 – Adopting Devices
With your UniFi Network fully updated, you can begin adopting your network devices:
1. Open the UniFi Network App.
2. Go to Devices.
3. Click on “Click to Adopt” for each device.
If a device fails to adopt, it might be due to outdated firmware or prior management by another UniFi Controller. For more troubleshooting tips, refer to the provided guide.
Step 4 – Configuring Wireless Networks
Next, we’ll set up and optimize your wireless networks. If a wireless network wasn’t configured during the initial setup, follow these steps:
1. Open the Radio Manager.
2. Click on +Create new.
3. Name your wireless network and set a password.
4. Click Add WiFi Network.
Return to the Radio Manager to continue with the main wireless network configuration. We’ll address the guest network setup later.
Access Point Placement
For optimal wireless performance, proper placement of access points is crucial. Walls and other obstacles can weaken the signal, so avoid placing access points in closets or behind doors. Instead, opt for placing multiple smaller access points throughout your space rather than relying on a single powerful one.
2.4 GHz Radio Settings
The 2.4 GHz band is vital for your wireless network, supporting a wide range of devices, including older and smart home devices. It also has better penetration through walls compared to the 5 GHz band. For optimal performance:
• Set the Channel Width to 20.
• Keep the Channel and Transmit Power settings on Auto.
• Leave Minimum RSSI turned Off.
While UniFi generally does a good job of selecting the best channels, you can manually configure them if needed. Use channels 1, 6, or 11, and distribute them across different floors to avoid interference.
5 GHz Radio Settings
The 5 GHz band offers higher speeds but has a shorter range and struggles to penetrate obstacles. For stability:
• Set the Channel Width to 40.
• Keep the Channel and Transmit Power on Auto.
Customizing these settings may further improve device roaming, but the default auto settings typically work well.
Advanced Wireless Settings
Access advanced settings under Settings > WiFi by selecting your wireless network. While the default advanced settings are generally sufficient, adjustments may be necessary for high-density networks or to resolve connectivity issues with specific devices like Sonos or Chromecast.
• Private Pre-Shared Keys: Use a single wireless network for all VLANs.
• Hotspot Portal: Ideal for guest networks, offering branded login pages and various authentication options.
• Band Steering: Encourages the use of the 5 GHz band; disable it if you encounter connectivity issues.
• Client Device Isolation: Essential for Guest or IoT networks to prevent device communication.
• Fast Roaming: Enable this for quicker transitions between access points during VoIP or video calls.
Step 5 – Configuring Networks
In the network settings, you can create and manage virtual networks (VLANs) to separate devices for security purposes. This is particularly useful for isolating guests or IoT devices. The default network settings are typically adequate, but you can customize them as needed, including IP range, DHCP scope, and DNS settings.
For added security, consider setting static IP addresses for critical devices by disabling the Auto-Scale network and adjusting the DHCP range accordingly.
Step 6 – Optimizing Internet Settings
To ensure optimal internet performance, configure the internet settings:
1. Go to Settings > Internet and open your Primary (WAN1) connection.
2. Enter the Expected ISP Speeds.
3. Set Advanced to Manual.
4. Enable Smart Queues if your internet speed is below 300Mbps.
5. Set the downrate and uprate slightly below your actual connection speed to prevent buffer bloat.
6. Use reliable DNS servers, such as 1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1, instead of those provided by your ISP.
Step 7 – VPN Setup (Optional)
Your UniFi Cloud Gateway includes a built-in VPN server, allowing you to securely connect to your home network remotely. This feature is especially useful when accessing sensitive information, like online banking, from public networks. You can enable the VPN server in the settings.
Step 8 – Enhancing Security
Review and configure the security settings to protect your network. By default, the firewall blocks all invalid incoming traffic, but additional measures can be taken depending on your Cloud Gateway model.
• Device and Traffic Identification: View connected devices and monitor traffic types.
• Country Restrictions: Block traffic to and from specific countries or allow traffic only to trusted countries.
• Suspicious Activity Detection: Enable this feature for real-time monitoring of incoming and outgoing traffic. Start with Notify mode, then switch to Notify and Block after monitoring for a week.
Traffic Rules
Create specific traffic rules for your network, such as blocking certain apps or setting internet access schedules for specific devices. For example, block TikTok across all devices or restrict its use to certain hours.
Step 9 – Final System Settings
The final step is to verify the system settings. Ensure the country and time format settings are correct and that Auto Backup is enabled, with the schedule set to weekly. Disable Wireless Meshing if all access points are connected via Ethernet, as it’s only necessary for wireless setups.
Guest Network Setup
As mentioned earlier, we will now set up a guest network. This involves creating both a new virtual network and a corresponding wireless network.
1. Create a New Virtual Network:
• Go to Networks and click on New Virtual Network.
• Name the network, for instance, Guests.
• Enable Advanced settings.
• Turn on Isolation to ensure that guest devices are separated from the main network.
• Click Add to finalize the virtual network setup.
2. Set Up the Guest Wireless Network:
• Open the WiFi Settings.
• Click on Create New to add a new wireless network.
• Enter a name and password for the guest WiFi network.
• Select the newly created Guest virtual network.
• Enable Advanced Settings.
• Turn on Client Device Isolation to prevent guest devices from communicating with each other.
• Click Add WiFi to complete the setup.
Wrapping Up
This guide has walked you through every critical step to configure your UniFi network for optimal performance. If you’re interested in using VLANs for IoT devices or cameras, be sure to explore additional resources to further enhance your network setup.