Question

Anyone willing to help me with some questions with Unifi please? My Asus router 8 port, has died again. I understand the setup below, but do I need the USG and cloud key? My internet is from Virgin media (UK) with my router in “modem mode” was going to plug in a 8port switch and then add the items onto that ? 2nd question. What’s the best add on for WiFi for unifi, the setup will be in one room, so it need to have good range to reach a large home. Thanks you  

Answer 1

Dump it all and just get a Google Wifi device . then you dont need anything else

Comments

@brewis79 dump your car and get a shopping trolley, then you won’t need to pump up your tyres.  

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@unremitting explain.  

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@brewis79 comparing google wifi to a ubiquity system is like comparing a car to a shopping trolley. They both have wheels and move things around but they aren’t the same product

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@unremitting yep had both then invested in extra google units and thrown the frizzbie saucer in the garage .  

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And this person lives in a small apartment !  

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You need to have it ceiling mounted for it to work and distribute properly. Also any properly done Ubiquiti setup will be much better than home grade consumer WiFi period.  

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Well we live in a big old thick stone walled french farmhouse and 3 google wifi points work perfectly and have been for a few years now ! . who needs having to mess with settings all the time, just plug in and go !  

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@brewis79 should have given em to someone who knows how to use em  

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@brewis79 I see your point for sure but that is the difference between consumer and SMB devices.  

Answer 2

The USG replaces your Asus router. USG provides DHCP and Firewall functions. You could run their controller software on a computer instead of the cloudkey but having the Cloudkey is more convenience. I would prefer the AC-Pro for range

Comments

@dunlap love mine Used my old night hawk as sp

Answer 3

In short. No. You don't need the USG or cloud key. I have near an identical setup to yours (without USG or key) Also in virgin media and it works very well. I use the long range AC.  

Answer 4

Will my security be effected if I didn’t have the USG? Will my Virginmedia modern provide the firewall, ?  

Comments

It can, but the USG will do it much better.  

Answer 5

If you are buying it all new for home use just get the dream machine.  

Comments

@deni87 food call but I need about 8 Ethernet ports

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@sharkskin6271 still cheaper and easier to add a unifi switch to the dream machine. I have the 24port gen 2 plugged in and it works great.  

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@deni87 I like it, I will check that out

Answer 6

You can run everything from any pc

Answer 7

You don't have to own a cloud key or even a UniFi router if you just want to have a couple of UniFi APs

Answer 8

If you don't want the USG, you just need to put your Virgin Media box back into router mode. Switch off the WiFi on it if you plan on buying Unifi APs  

Comments

@liter much appreciated for that, I am just thinking of a switch and a NanoHD

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@sharkskin6271 super  

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@liter or the Amplifi

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I have 2x AC-LR in my house

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Excellent coverage

Answer 9

Yes, you absolutely need the USG if you have the VM box in modem only mode and yes you really should get the Cloud Key, it just makes life significantly easier. HOWEVER, instead of getting all those, especially since the USG is massively outdated at this point and will basically not receive many (if at all) updates, you should instead get the "UniFi Dream Machine" which actually includes a WiFi Access Point (equivalent to the nanoHD), a cloud key, a significantly more powerful router (instead of the USG) and a small switch (four port), it basically has every kind of Ubiquiti product on your diagram all built in.  
https://store.ui.com/products/unifi...chine

Comments

@hartzel best place in the uk to get one ?  

Answer 10

Another solution will be ERX, the cheapest solutions, if u have UAP it does passthru to PoE . Save 1 power socket too. btw y do u need cloud key for a simple home setup?  

Answer 11

I have the AP lite with the edgeroutee 10x plugged into my isp modem.  

Answer 12

Anyone in UK brought a unifi dream Machine and where from ?  

Comments

@foliolate it’s £322 direct

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I just checked my recipt, I got it in November 19th last year

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@sharkskin6271 must have put it up then.  

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Could be down to the exchange rate of course

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@foliolate most likely, i will it it from the box, £22 saved ‍♂️

Answer 13

Msdist. co. uk 337. 39 with VAT.  

Answer 14

If you want to go the unify route then just get a dream machine. Its everything in one. Saves you all the hassle and money of the individual bits.  

Answer 15

The Unifi controller can be run as software on a Windows or linux box. It doesn't need to be running all the time, either, although it's somewhat useful. Cloud key just does the same job. The USG, as others have pointed out, is getting old; any router/firewall will work, just add a switch for extra ports if needed. Of course, Unifi plays nicest with more Unifi, but you can mix - I run a Sophos firewall, Zyxel switches and Unifi APs.  

Answer 16

Do not get the Dream Machine unless you get the Dream Machine Pro. Also i am running an Asus infront of the Ubiquiti system at my home as a backup, which works great when i am wondering if there are issues i can log onto the asus and check. I have a huge home though and ubiquiti throughout the 4 story house, 5 acre property and guest homes. Google wifi can do it but not as slick. I also have cat6 and fiber ran everywhere though so it makes it easier!  

Comments

@randee2824 I think the pro is slight over kill for my small setup

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The non pro has an issue with speeds above 400, dont handcuff yourself. unless youre into that kind of thing.  

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@randee2824 I wish my provider would give me 400 ! 200 max here

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I just paid for the pull to my home since cable wouldnt do it. finally at 1000/40. i was stuck at 35/10 i know it sounds stupid but life has changed for our family in the last month with the faster speed.