My Home Internet Setup with Unifi
I realized that I’ve never really written a post about how I run my home network. During the Pandemic I did a major overhaul of my network Pandemic Internet - Maximum speed with backup using CenturyLink Fiber and Comcast — OmarKnows.
Since then, my setup has grown. I now manage three Unifi systems in different locations. I can manage everything from a mobile app and from their web site. In addition, all the cameras that I use record video locally but come with all the bells and whistles of cloud based recordings.
Warning… Unifi hardware purchasing is addictive. They make so many awesome products and continue to innovate and add more. The system is very scalable and flexible but also very turnkey. You can “leave it alone” and it will just work for months and months without any interference. It’s a big step up from something like Eero, and Eero would still be my recommendation if you don’t need this much customization.
The amount of information you gain over your network is staggering. You can see here on my dashboard.
I have 8 manages switches and 7 WIFI Access points and eight cameras, including two doorbells.
For smaller setups you’ll want to consider either the UniFi Express or Dream Router.
Dream Machine
There are a few different routers that you can purchase, I have the UDM-Pro.
If I were starting over today, I would get the Dream Machine Special Edition. This has some PoE ports built in which is nice to have.
UniFi Dream Machine Pro (UDM-Pro)
The UniFi Dream Machine Pro is the cornerstone of a professional network, offering an all-in-one networking console that combines a high-performance router, switch, and network video recorder. With its sleek, 1U rackmount design, the UDM-Pro is not only space-efficient but also powerful enough to manage large-scale networks. It features an integrated security gateway, which ensures comprehensive network security with advanced threat management functionalities.
One of the standout features of the UDM-Pro is its capacity to serve as a network video recorder. This feature allows me to manage and store footage from UniFi Cameras directly on the device, making it an ideal solution for integrated network and surveillance systems.
UniFi Access Points
When paired with UniFi Access Points, the UDM-Pro elevates Wi-Fi performance and coverage. UniFi’s Access Points are renowned for their high throughput and extensive range, suitable for both indoor and outdoor environments. These devices ensure uninterrupted Wi-Fi coverage with technologies like band steering and beamforming, which enhance signal clarity and range. Moreover, the centralized management via the UniFi Controller software enables seamless configuration and monitoring, simplifying the task of managing multiple access points across the network.
I use a few different Access Points.
Two Access Point WiFi 6 Long-Range - Ubiquiti Store for high traffic areas.
One Access Point U6 In-Wall - Ubiquiti Store which is installed over a single gang low voltage outlet.
One Access Point WiFi 6 Mesh - Ubiquiti Store in my bedroom that sits on a bookshelf
A few Access Point U6 Lite - Ubiquiti Store for coverage around the home
One Access Point AC Mesh Pro - Ubiquiti Store for outside my home so that I have good WiFi coverage for devices that are in my front yard and garden.
UniFi Cameras
Integration with UniFi Cameras underscores the UDM-Pro’s utility as a comprehensive security solution. UniFi Cameras offer high-resolution surveillance and are built to withstand various environmental conditions, making them perfect for both indoor and outdoor security setups. The UDM-Pro's built-in network video recorder functionality facilitates real-time video surveillance with extensive storage capabilities, providing peace of mind through enhanced security surveillance.
I use the following cameras
All the video is recorded and stored on a 12TB Hard Drive, and the device offers many features like AI detection of people, cars, packages, animals and motion.
The doorbell has two cameras in it. One to record forward and one to record facing down so you can see packages on the floor by your door.
You can even customize it with messages like this one I added instructing drivers to leave the package below the camera.
Dual WAN Failover Support
Reliability is paramount in networking, and the UDM-Pro excels with its dual WAN failover support. This feature ensures continuous internet connectivity by automatically switching to a secondary WAN connection in the event of a primary connection failure.
My Primary internet is CenturyLink 1GB Fiber and this is 99.99% reliable. However, in the rare moments it goes offline, I have a backup WAN service that is provided by US Mobile and a NetGear M6 Pro Router. My backup internet is 500 MBs speed which is fantastic.
Teleport VPN and Remote Management
The UDM-Pro's built-in support for Teleport VPN is a game changer for travel. I can use the Teleport VPN on all my devices to connect “back to home” so that I can download, and stream shows while overseas. This works around many of the pesky licensing and other restrictions that make entertainment while traveling a hassle.
Moreover, the UniFi Network Controller software enables advanced remote management capabilities. Administrators can configure, monitor, and troubleshoot the network from a single interface, which is accessible from any device connected to the internet. This centralized approach to network management not only simplifies the process but also enhances the efficiency of network operations.
HomeKit
This deserves special mention. I have a HomeBridge device that I use with a plugin to get all these cameras and doorbells on my Network so that all the HomeKit features work with my Unifi Gear.
Setting up a HomeBridge is a bit nerdy. Hoobs is a product that makes this more approachable.
Conclusion
I'm very satisfied with Unifi and my UDM-Pro as my networking solution. I admit that there have been some hiccups with stability and customer service in the previous years, but I think that they have resolved those issues in the recent updates. I especially like how the support ticketing system is now built into the console, so that I don't have to spend time on the phone or email to get help.