Ubiquiti UniFi is a networking platform that can support Wi-Fi, wired networking, switching, gateways, cameras, and other connected infrastructure within a centrally managed environment.
Spacelink helps residential and commercial customers evaluate and professionally install supported UniFi solutions for properties that need more networking capability than a basic wireless router can provide.
UniFi can be particularly useful for businesses, larger homes, rural properties, multi-building locations, camera systems, and other environments where the network needs to cover multiple areas or support a broader range of connected equipment.
What Is Ubiquiti UniFi?
UniFi is Ubiquiti’s ecosystem of networking and connected-property products.
A UniFi environment can include compatible gateways, wireless access points, network switches, cameras, network video recording, and other supported devices depending on the system being built.
The platform allows compatible infrastructure to be managed together rather than treating every network component as an unrelated device.
UniFi Wi-Fi Access Points
Instead of depending on one wireless router to cover an entire property, a UniFi network can use multiple wireless access points positioned where Wi-Fi coverage is needed.
This approach can be useful in larger homes, offices, warehouses, shops, multi-story buildings, and other properties where a single wireless device cannot provide adequate coverage.
The number and placement of access points should be based on the property, building materials, connected devices, equipment capabilities, and coverage requirements rather than a universal square-footage formula.
UniFi for Business Wi-Fi
Businesses can have networking requirements that extend well beyond ordinary internet access.
Employees, guests, cloud applications, cameras, point-of-sale systems, computers, printers, phones, and other connected equipment may all depend on the network.
UniFi can support commercial networks requiring multiple access points, wired networking, centralized management, and network infrastructure that can expand as the business grows.
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UniFi Network Switches
Network switches connect compatible wired devices and network infrastructure within a property.
A UniFi network can use switches to connect access points, computers, cameras, gateways, and other supported equipment.
The appropriate switch depends on factors such as the number and type of devices, network capacity requirements, Power over Ethernet needs, uplink requirements, and plans for future expansion.
Power over Ethernet
Power over Ethernet, commonly called PoE, allows compatible network cabling to carry both data and electrical power to supported devices.
PoE can be useful for wireless access points, IP cameras, and other compatible network equipment because the device may not require a separate electrical outlet at its installation location.
PoE standards and power requirements vary, so switches, injectors, cabling, and connected devices need to be compatible with the equipment being installed.
UniFi Gateways and Network Management
Compatible UniFi gateways can serve important roles in managing the connection between a property’s local network and its internet connection.
Depending on the equipment and configuration, a UniFi environment can provide network management capabilities for wireless networks, wired devices, guest access, network segmentation, and other supported features.
The appropriate configuration should be based on the customer’s requirements rather than enabling features simply because they are available.
Guest Wi-Fi and Network Segmentation
Businesses and other properties may need to separate different types of network access.
For example, guest Wi-Fi may need to remain separate from employee devices, cameras, or other internal network resources.
Compatible UniFi equipment can support network configurations designed to separate different devices or types of traffic according to the property’s requirements.
UniFi for Larger Homes
UniFi is not limited to businesses.
Larger homes, high-device-count households, properties with existing Ethernet, extensive camera systems, home offices, or more complicated coverage requirements may also benefit from a network using multiple access points and wired infrastructure.
For customers primarily seeking simple whole-home Wi-Fi, a mesh platform such as eero may also be worth considering. The better choice depends on how much network capability and management the property actually needs.
UniFi for Multiple Buildings
Farms, businesses, rural properties, workshops, warehouses, and other locations may need network connectivity in more than one building.
The appropriate building-to-building connection depends on distance, line of sight, existing cabling, available pathways, power, terrain, and the network requirements at each location.
A broader network design can combine UniFi equipment with appropriate wired or wireless infrastructure where supported.
UniFi for Rural Properties
A rural property may have internet service at the main house but still need connectivity at a shop, barn, office, guest building, camera location, or another part of the property.
UniFi can fit into networks that use multiple access points and other infrastructure to distribute connectivity after the internet connection reaches the property.
The internet source and the local network should be considered separately. Satellite, cellular, fiber, cable, fixed wireless, or another internet service can provide the connection while the network distributes it to supported devices and locations.
UniFi Protect and Security Cameras
Ubiquiti also offers UniFi Protect for compatible cameras and video-security equipment.
Camera systems can benefit from properly planned networking because camera placement, PoE requirements, network capacity, recording equipment, and remote access can all depend on the underlying infrastructure.
Spacelink can help customers evaluate supported networking and camera solutions as part of a broader connected-property design.
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UniFi vs. eero
UniFi and eero can both provide Wi-Fi connectivity, but they are designed around different networking approaches and customer requirements.
eero can be a strong fit for customers seeking a streamlined whole-home or mesh Wi-Fi system. UniFi can be better suited to environments requiring multiple access points, switches, gateways, wired infrastructure, cameras, or more extensive network management.
Neither platform is automatically the right choice for every property.
Professional UniFi Installation
A UniFi network can involve access-point placement, Ethernet cabling, switches, gateways, PoE equipment, cameras, network configuration, and other infrastructure.
Spacelink can help plan and professionally install supported UniFi networking solutions based on the property’s requirements.
Professional network installation is available within our local service area and may also be available in other U.S. markets through qualified fulfillment resources.
Learn About Professional Wi-Fi & Network Installation
Network Security and Updates
Network infrastructure should be maintained with security in mind. Customers should protect administrative access, use appropriate credentials, keep supported equipment updated, and configure network access according to the property’s requirements.
Ubiquiti maintains official documentation and support resources for current UniFi equipment, software, installation, and configuration information.
Visit the Official Ubiquiti Help Center
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ubiquiti UniFi?
UniFi is Ubiquiti’s ecosystem of networking and connected-property products. Depending on the system, it can include wireless access points, gateways, switches, cameras, and other compatible infrastructure.
Is UniFi only for businesses?
No. UniFi can also be appropriate for larger homes, rural properties, high-device-count environments, home offices, camera systems, and other locations requiring more extensive networking.
Is UniFi a mesh Wi-Fi system?
UniFi access points can support wireless networking configurations, but UniFi is a broader networking platform rather than simply a consumer mesh Wi-Fi product. Networks can include wired access points, switches, gateways, and other infrastructure.
Can UniFi connect multiple buildings?
UniFi equipment can be part of a multi-building network, but the appropriate connection between buildings depends on distance, line of sight, existing infrastructure, power, property conditions, and networking requirements.
Can UniFi power access points and cameras over Ethernet?
Compatible UniFi switches and other equipment can support Power over Ethernet for compatible devices. PoE standards and power requirements must match the equipment being used.
Does Spacelink install Ubiquiti UniFi?
Spacelink can help evaluate and professionally install supported UniFi networking solutions within its local service area and may be able to arrange installation in other U.S. markets where qualified resources are available.
Should I choose UniFi or eero?
The better fit depends on the property and networking requirements. eero can provide a streamlined whole-home Wi-Fi experience, while UniFi can support more extensive access-point, switching, gateway, camera, and network-management requirements.
Interested in a UniFi Network?
Tell us about your property, internet connection, existing network, connected devices, coverage requirements, cameras, and any buildings or areas that need connectivity.
Spacelink can help determine whether UniFi is appropriate and how the system should fit into the property’s overall network design.