The major issue I see is connected with troubleshooting, which is my main concern. Troubleshooting capabilities are limited, and some advanced features are missing. For example, enterprise Wi-Fi solutions include features that help administrators handle many sleeping devices that are connected but doing nothing while still utilizing airtime. As more of these devices connect, the harder it becomes for active devices using the Wi-Fi, which impacts their performance. More expensive solutions provide functionality to handle this, but Ubiquiti UniFi does not. I do not use the real-time statistics feature, so it does not help with my network monitoring. While the solution is scalable, I have about 30 sites in my enterprise, and it is difficult to quickly locate which site a particular device is connected to. Ubiquiti UniFi cannot answer this question efficiently, and I have to switch between network sites one by one to find the device. I do use guest management and client isolation, though I do not use hotspot features because my enterprise does not need them. The impact of Ubiquiti UniFi VLAN setup on my network traffic management is straightforward and simple. Access points work in bridge mode, not in tunnel mode, which the system does not support. I configure a trunk port for every port where the Wi-Fi access point is connected and that is all. From a technical standpoint, Aruba, Fortinet, and Juniper are higher in capability because they operate at a different level that I cannot compare. Some advanced features are missing, particularly handling sleeping devices. This is the most critical example because managing 50 connected devices where 45 are doing nothing and just utilizing airtime is complicated. I want to handle this in some way, and Ubiquiti UniFi does not support this feature or help in any manner.
You pay more upfront for Ubiquiti UniFi, but you don't receive substantial support, which is problematic. They previously provided setup support but discontinued this service, though you save money overall by not paying monthly fees. I would rate Ubiquiti UniFi's support zero because they've always had inadequate support. Trying to get someone on the phone is nearly impossible, and although they now have a support plan, emergency help is frustratingly difficult to find when the company doesn't provide it.
Network Administrator at a consultancy with self employed
Real User
Nov 15, 2020
I don't like the concept of the QoS, Quality of Service configuration because it doesn't give very granular configuration access to prioritize network traffic. I am a Cisco CCNP and I know that in Cisco, we have more granular ways to define a quality of service, but I have found it quite difficult to do so in UniFi. Some of the networking features are not very easy to configure.
Documentation could be improved, especially regarding known issues or new features. It relies heavily on the user community to provide support and info. There is a vast user group with support groups on both the dedicated forums as well as most social media platforms. So far we have been able to find solutions to all our issues but there is always the fear an issue will come up we can't resolve and we won't be able to reach out to the company directly. They do offer a subscription support service, but it doesn't make sense for the large number of devices we have.
In terms of improvements, I would say that the software interfaces could be better, they can be somewhat lacking at times. There's also a lack of documentation. We work with distributors and they are the ones that supply support and solutions for us. There is currently no proper after-sales technical support from the company. As mentioned, the product could be improved by including documentation which is currently insufficient. I would also recommend additional testing of software before new releases. The product needs more R & D in terms of their software.
If I could manage the W-LAN or other items without a UniFi switch, that would be very helpful. I have not tried, but I think some options are tied to the hardware, like the Ubiquiti switch.
This solution could be more user-friendly. Setting up IP generation for something like guest access is pretty confusing and should be improved. The Java support within that is also a problem. The system is able to use the launcher base, and also use the social networking IP generation, but sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't. It depends purely upon the Android device in which you are using to access it. Even with a laptop, it will wait for Java and if it is not there or not configured properly then the client will suffer. The UniFi controller or the help guild should report what the Java version is so that I can easily see what is required. I would like to have better and more structured reporting about individuals. Right now, we can see the user and where they are connected, but it does not give details such as what is being accessed.
The weak link to Ubiquiti UniFi's solution is the USG (gateway/firewall appliance). While the USG offers basic features, it doesn't have much above basic. It's also underpowered to handle the advanced features that it does offer at Internet connection speeds above 250 Mbps. This could (and probably will be resolved) in a future hardware/software upgrade. At most sites, we have installed alternate security appliance solutions to the USG. Some end users will miss the advanced features and technical support. But considering the cost, this can be seen as a plus once you get your bearings on how to configure the equipment. For large enterprises used to the feature set of Cisco, Juniper, and the other big names, this is not a good solution. There are simply too many feature shortcomings for most large enterprises. If you need more advanced features, Ubiquiti offers another product line called EdgeMAX. It's not as advanced as Cisco and Juniper, but it is much closer.
Ubiquiti Networks UniFi AP, Featuring a clean industrial design, can be integrated seamlessly into any wall or ceiling surface (mounting kits included). The LED indicator simplifies deployment and configuration. With its software-based capabilities, the UniFi virtual control plane allows for unlimited scalability under one centralized controller. The UniFi Controller software is bundled with the UniFi AP hardware at no extra charge - no separate software, licensing or support fee.
The major issue I see is connected with troubleshooting, which is my main concern. Troubleshooting capabilities are limited, and some advanced features are missing. For example, enterprise Wi-Fi solutions include features that help administrators handle many sleeping devices that are connected but doing nothing while still utilizing airtime. As more of these devices connect, the harder it becomes for active devices using the Wi-Fi, which impacts their performance. More expensive solutions provide functionality to handle this, but Ubiquiti UniFi does not. I do not use the real-time statistics feature, so it does not help with my network monitoring. While the solution is scalable, I have about 30 sites in my enterprise, and it is difficult to quickly locate which site a particular device is connected to. Ubiquiti UniFi cannot answer this question efficiently, and I have to switch between network sites one by one to find the device. I do use guest management and client isolation, though I do not use hotspot features because my enterprise does not need them. The impact of Ubiquiti UniFi VLAN setup on my network traffic management is straightforward and simple. Access points work in bridge mode, not in tunnel mode, which the system does not support. I configure a trunk port for every port where the Wi-Fi access point is connected and that is all. From a technical standpoint, Aruba, Fortinet, and Juniper are higher in capability because they operate at a different level that I cannot compare. Some advanced features are missing, particularly handling sleeping devices. This is the most critical example because managing 50 connected devices where 45 are doing nothing and just utilizing airtime is complicated. I want to handle this in some way, and Ubiquiti UniFi does not support this feature or help in any manner.
You pay more upfront for Ubiquiti UniFi, but you don't receive substantial support, which is problematic. They previously provided setup support but discontinued this service, though you save money overall by not paying monthly fees. I would rate Ubiquiti UniFi's support zero because they've always had inadequate support. Trying to get someone on the phone is nearly impossible, and although they now have a support plan, emergency help is frustratingly difficult to find when the company doesn't provide it.
I don't like the concept of the QoS, Quality of Service configuration because it doesn't give very granular configuration access to prioritize network traffic. I am a Cisco CCNP and I know that in Cisco, we have more granular ways to define a quality of service, but I have found it quite difficult to do so in UniFi. Some of the networking features are not very easy to configure.
Documentation could be improved, especially regarding known issues or new features. It relies heavily on the user community to provide support and info. There is a vast user group with support groups on both the dedicated forums as well as most social media platforms. So far we have been able to find solutions to all our issues but there is always the fear an issue will come up we can't resolve and we won't be able to reach out to the company directly. They do offer a subscription support service, but it doesn't make sense for the large number of devices we have.
In terms of improvements, I would say that the software interfaces could be better, they can be somewhat lacking at times. There's also a lack of documentation. We work with distributors and they are the ones that supply support and solutions for us. There is currently no proper after-sales technical support from the company. As mentioned, the product could be improved by including documentation which is currently insufficient. I would also recommend additional testing of software before new releases. The product needs more R & D in terms of their software.
If I could manage the W-LAN or other items without a UniFi switch, that would be very helpful. I have not tried, but I think some options are tied to the hardware, like the Ubiquiti switch.
This solution could be more user-friendly. Setting up IP generation for something like guest access is pretty confusing and should be improved. The Java support within that is also a problem. The system is able to use the launcher base, and also use the social networking IP generation, but sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't. It depends purely upon the Android device in which you are using to access it. Even with a laptop, it will wait for Java and if it is not there or not configured properly then the client will suffer. The UniFi controller or the help guild should report what the Java version is so that I can easily see what is required. I would like to have better and more structured reporting about individuals. Right now, we can see the user and where they are connected, but it does not give details such as what is being accessed.
A more powerful heatmapping application in the controller would assist in more reliable WiFi modeling.
The support for this product is insufficient.
The weak link to Ubiquiti UniFi's solution is the USG (gateway/firewall appliance). While the USG offers basic features, it doesn't have much above basic. It's also underpowered to handle the advanced features that it does offer at Internet connection speeds above 250 Mbps. This could (and probably will be resolved) in a future hardware/software upgrade. At most sites, we have installed alternate security appliance solutions to the USG. Some end users will miss the advanced features and technical support. But considering the cost, this can be seen as a plus once you get your bearings on how to configure the equipment. For large enterprises used to the feature set of Cisco, Juniper, and the other big names, this is not a good solution. There are simply too many feature shortcomings for most large enterprises. If you need more advanced features, Ubiquiti offers another product line called EdgeMAX. It's not as advanced as Cisco and Juniper, but it is much closer.