To handle your UniFi gear you’ll need a controller to run the UniFi Community app. Now Ubiquiti does provide a few choices within the type of Cloud Gateways and Cloud Keys, however you too can use a self-hosted UniFi Controller.
The benefit of a self-hosted UniFi Controller is you could both run it on some cheap {hardware} that you’ve mendacity round, or on the opposite facet of the spectrum, actually scale it as much as assist a giant surroundings.
On this article, we’ll have a look at the completely different choices that you’ve in terms of self host your UniFi Controller.
Self Hosted Choices
Once we are speaking about self-hosting the UniFi controller, then we mainly have two choices. We will run the UniFi community app on native {hardware}, like a Raspberry Pi, or small server. Or we are able to use a VPS supplier and run our UniFi controller within the cloud on our personal digital machine.
Which of the 2 choices is finest for you, actually will depend on your use case. When you have {hardware} sources out there and solely have to assist units in your native surroundings, then operating the controller regionally makes essentially the most sense.
But when you’ll want to management UniFi units which can be unfold over a number of areas, then a VPS (digital personal server) is a extra dependable possibility. The benefit of a VPS is that the OS layer is maintained for you and you’ll simply scale them up when wanted.
| Domestically hosted | Non-public Cloud hosted | |
|---|---|---|
| Upkeep | OS upkeep, updates, backups | None |
| Scalability | Restricted | Simply scale up |
| Distant Entry | Requires opening firewall ports | Straightforward to entry |
| Setup time | OS set up, configuration, firewall | Simpler to stand up and operating |
| Prices | One time funding (or free with current {hardware}) |
Returning value |
Moreover these two choices, there are additionally a few hosted choices out there, like Hostifi. They’re the most important UniFi Cloud Supplier and provide plans beginning at $9 per thirty days.
Self Hosted Controller
When you have a small community or wish to use the UniFi Community app solely in your house community, then the self-hosted UniFi controller is an efficient possibility. It may run with none issues on a Raspberry Pi or some other small house server.
The benefit of a self-hosted controller is that you’ve management over the {hardware} that it’s operating on. Now for the {hardware}, there are after all some minimal system necessities which can be required to run the UniFi Community app:
- Reminiscence – 2GB (small environments can even run on 1GB in my expertise)
- CPU – X86-64 Processor. (it runs on a Raspberry Pi 4 )
- Storage – 10GB
- MongoDB – 3.6 or later (is included within the set up)
Necessary to notice is that you simply don’t have to maintain the server operating 24/7. This implies you could even set up the UniFi Community server in your pocket book. The app solely must be operating to replace the firmware of the units and make configuration modifications.
It’s after all higher to maintain it operating 24/7 as a result of it permits the app to assemble statics which you should utilize to optimize your wi-fi community for instance.
Additionally good to know is that with out a UniFi Gateway, you gained’t be capable to use options like VPN, Safety, or Routing. You’re restricted to managing your UniFi switches and entry factors solely.
To get began with the self-hosted controller, you’ll be able to learn this information which can go into element on tips on how to get the controller up and operating in a few minutes.
Non-public Cloud Controller (VPS)
When you’ll want to handle a number of community websites or have completely different department places of work, then operating your UniFi Community console within the cloud actually is sensible. All of the distant areas can simply connect with the controller operating within the cloud, and you’ll simply scale up the server sources because the community grows.
For the VPS server, we are able to use just about any VPS supplier. To run the UniFi community server app, we want 1 GB of reminiscence as a naked minimal and 1 vCPU. However if you wish to handle a number of websites, with possibly even UniFi Gateways, then you definitely want 2GB of reminiscence no less than
.
In relation to selecting a VPS supplier, then Vultr is a very good possibility. They provide high-performance digital machines with 1 GB of reminiscence for under $6 per thirty days.
If you wish to know extra about operating your UniFi Community controller within the cloud, then be sure you learn this text as effectively. There I’ll clarify extra on tips on how to arrange and configure your hosted controller.
Managed Hosted Suppliers
A managed hosted supplier isn’t a self-hosted resolution after all, however I wish to handle this feature as effectively. If you happen to plan to run the UniFi Community controller within the cloud, then particularly for small environments, is a managed resolution typically a less expensive resolution.
For instance, a small Vultr VPS node prices $6 per thirty days, with out backup. Then you definitely nonetheless want to put in and configure every little thing your self and ensure that the app is updated. For under $3 per thirty days additional, it is going to all be executed for you.
Once we have a look at bigger environments, the place you’ll want to assist 100 or extra units, you need one thing that’s dependable and confirmed to work. A managed possibility, like Hostifi or UniHosted, may cost a little a bit extra per thirty days in comparison with getting your personal VPS, however in return, you get a completely confirmed and examined resolution, with a fantastic assist workforce behind it.
Wrapping Up
A self-hosted UniFi Controller isn’t troublesome to stand up and operating, and you probably have some spare {hardware} mendacity round, it’s typically an excellent possibility for a small surroundings. However when your surroundings grows, or you’ll want to assist a number of distant websites, then it’s higher to run the controller within the cloud.
