User Guide

119
UniFi Controller User Guide
Ubiquiti Networks, Inc.
Appendix D: Controller Scenarios
Appendix D: Controller
Scenarios
Overview
The UniFi Controller is a software program that sets up,
manages, and monitors UniFi devices, which do not have
individual configuration interfaces (except for the UniFi
Cloud Key); instead, you use the UniFi Controller as a
network management system to configure settings.
For very small installation that don’t require a guest
portal or advanced features, you can set up UniFi APs in
stand‑alone mode. Refer to “UniFi EasySetup App” on
page 115 for details.
Hosting Controller Software
The UniFi Controller can be hosted on any of the following:
• a local UniFi Cloud Key (a low‑power dedicated network
device)
• a local server running Linux, MacOSX, or Microsoft
Windows 7/8/10
• a remote server running Linux, MacOSX, or Microsoft
Windows 7/8/10
Note: The remote controller option requires Layer‑3
adoption and management.
Only one instance of the UniFi Controller is required. For
example, use either the UniFi Cloud Key or a local server,
not both.
A UniFi Cloud Key can be used as a remote controller. For
example, if you have a campus‑wide UniFi network and
each building has its own router, then Layer‑3 adoption is
required.
Deployment Options
There are different scenarios for the deployment of the
UniFi Controller. This chapter describes three examples of
typical deployments:
• Local (see below)
• “Layer-3 Deployment” on page 120
• “Hybrid Deployment” on page 121
Local Deployment
The application diagram below shows an example of a
deployment using local controllers. Each site has a local
instance of the UniFi Controller:
• High rise The UniFi Controller is running on a
computer.
• Hotel The UniFi Controller is running on a UniFi
CloudKey.
• Restaurant The UniFi Controller is running on a UniFi
CloudKey.
Remote Access
Cloud access is enabled on the UniFi Controllers, so you
can use unifi.ubnt.com to remotely monitor and access
multiple controllers. Each controller, in turn, can manage
multiplesites.
Network Health
DASHBOARD
MAP
DEVICES
CLIENTS
CALLS
STATISTICS
INSIGHTS
SETTINGS
CURRENT SITE
Default
REFRESH RATE
2 minutes
uni.ubnt.com
Local Deployment
(150) UAP-AC-PRO
(1) USG-PRO-4
(10) US-48-500W
(10) UAP-AC-PRO
(10) UAP-AC-LITE
(2) UAP-AC-LR
(1) UAP-Outdoor+
(1) UAP-Outdoor5
(2) UAP-AC-LR
(1) US-8-150W
(1) USG
High Rise
Network Health
DASHBOARD
MAP
DEVICES
CLIENTS
CALLS
STATISTICS
INSIGHTS
SETTINGS
CURRENT SITE
Default
REFRESH RATE
2 minutes
Local Controller
Hotel
Restaurant
UniFi Cloud
Key Controller
UniFi Cloud
Key Controller