Configure UCG Ultra on current network setup while keeping Google Wi-Fi active
Configure UCG Ultra on current network setup while keeping Google Wi-Fi active
Ok so i know this is not an ideal setup, but i am currently still living with my parents and would like to be able to easily set up VLans and manage my network without taking away the Wifi from my family. As you can see in the diagram i made, we have an existing Google wifi mesh with two other AP's spread around the house. in my room we have a Altibox (Norwegain ISP) router which has the fourth Lan port set up in as a bridge port, and the rest are just normal Lan ports (according to what i know from working in IT. So what i am trying to figure out is if it would be possible to simply connect the UCG Ultra (Unifi Cloud Gateway) directly to one of the free Lan ports on the Altibox router, and be able to set up and use the UCG for my VLan needs, but still have the Google Wifi system for the rest of my family. I am still waiting for the UCG Ultra to arrive so i have not been able to set it up to see if it works, but thats why im asking to so i'll know what to do. I am aware that i may run into issues with "Double NAT" but whenever i try to find out what spesificly would be affected, the only answer i have found is "some online games" but i have not been able to find any spesific games being stated. I am aware it would be much more ideal to simply buy Unifi AP's and set them up, but keep in mind im setting this up for fun mostly so i don't want to spend loads of money on it if it won't be nessicary. I also considered if it would be easier to connect each Google wifi "AP" to the UCG Ultra and simply use them as AP's, but then i would have to route network cables from the loft, to the ground floor and the basement since we do not have network ports in the wall anywhere, so i would prefer not having to do this. Im planning on posting an update once i get the UCG Ultra
Ensure your UCG Ultra has a fixed static IP at the ISP gateway to prevent interruptions when renewing the IP lease. Opt for a distinct LAN IP configuration instead of using the main network, allowing you to utilize the entire subnet without sharing it with other devices.
Yes, it is possible to configure the Google Wi-Fi mesh to operate in access point mode while preserving wireless meshing capabilities.
Previous studies indicated it could be used as an AP, but the mesh system wouldn’t function properly. This means I’d likely only be able to link to the one in my room. I’m still not sure whether it’s possible to manually connect each AP with a cable and get it working, or if you’re limited to just one connection.
I successfully set up the UCG ultra without any problems. The configuration differed from my initial plan, but I managed to connect it properly. I encountered a "Double NAT" issue, which isn’t too bothersome. With this arrangement, switching between the UCG ultra and the Google Wi-Fi is straightforward. I used two female-to-female keystone connectors in the rack to function as a patch panel, which can be expanded later. The TP-Link 5-port switch is linked to the Google Wi-Fi, feeding the UCG ultra’s WAN connection. I also intend to link Proxmox to both devices—via the onboard RJ45 port and a network card—so VMs can run on either network. However, I’ll need to rebuild Proxmox from the ground up since the UCG ultra now holds its IP address, which might have been static. I’m not concerned about this as I don’t have critical data on it. This setup may not be ideal, but it meets my requirements and works well for me. I adjusted some parts in the diagram, like swapping the Altibox router since our main router is behind a wall panel, so I didn’t need to revisit its details beforehand.
agreed, basically it’s because our house doesn’t have any Ethernet ports and it was still from the old TV setup in the basement—no one has used it for years. That made me stick with the Google mesh system. P.S.: I spent about an hour drawing those “Home:Link” powerline connections in Draw.io since the only images I saw online were very blurry.