Simple new home network setup
Simple new home network setup
You're planning to set up a basic Ubiquiti home network. You have an UniFi USG Security Gateway, an UniFi Switch, and want to add either one or two access points. Many tutorials on YouTube show this setup without using CloudKey Gen2. Whether you need it depends on your specific configuration needs—CloudKey Gen2 is optional for most users unless you're managing multiple devices or advanced settings.
You don’t have to rely on just one solution. The controller can work through the phone app, a connected PC, a Raspberry Pi, or even in the cloud. The CloudKey adds ease and backup power (especially with Gen2). I chose a CloudKey Gen2 because I faced issues saving my controller settings on a laptop and had SD card failures on a RPi due to unexpected power drops. My whole Ubiquiti network is protected by a UPS, which is a solid choice. When you weigh the price of a UDM against buying parts separately, you might see the UDM being cheaper. Plus, it’s a single device; just add more Ethernet ports with a switch if needed. Still, some users report UDM problems, possibly linked to controller issues. The components are now stable thanks to firmware and controller updates, which is why I stayed with my current setup.
Linus recently completed a network refresh, which is worth checking since he manages the gateway, router, and cloud key together.