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Avanet

UniFi Controller - Management of access points & switches

UniFi

A controller provides central management of UniFi access points and switches. This article classifies the most important operating models: hardware controller, self-hosting, cloud services and direct setup via app. The UniFi Controller software itself is free. Avanet provides customers who have a Sophos Firewall subscription with Avanet with a free cloud controller for up to 5 devices.

UniFi Controller - Dashboard
UniFi Controller - Dashboard

Hardware controllers

Dedicated hardware runs the controller. Ubiquiti lists 40+ managed UniFi devices for the UniFi CloudKey+ and 1000+ for the CloudKey Enterprise. Size the system for the actual deployment.

Advantages

  • Optimized for continuous operation
  • Intuitive operation and easy commissioning
  • Stability and performance through dedicated hardware
  • Controller software updates at the push of a button

Costs

  • One-time purchase costs depend on model and market. CloudKey+ and CloudKey Enterprise are in substantially different price ranges; see the linked product pages for current prices.

Software controllers

Self hosting

UniFi OS Server is the current standard for new self-hosted deployments on supported Windows, macOS or Linux systems. The older UniFi Network Server remains documented as a legacy option. The manufacturer guide provides downloads and requirements. The operator is responsible for installation, maintenance and uptime. The server must run for management; devices retain their last configuration if it goes offline.

Advantages

  • High flexibility and full control over the system environment
  • Software updates are carried out by updating the software

Costs

  • No additional license fees – ideal for customization
  • Operating costs for your own hardware and possible maintenance costs; the software itself is free.

Cloud Services

The UniFi Controller can also be operated as a hosted solution with a cloud provider. This option reduces your own hardware and update costs. Subscription-based costs vary depending on the provider and number of devices.

UniFi Official Hosting: The US store lists Official UniFi Hosting from USD 29 per month (checked October 19, 2026). Pricing and device capacity depend on the selected plan; check regional prices before ordering.

HostiFi: HostiFi offers plans for growing networks. The plan for up to 25 devices costs USD 19 per month (checked October 19, 2026).

Avanet: Avanet also operates a controller for customer environments:

  • For customers with a Sophos Firewall subscription from Avanet, a cloud controller for up to 5 devices is available free of charge.

  • For environments without a firewall subscription or with more than 5 devices, there is an offer based on the number of devices, starting at 1 CHF/€ per month.

For setup, see Connect UniFi devices to the cloud controller.

Direct setup via the iOS or Android app

For small installations with a single access point, the UniFi app for iOS or Android offers a simple alternative.

In standalone mode, the access point must have a wired network connection. Remote management and wireless meshing are unavailable. This does not replace a controller for central management of switches and multiple access points.

Advantage

  • Quick and easy setup without additional hardware
  • Ideal for standalone solutions or test environments

Costs

  • Free because no additional hardware or paid software is required.