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Avanet

UniFi Controller - Management of access points & switches

UniFi

In order to efficiently manage UniFi devices such as access points or switches, a UniFi controller is required. 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 with a Sophos Firewall subscription with a free cloud controller for up to 5 devices.

UniFi Controller - Dashboard
UniFi Controller - Dashboard

Hardware controllers

The Hardware Controller is based on dedicated devices specifically designed to manage UniFi devices. Typical examples are the UniFi CloudKey+ for environments with up to around 50 devices or the CloudKey Enterprise for larger installations with up to 1000 devices.

Vorteile

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

Kosten

  • One-off acquisition costs, which range between approx. 200 and 500 CHF/€ depending on the model.

Software controllers

Self hosting

With self-hosting, the UniFi Network Server runs on its own hardware. This is possible on operating systems such as Windows, macOS or Linux. Installation is done by downloading the UniFi Network Servers software.

Vorteile

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

Kosten

  • 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: UniFi offers the Official UniFi Hosting from €29 per month, although the prices increase accordingly with higher numbers of devices (e.g. from 100 or 1000 devices).

HostiFi: Long established provider with flexible packages for growing networks. Prices start at $9 per month for 25 devices.

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.

Direct setup via the iOS app

For smaller installations in which only a single access point needs to be managed, direct setup via the UniFi iOS app or Android app offers a simple alternative.

Vorteil

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

Kosten

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