Connect to unifi hotspot via web. Installing the Controller and Configuring the UniFi AP Wi-Fi Point

16.06.2019 Reviews

The complex includes a UniFi Wi-Fi access point and a software controller that can be installed on any computer with a Windows, Mac OS or Linux operating system.

The software controller is free, so the cost of the UniFi system is significantly lower than the hardware controllers from other manufacturers. This allows you to significantly reduce the cost of building a wireless network.

Controller system requirements:

Microsoft Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8, Mac OS X or Linux;
Java Runtime Environment 1.6 or higher;
Web browser Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome or Microsoft Internet Explorer 8 or higher.

There are no special requirements for computer hardware. Any computer or laptop will do. If the controller will serve a large network, then it is advisable to use a modern computer with 2GB of RAM or more.

The main features of the UniFi controller:

Centralized management and monitoring of the wireless network;
Creation of up to 4 virtual Wi-Fi networks with independent settings;
Support for modern types of encryption;
VLAN support;
The ability to connect to one master point connected via cable, up to 4 points via Wi-Fi. Thanks to this feature, you do not have to connect a network cable to each Wi-Fi point.
Built-in HotSpot allows you to print coupons with access passwords and works with PayPal accounts. Hotspot users can be limited in time.
Limit download speed for users;
Connecting to the controller of remote Wi-Fi networks of branches and managing them.
Loading images of floor plans into the controller and placing UniFi access points on them.
Integration with Google Maps to display the location of hotspots on maps.

UniFi hotspot models

Wi-Fi access points UniFi are for use inside the building and on the street (outdoor, all-weather).

Indoor access points are mounted on a wall or false ceiling. Outdoor access points are mounted on a wall or mast.

Power is supplied to UniFi access points remotely via a network cable using the POE injector that comes with the package.

UniFi comes with everything you need to install it:

Wi-Fi access point UniFi;
Fastening;
POE power injector;
Installation disk with controller.

UniFi hotspots for internal use:

Connecting and mounting UniFi access points

UniFi access points are connected to the POE injector in the POE connector using a twisted pair network cable. The second LAN connector on the POE injector connects to a computer, switch or router.

The UniFi AP-PRO and UniFi AP-AC support 802.3af POE power, so they can be directly powered using dedicated POE switches without the need for a POE injector.

Indoor UniFi APs are mounted on the wall with the included plastic plate. The plate is first screwed to the wall.

Then the plate is connected to the access point in the appropriate slots.

At the end, the access point is rotated so that it is fixed with the plate.

To install UniFi on a suspended ceiling (false ceiling), a metal plate is included in the kit. It is installed on top of the false panel, and a plastic plate is screwed to it from below. Also in the false panel you will need to make a hole for the output of the network cable.

Outdoor access points UniFi Outdoor are installed on the wall using the plastic mount that comes with the kit. The mount is first screwed to the wall, and then the access point is attached to it.

Also, all-weather UniFi access points can be installed on a mast using a metal clamp that comes with the package.

Installing the UniFi Controller

Consider an example of installing a UniFi controller on a computer running Windows XP.

For the controller to work, we need Java Runtime Environment 1.6 or higher. Therefore, first we go to the site java.com, download and install Java.

You must also have Adobe Flash Player installed for your browser. It can be downloaded and installed from www.adobe.com.

If your username in Windows OS is in Russian, create a user in English, log in under it and install from this user. This must be done because the controller is not friendly with Russian names and problems may arise in its operation.

Now let's move on to installing the controller. It is better to install the controller not from the disk that comes with UniFi, but to download the latest version from the manufacturer's website. To do this, go to www.ubnt.com in the Downloads section. Next, follow these steps:

platform select UniFi;
Model - UniFiAP;
version select the latest version of the controller;
Click the button Download opposite your operating system.
In the next window, scroll down the page, click I AGREE to agree to the terms of use of the controller, and save the setup file to your computer;
Run the downloaded file and install the controller.

After installing and starting the controller, a window will appear in which you need to click the button Launch a Browser to Manage Wireless Network to go to the controller settings.

A browser will open to complete the settings. In the browser, we accept the controller certificate and proceed with the configuration.

Select the interface language and your country. At the moment, unfortunately, only the English interface is supported. We press the button Next.

We have not yet connected UniFi access points to the network, so in the next window we click Next.

We configure the Wi-Fi network settings:

Secure SSID- the name of the access point to which clients will connect;
security key- password to connect to the access point;
Enable Guest Access- allow guest access;
Guest SSID- the name of the virtual access point to which guests will connect.

After entering the parameters, press Next.

admin name, password Password and confirm the password in the field Confirm. Click Next.

At the end, your wireless network name and administrator name will be listed. Click Finish.

In the next window, enter the name of the administrator admin name and password Password, which was indicated earlier.

After that, the Web interface of the controller will open in front of you, in which the UniFi system is configured. Internet Explorer must be allowed to use java.

Connecting UniFi APs to a controller on the same subnet

Connect the UniFi access point to the same network as the controller. When the controller detects it, the inscription will appear in the top menu pending 1. At the bottom of the tab Alerts a message will appear that a UniFi access point with such and such a MAC address is waiting to connect to the controller. To connect a point, click the button next to it Adopt.

If the access point is defined as manage by others, it means that it was previously connected to another controller. In this case, you need to reset UniFi to factory settings. Hold down the Reset button on the UniFi case until it blinks. After that, the point will be reset to factory settings and it can be connected to the controller.

The first time you connect, the access point will disconnect from the controller twice to install the software and configuration into itself. You can track the status of UniFi points on the tab Access points.

If the controller settings are set to automatically update the firmware of UniFi points and it determines that the point needs an update, then the connection time of the point will be about 3 minutes. So be patient. In column Status in this case the state will be indicated Upgrading.

When UniFi connects to the controller, the column Status state will be indicated connected.

At the bottom in settings Settings-System exist point . It specifies the gateway address Gateway or specific IP address Custom, which access points check for availability. If the specified IP address is not available, then UniFi enters the state isolated and disconnects client devices. This allows, in case of cable damage, not to keep clients on the wifi point without access to the Internet, but to switch them to other neighboring wifi points.

Description of UniFi

Hardware and software system Ubiquiti UniFi allows you to build a seamless Wi-Fi network consisting of a large number of wireless points.

The complex includes a UniFi Wi-Fi access point and a software controller that can be installed on any computer with a Windows, Mac OS or Linux operating system.

Controller system requirements:

Microsoft Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8, Mac OS X or Linux;
Java Runtime Environment 1.6 or higher;
Web browser Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome or Microsoft Internet Explorer 8 or higher.

The main features of the UniFi controller:

Centralized management and monitoring of the wireless network;
Creation of up to 4 virtual Wi-Fi networks with independent settings;
Support for modern types of encryption;
VLAN support;
The ability to connect to one master point connected via cable, up to 4 points via Wi-Fi. Thanks to this feature, you do not have to connect a network cable to each Wi-Fi point.
Built-in HotSpot allows you to print coupons with access passwords and works with PayPal accounts. Hotspot users can be limited in time.
Limit download speed for users;
Connecting to the controller of remote Wi-Fi networks of branches and managing them.
Loading images of floor plans into the controller and placing UniFi access points on them.
Integration with Google Maps to display the location of hotspots on maps.

UniFi hotspot models

Wi-Fi access points UniFi are for use inside the building and on the street (outdoor, all-weather).

Indoor access points are mounted on a wall or false ceiling. Outdoor access points are mounted on a wall or mast.

Power is supplied to UniFi access points remotely via a network cable using the POE injector that comes with the package.

UniFi comes with everything you need to install it:

Wi-Fi access point UniFi;
Fastening;
POE power injector;
Installation disk with controller.

UniFi hotspots for internal use:

UniFi AP - the cheapest 2.4 GHz wifi access point;

UniFi AP-LR is a more powerful 2.4 GHz wifi access point. Suitable for thick walls or for organizing Wi-Fi coverage over a large area.

UniFi AP-PRO is a gigabit dual-band wifi access point for 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz.

UniFi AP-AC is a high-speed, dual-band 2.4GHz and 5GHz wifi access point supporting the new 802.11ac wireless standard. The device can transfer data at speeds up to 1300 Mbps at 5 GHz, and up to 450 Mbps at 2.4 GHz.

Weatherproof UniFi hotspots:

UniFi AP-Outdoor - all-weather wifi access point at 2.4 GHz;

UniFi AP-Outdoor 5G - all-weather wifi access point at 5 GHz;

For better gain, more powerful sector and omnidirectional APs can be used with UniFi AP Outdoors.

Connecting and mounting UniFi access points

UniFi access points are connected to the POE injector in the POE connector using a twisted pair network cable. The second LAN connector on the POE injector connects to a computer, switch or router.

The UniFi AP-PRO and UniFi AP-AC support 802.3af POE power, so they can be directly powered using dedicated POE switches without the need for a POE injector.

Indoor UniFi APs are mounted on the wall with the included plastic plate. The plate is first screwed to the wall.

Then the plate is connected to the access point in the appropriate slots.

At the end, the access point is rotated so that it is fixed with the plate.

Outdoor access points UniFi Outdoor are installed on the wall using the plastic mount that comes with the kit. The mount is first screwed to the wall, and then the access point is attached to it.

Also, all-weather UniFi access points can be installed on a mast using a metal clamp that comes with the package.

Installing the UniFi Controller

Consider an example of installing a UniFi controller on a computer running Windows XP.

For the controller to work, we need Java Runtime Environment 1.6 or higher. Therefore, first we go to the site java.com, download and install Java.

You must also have Adobe Flash Player installed for your browser. It can be downloaded and installed from www.adobe.com.

platform select UniFi;
Model - UniFiAP;
version select the latest version of the controller;
Click the button Download opposite your operating system.
In the next window, scroll down the page, click I AGREE to agree to the terms of use of the controller, and save the setup file to your computer;
Run the downloaded file and install the controller.

After installing and starting the controller, a window will appear in which you need to click the button Launch a Browser to Manage Wireless Network to go to the controller settings.

A browser will open to complete the settings. In the browser, we accept the controller certificate and proceed with the configuration.

Select the interface language and your country. At the moment, unfortunately, only the English interface is supported. We press the button Next.

We have not yet connected UniFi access points to the network, so in the next window we click Next.

We configure the Wi-Fi network settings:

Secure SSID— name of the access point to which clients will connect;
security key- password to connect to the access point;
Enable Guest Access- allow guest access;
Guest SSID— the name of the virtual access point to which guests will connect.

After entering the parameters, press Next.

In the next window, enter the name of the administrator admin name, password Password and confirm the password in the field Confirm. Click Next.

At the end, your wireless network name and administrator name will be listed. Click Finish.

In the next window, enter the name of the administrator admin name and password Password, which was indicated earlier.

After that, the Web interface of the controller will open in front of you, in which the UniFi system is configured. Internet Explorer must be allowed to use java.

Connecting UniFi APs to a controller on the same subnet

When UniFi connects to the controller, the column Status state will be indicated connected.

Placement of access points on the floor plan

The controller allows you to upload images of floor plans and place UniFi access points on them. This is very useful for tracking down issues with points.

Open a tab Map, press the button configure maps, after Add a Map and select a picture with a floor plan.

The slider on the right scales the image. The ruler under the slider allows you to draw a line on the picture and tell the system how many meters it contains.

To position UniFi APs on the floor plan, drag them from the left pane to the map. The point can be fixed from accidental change by pressing the lock icon.

If the access point disconnects from the controller or becomes isolated, then it will be colored red on the floor plan, and on the tab Alerts a warning will appear. In this way, it will be easy to understand which point has a malfunction.

For outdoor wireless networks, instead of a graphics card, you can connect the Google Maps service. To connect Google Maps, you need to get a license to connect to the map server using this link http://code.google.com/apis/maps/signup.html.

Connecting UniFi APs to a controller from a different subnet

The controller allows you to connect not only UniFi points located on the same subnet, but also manage remote branch points. At the same time, all wireless networks are managed centrally from one controller.

With this configuration, the Wi-Fi traffic of the branch networks goes directly to the Internet, and only a small amount of service traffic is redirected to the controller in the central office.

To connect remote points to the controller, they need to specify the IP address of the controller. This can be done in three ways:

Determination of the controller address via DNS;
Determining the controller address via DHCP option 43;
Setting the controller address through a special utility.

Address determination via DNS
If the remote office has its own DNS server, it indicates the match between the UniFi query and the address of the remote controller at the central office.

Address determination via DHCP option 43
If the DHCP server installed at the remote office supports setting options, you can pass the address of the remote server in the DHCP packet.

Configuration example for ISC DHCP server:

# ...
Option space ubnt;
option ubnt.UniFi-address code 1 = IP-address;

Class "ubnt" (
match if substring (option vendor-class-identifier, 0, 4) = "ubnt";
option vendor-class-identifier "ubnt";
vendor-option-space ubnt;
}

Subnet 10.10.10.0 netmask 255.255.255.0 (
range 10.10.10.100 10.10.10.160;
option ubnt.UniFi-address 201.10.7.31; ### UniFi Controller IP ###
option routers 10.10.10.2;
option broadcast-address 10.10.10.255;
option domain-name-servers 168.95.1.1, 8.8.8.8;
# ...
}
# ...

Setting the controller address through the utility

The easiest and fastest way to connect branch access points is to manually set the controller address.

Connect the computer to the same subnet as the UniFi access points and run the Unifi-Discover utility that is installed with the controller. The controller on the computer must not be running. Select a point, click manage and enter the IP address of the controller. The controller will see the point and be able to connect it.

After connecting the UniFi point to the controller and rebooting, you need to re-register the controller address.

Quite often, you come across a situation where the room has already been renovated, and there is no way to bring a network cable to the access point. The same goes for outdoor access points when asphalt or tiles are laid.

In this case, up to 4 Wi-Fi points can be connected to one UniFi master point connected via cable, and they will work as a repeater (repeater).

However, such a connection will have certain disadvantages:

Throughput will drop and latency will increase as traffic is relayed through the reference point;
Repeaters must be in the coverage area of the master point. Because of this, half of the coverage area of the repeaters will be used inefficiently.
The repeater point connects only to the master point connected via cable. You cannot connect a repeater to the same repeater.
No more than 4 repeater points can be connected to one master access point with a cable connection.

To configure a UniFi access point as a repeater (repeater), open the tab in its parameters Configuration-Wireless Uplinks, select master point and click Select.

After that, the repeater point can be disconnected from the computer or router, and it will work in relay mode. On the room map, a radio channel icon will be displayed next to such a point.

Adding virtual Wi-Fi networks

The UniFi system allows you to create up to 4 virtual Wi-Fi access points with independent settings. This feature is often used for security purposes to separate the internal Wi-Fi network of the enterprise and the guest Wi-Fi network. Creating virtual access points based on the same equipment can significantly reduce the cost of purchasing additional equipment.

To isolate traffic from different networks, cable networks use VLAN-enabled routers and switches. UniFi access points also support the VLAN function, so they are perfect for building an enterprise network with high security requirements.

To add a virtual Wi-Fi network to the controller, open the menu at the bottom Settings - Wireless Networks.

Click the button Create, to add a new virtual wifi network.

Specify the name of the network SSID and password to connect security key. For an open network without a password, use security open.

Setting up a guest Wi-Fi network

A guest Wi-Fi network is used to provide Internet access to temporary visitors in hotels, cafes, cinemas, conference rooms, etc. The guest network is always isolated from the enterprise network.

Connection without a password;
Entering a password on a web page to which the guest is automatically redirected after connecting to a wifi point;
Authorization by coupons that can be generated and printed from the controller;
Authorization via PayPal;
Authorization through an external authorization portal.

In all cases except the first one, the client is automatically redirected to the authorization page, where he enters his credentials.

To configure guest access without a password, open the menu Settings - Wireless Networks, select the necessary wifi network, put in the network settings Security - Open and press the button apply.

After changing the settings, they will be applied to all access points. During the application of the settings in the status of access points, it will be written Provisioning.

On the tab Users displays a list of connected clients. Open any client and view in the tab Statistics information on it:

ESSID is the name of the access point to which the client has connected;
ConnectedAP- MAC address of the access point to which the client has connected;
Channel- wifi channel number;
signal- wifi signal level;
TX Rate- transmission speed;
RX Rate- reception speed;
Activity- how long the client is connected to the wifi point.

You can open the tab at the top Statistics and view general information about the UniFi system: the number of connected clients, the amount of data transferred, the distribution of clients over wifi networks. On the left, statistics are displayed on the most loaded access points, the most active clients, and the longest time that clients were connected to a wifi point.

Hotspot setup

The UniFi controller has built-in HotSpot software. Hotspot allows you to organize access for customers to the Internet by coupons. The client is given a coupon on which the number is printed, he enters it on the authorization page and gets access to the Internet for a certain time. HotSpot is often used in hotels, cafes and internet cafes.

Before setting up HotSpot, you need to configure one wifi network for guest access. Open the menu Settings → Wireless Networks, select the wifi network that will be the hotspot, check the box in the network settings Guest Policy, Security select open and press the button apply;

Open the menu Settings → Guest Control;
Check the box Guest Portal;
AT Authentication select hot spot;
Check the box Voucher;
Click the button apply.

Now you need to generate coupons for customers:

Click the link Go to Hotspot Manager.
Go to the tab Vouchers.
Bottom left opposite Create select the number of generated coupons, one-time One-time they will be or reusable Multi Use, validity period of coupons 24 hours(24 hours). To select a duration in minutes, select user-defined and set the time. You can also check the box Add Notes and add some comment to the coupons, but it will not be printed.
Click the button Create Vouchers to generate coupons.

Button Print All Unused Vouchers allows you to print all unused coupons. We print coupons, cut and distribute to customers.

Wi-FI networks have firmly entered our lives and confidently settled on the streets, in homes and offices. Here, at my work, the bosses and managers acquired the products of “some kind of fruit company” and desired Wi-Fi. The first thought was to buy a couple of household Wi-Fi routers, set up one as a BS, the second as a repeater, and it would seem that it was in the bag. But there is one inconvenience here, the first time you switch between points, you have to enter the access password again. And since the area of the office was soon to double and the number of such switches had to increase accordingly, it was decided to set up Wi-Fi with seamless roaming. Until recently, giants Cisco, HP and others ruled the market for this equipment. Needless to say, the price of their solutions is tens and hundreds of thousands of rubles. But thanks to the invaluable habrahabr and , which told about a very inexpensive solution based on Unifi. Ubiquiti's UniFi product is a corporate Wi-Fi system with a free controller. I will describe the entire process of deploying a network based on Unifi from setting up a router to mounting points on the ceiling based on personal experience.

Router setup.
Because Unifi Access Points (APs) are not stand-alone devices; they need a router to fully function. In my example, this is the Netgear JWNR2000 and all the settings presented, of which there are few, will be from it. I have a static external IP address, so we confidently send the installation wizard to the garden and go to the “Basic Settings” section. Here we set the necessary data and click apply.

The Unifi points themselves also need a DHCP server. It is enabled by default in the router, and I just fixed the IP addresses for my APs for convenience.

These settings are enough for clients connected to Unifi to be able to access the Internet. The rest of the settings are up to you. Personally, I have enabled the ability to remotely access via an external address, and it has come in handy more than once.

Installing / configuring the controller.
As they say on the Unifi.ru website: “The heart of the UniFi system is the programmable controller.” And there are three versions of them: for Windows, for Mac and for Linux.

Notes regarding Windows. The controller successfully started only on a clean installation. Before that, the controller was installed on two different laptops, but it stubbornly refused to start, although there were no conflicts either on ports or on anything else.

If you choose to install the controller on Linux, there is a good installation guide for Ubuntu 10.10. You can skip the DHCP installation step, because in our case it is on the router. In short, then:

1. Edit /etc/apt/sources.list. Add repository: deb www.ubnt.com/downloads/unifi/distros/deb/maverick maverick ubiquiti
2. Add in the terminal via sudo GPG key: sudo apt-key adv --keyserver keyserver.ubuntu.com --recv C0A52C50
3. Install the UniFi package:
apt-get update
apt-get install unifi
apt-get upgrade

4. After installation, go to localhost: 8080/, or to the IP address: 8080/, confirm the certificate, and log in through the Ubiquiti UniFi Wizard.

About the floor plan.
It was interesting to me to receive result as on screenshots in an Internet. Where the signal propagation radius is visible. Inserting a picture and throwing access points on it from the panel on the left is not a problem, but with a range it is a little more difficult. To do this, you need to set the scale, and this is done with the help of a cunning combination of fingers. First, click on the triangle of the ruler, under the zoom slider, click with the mouse at any point on the map and drag the line (it is red). The line must be of a perfectly defined size, which should then be specified.

After we have indicated the scale, click on the "Coverage" button and admire the purple-orange streaks.

I will omit the description of the detailed system settings. a lot has been written about this on Unifi.ru, and the interface is quite intuitive.

AP connection.
The installation of points on the ceiling itself does not raise any questions. They were originally designed for installation on ceiling tiles or a wall and the kit has everything you need, but the physical connection scheme did not reach me right away. Although the manual has a seemingly understandable illustration.

By the way: it is not necessary to turn on the computer with the controller directly into the switch or router after configuration. You can connect to a WI-FI network built on Unifi and manage settings through it.

But if you connect through it, you will wait a long time for any results. But it was enough to draw like this.

The adapter and the access point are connected via the “POE” port, and the second port of the “LAN” adapter is connected to the router, well, or a switch, as in the picture. That's actually all. After starting the controller, it will find the running Unifi devices itself, which will be indicated by the “Pending” indicator. After that, go to the “Access Point” tab and click the “Adopt” button for the found devices. Devices will register in the system, which, among other things, will be reported by a green LED on the case.

A little about household.
Reset. It happens that Unifi registers unsuccessfully or falls off during the setup and experiments. You can return the access point settings to the default state as follows. Find out the IP address (you can either on the “access point” tab of the controller, or in the “Connected devices” section of the Netgear router) and try to access it via ssh. There is one nuance. If the point managed to register, then you need to log in using the name and password that you set on the controller, if not, then the name and password are default ubnt / ubnt. After a successful login to the point, you need to run the "syswrapper.sh restore-default" command. The point will reset the settings after which it will need to be registered again. I had a situation where I could not access Unifi via ssh. Already I rezet her sting (press a paper clip for five seconds near the network port) and turn off / turn on the power, nothing helped. Already going to take it under warranty. But after lying down for a day and connecting in series Socket - Adapter - POE adapter port - Unifi - L AN adapter port - router, and lo and behold! And I managed to log in via ssh, and reset the settings, and then successfully register.

Access control.
The management decided that access should be provided only by MAC addresses. It is honestly reported on the ubnt.com forum that such a feature will be, but only in version 2 of the controller. (Beta version of controller 2 is already online) In the same place, people share their experience in access control using a RADIUS server, but I didn’t want to fence the garden. I had to log in from the router. The Netgear JWNR2000 has such a function, only it is intended for Wi-Fi, which it distributes itself. And since we shifted this function to Unifi, the following solution was invented. We go to the admin panel of the router, the section "Blocking Services". Click the Add button. And we prohibit access on all ports to the entire network range.

After that, to allow someone access, we add the MAC address of the allowed device to DHCP (this was described above) and remove the allowed IP from the range of blocked addresses.

That's actually the whole process.
In general, the system is very stable. The daily load is 30-35 users and there have been no comments yet. Installing and configuring the system takes only a few hours, and expanding the system is even less. In general, the impressions are the most positive. I hope that my experience will be useful to someone and help.

Configuring the Ubiquiti UniFi Controller

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The Ubiquiti UniFI AP software package is a tool for organizing a Wi-Fi network, which will consist of an unlimited number of wireless access points. The complex contains a number of hotspots with Internet access. Installation of the UniFI controller is carried out on each computer that supports Linux, Mac OS or Windows. The fact that this device is free makes the final price of the complex lower than that of other companies, and reduces the amount of financial investment in the formation of a wireless network.

The controller has the following system requirements:

installed, in addition to Linux or Mac OS X, on Windows (versions from XP to 8);
assumes Java Runtime Environment version 1.6;
requires a browser (Internet Explorer, Firefox or Chrome).

Ubiquiti UniFI AP software suite

To install the complex without a controller, a laptop or a system unit with any hardware content is suitable. If the device will work in a large network, among the requirements is the amount of RAM of computer equipment of 2 GB or more.

Opportunities

UniFI Controller can:

perform centralized control over a wireless type network;
create from 1 to 4 networks, each of which has different settings;
support VLANs;
support state-of-the-art data encryption types;
connect up to 4 standard Wi-Fi points to the master point. This saves you from having to connect wires;
interact with PayPal and issue coupons containing an access password;
thanks to the hotspot, set a time limit for using the Internet or limit the speed;
connect branches of wireless networks to the control device and control them;
upload pictures of the building plan with access points to UniFI AP Pro;
Connect to Google Maps to display wireless hotspots there.

Ubiquiti UniFi AP setup

Varieties and description

UniFI AP Pro with Wi-Fi hotspots, depending on the place of use, happens:

internal. Mounted on the ceiling or wall;
outdoor, adapted to changing weather conditions. Mounted on the wall.

Every place where there is internet access is cabled through the POE injector that is included with the system. In addition to it, the equipment of the device includes:

a place where there is access to Wi-Fi;
fasteners;
installation disc and control device.

Depending on the power, systems for indoor installation are divided into:

Inexpensive with a base power of 2.4 GHz. These include UniFI
More powerful. Designed for large areas or rooms with thick walls (UniFI AP LR).
Dual-band PRO models with 2.4GHz and 5GHz power.
High speed dual band complexes (AP-AC). They support the new 802.11ac wireless settings. The information transfer rate of such devices is up to 450 Mbps and up to 1300 Mbps at 2.4 and 5 GHz, respectively.

Setting up a UniFi AP without a controller

Systems for outdoor installation are divided into:

Low power at 2.4 GHz (UniFI AP Outdoor).
Powerful at 5 GHz (UniFI AP Outdoor 5G).

Outdoor use often requires an amplifier. With street UniFi, you can use the Ubiquiti antenna, which is quite powerful and omnidirectional.

Connection rules

Internet access points must be connected to the injector in its POE connector. This is required through a network wire called "twisted pair". The second connector must be connected to a laptop, modem, or switch. Since the PRO and AP-AC software suite supports 802.3af, it is directly powered by the switching fixture and you do not need to connect it to the injector.

The indoor Internet connection point is installed on the wall using a plastic plate, which is included in the package. You need to do it this way:

screw the plate to the surface;
connect it to a Wi-Fi hotspot. You will see the grooves where you will need to tighten the fasteners;
rotate the hotspot to fix it on the plate.

To mount the hotspot on the ceiling (it is possible to do this on a suspended structure known as a "false ceiling"), use the supplied metal plate. Install it on a false panel, and attach a plastic plate to it, having previously made a hole for the network cable. Further steps are to pass the cable into the resulting hole, connect it to the plate and turn it. The Internet access point outside the building can be mounted on the wall using a conventional plastic fastener, which must be fixed to the surface in advance. Fasteners are also installed on the mast by means of a metal clamp.

Mounting the controller

To install the UniFI AP from scratch on a Windows XP computer, follow the instructions:

download and install Java Runtime Environment version 1.6 or higher, which can be obtained from the official Java website;
install the latest version of the flash player in the browser you are using, which you can download on its official website;
create or log into the OS under a name written in Latin characters. All subsequent installation is performed under this login in order to avoid failures in the operation of the control device;
it is advisable to install the controller not from a disk, but from the official website of the manufacturer in the Downloads section.

On the program website, select:

in the Platform section - UniFi;
in "Models" - your device model;
in "Versions" - the latest model of the controlling device;

Configuring Ubiquiti UniFi AP LR Devices

click on the "Download" button and agree to the terms of use, then save the file;
run the download result and install the controller.

In the window when you start the program, a window will open where clicking the Launch a Browser button will redirect you to the browser for further settings. There you will have to accept the terms of use of the controller certificate. Further configuration through the browser provides:

language selection. The software only supports the English version;
setting the characteristics of the Wi-Fi network. There you will need to specify the login and password for future access points, allow or deny guest visits and, if allowed, configure the parameters for guest hotspots in the same way.

After you have configured the UniFI AP, set the administrator's login and password and confirm the data in the window by pressing the Next button. You will see the name of your wireless network, as well as your name as an administrator on it. Click Finish and re-enter your username and password. You will see an interface where the UniFi complex will be configured. Some browsers may use Java.

Connecting hotspots in a single subnet

Connect UniFi with the controlling device to the same network. When the equipment finds an access point, you will see a message with the text Pending 1, which will inform you that the hotspot is waiting for a connection to the controller. Do this by pressing the Adopt key in the dialog box.

UniFi APp browser configuration

If the connection characteristics indicate that the point is controlled by another device, this means that it has already been connected to another controller before. To fix the problem, reset the settings on the case to the factory settings.

Each connection will be marked by two disconnections from the controlling equipment - during this time the software and configurations will be installed. You can find out if the settings are complete in the Access menu. The controlling device independently determines whether an update is required for the point, which will be displayed in its status.

Vershinin Alexander 24-12-13 10:33:45 great model

Advantages: Convenient fasteners (installed under a false ceiling), i.e., in fact, did not install. Can be attached to the wall, to the ceiling. Configuration via the web interface, store employees helped to configure the controller and antennas remotely, by phone.

Disadvantages: A constantly on computer with installed software is required, otherwise it "dies" when the power is turned off at the access point. It can only be revived by turning on a laptop with an installed controller. The problem was solved - we installed the software on the computer of the guard of our service station, which is constantly on.

Comment: With the help of three access points, I covered a space of about 200 by 300 meters with Wi-Fi, at any point it catches the Internet perfectly. Installed at the service station, in the workshop and in the reception area, the signal reception is equally good, the customers are satisfied, the masters too. Satisfied so far, we'll see how it goes.

The user has hidden his data 14-12-14 22:34:56 great model

Advantages: Price, work stability, coverage area, appearance.

Disadvantages: Slightly sloppy software.

Comment: They put 3 pcs. in a mini-hotel almost 2 years ago. During all this time, they never once gave a reason to approach them. Features in setting: - Specific software for managing the device. I advise you to immediately download the new version from the office. site. - After connecting the devices to the network, the program will detect the devices itself, after which they will need to be "bind" and configured. - The firmware on the device itself is updated automatically as soon as Internet access is configured. Here I would like to note right away: apparently, the manufacturer changed the address for updates, and it differed from the one that was set by default in new devices (look for the address on the official website). After correcting the address, the devices updated the firmware version by themselves. After setting up the hardware, the computer with the software does not need to be constantly turned on, because. even after a power outage and power on, the equipment continues to work with the specified settings, but this works when the authorization type is selected with a permanent password or without a password (open network). You will need to keep the computer on all the time if you have enabled the Internet access function by time code, because. the device loads this data from the computer. A useful feature for cafes, hotels, etc. - you create a personal code for each client with the given parameters (for example, access for an hour, a day, etc.). There is also a function for printing codes. Total pluses: - Excellent appearance and build quality; - Stable work; - Excellent coverage area; - Roaming (smooth switching of devices between points, depending on the signal level, i.e. you go down to another floor with your gadget, and it automatically switches to another point and you don’t notice it). - In the settings you can turn off the backlight; - Adequate price; - Power supply PoE - (adapter included). Pay due attention to the router, because. a stable Internet depends on it. They wrote about a frequent marriage, but I did not encounter this.

Tiger Sky 27-04-14 15:34:13 great model

Advantages: All of the above. Speed, reliability, ease of setup

Disadvantages: Why is the port of the point only 100 megabits? It was a pity to them to deliver gigabit? Otherwise, it turns out that the wireless exchange is 300 megabits (formally), and the connection with the server is only 100. This is wrong ... The controller can also fail and not connect the points while hanging in the adopting mode (in this case, it’s easier to immediately try to install the controller on another pc), it does not understand Russian letters in the installation path (and it is also impossible to change the installation path manually) - it will install but will not work! I put 5 only because they can work for a long time and without problems. For software developers need to be exiled to hard labor.

Connect to unifi hotspot via web. Installing the Controller and Configuring the UniFi AP Wi-Fi Point

Description of UniFi

UniFi hotspot models

Connecting and mounting UniFi access points

Installing the UniFi Controller

Connecting UniFi APs to a controller on the same subnet

Placement of access points on the floor plan

Connecting UniFi APs to a controller from a different subnet

Adding virtual Wi-Fi networks

Setting up a guest Wi-Fi network

Hotspot setup

Opportunities

Varieties and description

Connection rules

Mounting the controller

Connecting hotspots in a single subnet

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