Question 1

How does this configurator work?

Accepted Answer

Our configurator uses data from 200+ professional UniFi installations to recommend equipment based on your business type, square footage, user count, internet speed, and camera requirements. It considers factors like WiFi coverage per AP, PoE power budgets, and storage needs to generate a complete, balanced system.

Question 2

Are these exact product recommendations or just suggestions?

Accepted Answer

These are educated starting points based on typical deployments for your business type and size. Every environment is different — building materials, layout, and specific workflows may require adjustments. Use this as your baseline, then consult our detailed guides or contact us for fine-tuning.

Question 3

Which UniFi gateway should I choose?

Accepted Answer

For most small businesses (under 50 users), the UCG Max ($299) offers excellent value with 2.5GbE and built-in controller. The UDM Pro ($499) adds a hard drive bay for camera storage. For high-performance needs (10G internet, 100+ users, or large camera systems), the UDM Pro Max ($799) is the enterprise choice.

Question 4

How many access points do I need?

Accepted Answer

As a rule of thumb: 1 AP per 1,500-2,000 sq ft for standard offices, or 1 per 1,000-1,500 sq ft for high-density environments like conference rooms or retail. Building materials matter — concrete and metal require more APs. Our configurator calculates this based on your square footage and user count.

Question 5

Do I need a separate NVR for cameras?

Accepted Answer

Not always. The UDM Pro and Pro Max have built-in hard drive bays for camera storage (up to 8 cameras comfortably). For 8+ cameras or 24/7 recording at high resolution, a dedicated UNVR ($299) or UNVR Pro ($499) provides more storage capacity and better performance.

Question 6

What's special about medical or dental office setups?

Accepted Answer

Medical environments require network segmentation (VLANs) for HIPAA compliance, separating patient data from guest WiFi. We recommend business-grade gateways like UCG Max or UDM Pro with proper firewall rules, plus reliable coverage for medical devices. Our configurator automatically adjusts recommendations for healthcare.

Question 7

What about retail or restaurants needing outdoor coverage?

Accepted Answer

For patios, parking lots, or outdoor dining, add UniFi Outdoor APs (U7 Pro Outdoor or U7 Outdoor). These are IP65 rated for weather resistance. Make sure your switch has enough PoE budget — outdoor APs typically need PoE+ (30W). Our configurator can factor in outdoor areas.

Question 8

Should I hire a professional installer?

Accepted Answer

DIY is feasible for simple setups (1-2 APs, basic routing). Consider professional installation for: running ethernet cables through walls/ceilings, mounting ceiling APs, complex network segmentation, or camera systems. Proper cable management and AP placement dramatically impact performance.

Question 9

Why is the 3-5 year cost so much lower than Meraki?

Accepted Answer

Meraki charges $200-400 per device annually for licensing — a 10-device network costs $2,000-4,000/year just in subscriptions. UniFi has zero recurring fees. Over 5 years, a $3,000 UniFi setup stays at $3,000, while equivalent Meraki costs $13,000-23,000 including licenses.

Question 10

Can I start small and expand later?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. UniFi's modular design means you can start with a gateway and one AP, then add devices as needed. All equipment is managed from the same dashboard. Many clients start with networking, then add cameras, access control, or VoIP over time — all integrated seamlessly.

Question 11

What UniFi equipment do I need at minimum?

Accepted Answer

A basic setup needs three components: a gateway (UCG Max or UDM Pro) for routing and security, a PoE switch to power devices, and at least one WiFi 7 access point. For cameras, add a hard drive to your gateway or a dedicated NVR. Our configurator recommends the right combination for your needs.

Question 12

Does UniFi require a cloud subscription?

Accepted Answer

No. UniFi can be managed 100% locally through your gateway. Cloud access is optional and free — you can access your network remotely through ui.com without any subscription. This is a major advantage over cloud-dependent systems like Meraki.

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