How to Set Up a Secure, Scalable Wi-Fi Network for Business with Ubiquiti

Ubiquiti offers powerful networking solutions designed to support businesses with secure, high-performance, and scalable Wi-Fi networks. With their UniFi range, Ubiquiti provides hardware and software solutions that allow for robust network management, remote access, and seamless scalability, making it ideal for businesses looking to optimise connectivity. This guide outlines how to set up a secure, scalable Wi-Fi network with Ubiquiti to meet your business’s connectivity needs.

Table of Contents

1. Planning Your Wi-Fi Network
2. Choosing the Right Ubiquiti Devices
3. Installing and Configuring UniFi Controller Software
4. Setting Up Your Ubiquiti Wi-Fi Hardware
5. Configuring Network Security Settings
6. Setting Up VLANs for Network Segmentation
7. Optimising Network Performance and Scalability
8. Remote Monitoring and Management with Ubiquiti
9. Best Practices for Maintenance and Upgrades
10. Conclusion

1. Planning Your Wi-Fi Network

Before purchasing and setting up Ubiquiti devices, assess your business’s specific needs to determine the optimal network configuration.

• Identify Coverage Requirements: Determine the physical layout of your space to estimate the number of access points required.
• Estimate Device Load: Consider how many devices will be connecting to the network at any given time.
• Consider Network Applications: Identify any bandwidth-intensive applications, such as video conferencing or data backups, to ensure you meet performance demands.

2. Choosing the Right Ubiquiti Devices

Ubiquiti offers a range of UniFi access points, routers, and switches to support diverse networking needs. Choose devices based on your business’s coverage area, bandwidth needs, and security requirements.

• UniFi Access Points (APs): Select APs based on coverage and traffic needs; models like the UniFi U6-LR are designed for high-density environments.
• UniFi Security Gateway (USG): This acts as a firewall and router, providing robust security features and traffic management.
• UniFi Switches: For businesses requiring multiple wired connections, UniFi switches offer seamless integration with access points and other devices.
• Cloud Key Gen2: This device runs UniFi’s controller software, enabling remote management and monitoring of the network.

3. Installing and Configuring UniFi Controller Software

The UniFi Controller software is essential for managing Ubiquiti devices and configuring your network.

1. Install the Software: Download and install the UniFi Controller on your computer or a dedicated server, or use the Cloud Key Gen2 for remote access.
2. Initial Setup: Launch the software, set up an admin account, and configure basic settings like time zone and language.
3. Enable Remote Access: For remote monitoring, create a UniFi account to access the controller from anywhere, ensuring you can manage the network even off-site.

4. Setting Up Your Ubiquiti Wi-Fi Hardware

Once the UniFi Controller is configured, you can start setting up the hardware.

1. Connect Access Points: Position APs in optimal locations based on your coverage plan, connecting them to a UniFi PoE switch or power source.
2. Adopt Devices in Controller: In the UniFi Controller interface, adopt each device to connect it to your network.
3. Create Wi-Fi Networks: Set up primary and guest networks with unique SSIDs and passwords to distinguish between business and visitor access.

5. Configuring Network Security Settings

Network security is crucial in a business environment to protect data and maintain compliance.

• WPA3 Encryption: Use WPA3, the latest Wi-Fi security standard, for robust protection against unauthorised access.
• Set Up Firewalls: Configure firewall rules on your Security Gateway to control traffic and limit access to sensitive information.
• Enable Intrusion Prevention System (IPS): IPS in the UniFi Security Gateway helps detect and block potential threats on the network.
• Regularly Update Firmware: Ubiquiti frequently releases firmware updates that enhance security and stability; regularly check for and apply updates.

6. Setting Up VLANs for Network Segmentation

Virtual LANs (VLANs) improve security and performance by segregating network traffic.

• Create Separate VLANs: Set up VLANs to separate traffic based on department, application, or user type, isolating sensitive data.
• Assign VLANs to Wi-Fi Networks: Link each Wi-Fi network to a designated VLAN for greater control over access and data flow.
• Configure Guest Network Isolation: VLANs allow you to limit guest access to business resources, keeping the main network secure.

7. Optimising Network Performance and Scalability

For optimal performance, it’s essential to monitor and adjust your network configuration regularly.

• Channel Selection and Band Steering: Manually set Wi-Fi channels to reduce interference, and enable band steering to balance load between 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands.
• Enable Load Balancing: UniFi’s load balancing feature can evenly distribute network traffic across multiple access points, preventing bottlenecks.
• Plan for Scalability: Ubiquiti devices are modular and scalable, allowing you to add additional APs and switches as your business grows.

8. Remote Monitoring and Management with Ubiquiti

Ubiquiti’s UniFi solution allows for centralised management and remote monitoring to keep your network secure and operational.

• Set Up Alerts and Notifications: Configure notifications to receive alerts about network status, device connectivity, and potential issues.
• Monitor Performance Metrics: Track data on traffic load, user connections, and device health in the UniFi Controller to identify and address performance bottlenecks.
• Access Logs for Security Audits: Review logs for access attempts and unusual activity to maintain compliance and identify potential threats.

9. Best Practices for Maintenance and Upgrades

Maintaining and upgrading your network infrastructure ensures reliable performance and security.

• Regular Firmware Updates: Keep all Ubiquiti devices up to date with the latest firmware to improve security and performance.
• Back Up Configuration: Regularly back up the UniFi Controller configuration to restore settings easily if issues arise.
• Scheduled Reboots: Periodic reboots of access points and routers can help resolve minor connectivity issues and optimise performance.
• Plan for Hardware Expansion: As your business grows, consider adding more APs or upgrading to higher-performance devices to support increased traffic.

Conclusion

Setting up a secure, scalable Wi-Fi network with Ubiquiti provides businesses with robust connectivity, comprehensive security, and ease of management. By planning network layout, choosing appropriate devices, and implementing best practices in security and configuration, you can create a Wi-Fi environment that grows with your business needs. With Ubiquiti’s advanced management and monitoring features, businesses can maintain an optimised, reliable network that supports day-to-day operations while keeping data secure.