Home Network Tour with UniFi Dream Router

[@KohlHosein]

Best breakdown and explanation for DIYers in my opinion. I have been watching tons of vidoes and reading a lot before I got here and this really solidified how I can upgrade and do my own home network

[@handydadtv]

Glad it was helpful 👍🏻

[@VampireOnline]

I got the UDM Pro SE earlier this year and replaced my Blink camera setup with UniFi devices. Love the doorbell and their “wireless” cameras. 24/7 recording with no monthly fees is amazing.

[@handydadtv]

I had a Lorex DVR at my old house with five cameras with 24/7 recording. You’re right, it’s awesome to have.

[@terriannswallow4948]

I'm doing research on whether the UDR is the right equipment for the upgrades I'm looking to make for my home network and this video was incredibly helpful! Thanks so much for going into great depth in sharing your setup and a lot of the "why" behind your setup!

[@handydadtv]

Glad it was helpful 👍🏻

[@Listenerz1]

Good video. The limits for firewall blocking protection, is reduced to 850 mbs. Ethernet (direct wire connection, can do a bit better). No worries or issues with bandwidth that is 850 or less. Directly connected (wired connection) can still do gigabit within your internal home network (regardless of your ISP bandwidth - the video states you have 300 mb/s). It’s awesome that you remind people that gigabit service is usually not needed for most people. Understandably, the offers from ISP’s force you into things you may never use in terms of power/speeds. Wifi 5 caps out at 350-400 mb/s. if you have gigabit, that power is 1024 mb/s… you lose more than 2/3’s of your power, if wifi is your main method to give internet to your devices. Directly wired setups like the one in this video will give you gigabit (1024 mb/s). Otherwise, wifi 6 id better and should give you better throughput (like being wired)..: but it is not as reliable because wifi 6 signals are very weak going through walls (everyone’s mileage on wifi 6 will vary). Spending up front to make a wired and wifi network, give you better options to save money monthly,neither your ISP monthly plan. You get the best connections. Also the more you have wired connection the better your wifi will be as devices are not competing with each other. 23:58

[@handydadtv]

Thanks for the advice!

[@cgarcia673]

I have been searching for a good home network set up for a while, I have watched sooo many videos on UniFi and others. This is was exactly what I was looking for, perfect explanation and walkthrough. Thank you !

[@handydadtv]

Glad it was helpful 👍🏻

[@okidave]

I have been researching UniFi for the last few weeks and I am glad I came across your channel. I am a network engineer by trade and your review is exactly what I have been looking for.

[@handydadtv]

Glad it was helpful 👍🏻

[@PatrickMondor]

Excellent video! Moving to Florida and have a pre-wired house where I'm going to implement my UDR, U-6 lite and switches. Appreciate the time you took to make this video

[@handydadtv]

My pleasure.

[@peteyx44]

This is the best description of the UDR setup I've seen! Thanks

[@handydadtv]

Glad it was helpful 👍🏻

[@mananij5729]

Thank you very much. This is one of the best if not the best videos on UniFi devices. The best explanation and to detail. This video is the best I have seen so far and I have been watching these kinds of UniFI videos for years now. Thank you once again.

[@handydadtv]

Wow. Thanks so much 😊

[@jessielees]

I cant thank you enough for this video and how thorough you were with everything. This looks like its going to be the perfect solution for me at home. Can't wait until I can get my hands on one.

[@handydadtv]

I’m glad it was helpful. I love that UDR and the rest of my network!

[@GuyverN7]

Great video! SysEngineer myself, have a great router now but doesn’t give me the control I enjoy at work. Think I’m convinced now, looks awesome.

[@handydadtv]

It is awesome. I recently moved and brought it all with me.

[@antoniosa]

Hey. Congrats on the video. That's exactly the network design I'll have in the near future. Thanks for sharing and explains a lot.

[@handydadtv]

Glad it was helpful 👍🏻

[@mhdnetflix-j6u]

Thank you very much for the detailed information! I have a question regarding forced disconnection: Is there a way to set the time period for automatic disconnection myself with UDR? I am a customer with 1&1 and need to renew my connection every 24 hours.

[@handydadtv]

I would ask on Reddit /r/unifi

[@teknerd]

I really like your video. I ordered a UDR and a unifi wifi 6 access point which should arrive shortly after Thanksgiving. Your video has given me lots of ideas for planning my own deployment before it arrives. I heard once you go Unifi, you don't go back to consumer bestbuy equipment. From your walk through of unifi os, it seems like that will be the case for me.

[@handydadtv]

My brother went with UniFi years ago and I always thought it was expensive. So I went with the AmpliFi mesh system. That worked fine for years, but we started having connectivity issues. The UDR and access points solved all that. I’m never going back because I’ll take every stitch of equipment with me when I move.

[@Japanesemaplegarden]

Great video, very helpful and detailed! With 300mbs internet, what kind of wireless speeds do you get through the dream router and other access point in your home using an internet speed test on your wifi phone or tablets? I have the same internet plan, and I'm very curious. I've been looking at the same unifi devices, so i'm glad that I found your video that pretty much matches my home internet /network scenario. Thank you!

[@handydadtv]

I never measured it because it’s never been an issue for me. With 3 access points, nobody complains about WiFi in my house. It’s great.

[@mvhoward1]

Great video and really liked the detail. It's great getting ideas when seeing how other folks have their network setup.

[@handydadtv]

I didn’t expect it to be popular, but I was hoping people like you would find it helpful. Thanks. 😊

[@danielhughes4612]

Thanks for the video pal. If I were buy two wireless access points like your setup, would I need to buy switches like you have or could I just plug them straight into the back of the UDR?

[@handydadtv]

You can wire them to the UDR. It has 2 powered ports and 2 unpowered ports.

[@johnmarkzimm]

This looks great. Would I put it downstream from my current ATT modem/router? And would I put the ATT modem router in passthrough mode?

[@handydadtv]

Yes and yes. Bypass the cable company’s router if possible. I seriously advise you to see if you can buy your own modem instead of renting. It’ll pay for itself.

[@mttswllw]

Amazing, I’m looking to do the exact same as you - going from a decent but not amazing coverage-wise AmpliFi HD mesh to the Dream Router plus 2 flex mini switches and two U6 access points. Great video.

[@handydadtv]

Thanks so much 😊

[@cc_1818]

Great video thanks for sharing!

[@handydadtv]

Glad it was helpful 👍🏻

[@1ryanlc]

Looking forward to buying a UDR as soon as they're back in stock!

[@handydadtv]

I’ve had NO issues with it. Runs like a dream! (Pun intended)

[@SuperBoyBoy24]

Great video. what is your inter vlan speed? I just got a UDR but I only get 25mb/s transfer speed between computer on different vlan. On the same vlan I get 118 mbs.

[@handydadtv]

I don’t do data transfers across vlans. All of my computers are on the trusted network along with my NAS.

[@GhostTownVlogs]

You can put reminders for stock on the ui website.. no need to go back every time ;)

[@handydadtv]

I signed up but didn’t get notified.

[@BullvineUK]

Thank you for taking the time to go through this.

[@handydadtv]

My pleasure

[@BullvineUK]

@@handydadtv question, for some reason, I thought this has Web content filter to block kids unsafe sites. Before I buy one, could you tell me if it does or am i going to be forced to use a DNS filter?

[@handydadtv]

I can’t answer that. Never tried content filtering because my kids are grown.

[@BullvineUK]

@@handydadtv So far, it seems the pro has custom content filter options but not the UDR. The Dream Router has preset options in Network (None, Work, Family). Makes sense as a small office or home won't need to customise it.

[@marktvcturner2448]

Thanks for this. I think I'm about to leap into this kind of gear. Could you please let me know the external dimensions of your house? It looks a similar shape to mine and I'm tossing up which secondary WAP I ned to get to cover my house. (assuming you have timber/drywall interior walls) Thanks!

[@handydadtv]

My house is 36 feet wide and 65 deep. Partial second floor. Total around 2,600 square feet. Wood frame, drywall. I’d suggest you start with the UDR and add access points to bolster weak areas. That’s what I did. I know it looked like I bought it all at the same time, but I didn’t.

[@jonnylontayao7675]

Great video! Just wondering if you have any intel on how noisy the UDR is?

[@handydadtv]

No sound at all. I don’t think it has a fan.

[@robbinmed2ben]

Nice video! Is it possible to add a U6 Lite AP wirelessly? I mean without a cable from the UDR itself. If so, I guess I would need a PoE injector to plug in the wall or something? Thanks

[@handydadtv]

No, search for “UniFi mesh” to find APs that don’t need to be wired.

[@TheVideoGameVault]

Unifi has some great products. Have a udm pro, 24 poe switch, 3 aps, and 3 cams.

[@handydadtv]

Thanks for sharing.

[@john_smith_youtube]

Very well explained. I'm Happy with Unifi, but muy UDR is using the 90% of memory and only I have 30 devices connected... I have an AP connected to the UDR by mesh, maybe It is impacting the UDR ... In few days I Will Connect by wire. Let see if It will get better

[@handydadtv]

You should contact support. They can remotely diagnose the memory situation. I don’t use a lot of memory, but I only have the Network app installed.

[@john_smith_youtube]

@@handydadtv I only run the network app. According to the calculator my UDR is consuming much more memory than the expected, so I-m going to raise a support request to Unifi guys! This issue apart, it-s working fine in all fields, Very happy with it. Thanks!

[@DJZF93]

Great video , any trick or idea to cach the udr I need but it is out of stock , I have like 3 days checking the website to see if I can buy it

[@handydadtv]

No trick. I signed up for email notifications but never got one. Just keep checking. Why the deadline? I’d just keep using my old router until I got the new one.

[@johnsnow1151]

how's it holding up after 7 months and do you find the processor is able to keep up ?

[@handydadtv]

Unbelievably happy! Best technology investment I’ve made in a long time. Every device in my house has great signal. I love knowing my IoT devices are isolated on a separate VLAN. I only run the Network application so I’ve had no performance issues at all.

[@phatdpc]

This was amazing, thank you for your effort and time!

[@handydadtv]

My pleasure

[@DIYReid]

I love Ubiquiti products! I want to upgrade my USG to a Dream Machine Pro.

[@handydadtv]

Goals!

[@camy252camy3]

Can you put parental restrictions and bandwidth cap on the guest network only?

[@handydadtv]

Not sure

[@gwillacey]

Can you do a video showing how you set up your 3 networks, trusted, guest, untrusted?

[@handydadtv]

Trusted and guest networks are provided out of the box. I just added one VLAN for my Untrusted network. Here’s one of many videos that show how to do this: kzbin.info/www/bejne/sInXq3iredKUpJo

[@madychan3164]

Subscribed :) I have been wondering how Unify Dream Router work with other manufacturers APs. I have TP Link Deco Mesh Wifi and the system can be used in AP mode. What might be the Pros and Cons of mixing setups from different manufacturers. I do own Unify Flex and 2 Flex Minis, hence the curiosity

[@handydadtv]

Ask this on Reddit /r/UniFi Thanks for subscribing! Welcome to the family!

[@josivasam8932]

Can you make a video how to install an exterior camera? Thanks for your videos

[@handydadtv]

My very first video was installing a surveillance system: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gaDEf3VqaZ13j9U But here is an improved version: kzbin.info/www/bejne/q4Oam4ydn9mCosk

[@xVertigo101]

Pretty good setup. I have a guest open / isolated on Vlan with firewall rules Main for trusted pc's exedera Iot I stuck phones, game consoles, and smart tv's on this. Smart devices (Untrusted) I am thinking about renaming, though at least Iot due to running into multiple iot networks in town that my phone tries to connect to.

[@handydadtv]

Thanks. It’s working well for me.

[@saavagebueno]

You can lock specific devices to certain access points instead of creating multiple WLANs.

[@handydadtv]

Thanks for the tip

[@DillonPadgette]

Are you using Windows or MacOS here? I have the same apps but your interface looks quite different from my iPad and Macbook Pro... ?

[@handydadtv]

I’m a Mac user

[@s0n0f1zzy]

I like your setup and how gadgets that are IoT have their own network. However, I am curious on how you would make this work? I have a Yamaha Musiccast streamer that is obviously IoT, so it connects to that network. That means, however, that I'm not able to find the streamer in Airplay when I try to stream songs from my Iphone, since the phone is using the main network. Is there a way to get around this?? Sincerely, son_of_izzy

[@handydadtv]

Bose speakers are the same way. Sometimes you need to compromise and let those pesky IoT devices live on your secure network.

[@AFiB1999]

Hello @HandyDadTV, You are an incredible person! Your video has left me thoroughly impressed how dedicated you are explaining and sharing your setup, and I couldn't help but give it a thumbs up and subscribe to your channel. Thank you for providing such an awesome review with a beautifully laid-out explanation of the interface and firewall rules. I have a question regarding UniFi. Is there an option to route certain devices or networks through a VPN, like the PIA VPN? It would be great to have that level of control over my network's privacy and security. Additionally, while exploring the Firewall & Security settings, I noticed that the Malicious Website Blocker/UniFi feature was not enabled. I'm curious to know if enabling it would cause any performance issues. Perhaps you have found a clever solution, such as utilizing a DNS Pi-hole, to maintain optimal performance without compromising security? Thank you once again for your exceptional content and I am looking forward to see more amazing videos like this one in the future!

[@handydadtv]

Thanks for the compliment and for subscribing! Welcome to the family! I tried Pi-hole but ended up disabling it because a lot of stuff stopped working. I don’t remember the exact issues, but it wasn’t worth it to me. I have only used VPN from a single computer, not from the network level. Probably possible, but I don’t know how.

[@3pinballs]

Got AT&T fiber installed, no more Cable. I have Plaster walls and my Orbi's have never been reliable. Ranch home 5k sq ft. , plus full size basement. I get in 1/4 of the house 530 down/ 553 up, but signal diminishes rest of house. Can I just get 2 Ceiling WAP U6, plus a 8 or 16 port switch w/ POE to plus into the AT&T Router/wifi to extend signal to rest of house or is there something else I need. Disclosure..I'm no Techie by any means. Great video BTW

[@handydadtv]

You can absolutely have perfect WiFi with a UniFi network, but it requires a gateway device not just access points. ui.com/cloud-gateways/wifi-integrated/express I am really happy with the UDR. Highly recommend.

[@3pinballs]

I was told I just need to connect my AT&T router/wifi to a 8 port from unifi w POE then run cat 6 from there to the U6pro AP . Do I need a gateway you mentioned as well or no? Thank you

[@handydadtv]

Perhaps your AT&T router has it built in. I don’t know.

[@3pinballs]

Well, I looked at the AT&T Router and has a huge sticker on the side that says - Wi_fi Gateway LOL @@handydadtv

[@3pinballs]

Yes, the AT&T router says Gateway on the side of it@@handydadtv

[@gregoryc5989]

Great video, I like the breakdown. thanks

[@handydadtv]

Thanks

[@macwilliams8943]

Light switch in basement turns on all four lights can you show how to change to add two light switches for each of the two rooms built and add outlets to each room ?? Plz and thank you

[@handydadtv]

That’s really a specific situation, too specific for a video (unless I recorded it in your basement 😆). Here’s what you’d need to do: 1. Run a new circuit from the electric panel. (Not necessary if you were just splitting the lights, but I recommend a new circuit if you’re finishing a room in your basement with new outlets.) 2. Wire the new outlets and new switch box from new circuit created in step 1. 3. Split the lights (disconnect the two that will go on the new circuit). 4. Wire those lights to the new switch.

[@eprohoda]

Yo- you made amazing , 😲

[@handydadtv]

Thanks so much 😊

[@BAYCHOIRS]

I want 4 cameras and 1 door bell for my house what do i need to make it work, i got confused so many things i see, i dont get which would do what can you list me what i would need to make 4 cameras 5G and 1 doorbell working?

[@handydadtv]

I’m no expert.

[@AnterosLive]

THANK YOU!

[@handydadtv]

My pleasure

[@deliciousm2030]

I just got a UDR and a 24 poe switch, however when I plug the switch into it, I can't adopt it, the switch is getting an IP address but it is being recognize as another client instead of a unifi switch so I'm unable to change any settings on the switch.

[@handydadtv]

It’s a UniFi branded switch?

[@deliciousm2030]

@@handydadtv Yes, its a 24 PoE Unifi Switch. I used the web GUI to set up the dream router and access point, but it doesn't see the switch as a unifi device, I've tried resetting both devices.

[@handydadtv]

@deliciousm2030 Contact UniFi support.

[@csf1757]

Whats the radiation pattern of the in-wall? Is it unidirectional?

[@handydadtv]

I’m sure you can look that up on the website, but all I know is it services the patio and bedroom behind it without issue.

[@user-zr7kz4vs7c]

My unifi U6 Lite is overheating, (around 60~ degree celsius), may I ask is that normal ? thanks!

[@alexanderlavoie5461]

I would try to contact Ubiquiti (they can be tough to contact) about it. My U6 lite is also pretty warm to the touch, but I have no way to actually measure the temp.

[@handydadtv]

Mine is warm, but not hot.

[@calivalley9056]

Check out “AC Infinity USB fan”, they are small and have rubber padded feet, You can set the unifi unit on top of it and set the fan to low speed. I have several of them in different sizes, they are great.

[@camden3957]

How did you set up your Untrusted Network?

[@handydadtv]

Add a new network in the Network Settings. Then add a new SSID in WiFi settings that maps to the new network.

[@camden3957]

@@handydadtv What are the settings you have to keep it from accessing the devices on the other network and for trusted devices to access it for airplay and things?

[@handydadtv]

By default, all networks are open to all others (except Guest is completely isolated out of the box). I created one firewall rule to DROP inbound LAN traffic with: Source=Untrusted Destination=Trusted

[@handydadtv]

This is a one-way rule. Everything on the Trusted network still has access to Untrusted.

[@camden3957]

@@handydadtv probably was in the video if I didn’t skip that part😐. Thanks!

[@diaz8712]

Does anyone know if I can connect/link the Unifi Dream Router with any other Ubiquiti extender? Are there any requirements for this?

[@handydadtv]

They are all linkable.

[@handydadtv]

They are all linkable.

[@diaz8712]

@@handydadtv No upstream needed?

[@handydadtv]

@diaz8712 I’m not sure what you mean. If you get a Dream Router, you can connect any of their access points inside or outside your house or business.

[@diaz8712]

@@handydadtv I have the Unifi Dream Router and it can't see my U6 Extender. I wonder if I am missing something.

[@DJOZMET]

I just got one from the Mexico Store. I have fiber optic fro 39.99. 1000gb download

[@handydadtv]

That’s cheap!

[@dbronx347]

Anyone know if this is quiet enough for a bedroom install?

[@handydadtv]

Yes absolutely. If the UDR has a fan, it’s absolutely silent.

[@handydadtv]

And you can turn off the blue status LED.

[@dbronx347]

@@handydadtv Thanks for replying. My current ISP provided router is in the bedroom. Its good enough but it doesn't support VLAN, which is why I'm looking for a simple solution such as this.

[@handydadtv]

@dbronx347 This video was made nearly two years ago and I loved this network so much that I brought it all (including the cable modem) to my new house. Other than running some CAT6 cables in the attic, it was a complete lift-and-shift. All of my SSIDs stayed the same so all of my devices connected with zero effort. Highly recommend the UDR.

[@dustonnfoster]

Waiting for a 10GBe model!!

[@handydadtv]

Was it announced?

[@dustonnfoster]

@@handydadtv No, just dreaming :)

[@EmptyPocketsCarl]

Wired? Seems like a blast from the past in the age of great mesh Wi-Fi options. Seems totally unnecessary when wireless mesh easily covers many many high demand devices in a busy home.

[@handydadtv]

Wired will always beat mesh in speed and reliability. But the UDR supports mesh access points if you don’t want wired.

[@alexanderlavoie5461]

mesh AP's take an existing signal and try to strengthen it and then broadcast it. When you have true wired AP's each one will broadcast a fresh signal all on the same network, you get higher bandwidth and a more reliable signal. You can also do really long runs as long as you have the cable for it (like at a shed, or detached garage) and when you get there you Wifi will have the EXACT same signal strength as it would be standing next you your main AP, this is not really possible on mesh system.

[@EmptyPocketsCarl]

Totally get it that wired is faster and better than mesh. But I have never had a single stutter or delay with dozens of devices, 4 4k TVs and 6 computers in my house of 4 media consuming digital junkies. At some point good enough is good enough and so much easier!

[@handydadtv]

I had an AmpliFi HD mesh system for the past five years but it was becoming problematic so I wanted to replace it. I also wanted to separate my trusted vs. untrusted (IoT) devices. I looked at eero and TPLink Deco but they couldn’t do that. And they charge for security. The UDR is an awesome deal if you can get one.

[@aguyandhiscomputer]

Maybe you should just keep scrolling... I'm sure there's a mesh wifi video out there somewhere.

[@chris-kr7gf]

your house layout doesn't look that big to need so many APs. I use 2 on an entire acre with 2.4 & 5Ghz with no issue. The more AP's you connect the slower your connection. Same with switches. You'll drop speeds in half as you add a switch. FYI

[@handydadtv]

I added the two APs to solve specific issues where my router wouldn’t reach. Unfortunately my router is in the middle of the house so I needed APs to service the front and back.

[@jjjjjkkkkk]

lol that keyboard

[@handydadtv]

🤷🏻‍♂️

[@courtenaybotterill5591]

My dream router was DOA the customer support was garbage. Ended up throwing it in the garbage!

[@handydadtv]

That’s a shame. Mine is still going strong. Best router I ever had.

[@eladvanallen8282]

Wouldn't your system benefit greatly by removing those 2 splitters and installing an amplifier equalizer instead? Momma says splitters are da debil.

[@handydadtv]

Thought about it, but working fine as is. If it ain’t broke…

[@kelemvor3333]

Still don't know why they call those things In-Wall when they don't go in the wall...

[@handydadtv]

Good point. 🤨