The Unifi "Short Stack" - An entry level to Unifi Network

[@antoniocheca]

Short stack is the entry drug for sure, I started back in 2017 with an 8 port POE switch, 2 APs, USG and Cloud Key back then. Some of that HW is still around and working properly in my homelab. Recently I upgraded to the Cloud Gateway Ultra and I am very happy with it!

[@austinfarley4971]

You say entry drug, I say an expensive hobby so I can't afford drugs.

[@emo4123]

wtf i was just getting into unifi gear, impeccable timing

[@RaidOwl]

Yeah the FBI gave me your search history

[@SquggableHare]

I was about to buy this exact setup (except upgrading to the 16 port switch) to pair with a new modem I got on Prime Day. I literally have the tabs open right now, but I've been trying to look for info about it before I take the plunge, so this could not have come at a better time.

[@kyanhluong]

Algorithm at work

[@dandcodes]

Loved this video, one of your best yet. Its great to have a guide on how to get into the Unifi stack, or at least what your upgrade path looks like if I wanted to move away from my UDM

[@OsX86H3AvY]

id be curious how this would stack up against a simple unmanged tplink 8-port switch, a cheap belkin wifi6 AP running openwrt in AP mode, and some old x86 mini or SFF PC like an HP prodesk 400 G5 with a pair of gigabit ports onboard running pfsense.....i realize running pf and openwrt is tougher to manage and itd have to be built and setup....but i wonder about performance, number of users, feature parity or not....im too poor for unifi anyway so im jus curious

[@notreal5311]

Love your videos as always! If I was going to build a Unifi Short Stack, I'd recommend just going with a Dream Router + the access point you recommended. It has two POE ports with a budget of 40W, and has support for running Protect as well as other Unifi apps. It also has IPS/IDS and acts as a Unifi controller, so you dont need a gateway. I think it's a better setup than what is presented, personally. Not as small but close. Keep up the good work brother!

[@Tom_Azin]

Excellent video and a great introduction of how people can get onboard with Unifi systems. I personally went with the UCG Ultra instead of the Express, just because I don't need WiFi where my router is located.

[@KeithHeinrich]

Same. Replaced a rack of gear and works just fine for home.

[@arielamieva9468]

Very nice video. I have a big Unifi setup, but was shopping around for a family member who has very simple requirements, and this video helped a lot. Thank you!

[@Eric-le8on]

Why Express over Cloud Gateway | UCG ?

[@MrHjscott]

I think Cloud Gateway Max ($199+), Pro Max 16 PoE ( $399) and U7 Pro ($189) is a great flexible, expandable and feature rich combo. 23 ports total -- 1Gbe, 2.5Gbe, 10 Gbe and PoE

[@Cynyr]

Man, unifi really is the apple of networking now, huh? $800 for that is kindda silly.

[@DozIT]

@@Cynyr $800 for a home network is silly, but the gateway max is where the real value is. Ubiquiti is definitely more expensive than TP Link, but when compared with Cisco, Aruba, Juniper, Fortigate, etc. Ubiquiti starts to look cheap!

[@Cynyr]

@@DozIT there are a fair number of slightly old brocade and aruba poe switches on ebay that will do line speed layer3 ACLs. A i5-6500 and a dual port nic running opnsense will be a much more robust router and properly support ipv6. I don't really understand the appeal of unifi on the router or switch, the APs are decent, but again are missing features like ipv6, radius authentication.

[@JimHu-mr7ze]

Totally agree, Pro Max 16 POE fits better and only $50 more than Pro 8 POE for 8 extra ports and 2.5gb link to U7 AP.

[@generosityrat2651]

@MrHjscott, Iwould like to run the same set up as a starting point. One question that I have is each equipment runs with its own ssid or is it mesh where only 1 ssid is required ?

[@akorenkov]

Just keep in mind with the Express GW, you can only adopt 4 devices. So, expandability is extremely limited. If you're buying an AP, don't get the Express GW, get the Ultra instead and save some money. Also, get a POE to USB-C splitter so you can power the GW off the switch.

[@CharlesGauthier]

Yes, this is a very good set up! I started with the gateway ultra, added a 24 POE gen 1 switch, and a few APs. If the Gateway max was available, I would have gotten that. But there are use cases for the express. for me those would include: my kids' dorm rooms, in-law house. really most anywhere I am setting up a network for someone else and I want Unifi so I can log in and help with issues. But for anyone actually looking to start doing better network set up. 100% go Ultra + POE switch + AP. I actual went backwards from running Asus Wi-fi 6 / AX to Unifi AP AC. Even with older tech, the better set up of POS AP's where they are needed we have faster and more stable Wi-Fi.

[@markarca6360]

You can also use a UniFi Switch Flex Mini, which is smaller than the UniFi Switch Ultra.

[@danielramfer]

its the video i was looking for, a simple and perfect guide to know where to start. Thanks!!

[@cbdaytona675]

I just moved to a new home and brought my 2 Alien Routers. Thinking about moving to Unifi since they have gone silent on if alien is dead or dormant moving forward. Home is pre wired on both floors for Ethernet but none in the ceiling. Trying to figure out best configuration if I move over to unifi. Thinking UCG max, 2-3 APs, wireless doorbell to start.

[@rfceron]

I'm looking to go with the short stack plus .. but I do have a confusion.. if the Pro 8 PoE switch only has 1 Gbe ports how do you get the 2.5 all the way up the U7 Pro ?

[@jeremybarber2837]

I have the Unifi Dream Machine v1 -> PoE injector -> 5 port USW Flex that shares power over to my U6 Lite for better coverage in the back yard. My desk lab has a Juniper EX2300-24T right now but I am seriously tempted by that Pro 8 PoE which would allow me to ditch that PoE injector and be closer to a 10” Mini Rack. I have been lusting after that mini rack since I first laid eyes on it, thanks dude. Great video and love the 2 tiers!

[@texasermd1]

Have this setup in our rental home while we build again. Using a second AP and a Flex Mini so that maxes out the 4 UniFi device limit. Very happy with the system. Going back to the full stack again once we make the move to the new house… Dream Machine Pro Max, U7 Pro in-wall APS, Pro Max POE switch with Etherlighting, doorbell, cameras. Should be fun. 👍🏼👍🏼

[@pawelgrad]

My setup started with UDR and flex mini. Later I added AC mesh on chimney and U6+ to add more coverage in house.

[@mrwalter1049]

I upgraded my Ubiquiti EdgeRouterX, Generic PoE+ dumb switch, and U6Lite setup to almost exactly that Short Stack Plus -setup. I've got the UCG-Ultra and the U7-Pro now, still rocking the generic PoE+ switch. Only bad side of the dumb switch is that it's obviously not compatible with Unifi. But this setup works very well for my apartment and scratches that prosumer itch I have just right for the incredible value you get for the money.

[@mrwalter1049]

My next upgrade is likely to be a move to a Unifi PoE Switch. I've been contemplating whether to go with the USW-Ultra, Lite-8-PoE or go all-in with the Enterprise-8-PoE. The Enterprise does sound real nice with the 2.5G for possibly some WiFi powered PCVR gaming...

[@murtadha96]

Brilliant recommendation man, thank you! I personally got the Unifi Dream Router a while back cause it runs all apps and it has WiFi 6 and is a good price. Its throughput is only 600mbps but it’s good enough for my ISP connections anyways. And I have a U6 Lite AP too, which fits perfectly with that single POE port it has.

[@jsonken82]

I have 2.5 fiber coming into my house. I plan on getting the Cloud Gateway Max. Wouldn’t running the Lite or Pro 8 PoE switch limit my ac to only 1 GbE if I paired it with a U7 Pro? I know that 1GbE is plenty for my wireless devices but didn’t make sense if I’m starting fresh.

[@rfceron]

have the exact same concern.. I think the Enterprise 8 PoE is a better fit for the UCG Max! I'm debating if I should go with that or .. get a Dream Machine SE in place of the UCG Max.

[@AnthonyBove]

This has helped me out so much, subscribed

[@velodyneman]

Great video! For around 800 bucks it a solid investment into the Unifi rabbit hole.

[@Cybersader]

I've seen trouble with NAT loopback on the Express. That could be a no-go for me and my self-hosted stuff

[@SquashPile]

Should I see lan traffic stats across devices (NAS) connected directly to my CGM? I only see internet traffic stats/info. This has been bugging me lol.

[@davidfarning8246]

Any thoughts when we will see 2.5G or 10G on their lite line of switches.

[@colorscream]

Why not the gateway ultra instead of the expres?

[@summoner2100]

nice little short stack as a starter.. also a good little one if you're using that tiny desk rack you built to give it internet.

[@Cam.Klingon]

How are you using non unify camera's on their network?

[@alexander0the0gray]

For cons for the unifi express, I recently had a Reddit post where verified owners said it was so slow to update anything. On paper it looks like it’s going to work great, but in actually usage they said it’s almost worse than not having it at all, and the Wi-Fi coverage was mediocre at best.

[@MrDaves94]

why use an extra acces point and not the U6 mesh ?

[@recursivecube44]

I just set up this exact configuration yesterday for my home network. Nice coincidence 😂

[@lordbarklee]

I am considering (for a 3 floor house) an Express with an 8 port switch attached (like the Lite 8 Poe) for main workstations + NAS, and 2 U6 Extenders on each floor for wireless access. I don't have ethernet cables to each floor. Would this be a good setup? Price is a factor. Thanks for any input.

[@jam471975]

With the limitation of only being able to adopt 4 other unified devices I would have a really hard time ever recommending the Unifi Express, unless it's going to be used in a really small apartment or something like that. Since your short stack already includes an access point I would definitely go with the Gateway Max instead of the Express. Then you have the option to easily add protect and a lot more unifi devices. But overall I really like your short stack concept video!

[@wackerman7259]

Can you put U6+ or U7Pro in attics and get good coverage through the ceiling?

[@felipepubillones2768]

which did I start with? The Edgerouter X.....man that thing is good little workhorse but extremely too easily bricked.

[@mariobraun7568]

Do you inject POE over an adapter with the U7 Pro? The 2.5G switch doesn’t seem to be doing POE

[@sagerbomb]

Mikrotik short stack next!

[@MortenEghj]

What about the missing IPS/IDS of the Express ? Great video !

[@cameronfrye5514]

My setup has just kind of grown organically, my 'save a buck' attitude dictating more frequent additions that wind up costing more in the long run. My router is a Netgate, but most of what it's attached to is a jumble of 4 and 8 port, managed and unmanaged switches, two access points (one of which is probably enough) and a POE switch for my cameras. I'm happy with the Netgate, but I'm starting to wonder if I shouldn't carefully and gently pile it all in the trash and start over with a single unified core...

[@robertt9342]

Started with a parallel port in direct connection. Now moving on to 2.5G.

[@Gspsx]

Looking at Omada and unifi. Any reason other than cost you would go with unifi over Omada?

[@Gandio420]

what did u decide?

[@Gspsx]

@@Gandio420 I went with Omada. It's not as pretty, but it gets the job done well and reliably, and I saved money.

[@Gandio420]

@@Gspsx nice what model did you get ? Looking at same vs ubiquiti

[@Gspsx]

@@Gandio420 Got an OC-200 controller, ER605 V2 router, TL-SG2210P V3 POE switch, and a EAP670 V2 access point. I got lucky and my local micro center had these on sale. Right now only the EAP670 v2 is on sale on amazon.

[@Viking8888]

Being on disability makes my choices very limited. I wish I could do Unifi, but instead I am building an OPNsense router/firewall using an older dell sff pc with a core i5-6500T cpu and a 4 port 2.5 Gbe NIC, an older netgear Wi-Fi 6 router in AP mode and then a couple dumb 8 port 2.5 Gbe switches. This costs A LOT less than a ubiquity setup, but has a lot less cohesive functionality. It works though.

[@RaidOwl]

Yeah man that sounds like a solid idea. Unifi isn't for everyone and there are certainly other great options out there.

[@peterellis6417]

How much are you missing out on speed running a u7 pro on a GBE port ?

[@generosityrat2651]

Does this set up run as a mesh system? Or does each AP, cloud max would have its own ssid?

[@RaidOwl]

Yes it’ll run as a mesh

[@lifefromscratch2818]

I feel like what I'm doing for my parent's place is a Cloud Gateway Max and if I need a switch we can go no-name amazon for the time being. How many people actually need managed switches?

[@RaidOwl]

Most people's parents don't thats for sure

[@dexmark5]

This is my first network setup i well be getting for me to experment with a home lab beginers guides. any tips on how it works with a standert ruter from your isp? do i have to do any thing setupo wise for it to connuct to it?

[@RaidOwl]

You don't HAVE to but its strongly recommended to put your ISP router in 'passthrough' mode or whatever your router brand calls it. That will make sure your aren't double NAT'd.

[@postnick]

Great video!!! I'm loving my UNIFI stuff but I need to get a few more POE switches and a few more SFP+ ports - but i'm limited by money I can justify. Today I'm rocking UDM PRO > 3 US-8 Switches > 3 Access points - And devices are plugged into Switches. I should just buy more POE Injectors but I really just want a POE Switch.

[@brandonl4511]

I got the Unify Express (and no additional AP) recently. This is a small apartment, but someone upstairs was getting iffy connection. Aside from that, I have NEVER used a router with a UI that got bugged/stuck as often as this thing. For whatever reason, multiple times I'd be looking through the UI, then it would stall, then you couldn't connect to it at all. All internet traffic worked, but the web interface was completely bricked for hour(s), or until I got fed up and restarted it.... maybe I'll pair it with an AP and that would improve things...

[@RaidOwl]

Interesting, I don't think I've ever heard of that happening. Does it happen in all browsers? On multiple devices? I can see how that'd be annoying.

[@fernandolcoto]

Hi Did you update the UniFi OS or the UniFi Network Application? There are some people complaining about slowness after this update. Mainly for Unifi Express. Did you experience this?

[@Kasilias]

There is something I don't understand for a long time which is why everybody forgot about existence of Dream Router that to me was and in some ways is still a better option than UGM for folks that want to walk into this ecosystem with a full package already. Maybe there is something that I'm missing aside of upgradability?

[@pyroslev]

Need a server rack 'short stack' setup. Wife gave me the go ahead that our next house will have a proper server rack for me. So, I need to plan this out over the next 20 months.

[@MaxVoltageTech]

Can you create a vm to run the unify gateway and save money that way?

[@mattias-johansson]

No its not possible.

[@MH-kc5jr]

You coule get the UXG Lite and host the controller yourself, but for me its basically the same price as the Express and you lose the built in AP, dont think its worth it though

[@csonlypro]

OK but UXG-Lite has IDS and IPS support. This is big layer of security. The controler can be a PI.

[@danohara2211]

Great video, just installed my mini stack last night. Quick question, do you recommend running them in mesh or individually? When I’m in mesh mode the UX and AP broadcast same radios channels on 5G

[@LordSaliss]

I wouldn't go with the express for 2 reasons, it limits future expansion of the system (5 network device limit including router) and it has very few security detection categories it looks at. IDS/IPS in the security is actually useful, especially if you allow any sort of cloud access to your network such as NAS cloud apps or Plex. The Gateway Ultra does not limit future expansion and it has full features security. It is also cheaper, though you lose the built in wifi 6 AP.

[@michaelhillpot]

What I want from ubiquiti is either the dream machine se with the internal switch upgraded to a faster backplane, or a smaller, cheaper device with the processing power and sfp+ of the SE. I have my own camera setup so I don't need protect and the space the storage drive takes up on the SE, but I want the routing throughput and sfp ports 😩

[@EsotericArctos]

I'd probably make one change to the "short stack" and use the Unifi Switch Ultra instead of the Lite 8 switch. The Switch Ultra is similar price and has all ports as PoE, and a little slimmer too.

[@EthoSoccer]

If yours is a short stack I guess what I just ordered is the kids meal. Starting out real small with U7 pro and Switch Flex Mini 2.5G.

[@boondockmutiny9955]

That TPLink Omada box on the wall is just staring at me 👀

[@RaidOwl]

😅😅😅

[@samgao]

All you need is the Unifi Express since it has a built-in Wireless Access Point (WAP), Otherwise, it would be Cloud Gateway Ultra + the rest of setup. (Or Max if you want the FULL Unifi Stack). Or if you're lucky, you can get the UDR (Unifi Dream Router), and be done with everything!!!! But those are like unicorns.

[@SylvieTheBagel]

What do you think of a cloud gateway ultra, 2x U6+ (or pro) and a ultra switch?

[@SylvieTheBagel]

Or even a Dream Router + Ultra + U6 Pro

[@RaidOwl]

That’s a nice setup as well.

[@SylvieTheBagel]

@@RaidOwl I’ve got about 5k feet to cover across 2 buildings lol. It’s been fun to figure this one out.

[@TazzSmk]

I started with ASUS RT-AX86S and although I'm considering more modular approach like Unifi, so far there isn't that great value at comparable feature set (ASUS router has 4x4 5G and 3x3 2.4G and so even my 10 years old MacBook Pro files at 1Gbit WiFi as it has 3x3 5G MIMO itself)

[@DanceingDragon]

Three- piece combo meal? Do I get a drink with it also? lol anyway nice setup. Raid Owl jokes never get old.

[@seanwoods1526]

I really wish UI completes the feature set of their layer 3 switches. Though they have MAC and VLAN isolation it still isn't a real ACL. That is the only reason I can't land on them for my L3 needs.

[@RaidOwl]

100%

[@dylanmaniatakes]

So this is what it's like to be early to one of these. Love my unifi stuff but i still use pfsense as a gateway i like its features compared to unifi

[@hellcesar]

Pricey for the short stack plus. Dream machine SE with a AP is less expensive

[@MH-kc5jr]

You will need an additional switch for that cause the Dream Machines only have a shared 1gigabit backplane, which sucks

[@shyzouka76]

Great Video, as always 🙂

[@robertparsons9489]

Can you do a Firewalla review? Love the channel btw!

[@RaidOwl]

Maybe if one shows up to my PO Box lol

[@liefbread]

Why use this over the Dream Router? I guess bandwidth maybe? Or just because the router is impossible to get these days.

[@codeman99-dev]

I have my eye on the GL.iNet GL-MT6000 (Flint 2). Would definitely appreciate a review ;)

[@ryanmalone2681]

I have less than 50 devices on my UDM SE and it’s at 80-90% RAM until so I’d be surprised if this thing van really handle 50 clients.

[@daymianhogue1634]

I get this is for people on the fence about getting into the unifi ecosystem, so you went all unifi, but do the switches really make much of a difference if theyre not? Please tell me they dont pull an apple and have anti 3rd party BS built in...because im debating upgrading to some ubiquiti equipment but dont wanna touch it, if it requires upgrading all the switches too.

[@RaidOwl]

Your switches will work with unifi gear. You just won’t he able manage them via the Unif Network app.

[@daymianhogue1634]

@@RaidOwl okay thanks that's pretty reasonable. I was afraid of some old apple BS. Like "this charger isn't the $20 apple approved charger, so you don't get fast charging anymore"

[@playeronthebeat]

I have started out with the 8 Port PoE Light and the U6+, I think? Now, I switched gears to the 16 Port PoE Light and the U7, my old equipment goes to my mom where I'm gradually upgrading. And while I know that I won't be using the U7 to it's max, yet, I am fully aware of my GAS which means, further down the line, I'll upgrade my existing infrastructure even further. Currently, I do not need that much PoE power, hence going for the Light versions. I'm running a Pi (Home Assistant) and that access point. I thought of getting a flex, too, so everything well under the limits of either device, honestly. The Pi will probably move away for a virtual machine with Home Assistant, though, I'm not a 100% sure on that one. Maybe HA will move to a Zimaboard or something, I don't know. Whenever I'm moved to somewhere more permanent, I'll probably use the Pro or Enterprise stuff. My router is currently a Fritzbox which I want to exchange with an OPNsense router. But firstly, I need to get OPNsense working correctly and make it viable for my use-case. But that's what a homelab is for, right?

[@lysolan269]

I know this makes no sense in a shortstack, but god do I wish we could get like an entry level setup that supported 2.5g wired. Makes no sense cus that's not really Entry Level, but I just like the idea.

[@daymianhogue1634]

Tbh wired 2.5g should be entry level at this point Gigabit wired has been standard since like 2005. When they're getting to the point the wireless speeds can exceed gigabit... The wired speeds should be at least 2.5g

[@EdLTech]

the real short stack is a unifi dream router. AIO built-in

[@Japzel]

Ruijie short stack next please

[@ronaldvargo4113]

Short stack is used for pancakes at our local dinner.

[@RaidOwl]

I put syrup on both

[@s__c__o]

Express limited to 1Gbps ports, not enough for WiFi 6.

[@RaidOwl]

Real word use very rarely has a single client that can do over 1G via WiFi6

[@oshkoshbegone]

WTF if i knew the unifi express had wifi built in i would have never bought the cloud gateway ultra. Now i need another AP

[@poorlybuffalo555]

PoE - Pigeon over Ethernet....

[@TMoneyJones]

I’m not sure if I should be offended by being called a POE injector or not.

[@RaidOwl]

Yes, but also...no

[@TheMessiah1337]

If only Unifi didnt cost an arm and a leg in Australia.... =(

[@joshhaas8121]

Uxg lite is only change I would make

[@RRaider]

Sorry but the Express sucks as a router, I've had 3 and none of them could handle the day to day network requirements of a 2 person household with 8 non-ubiquiti security camera system.

[@TechHut]

first (that's not a bot)

[@RaidOwl]

But...your pic isn't a butt...I'm confused!

[@summerbee80]

@@RaidOwl lol

[@I3igAI]

My entry into Unifi was after I moved out and my parents moved into a new house that was U shaped with a courtyard. the walls are concrete with lathe or something (florida hurricane prevention) so the wifi from the old Asus N router was awful. I set them up with a Unifi Security Gateway, 8port PoE switch, and 3x AP-ACLite. I remotely monitored for a while but didn't tinker much. Earlier this year the Security Gateway died and the laptop I set up as the controller was long gone, so I had to have a family friend install a Cloud Gateway Ultra and reconfigure the network for me.

[@michaelcooper2628]

Why not just the dream machine

[@RaidOwl]

Idk price?

[@NeverEnoughRally]

MY KINGDOM FOR 2.5gig SWITCHES (that's not almost $500)!!!

[@chrisjchalifoux]

i am juest using a nanohd

[@DanielTheRat]

I have a shorter unifi stack

[@RaidOwl]

I know where to find a hydraulic press though...

[@DanielTheRat]

@@RaidOwl Would the gear be useful crushed? and would they work...

[@What_s_Neu]

I'm a POE injector 😂

[@RaidOwl]

You're my favorite one, but don't tell anyone else that

[@pax0707]

For the love of God do not use the Express if you have anything better than ADSL. It's so underpowered for anything more. I got it myself and after wasting a few days of my life I just decided to not rage throw it through the windows and use it as an AP for offspring's room instead. CPU load 4+ constantly, if you turn on speed limits on WiFi WLAN speeds drop tu under 100 megs and many, many similar "features". Use UCG Ultra instead. After my OG UDM died my topology is: UCG Ultra, USW Lite 8 PoE, 2x USW Flex Mini, U6 Liteand Express in AP mode.

[@SlomoOfficial]

DON'T buy the Express. With all the new hardware that came out it's not worth the shmoney.

[@DerrickDevine]

Way too expensive when Omada can do 99% of the same things for under 400 bucks.

[@bober1019]

the shortest stack of all is: no stack. hardware AP controllers are a cash grab btw unify 6 were terrible APs...when you consider TP-LINK just work better.( lol..tplink!!) I'm tired unifi fanboys pushed content for their masters.

[@RaidOwl]

lol ok

[@joejoe-lb6bw]

I just use two APs. Tempted to go further so I can setup some security cameras. However, the docs, and videos I could find are gobbledygook at my present tech level.