UniFi Cloud Gateway Ultra Setup, Unboxing, Comparison | Ubiquiti Networks UCG-Ultra

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Ubiquiti released Cloud Gateway Ultra: more powerful than the UniFi Express and the Dream Router. I'll show you the features, we'll unbox it, configure it, and I'll help you decide if this UniFi device is for you.
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🎬 Chapters
0:00 UniFi Announcement
1:50 Features
3:37 What's in the Box?
6:12 How to Setup
9:44 Enable UCG Ultra Features
12:25 Is this the UniFi You Should Get?
13:18 vs. UX
15:04 vs. UDR
17:08 Comparison Summary
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[@ApexOneTech]

Here's the Ultra PoE+ switch they released (3 main options): kzbin.info/www/bejne/nWHTiKF8ibBojc0

[@dbronx347]

This is what I have at home and I love it. Love that I don't need a cloudkey.

[@SeanChYT]

Many people want to know how to migrate from an existing USG-3P / Cloud Key Gen 1 setup to this. A step-by-step video would be very helpful. One person told me he wasn't able to restore the old system from the backup, so he had to set up the entire system again, adopt devices, configure wifi networks again, etc. while another said he had to do it via a cloud backup, and then another one said it just worked for him. Probably you need to "forget" the usp-3p first, then backup, then disconnect usg-3p and cloudkey gen1, then attach cloud gateway ultra and restore from backup. (?) And yes.. an other said he was able to do it, he just had to complete the setup process first and get online, then he was able to restore from backup.. but it's a bit confusing what works and what doesn't, and I assume thousands are going to do this sort of migration this year, so it would be great to have a step-by-step guide that is bulletproof.

[@david.rhodes]

I guess it depends on how many AP's you have. I'm doing it and I'm aware the CK Gen 1 runs old software so am dubious about a backup and migration. I have 3 AP's so I am just going to reset them and re-adopt them on the UCG.

[@badandy2021]

it would not restore the auto backup nor the full backup, but it did restore the unifi network settings backup for me. unfortunately i was logged into my unifi msp panel and exported the most recent config from a client - i couldn't figure out why my settings kept restoring to the last company i'd set up unifi equipment for. When i went back and rebooted the unifi network controller on my server and attempted to generate a new backup, it would not allow me to find where I could just back up the network settings again. It appeared to be missing, or hidden. So the most recent backup I did have that worked was from last year. Close enough to include all my various firewall rules and vlan and port configs, groups were all there thank goodness. So apparently, it either matters what version network controller backup you attempt to restore, or whether it is a full unifi backup or just a network settings backup.

[@JacquesCouscous]

Yes please make such a video 👍

[@ItsMeThinkering]

Make sure both devices are at the same software version, then you can restore you actual system backup.

[@SeanChYT]

@@ItsMeThinkering This bit me in the a.. here the other day. I have been installing quite a few of these now. Don't seem to need to have the exact same version of backup. Slightly older works, but having a backup from a newer Unifi controller version than the original UCG firmware (8.0.28 I think for the ones I have..) proved to be a major hassle for a system that requires a custom MAC address to get any internet connection at all, which most of the setup requires if you use the standard options. I was able to get it to work by using an older backup so that the UCG Ultra firmware was newer. I have used as old as 7.5.x backups twice now, but it refused to take a 8.2.93 backup, as it was newer than 8.0.28 which was the fw version on the batch of UCG Ultras I received.

[@Yggdrasil42]

I'm really happy with mine. Definite upgrade from the USG3. Enjoying the built-in Network app, which has replaced my Unifi Controller Docker container.

[@Thingrim]

managed to place order today , was avaialable in EU store for like 15min and sold out !

[@m1nusasusplus897]

Already sold

[@granterono1]

I currently have the express unit, if I wanted to move to this and a separate AP would the settings be able to be transferred? Or would it need setup from scratch?

[@ApexOneTech]

I haven’t tried it. But when setting up, select backup/migration and the UCG Ultra might inherit some settings from the UX. Note that UniFi doesn’t do backups of devices individually like the access point. However, if the migration works, then the AP would be there as well. Let me know if that worked for you.

[@KurtCobain2021]

does it also need to cloud key?

[@jaca1820]

Nope

[@ApexOneTech]

No. In general, the gateways you see in Ubquiti's store under "Cloud Gateways" means it already has that cloud functionality built-in.

[@Weatherlights]

What I am mostly missing on the Express is the Unifi Identity.

[@BZ804MX]

Can it do policy based routing on port? In multi wan config?

[@RussellKasem]

This would be absolutely perfect if it had a 2.5gbps LAN port for faster internet connections. I'm bummed that I have to move to a Dream Machine just to get faster LAN connections. I'd be curious to know if it has LAN aggregation.

[@ApexOneTech]

No aggregation. However, you'll be pleased to know that UniFi just released Cloud Gateway Max. All 2.5 :) Starts at $200.

[@alainlarco121]

i'm currently using a usg 1st gen with a CK Gen2 for Protect can i upgrade to this cloud gateway ultra and keep my CK gen2 for protect ?

[@ApexOneTech]

Yeah. That should be a good setup. The UCG Ultra will be your cloud gateway that runs the Unifi Network OS and your CloudKey+ would run Protect.

[@GarNelson1]

I have a setup question. At the residential property I am moving to I have a detached garage where the fiber internet comes into the property. The house is about 15 meters away from the garage. I do not want to string an overhead ethernet cable, and there is already too much concrete poured to install a buried ethernet cable. Is it reasonable to have the UCG-Ultra in the garage with an AP, and then in the main house another AP connected to a switch to connect to where the majority of the clients would be? What I want to do is use the two APs instead of a wire, and still have ethernet ports in both locations.

[@ApexOneTech]

So in your situation, the internet source is at the detached garage rather than the main house? That's tough. If it was the other way around, two APs meshed between the garage and house would be fine at about 50ft to provide some internet to the detached garage (say cameras, wifi access). BUT, since it's the other way around, your home clients are really going to need more bandwidth especially if you're getting high bandwidth internet from your fiber ISP. So two solid options that both will cost: 1. Unifi Building Bridge, $500 for a set. It'll be super reliable if you don't have obstructions in the air. 2, trench a fiber cable. I know you're saying there's a patio and stuff but there's usually a longer path you can take that will work with a fiber run. A fiber run is not that complicated. There is everything from UniFi to make it work: the cable and terminals. You may start with two APs as first mentioned. All UniFi APs mesh but I would use two strong outdoor APs at this distance. You'll probably be above $300 for that. So might want to just do it the right way for $500 with the UBB (option 2, trenching, is a lot of work).

[@ApexOneTech]

I should add, that for Option 1, there's an Option 1b lol that's similar it just requires a bit more set up but less cost. It's using the UISP wireless bridges. When you're in the UI Store, just click on UISP at the top right. You can use something like the nanobeam to do the same thing. It won't show up in your UniFi dashboard but you'll use the UISP app. Still not too difficult to setup.

[@Blueskiessss]

Hi there, If I replace my current setup - oldest cloud key + USG - with this UCG Ultra. Do I then have to hard/manual reset my Unifi APs that I have running in my current setup?

[@ApexOneTech]

Not sure on the oldest cloud gen, but if migration is successful, it should pickup your existing equipment.

[@NavinMungal]

Hi can i import a backup to this from older unifi USG device? or will i have to reconfigure all my settings?

[@kommerudy]

thank you for your content! currently I look for a perfect setup with 3 G5 cameras, 3 Inwall6 APs and about 6 LANs. Unfortunately I have no space for a rack, so DM SE with an additional Switch will be complicated. Would you recommend a setup with a CGU Ultra with an additional CK Gen2 for Protect and a POE Switch?

[@ApexOneTech]

Exactly. You got it! Just factor in the PoE budget for APs and cameras to make sure you get enough.

[@flaviuvl]

Trick question. If I setup the gateway and hook up to it one AP in Bridge mode that is not from Ubiquity, Will I still see the clients connected in that list you just presented? Also is it possible to have two DHCP servers and have two different local IP networks and create static leases for each of them? Thanks in advance.

[@flaviuvl]

Anyone got some info regarding this? Maybe from previous experience with UXG Lite?

[@ApexOneTech]

You will see the clients connected to a non-ubiquity access point. However, it will show us as wired clients to the gateway. You won’t be able to do any radio control.

[@TitoLukason]

Two DHCP servers in one subnet isn't let's say optimal solution 😂 I guess vlans are you thinking about, then u obviously will have separate DHCP per vlan/subnet.

[@zon3884]

Can you do a video of upgrading from USG with cloud key to Cloud Gateway Ultra?

[@natsukirei2016]

Does the Cloud gateway ultra have the ability to do SIP / Phone Settings to a phone that plugs in via LAN

[@ApexOneTech]

Yes. You would use port forwarding, firewall & traffic rules, etc. as needed to achieve what your VoIP provider requires. One thing these cloud gateways and smaller switches don't have is LLDP-MED and Voice VLAN port settings. This matters if you're running a PC off the phones pass-through port. Look at the tech specs for the UniFi switches to see which ones have that if you need that. Otherwise, you may not even need that. Settings depend on your VoIP requirements. And basically, you should be able to do that in Network settings as I mentioned earlier. Who's your provider and what phones do you use?

[@natsukirei2016]

@@ApexOneTech I'm with a company called Optus in Australia The phone VoIP setup is fairly simple, the phone connects via a LAN cable to the router, and the router uses Voip sip settings like sip proxy , cid, authentication etc and then it works The router is a Netcom nf19mesh

[@JasonsLabVideos]

I got one too ! I actually really like it too ! Good video sir !

[@ApexOneTech]

Thanks! I wish I bought more lol

[@jrogerss8616]

Does this have the issue that the UDM-Pro and UDM-SE have? They go into a boot loop any time they loose power and must be powered off for a day. Sometimes they are just bricked.

[@ApexOneTech]

Devices can get bricked for sure but I haven’t personally run into that with Unifi so far. I did just help someone who lost some switch functionality after utility power failure. Definitely recommend a battery backup UPS.

[@ivanmolecular]

Hi, I have a question. This device make a integration with active directory polices or/and organizational units?

[@ApexOneTech]

I doubt it. UniFi has their own thing called UniFi Identity. Can be used with all their tech like door access and VPN. ui.com/identity I understand that it's totally not the same thing but that's just what they push for a simple setup.

[@ronald0122]

I see they have an ultra switch too with different adapters/wattage. Which one do i need to connect to the gateway ultra to power up 2 x U6 Pro access points?

[@ApexOneTech]

U6 Pro take 13 watts max each (techspecs.ui.com/unifi/wifi/u6-pro) So you'll need to have a budget of 26W of PoE. The 60W version of the Ultra Switch will get you 52W of available PoE. That's your best option if you're connecting the switch directly to the UCG Ultra. However, it's cheaper to get the Switch Lite 8 PoE instead for $110. Will give you 52W of total PoE as well plus it has PoE+ ports. So just compare the two and if you really need the Ultra switch: store.ui.com/us/en/pro/category/switching-utility/products/usw-lite-8-poe

[@thearchibaldtuttle]

I want to mount it on the wall!

[@mvp_kryptonite]

Would be perfect for my parents house with a switch and AP

[@hxx888]

Need udr ultra! Please this year

[@ApexOneTech]

Is there rumor something like that is coming out? What would that look like? Looks to me like they have plently of cloud gateways and switches now to really customize your setup.

[@MathieuSouphy]

would you recommend this as a replacement for my Edgerouter 4 ? It is still working great but all my switches and APs are Unifi so I'm mostly interested in being able to manage everything from one UI. Also the extra ports make it good for my use case. I'm not interested in protect or access so network only doesn't bother me. My internet is 1000mbps down / 30mbps up. Is this a good replacement in terms of hardware and performance or is the Edgerouter 4 still more performant ?

[@ApexOneTech]

I’m not sure about the edgerouter but you’ll be good with the Ultra. The WAN is 2.5 GbE but the LANs are 1G. There’s also no link aggregation. The ultra really is good for 1G but not much more.

[@andotski_]

Is this a viable option if i want to add an NVR and 8 cameras?

[@ApexOneTech]

Sure! You would at minimum add the Cloudkey+ as your NVR. With the pre-installed 1TB, you'll max it out at 8 cameras that are 2k resolution. Otherwise, you'll need to upgrade the harddrive. Or go with the UNVR. See the capacity calculator here: ui.com/cloud-gateways/resource-calculator THe Cloudkey+ only supports 2.5" drives. The UNVR does 2.5 or 3.5 but you'll need to purchase at min. a 8TB drive for it. The UCG Ultra just runs the network software.

[@patrykk3728]

If I have the UXG lite already does this make sense, I host my 2 sites in the cloud. Thanks!

[@ApexOneTech]

Self hosting? The UCG Ultra has a bit more features. Standout features is the 1 Gbps with full threat detection turned on and redundant WAN. I would definitely compare the tech specs as the Ultra has more features but only matters if you need it. Of course, the Ultra is also a cloud gateway out of the box. But again, if your setup is working fine, I wouldn't bother.

[@endorphinity]

Дякую, приємно здивований рівнем подачі інформації. ПІдписався!

[@mattmcginnis2786]

Just wish the cloud gateway ultra lan ports were also able to operate as a switch. That would make it ultimate. 😊

[@AsmTech8]

They do, the LAN ports operate as a switch. In fact, that's the main reason of my upgrade; I sent an email to their support email and they confirmed that the ports can act as a switch. I received it two days ago and it's been working flawlessly, what a great device!

[@g.vanrooy6111]

Can this device be used without modem, so directly on the mediaconverter ?

[@wheresbrent]

should be able too, its a router.

[@scarface917]

I want to buy this. Can I use a tp link unmanaged switch with this right?

[@ApexOneTech]

For sure!

[@user-rk1ge2hb1z]

I'm waiting delivery of my Cloud Gateway Ultra. If I connect the Gateway to my modem for setup my wi fi will be down as all AP will be disconnected. When you set it up with the IPAD does the IPAD need to be connected to the internet or does the App just connect to the Gateway by blue tooth. If it needs the internet I could use my phone as a hot spot for my IPAD or I could just use the phone.

[@ApexOneTech]

It has Bluetooth so you’ll have no problem setting it up without WiFi. I would recommend just using your smartphone.

[@user-rk1ge2hb1z]

@@ApexOneTech thank you

[@ahpadt]

can i use multiple cloud gateway ultras together in multi-site mgmt? i want to use multi-site with my familys home, but figured a UX wont work. can i use 2x cloud gateway ultras for each site with their respective AP's etc, or do I need an extra cloudkey to manage the sites?

[@ApexOneTech]

If you mean that each location has one UCG Ultra, then yes. That’s a perfect setup for Site Magic. You don’t need a cloudkey as the UCG Ultra includes that. You can add APs or whatever else to each UCG Ultra as needed.

[@ahpadt]

@@ApexOneTechcan you site magic between the ultra and ux also? I find unifi terminology so confusing.

[@ApexOneTech]

Yes. I totally understand. Just look at the device and try to see in the description or what category they are in. A cloud gateway means you have can have the Unifi controller on Unifi.ui.com and also can do site magic between two devices. So if you’re looking for home use between family homes, then most likely you’ll buy any two devices from the following: the UX, UDR, or UCG Ultra.

[@yanyou9959]

Does this come with a 10 second safe shutdown if electricity blocks out?? like sa uckg2plus? does it have built in battery? thanks

[@ronald0122]

can i migrate all my udm pro settings to this?

[@ApexOneTech]

You can backup and try to restore to the UCG Ultra but the UDM Pro is more capable so some things won't translate. FYI that PPPoE is a known issue right now with the UCG Ultra if that's something you use.

[@PatJohnson23]

I just finished watching your video on UniFi Cloud Gateway Ultra. Wow, did I learn a lot! I just got into the UniFi ecosystem and made a mistake. It started with Express, and I quickly realized I had too many devices (94) to continue using Express. I upgraded to the Dream Router, and now I am seeing slow internet speeds of 330Mbps when I pay for 1.5 Gbps. So, I need to move to the UniFi Cloud Gateway Ultra. If I get the UniFi Cloud Gateway Ultra, can I still use the Express and Dream Router as Access Points or remove them from my setup? Thank you for your time.

[@TitoLukason]

U can use UDR as AP, no problems at all although bit of an overkill 😅.

[@ApexOneTech]

Right, Ultra Gateway at minimum. The Express can be used as an AP but I'm pretty sure the UDR cannot. You can only have one UniFi Network per cloud gateway but the Express is the exception. I would try to sell the UDR honestly. They're always in demand. The Express would be fine as the AP if that's enough for your coverage and devices. Otherwise, pick up at minimum a U6-Plus and sell the Express as well. Alternately, can keep the Express as a wireless switch that meshes to your U6-plus. The two ports on the Express will become LAN ports and anything you plug in will work much faster than directly through wifi. I've tested this out on my Mac. Saw 50% faster speeds than through wifi.

[@declanmcardle]

I have 2Gb via my ISP. I wonder could I used the 2.5GbE WAN port and aggregate 2 x 1GbE LAN ports to a managed 2.5GbE switch or something...

[@ApexOneTech]

Unfortunately not, doesn’t do aggregation. Think of it as more of a 1 Gbps. Given that it can handle 2.5 WAN, you should get true 1 Gbps with full suspicious activity on, unlike the UDR for example.

[@VulgrDisplay]

The switch backplane on this is 1Gbps. You would need to step up to the UDM Pro/SE

[@declanmcardle]

@@VulgrDisplay Thanks. I might just wait a small bit and see if a UDM Pro SE Max Ultra comes out... 🙂

[@jamiealite]

I want to buy this. Do you know if I can run the wifi 6 access points off of this or wifi 7 access points and run the 24 port or 16 port Poe switch

[@ApexOneTech]

For sure. I added a UniFi wifi 6 AP and PoE switch and SmartPower Strip.

[@jamiealite]

@@ApexOneTech ​​⁠good to know. I have so many issues with my Google nest wifi pros. I’ll be deploying this and 3 wifi 6 ap’s and a 24 port poe switch thanks for the info

[@BoraHorzaGobuchul]

Such a powerhouse with no 2.5g poe lan ports. Good luck connecting a poe 6e/7 ap to it... "Buy our top of the line switches!"

[@ApexOneTech]

Ultra line is really designed for cost savings. That's why it's "entry-level powerhouse" ;) Not for use with the top APs like U7 Pro or U6 Enterprise.

[@zahirkhan778]

Does this have routing capability?

[@ApexOneTech]

Yes. It would be your network's router with static routes, etc.

[@_Bogdan_]

Thanks for a nice video and a nice name Bogdan 😁

[@DerekRobinsonTech]

I got one on the first day, and would definitely be interested in seeing how you setup non Unifi AP's, since I'm running with the Lite 8 switch, the Gateway Ultra, and a Linksys 6E Mesh system!

[@Benzin0]

You would need to configure your Linksys devices as APs only, this should disable the routing and DHCP functionality which would be handled by the UCG Ultra. Not sure if the meshing would still work though, you would have to test it out. The downside to having this setup is that you wouldn't be able to manage your wifi through the Unify console.

[@ApexOneTech]

Correct. I’m not sure about the meshing either. Anything connected to your non-Unifi AP would appear as a “wired” connection in Unifi. No WiFi settings at all. You would control the WiFi and SSIDs through your non-Unifi router portal. This also means you can’t add any Unifi mesh devices such as the SmartPower Strip as that needs a Unifi AP.

[@ApexOneTech]

Have you got it to work with Linksys? I do tutorial for a Netgear here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aaa5pHeYqpdmhMU

[@RobertHorvat]

How to migrate from Edge Router X to Cloud Gateway Ultra?

[@TitoLukason]

Do you have any unifi devices already? Software controller running?

[@RobertHorvat]

@@TitoLukason yes. Edge router x and unifi APs. I am getting Cloud Gateway Ultra this week.

[@RobertHorvat]

yes. Edge Router X, and some unifi APs. Today I got my Cloud Gateway Ultra.@@TitoLukason

[@TitoLukason]

@@RobertHorvat I had somewhat similar setup, year ago bought UDM. I had unifi ctrlr setup on Ubuntu server on hyper-v, did export setting from it and restored them on UDM, although firewall settings from edgerouter X had to be done manually. Btw at the end I've done it again few weeks later, but that time from scratch.

[@Zerrudo_]

does it support link aggregation?

[@kjdewolff]

No

[@Zerrudo_]

k@@kjdewolff

[@davidesguerra7837]

This would work with FLEX mini switch?

[@ApexOneTech]

For sure. Any switch really. If you want full control from UniFi, then must be a UniFi switch.

[@davidesguerra7837]

@@ApexOneTech thanks man.

[@davidesguerra7837]

@@ApexOneTech also quick question does the site magic of unifi requires all sites to have STATIC PUBLIC IP? or at least 1 site only? Base on what i have read to forums at least 1? Do you have any ideaa thankyou

[@enjoyincubus1981]

Good morning Bogdan, thank you for your explanation. I have one question, Does Cloud gateway ultra support PPPoE over VLAN configuration on WAN port?

[@ApexOneTech]

It should. I haven't configured but others noted some initial issues with that configuration--seems like a software issue. Others say they got it working. Anyone else can confirm?

[@Camaull]

Wan instructions are not the same as shown in video

[@Camaull]

Please note you should update your device to see the primary and secondary wan option

[@joekolon1171]

Can you make a video on using netgear with cloud gateway ultra?

[@ApexOneTech]

Yes! Already recorded. In the pipeline to be published soon.

[@ApexOneTech]

Here you go! kzbin.info/www/bejne/aaa5pHeYqpdmhMU

[@vibe0001]

Sana All

[@marksapollo]

So close and yet so far, why couldn’t they just make it have POE ports huh? So,if you wanted to plug in any AP’s you’ll need another POE router or a POE power supply.

[@ApexOneTech]

There’s always design constraints. Typical trade offs here were price and even size. PoE add more parts and room needed. They could’ve done all of that but then it would larger and more expensive. It’s like the new UDM Pro Max. No PoE for similar reasons. This UCG ultra is really meant to be paired with their USW ultra or any other Poe switch if needed. For the price and speed with full threat detection, I think it’s great.

[@gutwallst6645]

I have the UDR, it covers my entire 3 story house with plaster walls. the UDR is paired with one access point in the attic room, but the UDR's WiFi is so good no devices even use the access point. the UDR is a great device

[@ApexOneTech]

Nice! Is it a townhome design? Where is the UDR, second floor?

[@korzym]

However the UDR's IPS/IDS only has 11 security protocols vs. 35 for the UCG-Ultra. Boom.

[@gutwallst6645]

@@ApexOneTech the UDR is on the first floor, it's a duplex

[@yourpcmd]

They need to make it where the UCGU will run Talk.

[@ApexOneTech]

That's where you go with Cloudkey+ or UDR. But I get it that it's not the same network performance. Then you need to get the UDM.

[@xxgg]

Only if they were in stock. Oh well.

[@ApexOneTech]

They do keep popping in but sell out fast. Ubiquiti will never notify you on time though. These will probably get in stock again as others might purchase the Max instead.

[@BigFourHead]

yea people need to stop saying get a dream router. Doesnt support gigabit internet, max speeds 700~ if your lucky.

[@ApexOneTech]

That’s true. But you’ll also be surprised how many have internet speeds at sub 300 Mbps.

[@BigFourHead]

@@ApexOneTech defaults speeds for NZ, but then you upgrade to 1000 Mbps and find out your router doesnt get those speeds and max out at 500~Mbps.

[@stalowyszczur3198]

Man Dream Machine SE is more professional than Dream Machine PRO. How couldn't you notice it?

[@VJXess]

After finish first setup, How long it boot till system ready?

[@ApexOneTech]

Faster than the UniFi Express lol. But yeah, it'll take several minutes for the complete boot up. Hardwired devices get online pretty quick, then wifi, then the whole Console is fully functional.