New Network Setup for the Homelab

Cover image  New Network Setup for the Homelab

I’ve recently upgraded my home network with Ubiquiti UniFi devices: the UniFi Cloud GatewayUltra, two Lite 8 PoE Switches, and two U6+ AccessPoints. This setup has really improved the reliability and performance of my network.

The UniFi Cloud Gateway Ultra is the central hub, managing internet traffic and firewall rules. It’s easy to manage the network because it works with other UniFi devices.

The two Lite 8 PoE Switches are great for powering devices like access points and IP cameras, making it easier to connect all your devices. Their managed switch capabilities make it easy to control traffic.

The U6+ Access Points provide solid Wi-Fi 6 coverage throughout my home, supporting multiple wireless networks to separate IoT devices from personal devices, which helps to enhance security and performance. I used the Unifi Design Center to map our floors and place the hotspot in good locations, which was easy as I only needed to bring a network cable.

One of the best things about this upgrade is that I can now fully separate my guest and IoT networks from the main network. I’ve set up separate VLANs and firewall rules, so guest devices and IoT gadgets are now on different segments. This makes the network more secure and gives me better control over network traffic. UniFi’s interface made it really easy to set up these separations.

But not only this was just easy, the overall set-up experience with the UniFi network app made setting up all the devices a simple and easy task. Of course, it can get pretty complicated, but for a basic setup, it was pretty straightforward.

To document this setup, I created the homelab wiki page outlining my home lab’s components and configurations. This is a handy reference for future upgrades and troubleshooting. You can also find it in the sidebar on the left.

Overall, moving to a unified UniFi network has provided a more reliable and manageable environment, meeting the demands of my home and home lab.