Cloudkey vs. UniFi Cloud Controller : A Detailed Comparison

When managing your UniFi network, a crucial decision is whether to go with a UniFi Cloud Key or a UniFi Cloud Controller. This choice impacts everything from how you manage your network to how it scales.

Let's Dive In!

Table of Contents

• What is a UniFi Cloud Key?
  • Key Features:
  • Pros:
  • Cons:
• What is a UniFi Cloud Controller?
  • Key Features:
  • Pros:
  • Cons:
• Comparing the Two
  • Ease of Use
  • Scalability
  • Cost
  • Reliability
• Which Should You Choose?
• Final Thoughts

What is a UniFi Cloud Key?

The UniFi Cloud Key is a compact, dedicated hardware device that runs the UniFi Network Application. It’s like having a mini-server specifically for your UniFi network. The Cloud Key stores and manages all your UniFi configurations, logs, and settings locally.

However, it also provides the flexibility to access and manage your network remotely through the UniFi Cloud (If you're looking to migrate your controller to UniFi Cloud, check out this guide.

Key Features:

• Local and Cloud Access: The Cloud Key allows you to manage your network both locally and remotely. It’s a hybrid solution that offers the best of both worlds.

• Built-In Management: The Cloud Key comes with the UniFi Network Application pre-installed, eliminating the need for an additional machine to run it. This simplifies setup and reduces the resources required.

• PoE Powered: Most versions of the Cloud Key can be powered via Power over Ethernet (PoE), minimizing cable clutter and making installation easier.

• Backup and Restore: The Cloud Key automatically backs up your network settings. If something goes wrong, you can restore your settings with ease.

Pros:

• Simplicity: It’s easy to set up and manage, making it an excellent option for small to medium-sized networks. You don’t need advanced technical knowledge to get it running.

• Local Control: You retain control over your data since it’s stored locally on the device. This can be a critical factor for those concerned about data privacy.

• Cost-Effective: The Cloud Key is a one-time purchase with no ongoing subscription fees, making it a budget-friendly option for smaller networks.

Cons:

• Limited Scalability: While the Cloud Key is great for smaller networks, it might struggle with large, complex setups. Its performance can degrade as the network grows.

• Single Point of Failure: If the device fails, you could lose access to your network settings unless you have a backup. This makes redundancy planning essential if you rely heavily on the Cloud Key.

What is a UniFi Cloud Controller?

The UniFi Cloud Controller, on the other hand, is a service hosted in the cloud that runs the UniFi Network Application. Unlike the Cloud Key, which is a physical device, the Cloud Controller exists on a server in a data center.

This means you don’t need any on-site hardware to manage your UniFi network, offering a different kind of flexibility.

Key Features:

• Scalability: The Cloud Controller can handle multiple sites and large networks, making it ideal for enterprises or managed service providers (MSPs) managing several clients. It’s designed to scale with your needs.

• 24/7 Access: You can access your network management tools from anywhere, anytime, as long as you have an internet connection. This is a significant advantage for businesses with multiple locations or remote management needs.

• Automated Updates and Backups: Providers like UniHosted offer automated updates and daily backups, ensuring your network is always up-to-date and recoverable. This takes the burden of manual updates and backups off your shoulders.

Pros:

• High Availability: Since the Cloud Controller is hosted in the cloud, you don’t need to worry about hardware failures. The cloud infrastructure typically has redundancies in place to ensure uptime.

• Scalability: You can easily manage multiple sites or large networks without the constraints of local hardware. This is crucial for growing businesses or organizations with expansive networks.

• Convenience: There’s no need for on-site management hardware, which reduces the physical footprint of your network. All you need is a web browser to access your controller.

Cons:

• Ongoing Costs: Using a cloud-hosted service means you’ll need to pay a subscription fee, which can add up over time. However, this cost often includes additional benefits like support and maintenance.

• Internet Dependency: If your internet connection goes down, you may lose access to your controller, although the network itself will continue to function. This reliance on internet connectivity can be a drawback in regions with unreliable internet service.

Comparing the Two

Ease of Use

The Cloud Key is more straightforward if you’re running a smaller network or prefer a simple, local setup. Just plug it in, configure it, and you’re good to go. It’s designed to be user-friendly, even for those who aren’t network experts.

The Cloud Controller, on the other hand, requires a bit more setup, especially if you’re hosting it yourself. However, it offers more powerful tools and capabilities, which can be a game-changer for larger or more complex networks.

Scalability

Scalability is where the Cloud Controller really shines. If you’re managing a larger network or multiple sites, the Cloud Controller is the better option. It’s designed to scale and can handle much more complex environments without breaking a sweat.

The Cloud Key, while robust for small networks, may not keep up as your network grows in size and complexity.

Cost

When it comes to cost, the Cloud Key is a one-time purchase, making it a more budget-friendly option for small networks. There are no ongoing subscription fees, which can be appealing if you’re looking to minimize expenses.

On the other hand, the Cloud Controller, especially if hosted by a service like UniHosted, will involve ongoing costs. However, these costs are often justified by the added benefits, such as automated backups, updates, and 24/7 support.

Reliability

The Cloud Controller offers higher reliability because it’s hosted in a data center with redundancies in place. If your Cloud Key fails, you’re down until you can replace it, and you’ll need to ensure you have a backup ready.

With a Cloud Controller, you’re protected from hardware failures, although you are dependent on internet access to manage your network. This makes the Cloud Controller a more reliable option for businesses that cannot afford downtime.

Which Should You Choose?

The decision between a UniFi Cloud Key and a UniFi Cloud Controller largely depends on the scale and complexity of your network, as well as your budget and preference for local versus cloud management.

• Choose the Cloud Key if:

• You’re running a small to medium-sized network where simplicity and local control are paramount.
• You prefer to have your data stored locally rather than in the cloud, for reasons such as privacy or security concerns.
• You want to avoid ongoing subscription fees and are comfortable managing backups and updates yourself.
• Your network is not expected to grow significantly in the near future, so scalability is less of a concern.

• Choose the Cloud Controller if:

• You’re managing a large network or multiple sites, where scalability is a critical factor.
• You want the convenience and flexibility of cloud management, with access from anywhere at any time.
• You’re okay with paying a subscription for added benefits like automated backups, updates, and 24/7 support.
• You need a solution that offers high reliability and minimizes the risk of downtime, making it suitable for mission-critical environments.

Final Thoughts

The Cloud Key is perfect for those who prefer a straightforward, one-time purchase solution that offers local control and simplicity. It’s well-suited for smaller networks that don’t require extensive scalability.

On the other hand, the Cloud Controller is ideal for those looking to manage larger or more complex networks with the convenience and scalability that comes with a cloud-based solution. It offers higher reliability, powerful features, and the peace of mind that comes with knowing your network is professionally managed and supported.

At UniHosted, we provide robust and scalable UniFi Cloud Controller hosting solutions at UniFi Controller that cater to various needs, whether you’re running a small business or managing multiple client networks. If you would like me to personally walk you through UniHosted, you can schedule a call with me here.