How to add UniFi gateway to your UniFi Contoller

Integrating a UniFi Security Gateway (USG) into your network provides better security, monitoring, and management features. The USG acts as the gateway for your network, managing traffic, ensuring security, and providing a host of other stuff.

Adding the USG to your UniFi Controller is a straightforward process but make sure you do it correctly to minimize chances of network issues.

Below is a detailed step-by-step guide on how to add a UniFi Gateway to your UniFi Controller.

Let's dive in!

Table of Contents

• Add USG to UniFi Controller
  • Step 1: Connect the Gateway to your network
  • Step 2: Launch the UniFi Controller
  • Step 3: Adopt the Gateway
  • Step 4: Configure network settings
  • Step 5: Verify connectivity
• Other best practices
• Final thoughts

Add USG to UniFi Controller

Please make sure you tick the following boxes before you start the process.

• UniFi Controller software: Make sure your UniFi Controller is installed and up-to-date. It can be hosted on a Cloud Key, a dedicated server, or your computer.
• UniFi Gateway: Have your UniFi Security Gateway ready.
• Network connection: Make sure your hosting device and gateway are connected to the same network.

Step 1: Connect the Gateway to your network

Follow these instructions to integrate the UniFi Gateway into your network:

1. Connect to power: Plug your gateway into a power source.
2. Connect to the Internet: Use an Ethernet cable to connect the WAN port of the gateway to your internet source (like a modem).
3. Connect to local network: Connect the LAN port of the gateway to a network switch or directly to the hosting device (if that's possible)

Wait for the gateway to start up. This is usually indicated by stable LED lights.

Step 2: Launch the UniFi Controller

Go to the UniFi Controller through your browser to configure and manage the gateway:

1. Open a Web Browser: Type the IP address of the device hosting your UniFi Controller.
2. Log In: Enter your username and password to access the dashboard.

Step 3: Adopt the Gateway

Your new gateway should appear in the controller interface as a new device ready for adoption:

1. Navigate to devices: On the UniFi Controller dashboard, go to the 'Devices' section.
2. Locate the gateway: You should see the new gateway listed with a status indicating it is ready for adoption.
3. Adopt the gateway: Click on the gateway device, then click 'Adopt'. The controller will begin integrating the gateway into your network.

Step 4: Configure network settings

After adopting the gateway, configure it for you network needs:

1. Set up networks: Define your LAN and WAN networks, setting up DHCP, VLANs, and other networking features.
2. Configure security settings: Set up firewall rules, DPI, IPS/IDS and other security features to protect your network.
3. Create VPN: If remote access is required, configure a VPN.
4. Update the Gateway: Check for firmware updates and apply them to make sure your gateway has the latest features and security patches.

Step 5: Verify connectivity

Ensure that everything is functioning correctly:

1. Check status indicators: Look at the LED lights and the UniFi Controller dashboard to confirm the gateway is online and active.
2. Test Internet connectivity: Use a device connected to the network to browse the internet.
3. Monitor performance: Use the UniFi Controller’s tools to monitor traffic, check logs, and analyze performance.

Other best practices

Regularly monitor and manage your gateway through the UniFi Controller:

• Regular updates: Keep your firmware and software updated.
• Adjust Configurations: As your network grows or needs change, adjust configurations and settings through the UniFi Controller.

Final thoughts

Adding a UniFi Gateway to your network with the UniFi Controller improves your network management and security. You make sure the integration runs smoothly (by following the steps above) to make sure the performance for your network is up there. Regular maintenance and monitoring will help maintain optimal performance as well.

If you are working with larger networks or complex setups, consider using a managed UniFi Controller, like UniHosted to improve your network performance. Especially, if you are an MSP or IT-service business looking for reliable, secure and scalable UniFi network deployments, this is something for you. If you would like me to personally walk you through UniHosted, you can schedule a call with me here.