Step by Step guide on how to automate your Wi-Fi network

Wi-Fi networks are like coffee: you only notice how much you rely on them when they aren’t working. If you’re tired of manually managing your Wi-Fi, it's time to automate. It might sound complicated, but it’s actually pretty straightforward—and it will make your life a whole lot easier.

Here's how you can do it.

Table of Contents

• Why automate your Wi-Fi?
• Getting started: choosing the right tools
  • 1. UniFi Network Application
  • 2. UniFi Controller Hosting
  • 3. Automation Scripts
• Automating common tasks
  • 1. Device adoption and provisioning
  • 2. Firmware updates
  • 3. Traffic management
  • 4. Network monitoring and alerts
  • 5. Guest networks
  • 6. Security settings
  • 7. Scheduled reboots
• Advanced automation: Private Pre-Shared Keys (PPSK)
• Automating with APIs and third-party tools
• Final Thoughts

Why automate your Wi-Fi?

Before diving into the "how," let’s tackle the "why." Imagine never having to worry about your Wi-Fi cutting out during a meeting or not having to manually switch devices between networks to get the best signal.

Automation can take care of all that, ensuring your network is always optimized and performing at its best.

Plus, if you manage multiple devices or networks, automation can save you hours by handling routine tasks like updates, security checks, and traffic management. Essentially, automation lets you focus on what's important, while your Wi-Fi just works.

Getting started: choosing the right tools

The first step in automating your Wi-Fi is selecting the right tools. If you’re using UniFi products, you’re in luck because UniFi makes this super easy. Their controllers, particularly when hosted in the cloud like with UniHosted, offer a suite of automation features out of the box.

1. UniFi Network Application

The UniFi Network Application is the brains behind your Wi-Fi automation. It allows you to manage all your UniFi devices from one interface, whether they’re in your home, office, or spread across multiple sites.

This application is the nerve center where you can monitor, manage, and automate your entire network.

One of the key benefits here is centralization. No more hopping between different apps or interfaces to manage various parts of your network. Everything—from device management to security settings—is right at your fingertips.

Plus, the intuitive dashboard gives you a clear overview of network performance, making it easier to spot and resolve issues before they escalate.

2. UniFi Controller Hosting

Hosting your UniFi Controller in the cloud, with a provider like UniHosted, adds another layer of automation. Cloud hosting automates updates, backups, and monitoring, ensuring your network is always up-to-date and secure without you lifting a finger.

With cloud hosting, you also get the added benefit of remote access. Whether you’re on vacation, at the office, or just lounging on the couch, you can manage your network from anywhere.

This flexibility is a game-changer for both home users and businesses, allowing for quick adjustments and monitoring on the go.

3. Automation Scripts

For those who like to get their hands dirty, you can take it a step further with automation scripts.

These scripts can handle everything from automating device reboots to setting up scheduled updates. While it’s more advanced, it offers incredible customization and control.

Using scripts, you can create highly specific automations tailored to your unique needs. Want your guest network to turn off automatically at midnight? Or perhaps you need a script that prioritizes work-related traffic during business hours? With the right scripting, the possibilities are virtually endless.

Automating common tasks

Let’s get practical. What can you actually automate? Here’s a list of the most common tasks you can automate with UniFi and a few other tools:

1. Device adoption and provisioning

If you’re rolling out new devices or need to provision them across multiple sites, this can be a tedious task.

With automation, you can set up your UniFi Controller to automatically adopt and provision new devices as soon as they’re connected. No more manual setup each time you add a new access point (AP).

This is particularly useful for businesses that are expanding or frequently upgrading their equipment. Automated device adoption ensures that new devices are integrated into the network with minimal downtime, allowing for seamless scaling.

2. Firmware updates

Manually updating firmware can be risky and time-consuming, especially if you manage multiple devices. Automated firmware updates ensure that all your devices are running the latest and most secure versions without any manual intervention. The UniFi Network Application allows you to schedule these updates, so they happen when it’s most convenient for you.

Firmware updates often include critical security patches and performance improvements. Automating these updates not only saves time but also ensures that your network is always protected against the latest threats. Plus, scheduling updates during off-peak hours means there’s minimal disruption to your users.

3. Traffic management

Ever notice your network slowing down during certain times of the day? Automated traffic management can help by prioritizing traffic or even rerouting it to ensure optimal performance.

You can set this up in the UniFi Network Application by configuring Quality of Service (QoS) settings that prioritize traffic based on your needs. For instance, you can prioritize video calls during work hours and then switch the priority to streaming services in the evening. This dynamic management ensures that your network always delivers the best performance based on current needs.

4. Network monitoring and alerts

Keeping an eye on your network 24/7 is impossible—unless you automate it. Set up network monitoring to get real-time alerts if something goes wrong, like an AP going offline or unusual traffic spikes. UniFi’s Network Application allows you to configure these alerts so you can respond quickly, often before your users even notice there’s an issue.

These alerts can be sent directly to your phone, ensuring that you’re always in the loop, no matter where you are. This proactive approach to network management can prevent minor issues from becoming major disruptions.

5. Guest networks

Setting up and managing guest networks can be a hassle, especially in a business environment where guest access needs to be controlled and monitored. Automate this process by setting up time-limited guest networks that automatically expire, reducing the need for manual management.

You can also automate access levels for guests, ensuring they only connect to specific parts of the network. This not only improves security but also enhances the user experience for your guests.

6. Security settings

Automating your security settings ensures that your network is always protected with the latest security protocols. With UniFi, you can automate everything from regular password updates to enabling advanced security features like WPA3 or VPNs.

Security automation also allows for regular audits and adjustments based on current threats. For example, you can set up automated scans that identify and address vulnerabilities before they can be exploited.

7. Scheduled reboots

Sometimes, a simple reboot can fix a lot of issues. Instead of manually rebooting your devices, set them to reboot automatically at scheduled intervals—like during off-peak hours—to keep everything running smoothly.

Scheduled reboots can also be part of a larger maintenance routine, ensuring that your network hardware is always in optimal condition. This regular upkeep can extend the lifespan of your devices and prevent unexpected failures.

Advanced automation: Private Pre-Shared Keys (PPSK)

If you want to take your Wi-Fi automation to the next level, consider setting up Private Pre-Shared Keys (PPSK). This is a unique, device-specific password system that enhances security by giving each device its own password.

Here’s how you can configure PPSK in UniFi:

1. Access the UniFi Network Dashboard:

   • Log into your UniFi Controller.
   • Navigate to the main dashboard where you’ll see an overview of your network’s performance.

2. Navigate to Wi-Fi settings:

   • In the left panel, click on 'Settings' and select 'Wi-Fi'.

3. Enable PPSK:

   • Find the network you want to configure and click 'Manage'.
   • Under 'Advanced', toggle on the 'Private Pre-Shared Keys' option.

4. Manage PPSKs:

   • Start adding devices, assigning each a unique key. You can monitor, revoke, or change these keys as needed.

This automation not only simplifies network management but also boosts security by isolating devices and controlling access. Each device having its own key means that if one device is compromised, it doesn’t affect the rest of your network.

Automating with APIs and third-party tools

If you’re looking to integrate your Wi-Fi network automation with other tools or platforms, consider using APIs. UniFi offers a robust API that lets you create custom automations tailored to your specific needs.

For instance, you could integrate your UniFi network with a home automation system like Home Assistant, allowing your Wi-Fi settings to change based on triggers like time of day or who’s home. This level of customization lets you create a truly smart home or office network.

Final Thoughts

Automating your Wi-Fi network doesn’t have to be daunting. With the right tools and a bit of setup, you can take the hassle out of managing your network, ensuring it’s always performing at its best without requiring constant attention.

Whether you’re managing a simple home network or multiple business sites, automation is the way to go. At UniHosted, we provide the infrastructure to make this process even smoother. By hosting your UniFi Controller in the cloud, we take care of the heavy lifting—automating updates, backups, and security—so you can enjoy a stress-free, reliable network.