Best UniFi setup for small businesses

When it comes to setting up a network for a small business, UniFi offers a great and scalable solution. The UniFi product line has a wide range of devices and great management software (like the UniFi Controller) and is perfectly suited for the different needs of small businesses.

In this guide, I'll discuss the best setup for your UniFi network as a small business.

Let's get to it!

Table of Contents

• Step 1: Assessing your network needs
  • Coverage and capacity
• Step 2: Choosing your UniFi hardware
  • UniFi Security Gateway (USG)
  • UniFi Switch
  • UniFi Access Points
  • Cloud-hosted UniFi Controller
• Step 3: Setting up your network
  • Installation
  • Configuration
• Step 4: Network management and maintenance
  • Monitoring and adjustments
  • Updates and security
• Step 5: Scaling Your Network
• Final thoughts

Step 1: Assessing your network needs

First of all it's important to understand your specific network requirements. So before we dive into the UniFi components, take a moment to tick the following boxes:

Coverage and capacity

• Office size: Consider the physical area your network needs to cover. Do you have multiple floors or outbuildings?
• User count: Estimate how many devices will be connected at the same time.
• Type of use: Determine the types of applications your network will need to support (like video conferencing and other cloud-based services).

Step 2: Choosing your UniFi hardware

Now we get to the fun part:

UniFi Security Gateway (USG)

For most small businesses, the UniFi Security Gateway provides a great firewall and deep packet inspection to keep your network secure. It's the backbone of your network, connecting directly to your modem and providing a gateway to the internet.

UniFi Switch

Select a UniFi Switch that matches your port requirements and budget. For scalability and efficiency, consider a PoE (Power over Ethernet) model to power access points and other devices directly through the network cables, reducing wiring complexity.

UniFi Access Points

Choose from various UniFi Access Points depending on your coverage needs:

• UniFi nanoHD: Ideal for dense environments where space and bandwidth are a premium.
• UniFi AC Pro: A flexible AP that provides a balance of value and performance, suitable for most small business environments.

Cloud-hosted UniFi Controller

The UniFi Controller is a great component for managing your network hardware through a centralized interface. It allows you to configure and monitor every aspect of your network remotely. If you want to have the best performance and security, consider a managed cloud controller like UniHosted.

Step 3: Setting up your network

Installation

• Place access points strategically to makes ure full coverage across your office space. Avoid physical obstructions and interference sources. If you are not an expert on this, consider a professional service.
• Connect your hardware. Hook up the USG to your modem, connect the UniFi Switch to the USG, and from the switch, connect your access points and other networked devices.

Configuration

• Launch the UniFi Controller software to start configuring your network.
• Set up your Wi-Fi networks. Create separate SSIDs for office use, guest access, and potentially a dedicated network for security devices or sensitive data.
• Configure your USG for security settings, including firewall rules and VLANs for network segmentation.

Step 4: Network management and maintenance

Monitoring and adjustments

Use the UniFi Controller to monitor network traffic, load, and performance. Adjust channels and power settings on your APs to optimize performance and reduce interference.

Updates and security

Regularly update your UniFi devices with the latest firmware to protect against vulnerabilities (please always do this). Monitor network activity for unusual behavior and enforce strong passwords and encryption protocols.

Step 5: Scaling Your Network

As your business grows, your network needs will evolve. UniFi makes scaling straightforward:

• Add additional APs as needed to extend coverage or manage increased device loads.
• Upgrade to larger switches if you outgrow your current ports.
• Integrate new services like UniFi Protect for security cameras or UniFi Talk for VoIP solutions.

Final thoughts

The UniFi network has the perfect setup for small businesses. It combines simplicity with security and a lot of performance improvement features. With this setup, businesses of any size can have a reliable and secure network. In addition, you can also prepare for future growth, to make sure that your network infrastructure supports your growing business.

If you want the best performance and security setup without the hassle, consider a managed service like UniHosted. We provide managed UniFi Controllers to improve your network efficiency. Especially, if you are an MSP or IT-service business looking for reliable, secure and scalable UniFi network deployments, this is something for you.

Feel free to give us a spin! Additionally, I'm happy to walk you through personally. You can schedule a call with me (Founder of UniHosted) here.