"All my UfiFi installs get CloudKey - done and done.
As for Araknis APs, I find them limited. Great for basic install, but not much data mining if you want to see user stats, no unified GUI across APs. No schedules, bandwidth limits, guest portals, etc."
I think Mario is spot on.
"I still don't understand the need for the cloud key. I mean ,I literally don't know what it does. We just Fing the network, open putty, point to cloud, and adopt. "
We have done this for few years and are trying to get away from it AWS or hosted on our server. For us the maintenance of keeping a server updated and running is a PITA. If you are using guest portal or other features it relies on that link to work. If that link/server/controller stops running ever customer on that controller stops working. They have internet access, but guests cannot authenticate i.e. no worky.
The cloud key is stupid easy to adopt and manage remotely. Update is now based on site and not your entire controller... For 79 or so we can put them in and forget about them.
my2
I understand the benefit of it. I just literally dont understand WHAT it is. I mean, I know its hardware but what does it do? You place it on the network and log into its LAN IP or use the Ubiquiti App? Then once part of the system, how do I access it remotely? Do I have a portal on Ubiquiti site? Does it create a site specific DDNS that I have to keep track of? What is it?
I understand the benefit of it. I just literally dont understand WHAT it is. I mean, I know its hardware but what does it do? You place it on the network and log into its LAN IP or use the Ubiquiti App? Then once part of the system, how do I access it remotely? Do I have a portal on Ubiquiti site? Does it create a site specific DDNS that I have to keep track of? What is it?
It's OVRC of UniFi.
You log in to https://unifi.ubnt.com and can see all your UniFi installations. From there you can log into each of the sites and manage them, review usage/statistics, etc.
It's the same thing as AWS or maintaining your own server, only easier to manage, without monthly/yearly fees.
Also, I used to have issue with Java in the past.
Seems like I spent more time creating/downloading/di*king with Java then I did using/modifying the actual UniFi settings. Since starting using CloudKey -- not a single snag.
Also, with CloudKey, you can create multiple users, so if your client insists on accessing the site, you can give them access to that, without giving away the farm.
@ golden - once you are logged into your unifi.ubnt account and have adopted the cloud key your done. Any AP on the same L2 network as the cloud key controller is adoptable. It is simply an on prem controller.
So... there are different opinions on this. Here is my take - I am sure others will violently disagree. Then I will provide a direct answer :-).
I don't use ZHO as most of our systems don't require it. If you were working with older inventory scan guns and perhaps some VOIP applications this can be a requirement, but for most of the systems the typical integrator do it is more of hindrance, I repeat MOST. Since the ZHO systems need to be on the channel you need to take care in setting up cell sizes and all the parameters that go along with that.
We did testing of ZHO in our office and a couple of deployments, it worked less reliably than a multi channel roaming design. I have gotten better results by setting the min RSSI, band steering, channel and power plan, etc... than screwing around with ZHO. I have had similar results with Package from a couple years ago - probably different now. For us - ZHO is a PITA, doesn't really work well and just does not make senses. Please don't hate on me. Again, I understand the some systems require ZHO to function - if so use Aruba or the like.
Now - to answer your question directly - to my knowledge the new AC units to not support ZHO at the moment, and if Ubiquiti is to be believed - never will. I do not have a cloud key site with old APs to look up, but I assume if you were using the original AP, AP-LR, or AP-Pro, that you would find the ZHO setting under the WLAN group area. I also think this feature has come and gone on different versions of the controller. So - short version is yes and maybe :-).
The CloudKey runs the same controller software as server regardless of where it is located. One minor disadvantage of a cloud key vs AWS or private server, is that you do not disconnect notices if an AP or entire system drops offline, i.e. probably ISP outages and problems. I understand this functionally is coming in future releases, but there are many other ways to get at that info if you have need.... I already got my ass kicked over this on... I hope he is not reading this....
Sorry for the long response to a single sentence questions!
I wish Ubiquiti wasn't so whored out everywhere or that someone would do private label for it. As it, I'm in business to make money and like it or not clients in my area do occasionally check prices. Nevermind I said anything -- I don't want to turn this into another discussion about raising labor rates due to dwindling equipment margins or about selling solutions vs. boxes.
Not sure why anyone would use the Araknis stuff at all anymore. Just for example, the WAN to LAN throughput of their one, yeah they only have one, router is 492Mbps or about half of what a UniFi USG is. Yeah they made it easy for you to order and setup....... so what.
And for those of you concerned about the suggested list price, just cuz it says its $9.99 doesn't mean you sell it for that. Your customer isn't going to price check an access point.
The UniFi dashboard when used with all UniFi gear gives you much more functionality from a networking point of view than OVRC ever will. Its more accurate, reliable and flexible.
Appreciate the reply Derek. Not a killer, as there are workarounds.
TAAVS - That router has been out a while. I spoke with the guys at Snap at CEDIA and they are working on an update. The WAN to LAN throughput isn't a killer in most projects that I install. The issue for me as an integrator is that the network is just one piece. I would like to see some additional features and an updated router, but there isn't anything that would keep me from installing these solutions now.
I'm testing a light commercial offering in a few high end bars now, and the OVRC app along with OVRC Pro looks to be a solid start for remote service and adding value to a service agreement. The network matters but I also need to service the amplifiers, matrix switchers, control processors, and interface devices. In the past, we have used Ubiquiti and it's a great solution but does very little for my remote service abilities outside of VPN which should be one of the last efforts in a service model.
Last edited by InVision Systems on January 7, 2018 18:09.
Anyone try the new Araknis router with built-in hub yet?
I like the OVRC but wish the deployments of Araknis wifi AP's would be top down like UNIFI. I hate the buggy logging in and out of each AP on araknis during and after changes to each unit (such as adding separate bands to each AP .....)
Snap needs to get the subsidiary Araknis to get moving on this ASAP and have some sort of controller based wifi system in the near future. It seems way easier for the unifi system to be programmed and be on your way.
Some people are so used to special treatment--that equal treatment is considered discrimination..Thomas Sowell
On January 6, 2018 at 15:23, InVision Systems said...
Appreciate the reply Derek. Not a killer, as there are workarounds.
In the past, we have used Ubiquiti and it's a great solution but does very little for my remote service abilities outside of VPN which should be one of the last efforts in a service model.
There definitely is remote access to Unifi networks. Are you not using a cloud key or offsite controller?
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