Ubiquiti switches offer flexible and powerful management options that cater to various user expertise levels and network sizes. Understanding the management tools available—UniFi Controller, Command-Line Interface (CLI), and UISP (formerly UNMS)—can help you optimize your network's performance and ease of administration.
The UniFi Controller is the primary management platform for UniFi switches, designed for simplicity and scalability. It provides a unified interface to configure, monitor, and update all devices within the UniFi ecosystem, including access points, gateways, and switches.
Key benefits include:
Centralized Configuration: Manage all UniFi devices from a single dashboard, simplifying deployment and scaling across multiple sites.
Network Analytics: Real-time and historical data help monitor traffic, client devices, and network health.
Automated Updates: Seamlessly update firmware across all switches and devices to maintain security and performance.
User-Friendly UI: A graphical web interface and mobile app make network management accessible for IT teams of all sizes.
This controller-centric model is ideal for SMBs and enterprises wanting streamlined network control without heavy manual configuration.
For users seeking deeper customization, many Ubiquiti switches support a powerful CLI accessed via SSH or console port. The CLI provides granular control over device settings, configurations, and troubleshooting.
Advantages of CLI management:
Advanced Configuration: Set detailed routing protocols, VLANs, QoS policies, and other network parameters not always available through GUI interfaces.
Scripting and Automation: Run batch commands and scripts for rapid deployment or bulk changes.
Direct Device Access: Bypass reliance on centralized platforms for quicker diagnostics or offline maintenance.
EdgeSwitch models in particular benefit from CLI use, giving network engineers the flexibility required in complex or ISP environments.
UISP is Ubiquiti’s solution for managing EdgeMax, airMAX, UFiber, and other non-UniFi devices. While not as feature-rich for UniFi hardware, UISP enables:
Central Monitoring: View status and performance of all UISP-supported devices within a network.
Configuration Backup: Save and restore device settings with ease.
Firmware Management: Manage updates for supported devices centrally.
Network Analytics: Access device statistics and alerts for proactive management.
UISP complements CLI and device web interfaces, especially in ISP and mixed-vendor environments.
Use the UniFi Controller for integrated UniFi switch deployments where ease of use and centralized visibility are priorities.
Employ the CLI for complex, customized configurations requiring advanced networking functions, especially on EdgeSwitches.
Utilize UISP to oversee diverse Ubiquiti product portfolios in ISP or multi-site setups where centralized device oversight is needed.
Midway through gauging management needs, reviewing the comparative features and intended use cases in the EdgeSwitch vs UniFi Switch guide can provide clarity. For deeper understanding of switch functionalities, particularly Layer 2 and Layer 3 capabilities, check out the Layer 2 vs Layer 3 Features in Ubiquiti Switches article.
Managing Ubiquiti switches effectively requires matching your network size and complexity with the management solution that best fits operational workflows. Whether through intuitive controllers, detailed command lines, or centralized platforms like UISP, Ubiquiti delivers powerful tools for consistently optimized network performance.