Powerful protection for your network! // Unifi Express
In this video, we take a look at the Unifi Express, that combines a router, security gateway, and Wi-Fi access point all in one. As someone new to the UniFi system, I’ll share my honest opinion and show you how easy it is to set up and manage. Plus, we’ll dive into the security features and see how this little device can identify and block traffic.
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Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction
00:44 Hardware Specs
01:38 UniFi networking stack
02:34 Installing and Setup
03:46 Remote Administration
04:43 Basic Features
07:00 Wi-Fi Settings
08:30 Network Settings
11:20 VPN Settings
13:13 Security Settings
17:46 Final thoughts
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by Christian Lempa
simple network management protocol
You could set up the vpn client and use it as a travel router, I have the GL iNet that I use with the flip of a button to connect to my home wireguard server so that my traffic is secured in hotels and vacations, just an idea if you aren’t sure what you’re gonna use it for, cheers!
Am I the only one that thinks the industry is not going fast enough with the 2.5/5/10GB speed adoption? ISPs are easily providing speeds over 1/3/8Gbps those days, how 1Gbps router can still be relevant today?
It's like a mini router for $150. I'd say might as well get the TP-Link AX1800 router instead for $75 that has 5 gigabit ports instead of 1, and I believe since TP-Link's router is bigger, signal travels a greater distance.
Do you know if i can expand my wifi coverage with unify access points? Because on their website they are only showing configuration with multiple unify express in a mesh network and i really don't need that. I already have ethernet cable throughout my home, i want to have single router (express in this case), attached to PoE Switch and 2 more wifi access points, since my home has reinforced walls…
Nice review! Be careful with teleport the Mac OS app is only compatible with M series, I discovered that after purchasing it so I had to setup a wireguard vpn by myself 🙂
How should the average Joe configure this device for his home network?
I use Unifi gear everywhere in my network. Except for the Firewall. I think their Firewall UI is just painful when compared to OPNsense. I also really doubt that their UDM Pro actually can handle 10 Gb/s
Hi Christian.
How do you find the limitation for the number of managed devices, is it a big problem? Could that be overcome using the controller in a container instead of the one in the express?
I'm currently using OPNSense running as a VM in a mini pc running proxmox, and some times it freezes and I have to go reset the pc, it some times seems a bit unstable. Would Express be a good alternative for a gateway?
This seems to be the best system out there for houses with no wired Ethernet.
I just got mine.. I didn't read that it can only support 4 devices until it was too late… so it will make a nice AP in my house…
Love your videos! I'm interested because it seems to have a good wifi range but most importantly the flexibility to manage your network. I'm definitely a noob in networking. If I want to use all the security features so I need to use it as a gateway? If so, do I need to start my network over or can I "migrate" my existing one. I have a server that runs a few services (guided by you BTW) that use reverse proxy and I would hate to have to set up a new network and start over with my configurations.
Yes auto scale is a feature in all the Unifi network devices
If Ubiquiti would make a version with more computational power, 4 x 2.5 Gb ethernet ports, no wifi built in and similar size (a bit bigger is ok but not big as a 19 inch rack mount) it would be great and perhaps many people would switch from custom hardware + pfsense to this product.
not giving 2.5Gbps nowadays is a … BS 😉
PPPoE is still widely used not only in DSL/xDSL connections… I have fiber connection (FTTH) with transparent ONT and on my router I'm also dialing PPPoE for accounting and assign static IP on provider side 😉
I've checked on their website and it is surprisingly cheap compared to their other products but I still plan on buying a dumb router for my homelab. Can't start off with something too easy.
Just installed mine! It is amazing, even discovered my old network gateway and range… Spooky. No problem connecting to Telekom fiber. BUT it only manages up to 4 other Unifi devices. So for example 2 switches, 2 APs. Buyer beware!
Does it have internet scheduling via groups? Like i block gaming consoles but allow the kids mobiles for longer on my ASUS modem
I mean, the Unifi Express is an great device but Unifi is not really know for their security or firewall capabilities. Also the Unifi Express has gotten rid of the more L7 features (like IPS) that can be found in other Unifi gateways so you are basically down to L4 firewalling.
Using kvm opnsense instance with a direct pcie 4x 2,5gb nic and using oldschool patchcables 😀 . working absolutely stable since 2,5 years with ids and vpn. but its nice how userfriendly security got and the express isnt expensive as well. 👌best system is, that everyone can use.
i love Unifi their equipment is awesome. I bought one of these as a travel router. Works perfectly with site magic to have a instant gateway back home. absolutely love it.
Thanks for the video, very informative! I hope my Express arrives soon enough 🤤
How about the WiFi speed?
can they block urls ?