Due to its seamless integration and robust control features, Ubiquiti Networks’ UniFi is a popular choice among network administrators for managing Wi-Fi networks. A UniFi Network Server centralizes data from UniFi devices and applications, providing a unified interface for network management. This includes everything from deploying new access points to monitoring network traffic and controlling user access.
Why Host Your UniFi Network Server on AWS?
Scalability
This particularly benefits businesses experiencing growth, as they can adjust their server capabilities without needing physical hardware upgrades.
Reliability
By hosting your UniFi server in the cloud, you gain the advantage of AWS’s robust infrastructure, which includes redundant hardware and network connectivity. This ensures that your network management remains online and accessible around the clock.
Security
These include data encryption, detailed access controls, and continuous security monitoring. Leveraging these tools can significantly enhance the security of your UniFi Network Server compared to a local deployment.
Cost Efficiency
With AWS, you pay only for the resources you use, which means you don’t have to invest in hardware that might be underutilized. This can result in significant savings, especially for small to medium-sized businesses.
Global Accessibility
AWS’s global data centre network allows you to host your UniFi Network Server in an optimal location for your operations, reducing latencies and improving performance for users worldwide. Everyone can enjoy a consistent and high-speed connection to the network server, whether your team is centralised in one location or globally.
Gettings started with Unifi Network Server on AWS
First, you will need to have an AWS account. If you don’t, you can register for a free AWS account here https://aws.amazon.com/resources/create-account/ . If you qualify, AWS might even extend you free credits to get started.
Once ready to go, access AWS MarketPlace to get started, or click here AWS MarketPlace .
Next…
On the product page , click the “Continue to Subscribe” button. This will lead you to the subscription page.
Accept Terms: Review the End User License Agreement, then click “Accept Terms”. You’ll be notified that your subscription is being set up.
Launch from EC2 Console: Once your subscription is complete, click “Continue to Configuration” to choose your software and region, then click “Continue to Launch”. Here, you can launch your AMI directly through the EC2 console.
Choose Action: Under “Choose Action”, select “Launch from Website” or “Launch through EC2”.
Configure Instance Details: Fill out the details of your instance, such as instance type, VPC settings, security group settings, and key pair. Make sure to configure these settings to match your specific needs.
Launch Instance: Click “Launch” to start your EC2 instance using the selected AMI from the AWS Marketplace.
Check Instance: Go to your EC2 console and click “Instances” in the left sidebar to check the status of your instance. It may take a few minutes for your instance to launch. You can also access your instance by visiting https://console.aws.amazon.com/
You should be able to access and manage your instance on the console.
Finally…
Once your instance is launched, it will take about 5 minutes to bootstrap for the first time. When ready, you should be able to browse to Unifi web-ui located at https://ip.address.of.instance:8443. For example, if your instance is on IP address 1.2.3.4, you should be able to access the web-ui by browsing to https://1.2.3.4:8443
Click Next – To set up your account, or click “Advanced Setup” to set up a local admin account.
Once you are done setting up an Admin account, you should be presented with the default Unifi dashboard.
Conclusion
Migrating your UniFi Network Server to AWS is a strategic move that can enhance your network management through improved scalability, reliability, security, and cost efficiency. AWS provides a robust platform and a global reach that ensures your network performs optimally no matter where your operations are located. AWS presents a compelling solution for network administrators looking to streamline operations and prepare for future growth.
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