UniFi Question

czrabode · May 20, 2020, 1:56am

While browsing through available add-ons, I see that I can install a UniFi controller.

I currently have an Asus router but thinking about getting an AmpliFi Alien. I may be wrong but I am assuming you can use it with the UniFi controller.

This is my question: What is the advantage of using the UniFi controller add-on with Home Assistant instead of just using the UniFi web interface? What sorts of cool things can you do when you integrate your Ubiquiti router with Home Assistant?

AlohaDan · May 20, 2020, 4:39am

I don’t believe AmpliFi products work with UniFi controller. It’s only for the UniFi products.

frits1980 · May 20, 2020, 5:30am

Dan is correct.

Also, unifi products don’t have web interfaces. That’s why you need the controller.

Townsmcp · May 20, 2020, 5:21pm

lol the Alien web interface cant really be called an interface either, the only options are connection username and password and the following:

czrabode · May 20, 2020, 5:23pm

Do you have the Alien? Do you like it? Is it worth the price?

Townsmcp · May 20, 2020, 5:40pm

Yes. Had 2 units delivered yesterday (bought brand new from a US seller - Im UK based).
Reception is really good - reaches a lot further than the Netgear Orbi RBS50 that I had. Im also getting 1200mb/sec on my 8 year old Macbook Pro (late 2012 model). Iphone X and Ipad Pro are only running at 400Mb/sec.
My ping has gone from 8ms down to 3ms though. I have 1gb/sec FTTP so Im noticing a massive speed increase - the Orbi only managed to pull around 600mb/sec.
They are working well with LIFx bulbs (I switched from Velop to Orbi due to how crap Velop has been for about 8 months with LIFX bulbs).
The only thing I dont really like so far are:

You cant set the IP address of the Alien (I usually set my router to 192.168.1.245). No matter what subnet you set the Alien to, it always takes x.x.x.1 - buggers up your current networking especially if you have something at that address already.
There is no option to set dynamic DNS - checking the forums, this has been a feature request for about 2 years for Amplifi devices!
They run super hot! 80 degrees c hot!

For me it was a toss up with the new Netgear Orbi RBK852 or the Alien. I thought the interface was a bit basic on Orbi - less configuration options available on the Alien! I do feel it is a bit overpriced though. But then I feel the Orbi is overpriced too. But to have the latest tech theres always a premium

czrabode · May 21, 2020, 2:11am

Thanks. How fast is your iPhone X when it is touching the router (0 feet)? I have an asus router and I can get 450Mbps down on my iPhone X.

What do you use DDNS for? Is it necessary for remote access of Home Assistant via DuckDNS/Let’s Encrypt?

Townsmcp · May 21, 2020, 7:14am

For the iPhone X, next to the router I’m getting 369mb down. 115mb up. I thought iPhone X had better Wi-fi chip inside and would be faster - I read somewhere that it supports max theoretical speed of 800mb:

I subscribe to Nabucasa for remote access to HA. The reason I use DDNS is for Ombi and a few other Plex media server related programs.
I have however added it to the Suggestions thread on the AmpliFi Alien firmware site.
As a (hopefully) temporary work around I have DDClient Installed on a nas but might install Duck DNS on the RPI that HA sits on