Introducing UniFi Express, a SMALL device with BIG features!
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- čas přidán 5. 07. 2024
- The UniFi Express from Ubiquiti is here and it's going to shake up how we connect small and home networks. It's a gateway that has WiFi 6 that runs the UniFi network application and can transform into an access point or mesh when your network grows. We'll be taking a look at this device, its features, how to configure and manage it, and discuss all the uses cases for this versatile device.
Thank you to UniFi for sending these devices!
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Video Notes: technotim.live/posts/unifi-ex...
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- • Configuring VLANs, Fir...
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00:00 - What is the UniFi Express?
00:49 - Specs
01:43 - Setting up a new device
02:20 - Managing the device
02:45 - Dashboard
03:13 - Topology
03:23 - UniFi Devices
03:45 - Client Devices
04:11 - Ports
04:41 - Radios
05:23 - Speed Tests / WiFiMan
05:48 - Gateway
06:01 - System Log
06:10 - WiFi (Settings)
06:40 - Networks (Settings)
06:51 - Internet (Settings)
07:01 - VPN (Settings)
07:42 - Security (Settings)
08:25 - Routing (Settings)
08:28 - Profiles (Settings)
08:36 - System (Settings)
08:46 - Small Business / Small Networks
09:40 - Existing Networks
09:55 - Remote Workers
10:00 - Home Network
10:20 - Mesh Network for Expansion
10:42 - Remote Tech Support
10:58 - Travel Router
11:18 - UniFi Express is Versatile
Thank you for watching! - Věda a technologie
I have no need for this...but I want it. I have a problem.
Most Ubiquiti, er... UniFi users have that same problem. :P
same! 😩😈
There's probably a 12 step program for technology purchasing addiction.
@@haxwithaxe Ima need more steps than that
@@RaidOwl step one is always admit you have a problem. As long as "give haxwithaxe all of your functioning ewaste" makes it in there somewhere down the list you know it's a legit recovery program
I think this is perfect for Remote Workers and tunneling to CORP networks without client VPN software.
I'd definitely be doing this for my parents and travel.
This is exactly what I was looking for to deploy to airbnbs for management!
Great introduction!! - Ansered all of my basic questions. I am moving our small office using the old USG gateway, switch, cloud key, and AP. I plan to upgrade the new network using two UniFi Express units. I plan to stand up the new office while we transistion from the old. Very excited about the new enhanced use and analysis features.
This is nice to see on the product stack. I used to have an eero mesh network that was pretty underwhelming. I think having a Unifi offering at a similar price point is an improvement in the space.
unifi mesh isn't as good from experience ... we've had much more reliable and consistent mesh networks with other brands - specifically through walls
LOS (line of sight) unifi is no issues
@@mitchellmnrI get the impression that whilst UNIF waps can mesh wirelessly, ethernet backhaul is the 1ry design intention. I can’t recall any CZcams videos testing wireless backhaul. In any event are 2x2 waps suitable for wireless meshing?
Agree. Always like the UDM concept, but it seemed overpowered for a 1 bedroom apartment.
One of the better (of many) intros to the express. If you want this to be useful to those at the soho basic user, slow down! That and have chapters with a breath between modules.
The best and most comprehensive video I found on this. Thanks a lot!
I just bought this as my first foray into advanced home networking. It is the perfect device for my one bedroom flat!
Great video!! I have been waiting for a Ubiquiti product to compete with the eero as I am very partial to Uniquiti. I think this hits the mark.
Looks like a neat device, although I have UDM-Pro and mesh APs, so it would be redundant. The one thing that would make this killer, is supporting repeater mode, so it would function as a pocket router for traveling, then I could get rid of my GL.inet pocket routers.
Thanks man ! What is the small switch connected to the unifi express we see on the video ?
Cheers,
Do the UXG and Unifi express have the same hardware specs other than the WIFI difference? Does the UXG include the cloudkey console? Are either app limited like the UDR?
Thank you. This is precisely what I have waited for!
Minneapolis huh? Cool. I guess that I'm sort of your neighbor. Who knew? (maybe everyone?)
This little device seems to be fantastic for getting common users into a great ecosystem. Love your vids, especially the Plex ones!
Tim how does the express compare to the Dream Router, other than cost?
And do I really need IDS, IPS for a small home network?
Interesting, I have an amplifi instant and been thinking about a bit of an upgrade for a little while, might have to keep my eye out for these, but £250 to get me to the same point of having a base station and a mesh point is a bit 😲
So can I use this as my UniFi Controller for my U6 and UAP ACs? Currently I self-host the controller.
I currently have in my home network an Edgerouter and a U6-Lite. What would be a good ubiquiti 16 or 24 port switch to go with the UniFi Express?
I so need to put this between my isp and my network switch. I would love to have more control management not just through my isp app on my mobile
I had a similar experience with a mesh trio package i got from tp link, their deco products are pretty cool as well, and the 3 devices were only $300ish. I can't remember for sure, but i think it even does layer 3 stuff maybe?? It's been too long since I set it up. I'm actually pretty happy though that wifi, and just general network power has gotten so robust and cheap, regardless of brand. It makes stuff from 2010s look like dial up all over again
What's the max thruput speed? Ive been waiting to switch to unifi forever, but a dream machine is more than I need & the dream router supposedly has a cap at 800MBPS & isnt recommended for gigabit connections. Is this the same way?
Hi can i add ubiquiti access points to it and use it instead of a cloud key?
That’s interesting I am looking at this router for the same thing to use it as a travel router. Do you simply plug it into to the router where your staying or can you put it into access point mode?
Great video - will it work with the Dream Router as mesh?
I have a security gateway and controller is it easy to set up to express with backup?
The Wan is limited to 100Mbps?
I have a UDR & Dream machine pro in play across two sites, I might get this too if the Internet isn't too taxing on it
it has all these features now, will it have all of them in the future?
Great video. Quick question - you say this doesn't include IDS/IPS... moving forward, if you wanted this functionality on your network, would you have to add something like the Unifi Cloud Ultra? Would that worK?
Problems adopting Unifi Express as a wired AP on Mac via UDR. Same complaints online. Can you please update your review to address this issue, specific as a wired AP? Txs.
for AP mode does it have POE in?
Can I use 2 of these for dual wan?
What's the gateway throughput when you're using the Firewall and filtering ads? Is it still capable of pushing gigabit traffic in/out?
Can you make a video on how to use this as a travel router? Like with hotel WiFi etc.
I asked pretty much the same question!
i don't think it can even function as a wifi repeater. so, kind of useless for travel unless your hotel still has wired ethernet jacks somewhere. get the gli-net for travel.
I am new to Unifi networking and would like to know if I will be able at least analyze Wi-Fi traffic and see wireless devices info on the dashboard for example IP addresses etc. using Unifi Express as an access point only since I am already using Edge Router 4 as a gateway and it can not be replaced and I am using CK2 plus as Unifi controller.
Can this be used as a controller only, perhaps with it's wifi? I have a client with a router already and Unifi's router is more limited for business use (and some hamelabs).
Can you make a video on how to use this device as a travel router? Connecting to both WiFi and hardwired networks.
I'm very curious to setup IPv6 on this unit.
Found a way of using this as a travel router on guest networks that only have wifi and no ethernet ports?
When you travel with this, can it connect to public wifi? how about hotel wifi?
Great description of this device. I'm a little bit in the dark ages with my outdated equipment but maybe you can help me out. My home system uses an ASUS RT-AC66U for the primary router and WiFi though I do have five Unifi Protect cameras and a switch. The ASUS has 3 Mombo antennas and works well but it's getting pretty old. The Gateway Ultra has no visible antenna. Will it have acceptable coverage compared to the Asus AC66U? Thanks - Mike
Great video Tim. Do you think it can be used to connect to an existing wifi, for example in a hotel, and vpn back home?
It cannot.
Its an AP - not a CPE.
So you have to get 'internet' through its wan port.
You'd be better off with a different device - or like an extender that can connect and output over an ethernet port to this
@@mitchellmnrmakes sense, thanks
Shots fired on Amazon/Eero! GOOD!
Would you want to buy one or more of these to create a mesh network though? You could get a Dream Machine and then U6 Lite or Plus to create a mesh. I do see the pluses for use as a travel router though, especially coming back from Universal where we had a three device limit and nine devices...
Two words “captive portal”
Could this host one of the unifis pay to access guest WiFi paywall ?
Can the Express be used as an AP/Controller to compliment the UXG-Lite? Seems like a good pair.
I thought the same exact thing but found out after testing that you can only have one gateway per site and they are both gateway products. I sent the feedback to the Ubiquiti product team
When using the 2nd and/or 3rd express in mesh configuration, are the LAN ports on the 2nd and 3rd active or is it just the WiFi? It would be great to be able to plug in a device that doesn't have WiFi....
From what I understood, yes LAN should be usable
Great video
Is the bottom really aluminum, or is it steel? Ubiquiti have said they'd be releasing a magnetic wall mount; could you check whether the base of the device is ferromagnetic by testing it with a magnet?
I have a UDM router. Can I add this Express wired to the UDM, use it as an Access Point and use the LAN port for another internet device (PC, etc.) Can I configure LAN port as a VLAN in this config? Thanks
Gonna replace my u6 lite with this. neat looking device! I like the screen on it, it'll look cool on my desk, next to my flex mini
I have always loved Unifi products ever since they replaced my broken out of warranty 24 Switch for free. I thought that was such great customer service I'll always support them.
I might be wrong, but if you want this just for access point, then the u6 lite will probably be a better option...
Your U6 lite is pretty much the same thing except... the U6 lite is an access point where this has router features as well.... may be better not too...
Can UniFi be used for travel router?
How's this compare to something like eero? My home network is super simple.
Would an Ubiquiti EdgeRouter X be a good solution as a router/firewall to establish separated VLANs for Smart Devices, Homelab and private devices? I am currently using the ISP provided ZyXEL router with Wifi Off & an Ubiquity AP AC-Pro for wireless connections. I also would like to avoid having a UniFi Express with a Switch added to it directly, since both devices would consume power. Having one device with 4 LAN ports would be sufficient.
I don’t know much about an edge router but if you want management + switch it sounds like you need a UDR or UDM.
Can you do Synology to synology backups over a unifi vpn?
Hi Tim, do you know wether it possible to use port 443 when configuring a vpn server on this device?
Hey! I am unsure. I think that’s the port that the controller is hosted on
There's no Voucher Manager for Express?
Will adding this to an existing Unifi setup recognize it as an additional gateway enabling a dual WAN configuration?
Sounds awesome but you can only have one gateway per site!
@techotim Can it do PPSK? Ever since I heard about the Express I wasn't really sure what the point was. However, your travel router idea is genius and I too have been struggling to find a solution. This sound like it would solve it! Would it be possible to to connect to another WiFi signal and dish that back out? I doubt it since their other offerings don't do that. How would you use it as a travel router then?
Also, could you elaborate on your "Parental Support" option?
Unify discovers mini-routers/APs whatever multirole devices in 2023. Better late than never
I like the idea of using this as a travel router, but what would this provide over simply installing something like TailScale on your laptop / phone, with a subnet and/or exit node on the home or work network?
The fact that all of my devices (and my wife's) would automatically connect without any configuration at all since they would be connecting to a known wifi network (the one broadcasted by this)
Some hotels limit how many devices you can connect the their network before they start charging you more. This is the only device you would need to connect to the hotel network.
In my homelab I have pfsense as a main router and unifi controller running in docker. Can I use unifi express just to replace my docker unifi controller? Because the functions in the docker controller are very limited. Thanks.
Good question, not sure. I think it needs to be your gateway. I could be wrong, didn’t wave the setup to test.
WOW, what's this?!? what's the difference between this and the gateway lite?
Super informative product walkthrought! This is much better than the travel router Proxmox PFsense in a Mini-PC. But how much $$ ??
$150
What if i already have a cloud key gen2 that manages my unifi products ? switches and cameras
For using this as a travel router, can it connect to a hotspot and then share that out like with the GL.iNet devices?
it wont do Wireless WAN uplinks. Stick with the GLs
Thanks, have been using one for a couple of years for travel but would love to switch to something more integrated with the rest of my network. @Bimboms
If this is your first device, what WiFi access point(s), celling mount hardwired, can you pair this with to cover around 3500 sq feet? (assuming the WiFi on this device is not powerful enough to cover the whole house). And that additional AP will run in mesh mode with this?
It will yes, or run the LAN port all the way to the AP or shared switch!
This feels like a true geek's successor to the Airport Express.
Now this. This is a perfect comment!
This is exactly what it is!
Just as limited and beautiful haha
The Unifi founders used to the be the Apple Airport team.
Very interesting product (of course it sold out in less than one day) but Ubiquiti is killing me with their painfully slow adoption of 2.5Gbps ports. 2.5 should be standard on all their network gear even if it adds a few bucks to the price (the cost to manufacture 2.5 v. 1Gbe ports is minuscule).
Do these support wired back-haul?
Via LAN
Its the same as the USG in a sense
With all the issues people have had with the Unifi Controllers, particularly the cloudkeys/network controller software, It would be really interesting to see Unifi implement High-Availability with each of these devices! If one dies, the others sense that and a failover controller, which constantly kept settings in sync, fires up and takes over. That would be SICK! Also, I had NO idea that it had built-in WiFi! I somehow missed that when I was watching other reviews of it! I thought it was simply a replacement for the old USG 3-Port! This is pretty incredible! 🙂
I really want to try Unifi because their software seems amazing, but I can't justify buying a new product with 1Gb LAN and WiFi 6. 6E is standard now on most laptops with WiFi 7 right around the corner, 2.5Gb ethernet is coming standard on mid range consumer motherboards, and speeds higher than 1Gb are available through home internet providers in more and more places. I can pick up the same router I've been using from TP-Link for over a year now for $10 less and it has 1 2.5Gb port, 2 1Gb ports, 6E wireless, and mesh support.
And you still own a bestbuy router by buying a consumer TP-Link for that price point.. A 6E enterprise is $279, a 2.5gbe switch is around $80 off ali, and a N100 topton box without ram or m.2 is about $150 off aliexpress. This is probably the best bang for your buck reliable 6E setup on the market.
And the tp-link will shit the bed in a year. No thanks.
Any examples of the 6E enterprise gear that support mesh? The TP Link is just wireless, I'm already running a separate pfsense router and 2.5gb/10gb switch. @@Ryne785
@@isaackvasager9957it’s not about speed. It’s about signal reliability, device congestion, etc.
Ubiquiti is getting too comfortable selling overpriced subpar stuff, just like the dream router they released.
@@MH-ev3wrI’ve actually never had any issues with TP-Link stuff ever. Ubiquiti is getting too comfortable selling overpriced subpar stuff lately. They really are the Apple of networking.
I am confused... the wifi 6 band is greyed out. Is it not built in?
Suggestion for a video: comparison and use cases for UNIFI Express v Gateway lite (+ required additions) v Dream Router. The latter may be spurious given it has been out of stock for ages.
what about even cheaper GL-inet mini routers for travelling?
Is it possible to use this device as a Dream Machine replacement for a network?
Instead of buying a Dream Machine Pro, I would buy this device and manage the entire Unify network and access it remotely via the app
In my Home Setup I have Dream machine Pro -> switch and so on
on my secound Location i have a docker container with the Unify Controller -> replace with this Unifi express ?
Is your second location connecting back to the primary location? Like Tim mentioned, there is no IDP, so you'd probably need/want to VPN back through the UDMPro from the secondary location. Maybe that's not your use case though.
@@FizzGiGG55123 uh.. in that case it is no replacement... ok thanks! I should get a Cloud Key G2 Plus just for remote access / managing..
Can it be true that this new thing is running Linux kernel 4.4.60. Is there anyway to see what kernel version Unifi devices are using?
Downloaded the binary and did a strings | grep 'linux-image'
I can do without 6E but not without a 2.5Gbps port. It’s like they had a good idea and waited 3-5 years to release it
Anyone know what throughput it can handle? My UDR starts choking at 700 Mbps, start getting "internet issues" notices and the network app starts crawling/not loading when I am at max speed. If this can do 1 Gbps I will swap to it.
Honestly I wouldn't swap it....
If you are wanting to push high speeds, a unifi router is not the choice for you... :(
should I buy Cloud Gateway Ultra or UniFi Express ??
So... A question. Hoping for a quick reply from someone who knows..
Could I use two of these to provide a WiFi network for a restaurant, they have about 30 devices connected to the existing router (made for home useage) and as my daughter says, it sucks and they lose connectivity with their ipad, payment system and other things.
At the moment myself I'm using an edgerouter with two AP's but when I saw this product I'm starting to think this might be a better solution, connect one, adopt the second one, and if needed maybe add one or two AP's but I'm hoping two of these should be enough.
what the sqm speed with this?
Can you adopt APs like U6 Pro on UniFi Express?
Yes!
What's the difference between the dream router and this then? Can you still use a dream router and this for easy VPN site to site?
Dream router has better hardware, poe, and can run multiple apps. If you add this to a dream router you will use it in access point only mode, either by ethernet or mesh
@@TechnoTim thank you for the reply! Let me try and restate my question again. I already have a dream router and my whole network is set up. I want to get this small device. I'm put it in another office. Will it be able to use site magic?
How can they claim 2.4Gbps throughput on 5Ghz when the wired port is 1Gbps?
Guessing WiFi to wifi traffic.
Sorry for noob question but does this have the ability to create multiple networks like synology?
Not a noob question. If you mean VLANs or subnets, yes, absolutely. It’s the same software on their enterprise devices. If you mean wireless SSID networks, yes to that too.
@@TechnoTimI appreciate the reply and information,thank you very much.
It's me, im the nerd who sees this and immediately says...TRAVEL ROUTER. This could be a replacement for some of the GL-iNET routers I have. Need to see if the wireguard implementation in UniFi network has improved (Teleport was ok but not as configurable as just standard wireguard) and hope they add support for Tailscale but this seems like a great all in one device.
Curious about it replacing GL-iNET routers as well. Hopefully someone does a comparison.
clear!
why no IDS ?
I only wish this could do USB tethering. Then it would really be a best device for traveling.
GL.iNet travel routers are pretty good for USB tethering out of the box without fiddling around with stuff.
@@bren.r actually, I found out that Android phones can share connection via ethernet, so I will go with Unifi Express.
Started with Ubiquity at office, liking it, but at home ... hm, my home ISP is upgrading to 2 Gbps in a few months, I need at least one 2,5 Gbps (laptop) and at least one 10Gbps (editing PC) ethernet port... If you want this with Ubiquity you and up paying for some enterprise stuff. Nice product, but I'm not happy they're going back to even less pro-sumers. Only 1 Gbps? Ill probably have to choose some other brand next year.
Missing 6E, i need 6Ghz or its just wasting my time. To be fair its a pretty good price point for what it is and do love that its USB powered.
I think the only home application where this shines is easy meshing if there is no ethernet in the home. But comparing to the Dream Router, for 50$ more you get 4x4 MIMO for wayyy better speeds, IPS/IDS, the ability to run UI cameras, and if need be, PoE for a mini switch or second AP like the U6 Lite. For me if I install for a family member, I'd for sure go UDR and add a U6 Lite or better if needed, and its the same price as two UXs, but with way better wireless performance.
For installing for family members, I’d really want to be able to remotely manage it on my controller. Unfortunately, I think the UDR has the same problem that this does: it can only use its built in controller.
if you have an actual 1G connection then UDR's 700mbit WAN throughput is a non-starter
The UniFi dream router can’t even handle gigabit WAN when a cheap router can. I swear Ubiquiti is getting comfortable selling overpriced, subpar products to UniFi fanboys.
How does this compare to omada? Better?
Sigh.. only two ports, One Wan and one Lan. I would like to have three port at least for two LAN or having two WAN's.
Tried to buy it, but added to the cart and now it says unavailable. If only I was quicker! I also have a problem. 😂
This looks like a killer device that could potentially simplify my home network and save me from resorting to installing Ethernet in the home (I tried Unifi APs as a mesh but my proxmox VMs kept dropping off the network due to poor signal where the APs had to be wall mounted, currently I have an physical Ethernet cable running down the hall 😅)
Can the ethernet port be used as a trunk port for multiple VLANs (I have some managed switches that administer vlan tagging), and can you create multiple wifi networks and assign them to a VLAN? (all of which is scaled out if you have multiple in mesh?)
And finally I’m guessing you can connect one of these via the wan port to your existing router that administers dhcp then scale it out with others around the house.
Yes, the ethernet port can be used for a VLAN trunk to downstream switches and/or APs. You can connect multiple Unifi Express boxes to your existing router which will administrate DHCP for everything. To your first comment, IMHO Ethernet is the only proper option for Home Lab work. Wifi is fine for some content consumption on a phone or tablet, but that's about it. Every room in my house I wired with multiple Ethernet connections, and I'll soon be connecting three rooms with 10G fiber. Yes, one can run 10G over copper, but I enjoy the learning process, and that same fiber can support 100G down the road.
unifi mesh is not great ... as you've felt. We have had better experience with other brands when not LOS (line of sight)
But cable always wins.... might be a pain, but you will be better off than trying to wirelessly mesh.
You dont want to connect the WAN port of your existing router to this - it will act as a router.
You replace your existing router with this.
Or you use it as an AP.
All ethernet ports on unifi devices can be trunks - so no issues on vlans.
The WAN ports though... they have a lot of limits imposed.
They also NAT, so you don't have much of a choice to route either - so they act as a router
@@mitchellmnr you mean mesh as in routers not connected via ethernet cable?
Or mesh as in guiding clients to connect to closer AP?
@@milo36gdh mesh = "mesh as in routers not connected via ethernet cable?"
roaming = "as in guiding clients to connect to closer AP?"
Unifi has roaming since AC range ... so a long time.
BUT ... roaming in the sense where the AP asks the client nicely to switch .... the client doesn't always listen.
Only the devices that support ax are better with roaming (there is a whole standard on this)... so I think the U6 range has ax - that is the better form of roaming.
hardwired runs will be by far the best option especially for server needs. Its a pain in the ass (i know becuase i did it) but getting a few hardwired runs is 100% worth the trouble.
Wow ... it's sold out now !
Unifi Express > Unifi Dream Router > Unifi Dream Wall ? is this the upgrade path?
I just wish it had 2.5G networking for the future. I already get more than 1G over cable internet.
Wifi 6, not 6e?