UniFi All-In-One: UniFi Dream Machine

The UniFi Dream Machine (UDM) gives you everything you need for an UniFi network in one device.

It looks like a normal home router. In UniFi terms, it contains a controller, router, switch and access point. It has the same CPU as the UDM-Pro, making it a capable security gateway for fast internet connections. The managed gigabit switch lets you connect four devices, or switches for even more wired ports. The 4x4 802.11ac Wave 2 wireless access point is equivalent to a nanoHD — good enough to cover apartments or small-to-medium sized houses and businesses. The built-in controller allows you to monitor and configure your network from anywhere, in a web interface or smartphone app.

The UDM is a unique product in the UniFi line. Most UniFi devices are standalone, and it’s up to you to pick which are right for your network. With the UDM, Ubiquiti made those choices for you. You can think of the UDM as a UniFi starter kit. Integrating all the components in one device has a lot of benefits, but also some limitations. Before we get into that, let’s compare UniFi with Ubiquiti’s other line of home networking products, Amplifi.

Amplifi vs UniFi

Ubiquiti makes two main product lines for home or small business networks, Amplifi and UniFi. The AmpliFi brand is for people who are looking for a simple solution. They are easier to setup and operate, but lack most of the features of UniFi. If you are the type of person who doesn’t know what a VLAN is, and doesn’t care to learn, Amplifi is for you. Amplifi devices automatically form a mesh network — no Ethernet cabling or advanced configuration required.

The Amplifi Instant is as simple as it gets. They come in one or two packs. Buy as many of them as you need, then set them up with Eero-like simplicity. The Amplifi app guides you through the process, and a few minutes later you have great, reliable Wi-Fi. The Amplifi HD and Amplifi HD Gamers Edition offer a bit more performance. They typically come in a 3-pack, featuring one base station and 2 mesh nodes. The most recent Amplifi Alien and Amplifi Alien Kit offer the highest performance by being Ubiquiti’s only Wi-Fi 6 capable devices so far.

If you are more of a networking nerd, or want to learn some basic networking while building a customizable network, UniFi is the way to go. If you don’t want the integrated UDM or UDM-Pro, there are a whole line of security gateways, switches, access points and physical controllers to pick from. With the added complexity come advanced features that are not offered with Amplifi.

The biggest advantage of the UniFi ecosystem is the controller software. This software allows you to you manage your network, and view statistics about the devices connected to it. The software is free, and runs on any Windows, macOS, or Linux host you install it on. Ubiquiti also makes Cloud Keys, dedicated appliances meant to run the controller software.

You do not need to run the controller software 24/7, it is not required for the network to continue operating. Once the network is setup, the controller software only provides statistics, and a way to make changes to the network. One of the great things about the UDM is that you don’t have to worry about that. The UDM’s built-in controller is always on.