Objectives

Use the instructions for configuring a UniFi controller container on the classroom virtual training platform so that we can use UniFi APs to provide wireless network access to all participants.

Overview

Working in groups, follow the instructions to prepare a UniFi controller available at:

• https://images.nsrc.org/docs/classroom-tools/#unifi-controller

on the NUC that has been assigned to your group.

Post UniFi Network Application install

Initial login

Once this container is up and running connect to the UniFi Network Application site by connecting a laptop to the LAN port and connecting to https://unifi.incus:8443/

Note

Whenever you see “Upgrade to UniFi OS Server”, ignore it and click “Remind me later”. (There is not an option “do not remind me later”!)

You have the option to create a UniFi account if you do not have one; or you can configure the controller with just a local account. If so, make sure you remember what username and password you have chosen.

Note

You may want to create login accounts for other people in your group.

Click the “Admins” icon at the bottom of the left-hand column, then (+) in top right. Uncheck “Remote Access” and check “Set Admin Password”. Let them choose a username and password.

Initially they are created as “Site Administrator”, which means they can only access the default site, but you can edit their settings to change them to “Administrator” for full access.

Attaching UniFi APs

You cannot create any wifi networks until you’ve adopted at least one AP.

• Attach the UniFi(s) to the new network (via a switch so that you can keep the laptop connected at the same time)
• Reset the device to default using the reset button
• Once done, you can adopt the device
  • Click on the “Unifi Devices” icon in the left-hand column
  • You will see APs waiting for adoption; adopt them
  • Click on each AP to see its details
    • Optionally click on the settings (cog) icon on the right and set a name for each unit (e.g. “ap1”, “ap2”), and stick a label on each so you know which is which
  • By default, the UniFis are set to use DHCP for IP settings
  • Find their MAC addresses to provide static MAC address to IP address mappings as explained at https://images.nsrc.org/docs/networking/#wifi0-network. Assign 100.126.0.251 to the first AP, and 100.126.0.252 if you have a second.

Create wifi network

Now you can create a wireless SSID.

In the UniFi Network Application you will need to do the following:

• Click on the Settings cog icon at the bottom of the left-hand column
• Create a new wifi network.
  • Give it a unique name (NSRC1 for example) - it needs to be different for each group
  • Give it a password
  • The default settings after that should be fine

Once created, the AP(s) should be reconfigured automatically.

At this point, it should be possible to disconnect from the ethernet, and connect your laptop wirelessly to your new SSID.

Adopting a UniFi Switch

If you are using a UniFi switch, it can also be adopted into the controller.

• Assuming your VTP is plugged in to the switch from its LAN port, and
• Assuming you are plugged in to the UniFi switch (Lite-8-PoE is popular)…
• If necessary, reset the device to default using the reset button
• Once done, you can adopt the device
  • You can name the device, or leave it as is
  • Find the MAC address (shown in main settings column)
  • Then provide the MAC address to map to a static IP address as explained at https://images.nsrc.org/docs/networking/#wifi0-network - we recommend 100.126.0.253
  • Restart to pick up the new IP

At this point you should have updated hardware, on your network to provide both switch PoE access for the APs and wireless access to your network by the class.