We are a tech services company and this is one of the solutions that we provide to our customers. I have worked a great deal with Ubiquiti switches and other products.
The primary use case for this solution is to supply power to access points and Voice over IP devices. For example, we install one 24-port switch so that we can connect multiple devices into it, and then create different VLANs.
The most valuable feature is that you can manage everything through the Cloud Key UniFi controller.
The fact that you can manage everything including the switch-level configuration, and access point configuration of both the wireless networks and the LAN, is very useful.
The GUI interface is very easy to use and the Linux-based command-line interface is also good. I am happy with the interface.
The price of this solution should be more competitive.
The technical support for this solution could be improved.
I have been using this solution for one year.
There was a point where I had to create cases with technical support because I couldn't access the Cloud Key. However, those issues seem to have been resolved with updates that have been done. At this point, it is running well.
I have not tried stacking these switches, so I cannot say. It seems to me that it should be fine if you are going to make trunks between the switches, but I haven't done this yet.
I have performed fourteen installations, and some of our customers have approximately one hundred and fifty users.
I was in contact with technical support for issues with the Cloud Key. I would rate them three out of five. The technical support for this solution could be better.
The initial setup of this solution is quite straightforward. You just add the SSH key onto a Cloud controller, and from there you can do everything. Right from the first installation, I didn't need to check the manual.
I have been installing the Ubiquiti 8-port and 24-port, 500 Watt PoE switches, together with the access point. Most of the time, we don't just install the switch, but in combination with the access points.
The time for deployment depends on the configuration. If you are only setting up an access point then it is quite straightforward because it doesn't need to worry about VLAN. But, if you need multiple VLANs then it's going to take longer to configure. For example, if you're going to make one VLAN for somebody at home then it's no time at all. However, if you need to make ten or twenty VLANs then it's going to take you some time. I can't say how long, because again, it depends on the installation.
This solution does not charge for technical support. Unlike vendors such as Cisco Meraki, there is no cost for licensing.
This is a solution that I recommend. It's simple to use, and the installation and configuration are pretty straightforward. Anyone who has a little bit of experience with switches and firewalls could use it.
I would rate this solution a nine out of ten.