Ubiquiti has introduced a new console to their lineup, the UniFi Cloud Gateway Ultra. Positioned between the recently launched UniFi Express and the more premium Dream Machines, this cloud gateway serves as a middle-ground option.
The UniFi Cloud Gateway is an ideal solution for small businesses looking for robust network management. It features dual WAN ports, ensuring redundancy and automatic failover for uninterrupted internet connectivity. With remote management via the UniFi Cloud, you have full control and visibility over your network from anywhere, reducing the need for on-site technician visits. This means fewer call-out fees and quicker support resolution, keeping your business running smoothly with minimal downtime.
The UniFi Cloud Gateway Ultra functions as a network gateway (router) with a next-generation, application-aware firewall. It supports up to 30 UniFi devices and 300 clients but does not include a built-in access point. The device runs solely on the UniFi Network app.
In This Review:
• Specifications
• Wireguard VPN and Site Magic
• Display Features
• Mounting Options
• Comparison with Other UniFi Gateways
• Setup and Configuration
• Final Thoughts
Overview
The UniFi Cloud Gateway Ultra is a compact yet powerful multi-WAN gateway. With 4 built-in LAN ports, one of which can be remapped to serve as a second WAN port, its sleek design allows for flexible placement, whether hidden in a closet or showcased on a shelf.
As the name suggests, the Cloud Gateway Ultra combines the functions of a gateway and a cloud console. Unlike other devices in the UniFi lineup, it doesn’t require a separate CloudKey or console for management. It operates on UniFi OS with the UniFi Network app, making it a plug-and-play solution.
Despite its small size, the Cloud Gateway Ultra is powerful enough to route traffic at speeds up to 1 Gbps with intrusion detection and prevention (IDP/IPS) enabled. It also supports VPNs, VLANs, and Ubiquiti’s Site-Magic.
Key Specifications:
• CPU: Quad-core ARM® Cortex®-A53 (IPQ5322) at 1.5 GHz
• Memory: 3 GB
• Storage: 16 GB eMMC
• Display: 0.9″
• Max IPS/IDS Throughput: 1 Gbps
• WAN Ports: 1x 2.5 GbE RJ45
• LAN Ports: 4x Gigabit RJ45
• Power: USB-C (5V / 3A)
• Max Power Consumption: 6.2 Watts
• Dimensions: 142 x 127 x 30 mm
The specifications highlight the device’s ability to support WAN connections up to 2.5 Gbps. However, since the LAN ports are limited to 1 Gbps, you won’t fully utilize the 2.5 Gbps WAN connection with a single client. Moreover, the device does not support Link Aggregation, which would have allowed combining two LAN ports for increased throughput.
VPN Capabilities
VPNs are essential for secure access to company resources but often result in reduced connection speeds due to the processing power required. The Cloud Gateway Ultra can maintain speeds up to 500 Mbps when using Wireguard VPN or Site-Magic, though it cannot maintain the full 1 Gbps WAN connection while doing so.
Display and Mounting
The device features a small 0.96-inch LCM display that shows the status of the gateway. It is not a touch display, limiting its use to basic status updates.
Currently, the Cloud Gateway Ultra can only be placed on flat surfaces, but a wall mount is expected to be available by August 2024.
Comparing the UniFi Cloud Gateway Ultra
UniFi Cloud Gateway Ultra vs UniFi Express
The UniFi Express, released two months prior, is one of the Cloud Gateway Ultra’s direct competitors. Although similar in appearance and price range, the Express has a built-in WiFi 6 access point and only one LAN port. The Cloud Gateway Ultra, however, offers more ports and superior specifications, including support for IDS/IPS threat detection while maintaining 1 Gbps routing speed.
UniFi Cloud Gateway Ultra vs UniFi Gateway Lite
The UniFi Gateway Lite, released around the same time as the Express, runs on similar hardware but doesn’t operate on UniFi OS, which necessitates an additional UniFi console for management. The Cloud Gateway Ultra, in contrast, offers multi-WAN support and better VPN throughput.
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| Feature | UniFi Cloud Gateway Ultra | UniFi Express |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Quad-core ARM® Cortex®-A53 at 1.5 GHz | Dual-core ARM® Cortex®-A53 at 1 GHz |
| Memory | 3 GB | 1 GB |
| Runs UniFi Network app | Yes | Yes |
| Runs UniFi Protect app | No | No |
| Supported UniFi Devices | 30+ | 4 |
| Supported Clients | 300+ | 60+ |
| Routing Performance without IPS/IDS | 1 Gbps | 1 Gbps |
| Routing Performance with IPS/IDS | 1 Gbps | – |
| Wireguard VPN / Site-Magic Throughput | 500 Mbps | 60 Mbps |
| WAN | 2.5GbE RJ45 Port | 1 GbE RJ45 Port |
| LAN | (4) 1GbE RJ45 Port | (1) 1GbE RJ45 Port |
| PoE Ports | None | None |
| Built-in Access Point | No | Yes |
| IDS and IPS Threat detection | Yes | No |
| Price | $200 AUD | $238 AUD |
UniFi Cloud Gateway Ultra vs UniFi Dream Router
The UniFi Dream Router (UDR) is an all-in-one device designed for home users, featuring built-in UniFi Protect and an access point. While the Cloud Gateway Ultra offers faster throughput, particularly with VPNs, the Dream Router might be a better option for users looking to integrate UniFi cameras or a doorbell.
Setup and Configuration
Setting up the UniFi Cloud Gateway Ultra is straightforward. Once the internet cable is connected to the WAN port and the USB-C cable powers the device, the initial setup process begins, which takes about 10 minutes. The setup is managed via the UniFi Network app on a mobile device.
Final Thoughts
The UniFi Cloud Gateway Ultra is a robust option for home and small-to-medium business networks. While its WAN port can handle up to 2.5 Gbps, its practical throughput is capped at 1 Gbps, making it suitable for most users but not ideal for those with a 2 Gbps internet connection.