How Do I install the Unifi Controller on Raspberry Pi? (8 Steps, Guides)

If you’ve ever had to deal with various Wi-Fi access points, you’ll know how difficult it can be. But, this becomes less difficult if the hardware and controller are of high quality. The Unifi controller manages wireless network tasks to prevent problems. Also, it is compatible with Raspberry Pi, and we will show you how to install it.

If you want to install the Unifi controller on a Raspberry Pi, you need. The maker’s Debian repository and using apt to get all necessary software. You can also get a web package right from the website. Web interfaces make configuration easy.

How Do I install the Unifi Controller on Raspberry Pi

How Do I install the Unifi Controller on Raspberry Pi?

The installation process is quite simple, but it can take some time, depending on your internet connection and the size of your SD card. If you follow the steps in this post. The Unifi Controller will be set up on your Raspberry Pi in 5 minutes.

Step 1 – Install an operating system on an SD card

  • Get the most recent version of the Raspberry Pi OS (32-bit) Lite. Also, this depends on Debian Buster for the Basic Installation.
  • Unzip the file. Get the file for Belena Etcher.
  • Install and execute the program.
  • Please insert your SD card.
  • Target the SD card in the etcher.
  • Begin the process of writing data to the disc.

Step 2 – configure SSH

  • Please take out the SD card and put it back in when done.
  • Make a new file named “ssh” in the root directory by using the terminal.
  • Make sure you don’t add anything to the end of this filename.
  • Running the following command in a POSIX-compatible terminal will do this.

touch ssh

  • If you’re using Windows, open the file explorer.
  • Right-click and choose new -> text document from the file menu.
  • To avoid confusion, rename the file to “ssh” and remove the.txt extension.
  • If Windows asks you to confirm that you want to change the extension, click “Yes.”
  • You can now take the sd card out of your computer and put it into the raspberry pi.

Step 3- Boot and Connect

  • You should attach the raspberry pi to power and a connection.
  • You’ll want to switch on the Raspberry Pi.
  • Next, you will need to check the configuration of your router to identify the new device’s IP address.
  • Log in to the Raspberry Pi by entering the following command in a terminal while using an SSH client.

ssh [email protected]

It’s time to update your router’s IP address to suit your device. Type “raspberry” in the password field when asked. As soon as you see a different prompt, you’re linked to the raspberry pi.

Step 4 – Update the operating system

Performance and stability are at their best. You use the latest version of the operating system. Getting started requires the execution of two commands.

First, You should update the list of new packages.

The second operation upgrades the packages.

  • Firstly, we run: sudo apt update
  • Next: sudo apt upgrade

Step 5 – Install Java

There were some difficulties determining the suitable Java version for this command.

  • We want to use the OpenJDK for unifi, which currently runs on Java 8.

Step 6 – Installing the Unifi Controller for Raspberry Pi

So now that we have our Raspberry Pi ready, we can begin the process of installing the Unifi Controller.

Step 7 – Install the Unifi Controller

Installing the Unifi Controller on the Raspberry Pi is the next step. So let’s start by getting the software and putting it on the computer:

Step 8 – Restart

It might take a few minutes to finish the installation. When the job is complete. The last remaining step is to restart the Raspberry Pi.

Read: How is the Raspberry Pi different from a desktop computer?

What is the use of the unifi controller on raspberry pi?

UniFi connects wireless connections, switches, routers, controllers, Network cards, and security systems. As a result, it’s suitable for use in both professional and personal settings. The UNIFI network controller handles all of the network’s devices.

Also, you can use the Unifi controller with an online Ubiquiti account. It is possible to manage all your Unifi devices and the linked client remotely by using an Unifi Cloud Key.

unifi controller on raspberry pi usage

Simple to set up

The presence of an unifi controller on a raspberry pi enables us to connect hardware with ease. All of our UniFi networks with a (USG) installed. The Unifi Controller quickly recognizes and connects to any UniFi device. Which get connected to the network. Whenever a controller takes charge of a device. It doesn’t take long to set up the device correctly and make it visible on the network.

Work great for short business

If you own a small or startup firm, UniFi devices are a must-have. In other words, they don’t need to spend more money on expensive items like cisco enterprise gear. If a business uses a raspberry pi unifi controller, it may get close to the same results regarding how well it works.

Simplifying Length of Service

You can use Raspberry Pi Unifi controllers in a virtual way. Also, it’s simple to lead and manage team members. Everything made by Unifi can be simply updated in the future. Moreover, they receive regular upgrades for new features and bug fixes over time.

Total Visibility

The UniFi network gives the user access to all of their network’s activity. The UniFi Controller gives you access to all of this data.

Connected user data and thorough packet analysis statistics are simply two examples. The Raspberry Pi UniFi controller gives you information about your network. Like how to use it and boost productivity.

Read: How to Use Batteries to Power a Raspberry Pi?

Can I install the unifi controller on any raspberry pi?

Yes! We recommend using the Pi OS Lite to install the unifi controller, but any version will work. It is now ready to take control of your UniFi network. Once you have finished setting up the rest of the UniFi network.

You can unplug the Pi, and it will finish the installation. As a result, you’ll get access to UniFi Controller’s features immediately. The next step is to return to UniFiPi.com and complete the configuration of your network. 

Raspberry Pi users have a wide range of options for setting up the UniFi Controller. But ours is the simplest. You can do it in a few minutes, and it’s extremely simple to do. The UniFi Controller software is in charge of setting up and diagnosing the network.

Running on any Raspberry Pi or your PC is an option, but you can also buy a cloud key from Ubiquiti. As long as you decide to keep your controller operating. It will capture network data and send it to the controller or app.

Read: How can a CCTV camera be connected to a Raspberry Pi?

Conclusion

It’s easy to set up the UniFi Controller on a Raspberry Pi. It’s also less expensive than the Ubiquiti Cloud Keys that are currently on the market.  There are many devices and systems to choose from, which can be confusing.

If you’re just getting started, the UniFi system from Ubiquiti is a good option to look into. People say that installing an unifi controller on a raspberry pi is a great option. Because it has a lot of professional-level features. But it is inexpensive and built for the majority.

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