Straightforward method for setting up a UniFi controller without a server on the premises.

Makes using controller software simple as plugging into switch

The Cloud Key (Gen 1) works the same. But the battery and memory card will save you more headaches from unplanned power outages and reloading that will be greater savings than the price difference.

Works as expected. Great product.

This is my first experience with a Unifi system. I kept going back and forth if the cost of a Cloud Key is worth it.


I've heard stories of the Gen 1 units corrupting if power is lost. This unit has a capacitor to allow graceful shutdown if power goes out.


If you love looking at stats and graphs, you need a Cloud Key, or must run the controller software on a dedicated device. I probably could've built a Raspberry Pi for less, but the simplicity of this device makes it worth it.


Like my Unifi 8-port 150w, this cloud key runs warm. This seems to be normal, but I would not want to have this in a non-temperature controlled area.

Excellent product to manage network ! Used to configure a PoE switch and 2 Access Points. Easy to Provision each Device and also easy to update Firmware !

I really love that the new cloud key displays the IP address and the fact
that is has a battery backup in case you loose power. Everything is setup and running great.

This is one of those things that sounds like a great idea (and it is) but also seems like it should be simpler to configure than it actually is.

To be fair, i've a background in IT, so I was able to stumble through it easy enough but still some cursing was heard during the process.

UBNT's management software is a breath of fresh air compared to dealing (years of ) other primitive WiFi systems, tons of configurability in it (so much so that I may never use of all it). 
It can be a little temperamental but it will reward you if you are patient. Once it is set up properly it requires very little hands on time afterwards.

Some dives through Reddit, UBNT's own community forums did answer some questions I had about the setup during the process.

You will want at the very least a multi-port (preferrably a POE+) switch to make the process simpler. 
Setup tips:
One UBNT A.P. and the CK Gen 2 must be on the same switched segment during setup so that configuration and provisioning may occur (or this will not work). Internet access is not mandatory during setup but it helps.
Cloud (remote) access and management are optional for the security minded crowd but they are available.
The device may be configured by phone or tablet APP, or logging into the device VIA it's IP address in a web browser with the correct port.
Doing this some other way than web browser may lead to an inability to log into the device.

For experienced technical trades people and adventurous self teaching individuals, this is a cool product!
 
A heads up for the non-technical crowd: 
I don't recommend this product for you, stick to buying your vanilla wireless solutions from whatever your preferred source is. This kind of product is not intended for you.

The order arrived on time, as expected. This is a replacement for a defective CK Gen1 that we had for about 6 months. So far so good for 10 days, and hopefully this one will last longer.

I bought this to replace my gen 1 Cloud Key. It has a few key features that the gen 1 does not. The most important being that if it senses that power is out it will shut itself down. The GEN one cloud key has an issue that if it lost power it could corrupt the site info stored on it.

The gen 2 also has mush better specs and internal storage so no need for the micro ad card.