What UniFi equipment do we recommend?
Cloud Gateways
One Cloud Gateway is the router, firewall, VPN server and UniFi console; the UCG-Max supports 30+ UniFi devices and 300+ clients, and the UDM-Pro-Max 200+ devices and 2,000+ clients.
Switching and PoE
A PoE switch powers the access points, phones and cameras from the closet; the Pro Max 24 PoE provides a 400W PoE budget for growing offices.
WiFi Access Points
WiFi 7 access points such as the U7 Pro (300+ clients, 140 m2 per Ubiquiti) cover open offices and conference rooms without a per-AP license.
Protect Cameras
Entrance and parking cameras can run on the same console with no per-camera license, if the office wants them.
What does a small business UniFi network include?
Three pieces: a Cloud Gateway that routes, firewalls and hosts the UniFi console; a PoE switch that connects and powers devices; and ceiling-mounted access points for WiFi. Ubiquiti states that its Cloud Gateways offer "a completely free remote management experience" and advanced security features "without needing a license."
That quote is from Ubiquiti's Cloud Gateways page. The same gateway includes signature-based IDS/IPS, WireGuard and OpenVPN servers for remote staff, and a zone-based firewall. Our small business network design guide walks through the decisions in plain language.
- Gateway: firewall, IDS/IPS, VPN and the UniFi Network application.
- Switch: wired desks, printers and phones, plus PoE for access points and cameras.
- Access points: WiFi 7 on the ceiling, one per zone rather than one per room.
- Optional: cameras, door access and backup cellular internet on the same console.
What hardware does an office of 10, 50 or 100 people need?
Hardware scales with people, devices and floor area. The table shows typical starting bills of materials we use before a survey, priced at base US store prices observed September 2026; the survey sets the final access point count.
| Office size | Gateway | Switching | WiFi | Hardware subtotal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 to 25 people, about 5,000 ft2 | Cloud Gateway Max NS (no storage), $199; the standard Max is $279 (30+ devices / 300+ clients) | Standard 24 PoE, $379 (95W PoE budget) | 3 x U7 Pro at $189 = $567 | About $1,145 |
| 25 to 50 people, about 10,000 ft2 | Cloud Gateway Fiber, $279 (50+ devices / 500+ clients) | Pro Max 24 PoE, $799 (400W PoE budget) | 6 x U7 Pro at $189 = $1,134 | About $2,212 (one example configuration, built on a Cloud Gateway Fiber; the installation cost guide's 40-person example uses a Dream Machine Pro Max and comes to about $2,532) |
| 50 to 100 people, about 20,000 ft2 | Dream Machine Pro Max, $599 (200+ devices / 2,000+ clients) | 2 x Pro Max 24 PoE at $799 = $1,598 | 12 x U7 Pro at $189 = $2,268 | About $4,465 |
Specs and prices trace to Ubiquiti's spec pages for the Cloud Gateway Max, Cloud Gateway Fiber, Dream Machine Pro Max, Standard 24 PoE, Pro Max 24 PoE and U7 Pro, and to the Ubiquiti US store. The Standard 24 PoE's 95W budget powers up to four U7 Pro access points at their 21W maximum, which is why larger offices move to the Pro Max.
These subtotals exclude cabling, mounting, installation, a UPS and any cameras. Ubiquiti prices move, so we requote on the day.
How does UniFi handle guest WiFi and remote access?
Guest WiFi is separated from staff devices by default: Ubiquiti states every UniFi Cloud Gateway includes a Guest Firewall Zone that keeps customer WiFi isolated from POS, cameras and staff systems. Remote staff connect through the gateway's built-in WireGuard or OpenVPN server with no extra license.
Sources: Ubiquiti WiFi and Ubiquiti Cloud Gateways. We still add firewall rules so printers, phones and any cameras sit in their own zones, and we turn on multi-factor sign-in for the UniFi console.
Key takeaway: Guest isolation is on by default. The work that remains is separating your own devices from each other and locking down who can manage the network.
Is UniFi cheaper to run than Meraki for a small office?
Over time, usually, because UniFi gateways, switches and access points keep working with no per-device license, while Cisco states that Meraki hardware on Co-Term and per-device licensing becomes non-operational and stops passing Internet traffic when the organization is out of license compliance. Meraki can still be the right call where a business values its support model and cloud dashboard enough to pay the license every term.
Source: Cisco Meraki licensing FAQs. We compare the two honestly in UniFi vs Meraki and UniFi vs Aruba Instant On. Whatever the platform, a firewall that is not patched is a risk: see our write-up on a critical UniFi OS vulnerability for why updates matter.
How does PDC install and support an office network?
PDC surveys the space, sizes the hardware, runs cabling, installs and configures the network, then monitors and maintains it. We are a High Point company with 100+ active clients and a 20+ year average client tenure, providing on-site service within 200 miles.
- Walkthrough and access point plan for your floor layout.
- Cabling and installation through network services, with hardware sourced through hardware procurement.
- Configuration of VLANs, guest WiFi, VPN, IDS/IPS and console access with multi-factor sign-in.
- Monitoring, firmware updates and help desk under managed IT.
- Member of the UniFi Partner Program.
What drives the cost of a small business network project?
Beyond hardware, cost depends on how much cabling the space needs, whether it is new construction or occupied, and how many extras (cameras, door access, backup internet) join the project. UniFi removes recurring license fees from the equation.
The installation cost guide covers the full picture, and pricing explains PDC's managed plans. Call (336) 886-3282 for a site walk.
- New cable runs versus reusing existing cabling that tests clean.
- Occupied office work after hours versus a vacant build-out.
- Number of access points and PoE devices, which sets switch size.
- Optional cameras, door access, UPS and 5G backup.
- Warranty: one year on hardware from distribution, two years direct from Ubiquiti (Ubiquiti warranty).
Frequently asked questions
How much does a UniFi network cost for a small office?
Hardware for a 10 to 25 person office starts around $1,145 at US store prices observed September 2026 (gateway, 24 port PoE switch and three U7 Pro access points), before cabling and installation. Prices change, so we requote on the day.
Does UniFi have monthly license fees?
No per-device license is needed for gateways, switches, access points or cameras. Optional paid services include Ubiquiti cloud hosting (from $29 a month), extended UI Care coverage and Ubiquiti's CyberSecure subscription for expanded gateway IDS/IPS signatures and content filtering.
Can staff connect to the office from home?
Yes. UniFi Cloud Gateways include WireGuard and OpenVPN servers with no license. We configure the VPN, limit what it can reach and require strong credentials.
Is guest WiFi separate from our business network?
Yes. Ubiquiti states that guest WiFi on its Cloud Gateways runs in an isolated Guest Firewall Zone that is on by default. We also separate printers, phones and cameras from staff PCs.
How many access points does a 5,000 square foot office need?
Often about three, but walls, layout and device count decide it. Ubiquiti lists the U7 Pro at 140 m2 (1,500 ft2) of open-space coverage, and a quick survey confirms the number.
Can PDC support a UniFi network someone else installed?
Yes. We start with an assessment of the existing configuration, firmware and firewall rules, then bring it under management. See our managed UniFi support guide for what that includes.
Sources
- Ubiquiti, UniFi Cloud Gateways
- Ubiquiti, UniFi WiFi
- Ubiquiti tech specs, Cloud Gateway Max
- Ubiquiti tech specs, Cloud Gateway Fiber
- Ubiquiti tech specs, Dream Machine Pro Max
- Ubiquiti tech specs, Standard 24 PoE
- Ubiquiti tech specs, Pro Max 24 PoE
- Ubiquiti tech specs, U7 Pro
- Ubiquiti store, Official UniFi Hosting
- Cisco Meraki, licensing FAQs
- Ubiquiti warranty