Tools
The software we actually use to plan, deploy, and troubleshoot UniFi networks — with an honest take on each. Free unless noted.
Planning & Design
UniFi Design Center
Ubiquiti's browser tool for planning AP coverage, switch port counts, PoE budget, and rack layout.
Our take
The right starting point for any UniFi build. Its PoE-budget and port-count checks catch the most common 'I'm one port or one PoE-watt short' mistake before you buy.
UniFi Network Application
The controller itself — adoption, VLANs, port profiles, Wi-Fi, and firewall configuration.
Our take
Worth installing in a VM to learn the controller before touching production. Most UniFi pain is config, not hardware, and a throwaway controller is the cheapest way to learn it.
Wi-Fi Survey & RF
WiFiman
Ubiquiti's mobile/desktop tool for signal strength, channel usage, and speed checks.
Our take
Good enough for verifying AP placement and spotting channel congestion in a typical home. Walk the space with it before trusting the controller's coverage map.
WiFi Explorer / Acrylic Wi-Fi (analyzer)
Spectrum and AP analyzers for finding co-channel interference from neighbors.
Our take
Use one before fixing channels: most home Wi-Fi problems are 2.4 GHz interference, not AP power, and these show it directly.
Troubleshooting
Ubiquiti Discovery Tool
Finds UniFi devices on the LAN and shows their state and inform URL — essential for diagnosing failed adoption.
Our take
First thing we run on a stuck adoption. It tells you immediately whether the device sees the controller or has the wrong inform URL.
Wireshark
Packet capture for diagnosing VLAN tagging and DHCP issues.
Our take
When a device lands on the wrong VLAN, a capture settles tagged-vs-untagged questions that the UI alone can't. Reach for it only after the basics.
iperf3
Throughput testing to isolate wired vs wireless vs internet bottlenecks.
Our take
Test wired backbone with iperf3 before blaming Wi-Fi. It separates an AP problem from a switching or uplink problem in minutes.