Choosing UniFi equipment is only part of planning your business network. You also need to decide where its management software will run. CloudKey, Cloud Gateway and hosted controller can sound like different names for the same thing, but they serve different purposes. Understanding those differences can help you avoid buying equipment you do not need.
A CloudKey is a dedicated appliance that runs UniFi management software at your premises. A UniFi Cloud Gateway combines gateway functions with built-in network management. Despite the word “Cloud” in its name, a Cloud Gateway runs its control software locally. Both approaches can suit businesses that want management hardware on site, but a CloudKey is not itself a replacement for your router.
A hosted controller places the management application on an external server, reducing the need for a separate controller appliance at your premises. Compatibility is important: UniFi Cloud Gateways already have their own integrated controller and cannot be adopted into an external controller. An externally managed UniFi deployment needs suitable equipment, including a compatible independent gateway where UniFi gateway management is required.
The best choice depends on what you already own and who will maintain it. Consider the initial hardware cost, ongoing hosting costs, your need for local access and any additional UniFi applications you intend to use. Remote management alone is not a reason to replace an otherwise suitable system: UniFi offers remote access across several deployment types.
If you want to avoid maintaining separate controller hardware, explore 21st Webb’s Hosted UniFi Controller service. Share your existing equipment list with us before ordering so we can help you check suitability. Starting with the right management approach is much easier than discovering a compatibility problem after purchasing your hardware.