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It took me quite some time to finally review the Ubiquiti Dream Machine Special Edition (UDM-SE). I generally cover consumer products, and this is an advanced device designed for pro-consumers, SMBs, or even enterprise environments.
The UDM-SE was released in the first part of 2022, around the time of the home-friendly UniFi Dream Router (UDR). Despite the name, The UDM-SE is more related to the UDR than the UniFi Dream Machine (UDM) that came out in late 2019.
However, with faster broadband and the adoption of Multi-Gig, the line between a business and a demanding home has slowly blurred. And with a current street price of $500, the UDM-SE is an excellent fit. It'll work well for both worlds and is affordable enough.
If you're looking to build a top-notch multi-Gigabit-capable network, the UDM-SE is the ultimate router that will be relevant long in the future. And today, a year after the launch, I'd still confidently call it cutting-edge.
Though not perfect, the Ubiquiti Dream Machine Special Edition is a dream come true for many.
Ubiquiti Dream Machine Special Edition (UDM-SE): Representing the flexible non-Wi-Fi and “Enterprise of Things” approach
Ubiquiti's UDM-SE is special compared to the previous version, such as the UDM-Pro. It's the company's latest non-WiFi UniFi controller.
Ubiquiti: UniFi vs AmpliFi
UniFi and AmpliFi are two major networking product lines from Ubiquiti. They serve two demographics and have different architectures.
The UniFi family -- represented by the Dream Machine (UDM), UDM-Pro, the Dream Router (UDR), or UDM-SE... -- aims at business/pro/enterprise users. They are comprehensive console acting as the central controllers of various products, of which networking devices are only part of the picture.
On the other hand, the AmpliFi family, represented by the HD Wi-Fi system or the Alien, is for the home environment. They are simple Wi-Fi routers, easy-to-use but with a limited feature set.
The UDM is the first UniFi product that works well as a home router, thanks to its friendly design. In a way, it's a bridge between the two product lines. And the UDR further solidifies that approach, making the UDM-Pro or UDM-SE applicable to demanding homes.
Eventually, Ubiquiti might phase out AmpliFi to focus on UniFi as its only encompassing platform.
The UDM-SE is also the first to run Ubiquiti's UniFi OS 3, further unifying the company's hardware for the company's "Enterprise of Things" effort.
The UDM-SE (as well as the UDR) got the UniFi OS 3 treatment in November 2022. The UDM-Pro will likely get the OS later in 2023 but still be lesser in terms of power and ports.
Generally, all UniFi controllers share the same basic features and settings, but their capabilities vary depending on the hardware specs and port configurations.
Some controllers can run more applications simultaneously and allow each application to handle more hardware units than others.
Specifically, the UDM-SE continues the trend, first made available to home users by the UDR, where it works as an encompassing controller device -- it's a console -- for multiple hardware categories called "applications". Currently, there are six of them, including:
- Network: All things related to the function of a network, including network settings/features, Wi-Fi, mesh, and the support for extender/access points, etc.
- Protect: The support for IP cameras as a surveillance system.
- Talk: The support for Voice over IP phones.
- Access: A "platform designed for Access Control Systems" -- per Ubiquiti. Examples are door-related security IoT devices, such as doorbells, keyfobs, locks, etc.
- UID (UniFi Identity): A premium feature for enterprises that allows single sign-on across multiple hardware platforms and applications.
- Connect (currently in Early Access): A fully integrated "Enterprise of Things" hardware and software solution that works with UID to simplify IT management for organizations.
The UDM-SE can run all of these apps simultaneously. (The UDR can only run one extra application besides the default Network app.)
Network is the permanent default application and is the one that turns the UDM-SE, or any UniFi console, into a "router" that centrally controls all other UniFi network devices, such as Wi-Fi access points and switches.
In most cases, Network is the only app you'd use. For most homes and offices, the Protect, Access, and Talk applications can also be applicable. UID and Connect only make sense in enterprise environments.
The screenshots below of Ubiquiti's Capacity Calculator -- a handy tool that quickly shows the level of hardware support in each UniFi controller -- show how the UDM-SE (right) is notably more capable than the UDM-Pro. It has more resources left when hosting the same amount of hardware units.
It's worth noting that each application is a separate world with various in-depth settings. That's to say, the UDM-SE has so much more to offer than any standard router -- it can be overwhelming.
In this review, I looked at the UDM-SE mostly as a router for a large home or an office with some light experience with Protect. But first, let's check out the networking console's appearance.
Ubiquiti Dream Machine Special Edition: Detail photos
Ubiquiti UDM-SE: A standard enterprise design, multi-Gigabit router
As a networking device, the UDM-SE is a rackmount piece of equipment designed for those with a network rack. But you can also place it on a flat surface, like most switches. It's large, which can be an issue for most homes -- you need a designated area for it.
As a router, the UDM-SE is Dual-WAN-ready right out of the box with two WAN ports: a 2.5GBASE-T port and a 10Gbps SFP+ port. (With the latest firmware, each of these ports can be programmed to work as a LAN).
By default, in most cases, you can use either port as the primary (or the only) WAN port by plugging it into the Internet source, such as a Fiber-optic ONT or a cable modem, and leaving the other alone.
In the case of a Dual-WAN, they will work as failover by default, with the faster WAN being the primary. However, you can also change them into the load-balance mode, called "Distributed" by Ubiquiti.
The second SFP+ plus LAN port is the only multi-Gigabit port for the local network. As a result, to have a Multi-Gig network, you need a switch. In this case, you can get a transceiver to turn this port into a 10GBASE-T, but it's best to get an SFP+-ready switch, such as the Zyxel XS1930-12HP or the Enterprise 8 PoE.
I used both for this review -- you need a Multi-Gig PoE switch to get the most out of Ubiquiti's U6 Enterprise access point, which I also used for the testing.
Tips
The UDM-SE's SFP+ ports are 10Gbps DAC-only. Two things to keep in mind:
- If you want to use them with a non-Ubiquiti device, such as a managed Multi-Gig switch, set the third-party device's SFP+ port in DAC or Auto (and not SFP+) mode. Else, no SFP+ copper cable will work.
- If you want to use transceivers to convert them into 10GBASE-T ports, the TP-Link TL-SM5310-T worked best out of many I've tried.
Finally, the UDM-SE has eight PoE Gigabit LAN ports. You can use them to host any wired devices, including PoE cameras, IP phones, access points, and more.
The UDM-SE features PoE (802.3af) and PoE+ (802.3at). It doesn't support the latest PoE++ (802.3bt), required by some latest Multi-Gig access points. But there's no point in supporting PoE++ when the ports themselves are Gigabit.
It's disappointing that the UDM-SE has no Multi-Gig PoE LAN port -- you need one to take full advantage of the U6 Enterprise AP. But you can use a third-party Multi-Gig PoE switch in between the two -- I used the Zyxel XS1930-12HP -- or pick the Enterprise 8 PoE if you want to go full UniFi.
As a network controller, the UDM-SE has 128GB of onboard SSD. But there's a tray in the middle to add a hard drive or SATA SSD of any capacity. This storage space is for its many functions. It'll hold the video footage for the Protect application or Talk's recorded conversations.
In case you're wondering, the storage space is not user-accessible. The UDM-SE doesn't function as a mini NAS server.
The UDM-SE hardware leaves much to be desired, especially on the network port front. The console would be much closer to a dream come true (for me) if it had a few 10GBASE-T ports. Still, it's vastly superior to the UDR, as shown in the table below.
Ubiquiti UDM-SE vs UDR: Hardware specifications
| 
| |
| Full Name | Ubiquiti UniFi Dream Machine Special Edition | Ubiquiti UniFi Dream Router |
| Model | UDM-SE | UDR |
| Wi-Fi Bandwidth | None included | Dual-band AX3000 |
| Processing Power | Quad-core ARM Cortex-A57 at 1.7 GHz, 4GB RAM | Dual-Core Cortex A53 1.35 GHz CPU, 2GB RAM |
| Storage | 16GB eMMC, Integrated 128GB SSD, SATA storage bay to host an HDD or SSD | 128GB Flash, SD card slot for a 128GB larger card |
| Dimensions | 17.4 x 1.7 x 11.2 in (442.4 x 43.7 x 285.6 mm) | 4.33-in (110 mm) wide 7.25-in (184.2 mm) tall |
| Weight | 10.9 lb (4.95 kg) | 2.54 lb (1.15 kg) |
| Gigabit Ports | 8x LAN | 1x WAN 4x LAN |
| PoE Ports | 6x 802.3af (PoE) 2x 802.3at (PoE+) | 2x 802.3af (PoE) |
| Multi-Gig Ports | 1x 2.5GBASE-WAN 1x 10Gbps SFP+ WAN 1x 10Gbps SFP+ LAN | None |
| Power Method | Universal AC input, USP-RPS DC input | Universal AC input |
| Supported Voltage | 100 -240V AC | 100 -240V AC |
| Power Consumption (per 24 hours) | ≈ 430 Wh (measured with no PoE device) | ≈ 228 Wh (measured with no PoE device) |
| Internal Fan | Yes | Yes |
| Wi-Fi Mesh Controller | Yes | Yes |
| Notable Design | Standard rackmount, 1.3" touchscreen | Egg shape, Front status screen, Color-changing ring status light |
| Default UniFi Application | Network: Up to 75 access points/extenders | Network: Up to mesh 15 Access points/extenders |
| Optional UniFi Applications | Protect: Up to twenty HD cams, twelve 2K cams, or seven 4K cam Talk: Up to 100 IP phones Access: Up to 50 doorbells UID: A premium enterprise feature for easy access across multiple platforms and locations. Connect (newly added in early 2023): The support for new types of products, including UniFi screens and EV chargers. | Protect: Up to four HD cams, two 2K cams, or one 4K cam Talk: Up to 25 IP phones Access: Up to 50 doorbells |
| Simultaneous Applications Support | All (limited by available resources) | two |
| Release Date | January 22, 2022 | April 26, 2022 |
| US Cost (at launch) | $499 | $199 |
Tips
To upgrade from the UDR to UDM-SE, first, get the two to the same UniFi OS and application versions. After that, back up the former's settings to a file and restore the file on the latter.
Ubiquiti's Wi-Fi support is always in the router (controller) + extender/access point configuration. You cannot turn a Wi-Fi-enabled console into a Wi-Fi satellite. As a result, upon upgrading from the UDR to the UDM-SE, there's no way to meaningfully repurpose old hardware within your network.
UDM-SE: No built-in Wi-Fi, but that’s a good thing
The UDM-SE doesn't have a built-in Wi-Fi access point -- it's one of the few non-Wi-Fi routers I've reviewed. And that's a good thing.
As the world is juggling between Wi-Fi 6, Wi-Fi 6E, and Wi-Fi 7 -- all with their relevancy -- getting a Wi-Fi router can limit your option.
You can get Wi-Fi 7 router today, but the standard is not yet ready, and nobody knows how exactly it will be when it's eventually certified.
Ubiquiti has been slow on Wi-Fi adaption. Its latest 2023 controller, the $999 Dream Wall, has built-in Wi-Fi 6, which is on the way out. For that reason, you can say the Dream Wall is obsolete at launch.
Besides the built-in Wi-Fi, the Dream Wall is practically the UDM-SE with a wall-mounting design and a larger touchscreen.
The point is: a non-Wi-Fi router's relevancy is independent of Wi-Fi. And you can easily add Wi-Fi to it via an access point.
In fact, coupling the UDM-SE with the U6 Enterprise and you'll get a better Wi-Fi solution than the Dream Wall with a couple of hundred US dollars to spare. (The console can manage any UniFi APs via the Network application.)
And using a router and a few access points is the best way to build a serious Wi-Fi network.
Ubiquiti UDM-SE: A powerful network controller
As a network controller, the UDM-SE has everything the UDR has and much more.
Hardware-wise, it has more PoE ports, multi-Gigabit support, a larger internal storage option, and much higher capability. But software-wise, the two are identical since both are UniFi controllers.
The way it works is you manage an UniFi controller using a web user interface -- via the local IP address or the UniFi portal -- or an optional UniFi mobile app. No matter which you want to use, like most other enterprise-grade solutions, you must first register a login account with Ubquititi. In return, you can manage the network locally and on the go.
Ubiquiti and privacy
All Ubiquiti network hardware requires a login account and remains connected to the vendor to work.
And that implies privacy risks. Here's Ubiquiti's privacy policy.
Privacy is a matter of degree. While it's never a good idea to have your network managed via a third party, the data collection varies from one company to another.
Lots of network configurations, detailed port and device management
With UniFi OS 3 and Network 7, the UDM-SE offers an incredibly detailed network configuration and port management.
You can view each's port function and activity in real time and configure it with various options, including PoE (on or off), isolation, max data rate, etc.
You can do virtually anything you'd want to do with the UDM-SE's ports or connected clients, and in comprehensive ways. And the console has everything you can think of regarding network, Wi-Fi, and mesh configurations.
The amount of customizability can be overwhelming. But you can start with default settings and gradually change over time as your needs grow.
Excellent traffic management and VPN support
Like the case of the UDR, the UDM-SE has an incredibly well-designed Traffic Management section.
You can create web-filtering or traffic-routing options via rules applicable to various categories (domain, regions, content types, applications, IP addresses, etc.) and targets (individual or a group of devices). After that, you can enforce each rule with flexible scheduling.
In short, this is the best "Parental Controls" feature, though it's much more in-depth than simple content filtering.
And the UDM-SE's support for VPN is also excellent. With UniFi OS 3, the console now features WireGuard VPN -- the best protocol to date regarding security, ease of use, and performance.
It also has the proprietary Teleport feature designed specifically for mobile users.
Extra: VPN Protocols
This portion of additional content is part of the VPN explainer post.
WireGuard
Wireguard is the latest VPN protocol. Debuted in 2016, initially only for Linux, but since 2020 has been available cross-platform (Windows, macOS, BSD, iOS, Android).
Using cryptography, the new protocol is slated to be extremely simple yet fast. WireGuard is still under development but has proven to be the most secure, easiest-to-use, and simplest VPN solution.
WireGuad is on the way to possibly replacing all existing protocols below.
OpenVPN
As the name suggests, OpenVPN is a flexible VPN protocol that uses open-source technologies, including OpenSSL and SSL.
As a result, it has a high level of customizability and is the most secure. It also can't be blocked.
In return, OpenVPN requires extra client software, making it less practical. But this protocol is the best if you want to be serious about VPN.
L2TP/IPsec
Short for Layer 2 Tunnel Protocol is the second most popular VPN protocol -- it's also a built-in application in most modern operating systems -- and an interesting one.
It has no encryption by default, so it's not secure where the IPsec -- or IP security -- portion comes into play to provide encryption. Therefore, this protocol is rigid in port use and can be blocked by a third party.
The point is L2PT/IPsec is great when it works. And it does in most cases, which ultimately depends on whether the local network of the remote device allows it to pass through.
PPTP
Short for point-to-point tunneling protocol, PPTP is the oldest among the four and is on the way out.
First implemented in Windows 95 and has been part of the Windows operating systems and many other platforms since PPTP is well-supported and the easiest to use.
However, it's also the least secure. It's better than no VPN at all, and it does its purpose of making a remote device part of a local network.
That said, if you take security seriously, or have other options, skip it. On the other than, it sure is better than nothing and good enough for most home users.
Effective Firewall and Security
The UDM-SE has an in-depth and versatile set of firewall security features.
Admin users can scrutinize/manage connected clients and their traffic via detailed real-time reports. They can also block traffic by type, source, or target, block online ads, and prevent online threats.
For example, if your server gets lots of port scans or attacks from multiple IP addresses of the same country, you can choose to block all traffic from or to that country.
Most importantly, all these security features do not throttle down the performance, like in the case of the UDR. The UDM-SE has enough power to handle all its networking features without slowing down.
***
Overall, as a router, the Ubiquiti UDM-SE is by far the most feature-rich. No other home or SMB router even comes close. And being a router is just one of many things this console can do. But you can say the same about any other UniFi controller running the same UniFi OS 3.
What makes the UDM-SE special is that it's the first among its peers to feature the new OS version and has enough to deliver true multi-Gigabit performance even in a Dual-WAN setup. The UDM-Pro, for example, has a Gigabit WAN port and hasn't yet gotten the UniFi 3 treatment.
Ubiquiti UDM-SE’s performance: A gratifying experience
For this review, I used the UDM-SE, a U6 access point, an Enterprise 8 PoE switch, and a few UniFi cameras (to try out the Protect application) for months. It's been a truly gratifying experience.
Overall, the console's Protect worked extremely well with supported cameras in my trial -- it makes an excellent home surveillance system.
However, it's a lot less flexible than Synology Surveillance Station in all aspects. Among other things, Ubiquiti's Protect doesn't support third-party cameras. Also, the login requirement turns using cameras into a major privacy risk for the home environment.
The whole setup worked well, and I could easily keep tabs on the network. The UniFi mobile app has almost the same access to the system as the web user interface, which is helpful.
In terms of local throughput performance, I measured the UDM-SE's network ports by using a couple of transceivers, which might have adversely affected the console's network throughputs.
Also, since the router has just one 10Gbps LAN port, I put it in a double-NAT to copy data from my 10Gbps-capable server via its other 10Gbps WAN port. This setup is also not ideal for performance.
So, again, the lack of 10GBASE-T ports is painful. Still, the console proved to be a formidable multi-Gigabit router, as shown on the performance chart.
Regarding Internet speeds, in my anecdotal real-world experience, the UDM-SE generally delivered the sustained broadband speed of around 6.5Gbp out of a 10Gbps Fiber-optic line -- as shown in the screenshot above.
That's the highest I've gotten in all multi-Gigabit routers I've tested.
Dream Machine Special Edition (UDM-SE)'s Rating
Pros
Powerful enough to run all Ubiquiti's business hardware segments simultaneously
Reliable and fast multi-Gigabit performance with robust Dual-WAN support
A complete set of useful networking features, including powerful security/web-filtering and WireGuard VPN; excellent web user interface; useful mobile apps
Built-in PoE support; comparatively affordable; no subscription required; quiet
Cons
Single Multi-Gig (2.5GBASE-T) port; limited multi-Gigabit LAN options; no PoE++
Requires an account with Ubiquiti to work; not wall-mountable; runs a bit hot
Conclusion
The Ubiquiti Dream Machine Special Edition (UDM-SE) is one of the most, if not the most, satisfying routers I've used. And that means a lot since being a router is just one of many things this piece of networking hardware can do.
But at the same time, it's also far from perfect. The lack of Multi-Gig LAN ports alone means you must spend extra to build a true multi-Gigabit network. And the "Enterprise of Things" approach can overwhelm most home users.
So, the UDM-SE is still a niche device.
However, at the end of the day, if you're looking to build a truly robust home or business network that's muti-Gigabit-ready on both WAN and LAN sides, the UDM-SE is an excellent option. I'd be generous and say it is as close as can be to a dream come true for savvy users and networking enthusiasts.
Consider one today!
Hi Dong,
Firstly love your great reviews, I also have a dream machine se but find that I get the speedtest bandwidth result but where I struggle is actually downloading speed MB/s from various site including filezilla. Eg I have 3Gbps connection but download max 170MB/s when I can achieve 360MB/s using the isp router. What speeds do you achieve when downloading via dream machine se?
Thanks
The download speeds depends on the upload speed of the host’s server, Tony. No server has unlimited bandwidth, most actually actually cap it for each individual download. It’s unrealistic to expect to have full Internet bandwidth for yourself at all times. More here.
Thanks for this incredible review. I just discovered your site and have been reading a lot of your content.
I was on the fence about getting the UDM-SE but I will after reading this. Agreed that the lack of more multigig ports is a huge disappointment. Also, the fact you need to sign up with them is a huge downside I wasn’t aware of but I might be willing to do it anyway. Certainly no Ubiquiti security chameras will be running on my setup, however!
I’m also getting the U6 enterprise as I have a smart home and the 2.4Ghz network is getting congested (not sure if it will help as most smart sensors have very basic radios but let’s see).
Finally a question. For the switch – I’m torn between getting the https://store.ui.com/us/en/pro/category/switching-utility/products/us-xg-6poe (which is sold out and says Gen1) OR the one you mention in your review – Zyxel. I trust your opinion so I’m very happy I found a solid option that’s so close to what I need (there are so many brands and it can be very overwhelming, they all claim great specs). Question — should I worry about Zyxel not being part of the ubiquiti ecosystem? What configurability do I lose? I ideally wanted to go all-U but ideally I’d need 6 10G ports and the only other option I see is Enterprise XG24 which is $1,300 and a huge overspec. I need 6, not 24 ports. It’s very frustrating that there’s nothing from Ubuiqiti in the mid rage even a 10- or 12-port switch @10G…. Thanks for your advice!
I’d go with a third party switch, Jen, and I’ve been using the Zyxel I mentioned and a couple of other 10GBASET switches. They are much better than any Unifi switch, for the cost. The only drawback is you can’t manage them via the Unifi controller but that’s not a huge deal. It’s fine to use Unifi APs via a non-Unifi switch, the controller can still manage them as long as the switch is unmanaged.
Thanks, sorry a followup question. You say the AP can be managed from the UDM-SE as long as the switch in between them is unmanaged but I believe the Zyxel one you recommend says managed/webmanaged. Is it possible to “disable” the management feature to gain access to the attached AP from UDM-SE? I suspect the Zyxel might even have lower-level but better management but it’s nice to have everything in Ubiquiti.
Yes. I said “is unmanaged”. I didn’t say “an unmanaged switch”.😉 More here.
Haha thanks I actually found your detailed review of it where you explain everything (I read it right after I asked the followup 🙂 sorry – https://dongknows.com/zyxel-xs1930-12hp-multi-gigabit-poe-switch-review/). They also have a version that’s non-PoE that you mention on that review. It’s about $250 cheaper. Do you know if it would also generate less heat? Feel free to ignore the question, I’m asking you too much. But ya I’ll probably go with the xs-1930-10 or the main one in the review.
Final question, since I don’t currently have any PoE ports (and I won’t get the new switch for another few weeks but the Ubiquiti equipment is arriving tomorrow), what adaptor would you recommend to power the U6 Pro? Would any random one I can pick up at Best Buy work or should order something special? Thank you!
You need to get an injector of the same PoE standard or higher — any will do. To be safe, PoE++ will work with them all. More here. Note that some controllers, including the UDM-SE, has built-in PoE ports.
I had switches from 5 different manufacturers. Having the flexibility to pick and choose from various manufacturers allowed me to pick the perfect combination of networking hardware. However, it is a pain to manage the switches when you want to start creating VLANs, link aggregation, adjusting RSTP bridge priorities, etc. Every manufacturer has a different way of setting up these managed features. I actually have 2 Zyxel XS1930-10 switches. I got them for 2 different rooms. I really like these switches features. But Zyxel GUI is a quirky. Their documentation and online articles help make up for the GUI, but without looking it up, it’s not so straightforward configuring some functionalities like VLAN. Anyway, after 3 years, I outgrew one of the Zyxel XS1930-10 (I needed more than 8 10 GbE ports and 2 10GbE SFP+). I looked long and hard, for its replacement, and had the best “bang for the buck” (and probably the cheapest, good switch with this many ports) was the Unifi USW-EnterpriseXG-24. If you think you might need more than 8 10 GbE ports in the future, this Unifi switch is a good deal. Even if you don’t need 24 10GbE ports, it’s nice consolidating as much as you can in as little # of switches for maintainability purposes. I’ve looked at other manufacturers, and they are more $$ for this number of ports (I thought of Cisco first, but their similar switch is 3K to 4K). Well, I’m impressed with this switch. So much so that I have swapped out most of my switches for Unifi. Yeah, you need a controller, but if you have multiple switches, it really is much easier to manage in one pane than having to deal with different user interfaces from different manufacturers.
I do wish that Unifi has a switch with a smaller number of 10 GbE Pros. As you said, the US-XG-6POE is attractive, except for the fact that it’s out of stock and is generation 1. That would have been a good switch to replace my 2nd Zyxel XS1930-10. But for now, I’m holding on to this Zyxel XS1930-10. It’s the right size for my office. I’ll keep an eye out and hope that Unifi comes out with a similar switch in the future.
You’re totally right on unmanaged switches, which is why I’d recommend using only one of them in a network and the rest in the unmanaged mode. Stacking multiples managed switches will produce unpredictable results, but you already know that.
I’m not sure you’re correct about one of the 10Gbe ports only being able to be used for WAN. In the software you can choose WAN ports, failover, etc. and configure it to be a LAN port.
I am using both 10Gbe ports on my network just fine, and the 2.5Gbe for WAN
Me, neither, JB, but that was the case when I tested it. It’s just a matter of firmware. I didn’t try that again since I use both in a Dual-WAN anyway.
I don’t see it mentioned that the 8x Gigabit ports share a 1 Gigabit connection to the CPU on the UDM-Pro, which is an unexpected point of congestion. This has been reported to be the same on the UDM-SE, at least on the community wiki.
Link to the community wiki for UDM-SE:
https://www.ubntwiki.com/products/unifi/unifi_dream_machine_pro_se
Check the third major bullet under UniFi Dream Machine Platform Notes.
Here’s a link to the UDM-Pro page with the diagram showing that the Gigabit RJ45 switch ports need to traverse a 1 Gbps link to the CPU to reach the HDD, the WAN ports, and the SFP+ LAN port:
https://community.ui.com/questions/1GB-backplane-clarification-please/fd947197-ad99-404b-9600-fec832ffba9e#answer/c1feea3e-8e02-483f-8ec9-4952b5caf507
That’s generally the case of any Gigabit switch (and the 8x Gigabit ports are just part of a built-in switch). As mentioned, you’d need an SFP+-ready Multi-Gig switch to get the most out of the UDM-SE (or UDM-Pro). The built-in PoE ports are generally for low-bandwidth devices, like phones or cameras.
True, but I had hope that a product released in 2022 would have something better. Mikrotik is releasing routers like the RB5009UPr for less with both PoE in and out on the gigabit ports, but they don’t bundle an NVR, management software, and firewall with it.
There were reports that a batch had 2.5 Gbps connection between the CPU and Switch, but new purchases don’t have that.
This is a great review, and reflects why I dumped my two RT Ax89X mesh system
One aspect that was helpful in settling up the system was the home planner which really helped with placement of the three access points I used
I use a ubiquiti SFP+ patch cable to link to my enterprise 8 switch
My system has an uptime of 95 days which I have never achieved with the ASUS Rt AX89X mesh system
Apple Home has also been really well behaved since this equipment change
I also believe that the UDM Pro is now on the the 3.0xxx release
Yes, Stuart, UniFi (and genenerally business hardware) is a lot better than home-grade. But it’s harder to handle, as you might have noticed. Good news on the UDM-Pro. Still the UDM-SE is way better. 🙂
Hey Dong
I chose the UDM Pro SE due to 2.5Gb/10Gb WAN options and the integrated POE on the Ethernet Ports
I was surprised that the setup seemed quite straight forward, and I really only struggled with the IPV6 which was a matter of interpreting the data required by Ubiquiti from that supplied by my ISP
The next step for me is to figure out how to setup VLANs to provide a next level of security for my network
There are lots of decent UDM Pro SE set up video’s on You Tube that I found will looking for information on VLANs, which would be a great resource for anyone that wants more information before transitioning to a Ubiquiti UDM Pro, UDM Pro SE or Dreamwall
In most cases, for a home, or even a small business, VLAN is not necessary. It won’t make your network any safer while complicating life in a wrong way. But it’s your call.
Also, as mentioned, unless you have a perfect place to mount the Dream Wall, it has zero advantage over the UDM-SE, which is the best UniFi console, for now.