Discover the latest improvements in Unify Network 9.1, including enhanced WiFi settings, improved port management, and advanced traffic analysis tools.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Unify has released version 9.1 of their Network application, bringing several exciting new features and improvements. This article will explore the key updates and how they can benefit your network setup.
Enhanced WiFi Settings
One of the most significant changes in Network 9.1 is the improved WiFi configuration options:
Automatic Channel Planning
The new channel plan feature provides a visual representation of which channels your WiFi network is currently using. This makes it much easier to identify and avoid interference:
- Channels in use are highlighted in green
- You can exclude specific channels by clicking on them
- The system will automatically optimize channel selection
Default WiFi Speeds
Unify has introduced three modes for configuring WiFi speeds:
- Maximum Speed – Aims for the highest possible throughput
- Conservative – Balances speed and stability
- Custom – Allows manual configuration per band
This simplifies WiFi optimization, especially for users who may not be WiFi experts.
Automatic Optimization
The system can now automatically optimize your WiFi network at scheduled times, such as 3 AM nightly. This ensures your network is always performing at its best without manual intervention.
Private Pre-Shared Key Improvements
For networks using private pre-shared keys, Unify has added new management features:
- Automatic password generation
- CSV export and import of keys
- Easier bulk management of multiple SSIDs
Transmit Power Control
The transmit power settings now offer more granular control:
- Custom DBM settings
- Option to completely disable transmit power on specific radios
This is particularly useful for devices like the Dream Router when you don’t want to use its built-in WiFi capabilities.
Device Replacement
A new “Set Replacement Device” option simplifies the process of replacing a faulty access point:
- Enter the MAC address of the new device
- The system will automatically transfer settings and remove the old device
Currently limited to identical model replacements, but hopefully Unify will expand this feature in the future.
Improved Port Management
The port management interface has been redesigned for better usability:
Power Cycling
You can now restart PoE ports directly from the device overview. This is extremely helpful for remotely troubleshooting connected devices.
Enhanced Port Manager
The updated port manager provides:
- A side-by-side view of port status and configuration options
- Ability to select and configure multiple ports simultaneously
- Improved visibility of key port information
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Advanced Traffic Analysis
Unify has significantly expanded its traffic analysis capabilities in Network 9.1:
Traffic Overview
A new “Insights” section provides a comprehensive view of your network traffic:
- Risk assessment of traffic
- Top destinations and clients
- Geographic visualization of traffic sources
Traffic Flows
The new Flows feature offers deep visibility into network communications:
- Detailed source to destination mapping
- VLAN and interface information
- Ability to analyze blocked traffic
This is particularly useful for troubleshooting firewall rules and identifying potential security issues.
Client Analyzer
A powerful new tool for diagnosing client connectivity problems:
- Detailed signal strength and interference data
- Connection history and events
- Current WiFi configuration (band, channel, etc.)
Access Point Analysis
The existing Airtime View has been enhanced:
- Option to view data from all access points simultaneously
- Improved visualization of interference and retries
Multi-WAN Improvements
Unify has expanded the multi-WAN capabilities of compatible gateways:
- Ability to configure additional virtual WAN ports
- More flexible assignment of physical ports to WAN functions
This allows for more complex internet connectivity setups, such as combining multiple connection types (fiber, DSL, LTE, etc.).
Quality of Service (QoS) Enhancements
The QoS system has been overhauled to provide more granular control:
Critical Traffic Prioritization
- Easily prioritize specific applications (e.g., video conferencing)
- Set rules based on source, destination, or network
- Schedule prioritization for specific times
Bandwidth Limiting
- Set download and upload limits for specific traffic types
- Combine prioritization with bandwidth caps
This allows for much more sophisticated traffic management, ensuring critical applications always have the bandwidth they need.
VPN Client Improvements
Configuring VPN access for specific clients is now much simpler:
- Select devices to automatically connect via VPN
- Built-in kill switch functionality
- Automatic policy creation
This removes much of the manual configuration previously required for client-based VPN setups.
Additional Updates
While not covered in detail here, Network 9.1 also includes:
- Support for Cloudflare Dynamic DNS
- SFP module analyzer
- Various UI improvements and bug fixes
Conclusion
Unify Network 9.1 brings a host of valuable improvements, with a particular focus on simplifying complex tasks and providing deeper network insights. The enhancements to WiFi management, traffic analysis, and QoS are especially noteworthy.
While some features (like advanced traffic flows) may require specific gateway hardware, the overall update significantly improves the Unify networking experience for users of all skill levels.
If you’re running a Unify network, upgrading to version 9.1 is highly recommended to take advantage of these new capabilities and optimizations.
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