Ubiquiti Gateway Pro: A closer look at the UniFi UXG-Pro
The Ubiquiti Gateway Pro, officially known as the UniFi Next-Generation Gateway Pro (UXG-Pro), is a rack-mounted security gateway designed for businesses and advanced networks. It sits between your internet connection and local network, helping manage traffic, enforce security policies and connect with other UniFi equipment.
What does the UXG-Pro do?
A gateway routes traffic between your local network and the internet. The UXG-Pro adds network management and security features, including firewall rules, virtual private network (VPN) options and intrusion detection and prevention. These tools can help administrators monitor and control how devices communicate across a network.
It is designed to work with UniFi Network, Ubiquiti’s network management software. Unlike some UniFi consoles, the UXG-Pro does not include a built-in UniFi Network application. You will need to run that application separately, for example on a compatible UniFi console, server or cloud-hosted environment.
Connectivity and performance
The UXG-Pro is built for rack installations and provides a choice of 10Gbps SFP+ and 1Gbps Ethernet interfaces. This gives network administrators flexibility when connecting to switches, internet services or other network equipment. It also supports dual-WAN configurations, allowing a second internet connection to be used for failover or traffic management, depending on the network setup.
Ubiquiti advertises up to 3.5Gbps of intrusion prevention system (IPS) throughput. Actual performance will vary according to configuration, traffic and the security features enabled, so it is worth checking that the gateway is suitable for your internet connection and expected workload.
Key features
- Rack-mounted design: A 1U form factor suits server cabinets and structured network installations.
- 10Gbps SFP+ connectivity: Useful for high-speed links to compatible switches or other equipment.
- Security tools: Firewall, intrusion detection and prevention, and VPN capabilities help manage network access and traffic.
- Dual-WAN support: Provides options for a secondary internet connection, subject to configuration.
- UniFi management: Integrates with the UniFi Network application for centralised configuration and monitoring.
UXG-Pro or Dream Machine Pro?
The UXG-Pro and UniFi Dream Machine Pro are both rack-mounted gateways, but they suit different approaches to network management. The Dream Machine Pro includes a UniFi Network application and other UniFi console features. The UXG-Pro is a gateway without an integrated UniFi controller, making it a potential choice for organisations that already host or plan to host UniFi Network separately.
That distinction is important when planning a deployment: the UXG-Pro cannot manage UniFi devices on its own. A suitable UniFi Network application must be available for setup and ongoing management.
Who is the Ubiquiti Gateway Pro for?
The UXG-Pro may suit small and medium-sized businesses, IT teams and experienced home network users who want a dedicated UniFi gateway with 10Gbps connectivity options. It is particularly relevant where a rack-mounted installation, centralised management and configurable security features are priorities.
It may be less suitable for users looking for an all-in-one appliance with a built-in controller or Power over Ethernet (PoE). Check the full product specifications and your existing UniFi setup before purchasing, as additional equipment may be needed.
In summary
The Ubiquiti Gateway Pro (UXG-Pro) is a capable, rack-mounted gateway that combines UniFi management with advanced routing and security features. Its 10Gbps SFP+ interfaces and dual-WAN support offer flexibility for demanding networks, while its reliance on a separately hosted UniFi Network application is an important consideration. For the right environment, it can provide a practical foundation for a managed business or enthusiast network.
Ubiquiti UniFi Gateway Pro: Frequently Asked Questions
- What is UniFi Gateway Pro?
- What does the Ubiquiti gateway do?
- Is a USG Pro a firewall?
- What is next-generation gateway Pro?
- Is the UniFi Security Gateway Pro a router?
What is UniFi Gateway Pro?
The UniFi Gateway Pro (UXG-Pro) is a rack-mounted network gateway from Ubiquiti, designed to route internet traffic and help protect and manage a business or advanced home network. It offers features such as firewall controls, VPN support and intrusion detection and prevention, and can be managed through the UniFi Network application. The application runs separately, so the UXG-Pro is best suited to setups where UniFi Network is already available or will be hosted on a compatible device.
What does the Ubiquiti gateway do?
The Ubiquiti Gateway connects your local network to the internet and manages the traffic flowing between them. It can route data between devices and networks, apply firewall and security rules, and support features such as VPN access and intrusion detection, depending on the model and configuration. When used with UniFi Network, it can also be monitored and managed alongside compatible UniFi equipment.
Is a USG Pro a firewall?
Yes. The UniFi Security Gateway Pro (USG-Pro-4) is a router with an integrated, stateful firewall. It can apply firewall rules to control traffic between networks and the internet, alongside features such as NAT and VPN support. Its security options and performance depend on the configuration, so check the specifications if you need features such as intrusion detection or prevention. Note that the USG-Pro-4 is a different model from the newer UXG-Pro.
What is next-generation gateway Pro?
The UniFi Next-Generation Gateway Pro (UXG-Pro) is a rack-mounted security gateway from Ubiquiti, designed to route and protect network traffic for businesses and advanced home networks. It offers features such as firewall controls, intrusion detection and prevention, VPN support and 10Gbps SFP+ connectivity. The UXG-Pro is managed through the UniFi Network application, which must be hosted separately, so it is worth checking your setup requirements before choosing it.
Is the UniFi Security Gateway Pro a router?
Yes. The UniFi Security Gateway Pro (USG-Pro-4) is a router and security gateway: it directs traffic between your local network and the internet, and provides features such as firewall rules and VPN support. It is not a modem, so you’ll need a separate modem or internet connection hand-off, and a UniFi Network controller is required to configure and manage it.
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