How to Configure 802.1X and RADIUS for Ubiquiti UniFi

In an era where network infrastructures must run smoothly, protecting sensitive data and securing connections is crucial. Ubiquiti UniFi is a market leader of complete networking solutions, providing a dependable and scalable platform recognized for its strength and durability.  Its unified and easily controlled network infrastructure comprises various hardware devices, such as routers, switches, and Ubiquiti access points, which are the foundation of their connectivity. Ubiquiti UniFi systems are known for being reliable, scalable, and for making it easy for users to create and administer their networks with the UniFi Controller software.

Using 802.1X authentication with UniFi and a Cloud RADIUS server makes the network even safer by ensuring that only authorized devices and people can connect.

How Does Ubiquiti UniFi 802.1X Authentication Work?

802.1X is an IEEE standard that makes it easier for devices on a network to share data safely. 802.1X authentication is a key part of network security that verifies the identity of people or devices before they enter a network and keeps people who aren’t supposed to be there from getting in.  By stopping unauthorized access and possible security leaks, this authentication method improves the security of the network, especially in places where private information is sent.

Key Components of 802.1X Authentication

Three main components make 802.1X authentication work:

• Supplicants,
• Authenticators
• Authentication servers

Supplicants are devices that want to connect, like computers or smartphones. Authenticators, on the other hand, control who can join the network. The authentication server, which usually uses RADIUS (Remote Authentication Dial In User Service), verifies the user’s information, which completes the three-way handshake.

RADIUS facilitates a safe and centralized authentication method by linking the authenticator and the supplicant. It manages the verification process to improve network security, serving as the guardian of user credentials. Organizations may track user access, enforce regulations, and keep a centralized database of user data by utilizing RADIUS. The main idea behind 802.1X is that supplicants, authenticators, and servers work together to make a strong authentication system that takes network security to a whole new level.

Benefits of Implementing 802.1X for UniFi

There are many perks for UniFi network managers using 802.1X. First, it ensures that only verified and authorized devices can get in, lowering the risk of security threats and unauthorized access. 802.1X gives administrators more control over who can access what, such as giving different devices or groups of users different jobs and rights. This simplifies  network management and regulatory compliance. Also, 802.1X is a flexible and scalable security system that can adapt to new network technologies and protect the network from new dangers. 

Considerations Before Setting Up a Ubiquiti UniFi Network

1. Assess Network Infrastructure Readiness

Before setting up your Ubiquiti UniFi network, ensure both hardware and software are ready.

• Hardware: Ensure you have the UniFi Security Gateway (USG), the UniFi Switch, the UniFi Access Point (AP), Ethernet wires, and a power strip and that all components are compatible.
• Software: Create a Ubiquiti account.

2. Create a Network Map

Once the necessary hardware and software are set up, the next step is to create a detailed network map. Finding important network access points, like the link between the AP and the Switch or the connection between the USG and the Switch, helps you understand how the network is set up physically. At the same time, looking into user roles and permissions shows how devices and users communicate in the UniFi ecosystem. By listing these roles, administrators can give different groups of users specific entry rights, creating a customized and safe network environment. This proactive approach to network planning speeds up the next steps in the setup process and makes the UniFi network more secure and efficient.

How To Set Up a RADIUS Server for Ubiquiti UniFi

RADIUS (Remote Authentication Dial-In User Service) is key to making networks safer because it centralizes authenticating and authorizing users. RADIUS is key to authenticating people or devices trying to connect to a network. It was created to make security settings stronger. Implementing RADIUS adds an extra layer of identity verification to Ubiquiti UniFi. This is especially helpful when improving security and connecting to centralized identity sources like Active Directory. This part will go over the basics of RADIUS, explaining how it works in the login process and showing how it can be used in Ubiquiti UniFi network setups.

Installing and Configuring RADIUS Server Software

Install and set up the RADIUS server software before using the Ubiquiti UniFi RADIUS login. There are different kinds of RADIUS servers. While Microsoft’s Network Policy Server (NPS) is one of the most  commonly used it has downsides, including configuration challenges with on-premise setup and scalability issues. Steps like adding the role services needed on a Windows Server and agreeing to accept extra services during installation add to the complexity.

Before selecting a RADIUS software for UniFi, administrators should consider other RADIUS servers that better meet network needs and avoid NPS constraints such as the Cloud RADIUS from SecureW2. 

Next, the UniFi Access Points (APs) must be configured for RADIUS clients. The shared secret between the clients and the RADIUS server is an important part of this setup that needs close attention to detail.

Establishing Communication Between Ubiquiti UniFi and a RADIUS Server

Once the RADIUS server is configured, the next critical step is to ensure that Ubiquiti UniFi devices and the Cloud RADIUS service communicate effectively. This includes setting up RADIUS clients using the UniFi Network dashboard, a vital step in the authentication process. With SecureW2 Cloud RADIUS, the entire process is simplified and user-friendly.

Before configuring the UniFi devices, ensure they are correctly connected to the network and that the Cloud RADIUS server is operational and accessible. Additionally, ensure that the required authentication methods, such as EAP-TLS, are supported and set correctly on both ends. These criteria lay the groundwork for a seamless and secure connection of Ubiquiti UniFi with Cloud RADIUS, improving network authentication capabilities.

Steps to Configure 802.1X on Ubiquiti UniFi Access Point With Cloud RADIUS

Configuring 802.1X on Ubiquiti UniFi Access Points is critical for strong network security, enabling certificate-based authentication to prevent unauthorized access. Let’s look at how SecureW2 Cloud RADIUS works with configuring 802.1X on the Ubiquiti UniFi Access Point.

Configure UniFi AP for Certificate-based RADIUS Authentication

You can enable EAP-TLS authentication on your existing ubiquiti infrastructure by creating a new RADIUS profile using the SecureW2 Cloud RADIUS service.

1. Go to Settings > Profiles in your UniFi access point.
2. Click Create New Radius Profile.
3. For Profile Name, enter the relevant profile name.
4. For VLAN Support, check the box for Enable RADIUS assigned VLAN for wireless network.
5. Open a new browser tab/window, and log into your SecureW2 Management Portal.
6. Go to RADIUS Management > RADIUS Configuration.
7. Copy the information for Primary IP Address, Port, and Shared Secret (to your clipboard or somewhere handy), and paste respectively into the Create New Radius Profile form for IP Address, Port, and Password/Shared Secret.
8. Click Save.

Set up an Open SSID on UniFi

With Cloud RADIUS, we will set up an open onboarding SSID that redirects users to a BYOD self-enrollment portal. It helps to issue certificates automatically to the connected devices.

1. Navigate to Settings > Wireless Networks > Create New Wireless Network.
2. Enter the name of the SSID in the NAME/SSID section.
3. Under Enabled, check the box to Enable this wireless network.
4. Under Security, select the radio button for Open.
5. Under Guest Policy, select the box “Apply guest policies (captive portal, guest authentication, access).”
6. Click Save.

If Ubiquiti does not support the URL’s sub-domains, we recommend you set up a local webserver with a rewritten URL that redirects users to the SecureW2 landing page.

Add the Webserver URL to “Redirect using hostname”

1. Navigate to Settings > Guest Control > Guest Policies.
2. Check the Box “Enable Guest Portal”.
3. Under Authentication –> Choose No Authentication.
4. Check the Box “Redirect using hostname“.
5. Click Save.
   

   

Add the ACLs

The User needs to limit this SSID so it can be used only for self-service certificate enrollment and device network access configuration. For more information about SSID contact our expert support engineers.

1. Navigate to Settings > Guest Control > Guest Policies.
2. Check the Box “Enable Guest Portal“.
3. Under Access Control → Pre-Authorization > add the ACLs (hostname or IPV4).
4. Click on Apply.

Create a Secure SSID

You must create a new wireless network connection in the UniFi network console and set the security to WPA-2 enterprise. After setting up the new RADIUS profile in the network, you can enjoy the benefits of better security and enhanced user experience.

1. From your UniFi Network console, go to Settings > Wireless Networks.
2. Click Create New Wireless Network.
3. For Name/SSID, enter the name of the SSID.
4. For Enabled, check the box for Enable this wireless network.
5. For Security, select the radio button for WPA Enterprise.
6. For RADIUS Profile, click the dropdown and select the RADIUS profile you created.
7. Click Save.

Modernizing Ubiquiti UniFi: Elevating Security With SecureW2 Cloud RADIUS

As organizations shift to cloud-based identities, SecureW2 Cloud RADIUS provides a modern, cloud-native RADIUS solution tailored to evolving network needs. Our software integrates seamlessly with Ubiquiti UniFi to enable stronger, certificate-based authentication.

Unlike traditional RADIUS setups, Cloud RADIUS reduces risks from legacy methods (such as credential theft) by replacing passwords with digital certificates. This passwordless framework eliminates reliance on LDAP/AD servers and supports direct integration with Azure AD (Microsoft Entra ID), Okta, and Google Workspace — leveraging existing policies for secure authentication.

Certificates verify both user and device context in real time, aligning with Zero-Trust Network Security principles. SecureW2 Cloud RADIUS delivers more secure, efficient, and user-friendly network access, addressing the challenges of modern security without the overhead of on-premises infrastructure.

Navigating Ubiquiti UniFi Challenges with Seamless Solutions From SecureW2

Users typically confront various issues, from security concerns to identity management challenges, while using Ubiquiti UniFi. Traditional setups might be exposed to security flaws in legacy protocols and credential theft. It becomes difficult to manage and secure identities, particularly in an era of remote work and cloud integration.

To solve these problems, SecureW2 presents a passwordless approach that easily aligns with today’s security standards. By removing LDAP and AD server requirements, SecureW2’s Cloud RADIUS frees organizations from the limitations of traditional password-based authentication. The simple integration with Azure AD, Okta, and Google environments makes the experience smooth by using current policies to provide strong network authentication. This innovative approach offers a safe, effective, and user-friendly substitute for standard Ubiquiti UniFi settings, addressing the complexities of identity management in the cloud era.

Secure a Ubiquiti UniFi Network With SecureW2 Cloud RADIUS

The SecureW2 Cloud RADIUS is a powerful solution to overcome common challenges in 802.1X setup, RADIUS management, and identity security with Ubiquiti UniFi. It replaces legacy passwords with certificate-based, passwordless authentication and reduces risks like credential theft while integrating smoothly with modern cloud identities.

This approach delivers secure, efficient network access without on-premises infrastructure overhead. A Ubiquiti UniFi deployment with SecureW2 Cloud RADIUS gains robust protection aligned with zero-trust principles, streamlined user experiences, and scalability for evolving threats.

Ready to eliminate passwords and modernize your Ubiquiti UniFi security? Request a demo today to see how SecureW2 can transform your network authentication.