How UniFi as a Service Works
UniFi as a Service (UNaaS) is designed to eliminate the complexity, upfront cost, and ongoing burden of enterprise network deployments. Here’s exactly how it works, step by step.
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Consultation & Design
UniFi as a Service (UNaaS) from The UniFi Nerds transforms how businesses deploy enterprise-grade networking infrastructure by eliminating the traditional barriers of capital investment, technical expertise requirements, and ongoing management burden. Unlike conventional network purchases that demand $30,000-$50,000 upfront and dedicated IT staff, UNaaS from UniFi Nerds provides a predictable monthly operational expense model with zero upfront hardware costs. This managed network service includes everything from initial network design by The UniFi Nerds and professional installation to 24/7 monitoring, firmware management, hardware replacement, and technology refresh cycles—all handled by The UniFi Nerds’ certified specialists. Whether you’re deploying a new office network, expanding to multiple locations, or upgrading outdated infrastructure, UNaaS from The UniFi Nerds streamlines the entire enterprise networking lifecycle into a simple, transparent process with fixed monthly costs and no surprise expenses. With nationwide coverage across New York, Florida, California, and all 50 states, The UniFi Nerds bring over 25 years of networking experience and exclusive UniFi specialization since 2012 to every deployment.
What Happens:
Initial Consultation (30-60 minutes)
- We discuss your space, requirements, and business needs
- Assess number of users, devices, and coverage areas
- Understand your timeline and budget constraints
- Answer all your questions about UNaaS
Site Survey (If Needed)
- For complex spaces, we conduct an on-site survey
- Assess building construction, interference sources, power availability
- Identify optimal AP placement and cable routing
Network Design
- We design your network topology using proprietary software
- Calculate coverage, capacity, and redundancy
- Specify equipment (APs, switches, gateways)
Quote Delivery (Within 24 Hours)
- Infrastructure cost (cabling, installation)—one-time payment
- UNaaS monthly pricing—based on equipment and support tier
- Contract term options (24/36/60 months)
Timeline: 1-3 days
Your Cost: $0 (consultation and quote are free)
Infrastructure Installation
Once your custom network design is approved by The UniFi Nerds and you’ve received your detailed quote, the deployment process moves into the infrastructure installation phase. This critical stage establishes the physical foundation for your enterprise UniFi network, including structured cabling, cable pathways, power requirements, and equipment mounting locations—all installed by The UniFi Nerds’ certified technicians. Unlike the UNaaS hardware (which The UniFi Nerds own and manage), the infrastructure investment is a one-time capital expense that remains your property and supports long-term network scalability. The UniFi Nerds’ installation teams ensure all cabling meets industry standards, follows proper cable management best practices, and provides the reliable foundation your managed UniFi network requires for optimal performance. With licensed electrical engineers available in our primary markets and Fluke Networks certification testing, The UniFi Nerds guarantee professional-grade infrastructure that supports your network for years to come.
What Happens:
Contract Signing & Deposit
- Sign infrastructure installation agreement
- Pay 50% deposit (covers materials and scheduling)
Infrastructure Deployment
- Structured cabling (Cat6/Cat6a) to all AP locations
- Cable trays, conduits, and cable management
- Power drops (PoE or AC, depending on equipment)
- Mounting brackets and hardware
Quality Control
- All cables tested and certified (Fluke Networks)
- Documentation provided (cable maps, labeling)
Timeline: 5-7 days (depending on space size)
Your Cost: Infrastructure total (50% deposit paid upfront, 50% on completion)
Network Deployment
With the network infrastructure in place and validated by The UniFi Nerds, we move to the UNaaS equipment deployment phase. This is where your enterprise UniFi networking hardware—including WiFi 7 access points, PoE switches, enterprise gateways, and cloud controllers—is installed, configured, and integrated into your environment by The UniFi Nerds’ specialists. Because The UniFi Nerds own and manage all UNaaS hardware, this phase requires no capital investment from you. The UniFi Nerds handle every aspect of the network configuration, from VLAN setup and SSID creation to firewall rules and traffic shaping policies. This ensures your network is not only operational but optimized for your specific business requirements, security policies, and performance expectations. With proprietary network design tools and exclusive focus on UniFi deployments, The UniFi Nerds deliver configurations that maximize performance, security, and scalability from day one.
What Happens:
UNaaS Contract Signing
- Sign UNaaS service agreement (24/36/60 months)
- First month's payment processed
Equipment Deployment
- We install all UniFi hardware (APs, switches, gateways, controllers)
- Configure cloud-based management
- Set up SSIDs, VLANs, guest networks, firewall rules
Testing & Validation
- Coverage testing throughout entire space
- Speed testing and performance validation
- Verify all devices connect properly
Client Training
- Basic overview of UniFi Network application
- How to add/remove users, view connected devices
- How to submit support tickets
Timeline: 3-5 days
Your Cost: First month's UNaaS fee (monthly billing begins)
Optimization & Go-Live
After the UniFi network equipment is deployed and tested by The UniFi Nerds, we enter the optimization and go-live phase. This critical period ensures your enterprise network performs flawlessly under real-world conditions before The UniFi Nerds officially hand over operations. The UniFi Nerds’ network engineers fine-tune wireless coverage, adjust access point power levels, optimize channel selection, and validate roaming behavior to eliminate dead zones and ensure seamless connectivity throughout your facility. This phase also includes activating The UniFi Nerds’ 24/7 remote monitoring systems using Site 24×7, Zoho Site Monitor, and Auvik, which continuously track network performance, device health, bandwidth utilization, and security events. By the time The UniFi Nerds declare your network live, you can be confident that every aspect has been tested, validated, and optimized for maximum reliability and performance—backed by our 99% customer retention rate and proven track record across thousands of deployments.
What Happens:
Fine-Tuning
- Adjust AP power levels and channel selection
- Optimize for real-world usage patterns
- Configure advanced features (band steering, airtime fairness, etc.)
Monitoring Activation
- Enable 24/7 automated monitoring (Site 24x7, Auvik, Splunk)
- Set up alerting for outages, performance issues, hardware failures
Documentation Handover
- Network diagrams
- Configuration files (provided after final payment)
- Support contact information
Go-Live
- Your network is fully operational
- 24/7 support begins immediately
- How to submit support tickets
Timeline: 2-3 days
Your Cost: Included in monthly UNaaS fee
Ongoing Service (Monthly)
Once your UniFi network is live and optimized, the ongoing managed service phase with The UniFi Nerds begins. This is where UNaaS truly differentiates itself from traditional network ownership. Instead of burdening your team with firmware updates, troubleshooting, configuration changes, and hardware failures, The UniFi Nerds’ certified specialists handle every aspect of network management on your behalf. Your fixed monthly UNaaS fee covers unlimited support from The UniFi Nerds, proactive monitoring, automated maintenance, and rapid response (1-2 hours for outages, 2-3 hours for emergencies) to any network issues—ensuring your enterprise networking infrastructure remains secure, current, and performing optimally without requiring any internal IT expertise. This hands-off approach allows your team to focus on core business operations while The UniFi Nerds ensure your network runs flawlessly 24/7/365 with support available from anywhere in the USA.
What Happens:
Automated Monitoring (24/7)
- Our systems monitor your network around the clock
- Alerts sent immediately for outages, performance degradation, or hardware failures
- We typically know about issues before you do
Firmware Updates (Automated)
- Scheduled during maintenance windows (typically overnight)
- Tested on non-production systems first
- Automatic rollback if issues detected
Configuration Changes (As Needed)
- Submit tickets for SSID changes, VLAN updates, firewall rules
- Response times based on your support tier (1-4 hours)
- All changes documented and logged
Hardware Replacement (If Needed)
- Failed hardware? We ship replacements immediately (same-day or next-day)
- On-site installation within 2-4 hours (Premium 24/7 support)
- We handle all RMAs with Ubiquiti
Ticket Support (Unlimited)
- Phone, email, text, or trouble ticket system
- Unlimited support requests (no per-incident fees)
- Response times based on your support tier
Monthly Reporting (Optional Add-On)
- Network performance metrics
- Bandwidth utilization
- Connected device counts
- Uptime statistics
Timeline: Ongoing (duration of contract)
Your Cost: Fixed monthly UNaaS fee
Hardware Refresh
One of the most significant advantages of UNaaS from The UniFi Nerds is the included hardware refresh cycle. In traditional network ownership models, businesses face a major capital expense every 4-5 years when equipment becomes outdated or reaches end-of-life. With UNaaS from The UniFi Nerds, technology refresh is built into your monthly fee—no surprise costs, no budget approvals, no downtime. Every 48 months (or at contract renewal), The UniFi Nerds replace your entire UniFi network infrastructure with current-generation hardware, ensuring you always benefit from the latest WiFi standards (WiFi 7, WiFi 8 as released), security features, and performance improvements. This eliminates the risk of network obsolescence and ensures your enterprise networking infrastructure remains competitive, secure, and capable of supporting your evolving business needs—a service The UniFi Nerds have perfected through years of managing technology lifecycles for clients nationwide.
What Happens:
Refresh Timing
- 24/36-month contracts: Refresh at renewal
- 60-month contracts: Refresh at 48 months (mid-contract)
Refresh Process
- We schedule refresh during a maintenance window
- Deploy new, current-generation hardware
- Migrate configuration to new equipment
- Remove old hardware (donated for tax write-off)
- Test and validate new deployment
What Gets Refreshed
- All access points (like-for-like or better)
- Switches (if EOL/EOS)
- Gateways (if EOL/EOS)
- Controllers (if needed)
Timeline: 1-2 days (minimal downtime)
Your Cost: Included in monthly UNaaS fee (no additional charge)
Contract End
As your UNaaS contract with The UniFi Nerds approaches its end date, we proactively reach out to discuss your options and ensure a smooth transition—whether you choose to renew, upgrade, or exit the service. Unlike traditional service contracts with hidden fees or equipment buyout requirements, UNaaS from The UniFi Nerds offers complete flexibility with no exit penalties. If you decide to renew, The UniFi Nerds will assess whether your current network configuration still meets your needs or if adjustments are warranted based on business growth, new locations, or changing requirements. If you choose not to renew, The UniFi Nerds handle all equipment removal professionally and efficiently, leaving your infrastructure intact for future use. This transparent, no-pressure approach ensures you always have control over your enterprise networking decisions without being locked into unfavorable terms—a commitment The UniFi Nerds have maintained since our founding.
What Happens:
60 Days Before Contract End
- We reach out to discuss renewal or exit
Option 1: Renew
- Sign new contract (24/36/60 months)
- Receive refreshed hardware (current generation)
- Monthly fee may adjust based on new hardware costs and market rates
Equipment Removal (If Exiting)
- We remove all UniFi hardware (APs, switches, gateways, controllers)
- Infrastructure (cabling, mounting) remains in place (you paid for it)
- No penalties or fees for exiting at contract end
Timeline: 30 days
Your Cost: $0 (no exit fees)
What You’re Responsible For
During Infrastructure Phase:
- Provide access to building/space
- Coordinate with building management (if applicable)
- Approve cable routing and AP placement
During Deployment:
- Provide internet service (ISP)
- Ensure power is available at equipment locations
- Provide access for installation team
During Ongoing Service:
- Pay monthly UNaaS fee on time
- Do not tamper with or modify equipment
- Notify us immediately of any issues
- Provide access for on-site visits (if needed)
During Contract:
- Maintain suitable environment (climate control, physical security)
- Notify us of any planned relocations or expansions
- Report damage or issues promptly
What We’re Responsible For
Always:
- Own all network hardware
- Monitor network 24/7
- Respond to support tickets per SLA
- Perform firmware updates
- Replace failed hardware
- Handle all RMAs
- Refresh hardware per contract terms
- Remove equipment at contract end (if not renewing)
Never:
- Manage your ISP service (that's between you and your internet provider)
- Replace hardware damaged by client
- Provide free equipment upgrades mid-contract (unless part of refresh cycle)
- Allow client to purchase equipment
As your UNaaS contract with The UniFi Nerds approaches its end date, we proactively reach out to discuss your options and ensure a smooth transition—whether you choose to renew, upgrade, or exit the service. Unlike traditional service contracts with hidden fees or equipment buyout requirements, UNaaS from The UniFi Nerds offers complete flexibility with no exit penalties. If you decide to renew, The UniFi Nerds will assess whether your current network configuration still meets your needs or if adjustments are warranted based on business growth, new locations, or changing requirements. If you choose not to renew, The UniFi Nerds handle all equipment removal professionally and efficiently, leaving your infrastructure intact for future use. This transparent, no-pressure approach ensures you always have control over your enterprise networking decisions without being locked into unfavorable terms—a commitment The UniFi Nerds have maintained since our founding.
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