- Description
- Specifications
Run UniFi Network and Protect on Dedicated Hardware Without Replacing Your Gateway
The Ubiquiti UniFi Cloud Key Gen2 Plus (UCK-G2-SSD) is a compact UniFi console that runs UniFi Network and UniFi Protect on dedicated hardware, independent of a Dream Machine or self-hosted VM. It adopts and manages UniFi switches, access points, and other devices through the same interface as the rest of the UniFi ecosystem, while the built-in 1TB SSD stores UniFi Protect camera recordings locally with no subscription fees.
The Cloud Key Gen2 Plus exists for deployments that use a standalone gateway (a USG, a third-party firewall, or a bare router) and need a controller and NVR without bundling them into the gateway. It connects directly to UniFi Site Manager at unifi.ui.com for remote management across multiple sites, and it powers up from a single PoE connection or USB-C, so it needs no separate power adapter or dedicated outlet.
Where the Cloud Key Gen2 Plus Fits
- Networks with standalone gateways (USG, USG-Pro, third-party firewalls) that need a dedicated UniFi controller for AP and switch management without replacing the existing gateway with a Dream Machine
- Small camera deployments (5-20 cameras) that need local NVR storage on a 1TB SSD without the rack space, power draw, or cost of a full NVR appliance or Dream Machine Pro
- Multi-site managed service providers deploying a low-cost, PoE-powered controller at each client site that connects back to UniFi Site Manager for centralized remote management
What the Cloud Key Gen2 Plus Does
- UniFi Network controller: Adopts and manages all UniFi devices on the network from the embedded application. Same interface and feature set as a Dream Machine or self-hosted controller, running on dedicated hardware.
- UniFi Protect NVR: The 1TB SSD (user-upgradeable) stores camera recordings locally. No cloud subscription, no separate NVR hardware. Playback and live view are accessible through the UniFi Protect app on desktop and mobile.
- PoE or USB-C powered: Plug it into a PoE switch port and the Cloud Key runs off network power. USB-C Quick Charge 2.0/3.0 is supported as an alternative. No wall adapter required.
- Bluetooth instant setup: Pair from the UniFi mobile app over Bluetooth for initial configuration without needing to manually discover the device on the network.
- NDAA compliant: Meets National Defense Authorization Act compliance requirements for government and federal procurement.
Do You Still Need a Cloud Key in 2026?
If your network runs a Dream Machine, Dream Router, or any UniFi gateway with a built-in controller, no. Those devices already host UniFi Network and Protect internally. The Cloud Key Gen2 Plus exists for deployments where the gateway is standalone (USG, USG-Pro, third-party firewall) or where you want the controller and NVR on separate hardware from the router for redundancy. It also remains the lowest-cost way to add UniFi Protect NVR capability to a network that does not have a Dream Machine Pro or UNVR.
