Run Your Own Ubiquiti UniFi Controller: Docker Guide for Ubuntu

Are you tired of cloud dependencies and looking for a reliable way to control your Ubiquiti network? This guide shows you how to set up a UniFi Controller using Docker on Ubuntu, giving you more control, security, and even better performance.

Why Dockerize Your UniFi Controller?

Using Docker offers key advantages:

• Isolation: Keep your UniFi Controller separate from your main OS.
• Simplicity: Easy setup and updates with Docker commands.
• Portability: Move your controller between Ubuntu servers with ease.
• Control: Retain total control over your network and data.

Key Features of This Docker UniFi Ubuntu Setup

This setup from 11notes offers several benefits:

• Ubuntu Based: Built on a stable Ubuntu base.
• Embedded Database: Includes MongoDB, simplifying deployment and management.
• Automatic Telemetry Control: Disables Ubiquiti anonymous telemetry by default.
• Easy Configuration: Simple environment variables for customization.

Pre-requisites

Before you begin, ensure you have the following:

• An Ubuntu server (20.04 or later recommended).
• Docker installed and running.
• Basic knowledge of Docker commands.

Setting Up Your UniFi Controller with Docker: Step-by-Step

Here's how to get your UniFi controller up and running.

Pull the Docker Image

Download the latest UniFi Controller Docker image from 11notes using this command:

docker pull 11notes/unifi:latest

Create a Volume for Persistent Data

This is where your UniFi configuration and site data will be stored:

mkdir -p /your/path/to/unifi/var

Run the UniFi Controller Container

Execute the following Docker command to start the UniFi controller:

docker run --name unifi \
  -v /your/path/to/unifi/var:/unifi/var \
  -d 11notes/unifi:latest

Remember to replace /your/path/to/unifi/var with a valid path on your system.

Configure Environment Variables (Optional)

Customize your setup using environment variables:

• -e TZ=Your/Timezone: Set your timezone.
• -e DEBUG=true: Enable debug information.

Example:

docker run --name unifi \
  -v /your/path/to/unifi/var:/unifi/var \
  -e TZ=America/Los_Angeles \
  -d 11notes/unifi:latest

Accessing Your UniFi Controller

Once the container is running, access the UniFi controller web interface through your browser at https://your_server_ip:8443.

Optimizing Your UniFi Controller Setup

Consider these tips for a smoother experience:

• Utilize rootless Docker for enhanced security.
• Use a reverse proxy like Nginx or Traefik with Let's Encrypt for SSL termination.
• Allow non-root ports if needed using sysctl.

Security Considerations and Best Practices

• Always make backups before updating to a new version.
• Monitor the 11notes repository for important changelogs and updates.
• Implement proper firewall rules to protect your UniFi controller.
• Change the default credentials immediately after setup.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• Container Not Starting: Check Docker logs for errors. Ensure the volume path is correct.
• Web Interface Unavailable: Verify the container is running and ports are mapped correctly.
• Database Issues: Ensure sufficient resources are allocated to the Docker container.

Embrace Control with Your Own UniFi Controller

Running a UniFi Controller via Docker on Ubuntu gives you the power to manage your network on your terms. Follow this guide, and you'll have a secure, reliable, and performant UniFi setup in no time!