RUCKUS Cloudpath Enrollment System vs UniFi Network

RUCKUS Cloudpath Enrollment System manages secure access to wired and wireless networks for users and devices. It is available as a cloud service or as virtualized on-premises software for VMware or Hyper-V. Customizable self-service workflows let BYOD and guest users onboard without IT intervention; device checks can direct noncompliant devices to remediation before access is granted. Cloudpath supports WPA2/WPA3-Enterprise with 802.1X authentication and encrypts data in transit between devices and access points. Administrators can define per-user and per-device rules for roles, bandwidth, applications, and private networks using VLANs or VXLANs. The system includes a certificate authority and supports digital certificates and revocable, user-specific Dynamic PSKs. Guest credentials can be sent by email or SMS, or printed as vouchers, and portals can offer social login. Identity sources include Active Directory, LDAP-compatible directories, RADIUS via PAP, Novell, and Google. Subscriptions run for one, three, or five years, with support included; pricing is available on request.

UniFi Network manages internet gateways, Wi-Fi, and switching through real-time traffic dashboards, topology maps, and optimization tips. License-free Site Manager supports remote management and cloud orchestration across UniFi deployments. The software can run on a Cloud Gateway or CloudKey, or be self-hosted on local hardware or in a cloud environment such as AWS, Azure, or GCP. Mobile applications for iOS and Android can manage a network, and the local control plane supports device management during internet outages or in air-gapped deployments.

Wireless security options include WPA2, WPA3, and mixed modes, with pre-shared key or RADIUS/802.1X authentication. Administrators can assign VLANs to Wi-Fi SSIDs and apply segmentation, isolation, and traffic policies. UniFi gateways provide IDS/IPS monitoring, alerts, and threat blocking; CyberSecure is a per-site subscription that expands the threat signature database. The Site Manager API supplies site-wide internet health, device status, and network performance data, while local APIs cover devices, client activity, and traffic insights. Core routing, firewall enforcement, and deep packet inspection run on local equipment, but some updates, notifications, and remote alerts rely on the cloud. UniFi Network software is free, and paid options start at $29/mo.