Common UniFi Mistakes Beginners Make (And How to Fix Them)

By WiFyn — Professional Home & Small Business Network Design

Setting up a UniFi network is empowering—but many first-time users unknowingly introduce problems that hurt performance, stability, or security. These issues don’t come from bad hardware. They come from small configuration choices that compound over time.

In this post, we’ll walk through the most common UniFi mistakes beginners make and—more importantly—how to fix them the right way.

If you’ve already followed our Beginner’s Guide to Setting Up Your UniFi Network, this article will help you refine and stabilize what you’ve built.

Mistake #1: Running a Flat Network (No VLANs)

The Problem

Everything—laptops, phones, smart TVs, cameras, and IoT devices—lives on one network.

Why it matters:

• One compromised device exposes everything

• Smart devices often have weak security

• Troubleshooting becomes harder as your network grows

The Fix

Create separate networks (VLANs) by purpose:

• Main LAN – Personal & work devices

• IoT – Smart home devices

• Guest – Visitors

• Cameras / Servers – Infrastructure

Even a basic two-network setup (Main + IoT) dramatically improves security and stability.

WiFyn Rule: Structure first. Speed comes later.

Mistake #2: Access Point Transmit Power Set Too High

The Problem

Beginners often crank AP power to High assuming it improves coverage.

What actually happens:

• Devices cling to distant APs

• Roaming breaks

• Interference increases

• Wi-Fi feels slow or inconsistent

The Fix

Set transmit power intentionally:

• 2.4 GHz: Low

• 5 GHz: Medium

• 6 GHz: Medium (environment dependent)

Let clients choose the best AP instead of overpowering the signal.

Mistake #3: Poor Access Point Placement

The Problem

APs mounted:

• In corners

• Near metal objects

• Behind TVs

• In basements or garages (for main coverage)

The Fix

Follow these placement principles:

• Ceiling-mounted when possible

• Center of the coverage area

• One AP per floor (minimum)

• Avoid walls with plaster, brick, or concrete

Good placement reduces the need for extra APs.

Mistake #4: Enabling Wireless Mesh When APs Are Wired

The Problem

Mesh is often left enabled by default—even when Ethernet backhaul exists.

This causes:

• Unnecessary wireless overhead

• Reduced throughput

• Increased latency

The Fix

If all APs are wired:

• Disable wireless meshing

• Let Ethernet do the heavy lifting

Mesh is a fallback—not a performance feature.

Mistake #5: Mixing IoT Devices With Main Wi-Fi

The Problem

Smart devices often:

• Require 2.4 GHz

• Struggle with band steering

• Flood networks with broadcast traffic

The Fix

Create a dedicated 2.4 GHz IoT SSID:

• WPA2 (not WPA3)

• No band steering

• Mapped to an IoT VLAN

Your main Wi-Fi stays fast. Your IoT devices stay connected.

Mistake #6: Guest Wi-Fi That Isn’t Actually Isolated

The Problem

A “Guest” SSID that still allows access to internal devices.

This is common in cafés, small offices, and homes.

The Fix

A proper guest network includes:

• Separate VLAN

• Firewall rule blocking LAN access

• Optional bandwidth limits

• Optional captive portal

Guest Wi-Fi should never touch your internal network.

Mistake #7: Ignoring Firmware Updates (Or Updating Everything at Once)

The Problem

Some users never update. Others update everything during peak hours.

Both cause issues:

• Missed security patches

• Unexpected reboots

• Client disconnects

The Fix

Follow a controlled update process:

1. Update controller first

2. Switches second

3. APs last

4. Never during business hours

Stability beats novelty.

Mistake #8: Chasing Speed Instead of Signal Quality

The Problem

Speed tests look good near the AP—but performance drops elsewhere.

Why:

• RSSI too low

• Channel overlap

• Too-wide channel widths

The Fix

Focus on signal quality, not raw speed:

• Target RSSI: −60 dBm or better

• Use 40–80 MHz channels where appropriate

• Let UniFi’s RF tools guide adjustments

Consistency beats peak numbers every time.

Final Thoughts

UniFi is powerful because it rewards discipline. Most issues beginners face aren’t hardware failures—they’re design decisions that were never revisited.

When you:

• Segment your network

• Place APs intentionally

• Tune power and Wi-Fi behavior

• Respect structure

…your network becomes predictable, secure, and easy to manage.

If you’re ready to take things further, WiFyn designs UniFi networks the way professionals do—clean layouts, intentional VLANs, and performance that holds up over time.