My current setup has my DHCP + DNS on my Unifi USG. However, as I have all my apps hosted on a different server (unifi, plex, home assistant, NAS, etc.) I’ve ran into issues trying to get things set up.

Basically, Unifi needs to know where the unifi server is, but it’s assigning the IP address to it.

Should I put DHCP+DNS onto it’s own system? Should I put it on my current server? And any non-Pi recommendations for systems? (I’ve had the PI filesystem clobber itself too many times)

Edit: I’m starting to think that the real problem is having UNIFI on the same system as the server, as it prevents me reconfiguring any of the server routing information without also disconnecting unifi…

Edit 2: I’m going to try switching the server from a static DHCP lease to a static IP. If that’s doesn’t work, then I think I’ll move the unifi server onto it’s own system. Thanks!

  • @[email protected]English
    11•10 months ago

    Generally speaking, any device (“server”) hosting a “service” NEEDS to be assigned a static IP. It simplifies routing significantly and avoids random break problems because DHCP is incredibly stupid at times…

    Is there any specific reason you need DHCP to assign an IP to your main hosting server vs setting it all statically?

    Moving it to it’s own system will not fix the routing problem. You can probably still leave it on the USG.

    You should be able to set a fixed static IP on your server, and then also statically assign that same IP to your server in your USG DHCP config- as long as they both are “thinking about” the same IP I think routing should work correctly.

    If that breaks, try just assigning the static IP only from the USG side or only from the server’s side. I’m 90% sure that even if the USG does not have your server machine in it’s client list, if it sends broadcast packets to an entered IP looking for the unifi server, and the unifi server is listening on that manually set IP, they should be able to talk.

    disclaimer: i am high as shit right now and this may be bullshit

    • @EcclestonedOPEnglish
      1•10 months ago

      Is there any specific reason you need DHCP to assign an IP to your main hosting server vs setting it all statically?

      I’ve done this. I think the real problem is if I ever change the server MAC or IP, as now the unifi server isn’t picked up by the USG, which means I can’t change the static address.