Homelab
UniFi Flat Network Setup
Configuring UniFi Network for a Kubernetes Homelab: Static IPs, DHCP Ranges, and MetalLB Allocation
Overview
Network setup for my Home Lab V2 using UniFi Dream Machine Pro. I went with a flat network (no VLANs) since Talos Linux + Tailscale already provide strong security. Keeps things simple.
Before You Begin
Prerequisites
- GEEKOM Mini PC Cluster Hardware reviewed
- UniFi Dream Machine Pro accessible via unifi.ui.com
IP Scheme
Subnet: 192.168.1.0/24
| Range | Purpose | Devices |
|---|---|---|
| .1 | Gateway | UDM Pro |
| .10 | Storage | UNAS Pro |
| .20-.29 | Reserved | Future use |
| .30-.39 | Homelab compute | Node 1 (.30), Node 2 (.31) |
| .40-.79 | MetalLB pool | Kubernetes LoadBalancer services |
| .80-.99 | Reserved | Future use |
| .100-.254 | DHCP | APs, cameras, clients, switch |
Configure Network Settings
Default Network
Access:1 unifi.ui.com → Site Manager → Dream Machine → Settings → Networks → Default
Network Name: Default
Gateway IP: 192.168.1.1
Subnet: 192.168.1.0/24
Auto-Scale Network: Off (manual config)
DHCP Range: 192.168.1.100 - 192.168.1.254
mDNS: Enabled (for .local discovery)
IGMP Snooping: Enabled (multicast optimization)
Domain Name: (empty)| Note: | Must turn off "Auto-Scale Network" to edit DHCP range manually. |
Assign Fixed IPs
UniFi Devices
For UNAS, switch, and APs.
Navigation: UniFi Devices (sidebar) → click device → gear icon
- Toggle Fixed IP Address on
- Enter IP address
- Apply
- Restart device to pick up new IP
To restart UNAS: Site Manager → (select UNAS) → Settings → Controls → Restart
Client Devices
For Talos nodes and other machines.
Navigation: Client Devices (sidebar) → click device → gear icon
- Toggle Fixed IP Address on
- Enter IP address
- Apply
| Device | IP |
|---|---|
| UNAS Pro | 192.168.1.10 |
| Talos Node 1 | 192.168.1.30 |
| Talos Node 2 | 192.168.1.31 |
| Tip: | For new devices, reserve IPs by MAC address before connecting to avoid restart/lease issues. Client Devices → DHCP tab → Add Fixed IP Client. |
Confirm IPs are assigned correctly in UniFi Client Devices and UniFi Devices.
Next Steps
With the network configured and IPs assigned, the next step is installing Talos Linux on the compute nodes.
See: Talos Linux USB Installation
Resources
Footnotes
Ubiquiti, "UniFi Network Application," help.ui.com. Accessed: Dec. 16, 2025. [Online]. Available: https://help.ui.com/hc/en-us/categories/200320654-UniFi-Network ↩