Upgrading from Asus, Netgear, TP-Link, or other consumer gear? Get UniFi VLANs and Firewall Rules Right the First Time.
RD4U is a free configuration wizard that guides you through setting up VLANs, firewall rules, VPN access, and more —
without hours of YouTube, forum rabbit holes, or guesswork.
Turn UniFi’s power into structured, no-stress setup — no firewall expertise required.
Setting up a secure, segmented UniFi network shouldn’t take hours of YouTube videos or trial-and-error. RD4U is a 5-step configuration wizard that guides you through VLANs, Wi-Fi, firewall rules, VPN setup, and more — with visual tools and security-focused defaults.
Whether you’re upgrading from an all-in-one router like Asus, Netgear, or TP-Link, or deploying UniFi for clients, RD4U gets you from zero to segmented and secure — in minutes.
The Problem That Sparked RD4U
I made the switch from an ASUS router to UniFi, expecting more control — and got it. But I also got overwhelmed with VLANs, firewall logic, and second-guessing whether my setup was actually secure.
After days of reading, testing, and reconfiguring, I finally built the setup I wanted — segmented, secure, and stable. But I realized most people upgrading to UniFi don’t have the time (or desire) to go that deep.
So I built RD4U: a tool that gives you the benefits of that hard-earned setup — without the pain. If you’re in the same spot I was, I hope it helps.
Built for Two Types of Users
You're Technical — Just New to UniFi
You know networking basics — maybe even port forwarding and static IPs — but UniFi's VLANs, inter-VLAN rules, and firewall logic are new territory. RD4U turns that complexity into clarity with visual tools and safe defaults.
Define separate networks for IoT, cameras, guests, or business
Automatically blocks risky cross-VLAN traffic
Visually map only the connections you need (like allowing your main PC to access a printer on the IoT network)
Use Preview Mode to enter and inspect your existing UniFi config — great for verifying VLANs and firewall rules before or after setup
You Set Up UniFi Regularly (Or Help Others Who Do)
RD4U speeds up secure deployments and gives you consistency across every site. Whether you’re managing a few networks or helping friends or clients, you can skip the tedious VLAN and rule-building each time.
Save and reuse configuration profiles
Easily share setups with teammates or friends
Avoid repetitive manual steps with a structured wizard
Why RD4U?
Step-by-Step Simplicity: Skip the YouTube rabbit holes. RD4U walks you through VLANs, Wi-Fi, firewall rules, VPNs, and DDNS with a clear, structured flow.
Secure by Default: Automatically builds segmented networks (e.g. Guest, IoT, Business) and blocks cross-VLAN traffic unless you explicitly allow it.
Visual Rule Builder: Create smart firewall rules without needing to understand UniFi’s syntax or CLI. See what each rule does before you apply it.
Preview Everything: Use Preview Mode to simulate the entire process before making any changes. You can even enter your current UniFi config to verify VLANs and firewall rules — great for double-checking your setup or learning how UniFi interprets your design.
Save & Share Configs: Export and reload configurations to save time, reset devices, or help others with their setup.
Optional VPN & Remote Access: Built-in WireGuard and DDNS setup helps you securely access your network from anywhere — without needing a separate guide.
Compatibility
As of , RD4U has been tested with the following UniFi Cloud Gateways, and should work with any UniFi Cloud Gateway that is running Network v8.6.9 or higher
UniFi Cloud Gateway Fiber (UCG-Fober)
UniFi Dream Machine SE (UDM SE)
UniFi Dream Machine Pro (UDM Pro)
UniFi Cloud Gateway Max (UCG-Max)
UniFi Express (UX)
UniFi Dream Router (UDR)
No installation is required on UniFi hardware — the wizard connects directly via the UniFi API.
For best results, start with a factory-reset UniFi Cloud Gateway. RD4U assumes a clean slate to ensure your configuration applies cleanly and predictably.
Your Security Comes First
RD4U is built with transparency and local privacy in mind:
Code-Signed: Verified by Photolightning Corp (20+ years in business)
Runs Locally: All API calls are made via a local account on your UniFi gateway (we never access your UniFi Cloud Account)
No Data Leaves Your Machine/Gateway: Your config stays 100% private
Open Source API Layer: Based on the MIT-licensed UniFi-API-client
Preview Mode: Allows you to view all config steps before logging in — no credentials required
System Requirements
Windows: Windows 10 or later
macOS: As of 6/3/25, tested on macOS 15.5 Sequoia. Earlier versions (e.g. Sonoma, Ventura) may work, but haven’t been formally tested yet. Apple Silicon required (M1, M2, M3, M4, or newer).
Note: Intel-based Macs are not supported.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will RD4U overwrite my existing UniFi config?
Not unless you choose to apply changes. Preview Mode lets you test the setup with no impact to your network.
How do I create a local account on my UniFi device?
You can find instructions for how to create a local account here.
Do I need to install anything on my UniFi device?
No. RD4U runs on your Windows machine and talks to UniFi through its API's — nothing is installed or modified on your hardware.
What if I’ve already started configuring UniFi?
RD4U works best from a factory-reset gateway. Using it mid-config might work, but a reset is the safest path to a clean setup.
Is RD4U free?
Yes. If it helps you, you’re welcome to support ongoing development through a donation.
Try RD4U Today
RD4U is completely free to use, with nothing to install on your UniFi hardware. Preview Mode lets you simulate your entire setup — even without logging in.
If it saves you time or prevents a misconfiguration, consider supporting development. Either way, I hope it makes your UniFi journey easier.
RD4U is a local tool. It makes no cloud calls. All configuration is performed locally and directly against your UniFi controller.
The latest version of RD4U is v1.5 (Sept 4, 2025), code-signed by Photolightning Corporation. RD4U runs locally on Windows/MacOS(Apple Silicon) and does not require any installation on your UniFi devices.
Version History
Version 1.5 — Sept 4, 2025
Now supports the Zone-based firewall
Added warning when updating Gateway IP address
Minor cosmetic changes
Version 1.2 — June 3, 2025
New MacOS version for Apple Silicon
Minor changes to Preview Mode:
Preview Mode works even if no gateway found allowing wizard to be tested anywhere.
Firewall API calls describe the type of firewall rule being created.
Version 1.16 — May 12, 2025
Added a new Preview Mode:
Check Preview Mode on Step 1 to skip logging in altogether
Check Preview Mode on Step 6 to see config output before live API calls
Added mDNS and IGMP Snooping options to VLAN settings
Added options to specify 2.4GHz or 5GHz WiFi networks on Step 3
Version 1.15 — May 5, 2025
Fixed a small error with VLAN configuration introduced in 1.14 (default netmask reset to /24)
Version 1.14 — May 2, 2025
Allow for pre-configuring WiFi networks before APs are adopted (tested on Network 8.6.9+)
Small bug fixes
Version 1.12 — April 30, 2025
Made adjustments for compatibility with UDM SE and UDM Pro
Small bug fixes
Version 1.1 — April 23, 2025
New visual firewall rule diagrams (Step 5)
Enabled configuration load after login (Step 1)
Ignore local WiFi networks when searching for UniFi Cloud Gateways
Small bug fixes
Version 1.0 — March 2025
What is RD4U?
RD4U (Rapid Deployment for UniFi) is a free Windows-based configuration wizard designed to help users transition from consumer-grade routers like Netgear, Asus, and TP-Link to UniFi Cloud Gateways.
It simplifies the setup of VLANs, inter-network firewall rules, VPN access, and DDNS, with no command-line knowledge required. Ideal for prosumers, home lab users, and small office networks.
