Configure UniFi with confidence

Two Ways to Use RD4U

Whether you’re starting fresh or building on what you already have, RD4U gives you a safe, guided path forward.

1. Start Fresh (Factory Reset)

Best for first-time UniFi users or full rebuilds

• Begin with a factory-reset UniFi gateway
• Optionally load a proven, ready-made configuration
• If a sample configuration is selected, RD4U applies a complete working design
• Either way, the end result is a known-good network state you can trust
• All proposed changes can be previewed before anything is applied
• Ideal if you want the simplest and most predictable starting point

Benefit: You start clean and end with a UniFi configuration that is coherent, intentional, and safe, without wondering whether something important was missed.

2. Use What You Already Built (Import Mode)

Best for existing UniFi setups with VLANs already defined

• Import your existing VLANs into RD4U and add new ones
• Identify how each VLAN is meant to be used (e.g., Home, Guest, IoT, Cameras)
• Define how traffic should flow between VLANs using the visual firewall rules designer
• All proposed changes can be previewed before anything is applied
• No changes are made unless you explicitly choose to apply them

Benefit: You gain clarity and structure around your firewall rules while keeping full control over when and how changes are introduced.

Why RD4U

Configuring a UniFi network is powerful, but it is not always intuitive, especially when VLANs, zones, and firewall rules interact. RD4U exists to make that process clearer, safer, and more intentional from the start, without requiring you to become a firewall expert first.

Instead of clicking around the UniFi UI and hoping the result matches your intent, RD4U provides a guided way to design your network with confidence.

Why people choose RD4U:

• Designed for first-time UniFi users: RD4U assumes your goal is a secure, working network and guides you toward sensible decisions without overwhelming you with low-level firewall mechanics.
• Removes trial-and-error from firewall rules: You define intent first, and RD4U translates that intent into safe, predictable firewall behavior.
• Clear, intent-based control over networks and devices: You start by assuming networks should not talk to each other, then explicitly allow only the connections that are needed.
• Visual firewall design instead of rule-order guesswork: Firewall behavior is easier to reason about when you can see how networks and devices relate to one another.
• Preview changes before anything is applied: Review all proposed changes in advance to confirm the configuration matches your expectations.
• Works with UniFi’s legacy and zone-based firewalls: RD4U helps you configure either firewall model correctly using the same guided approach.

The result is a UniFi configuration that feels deliberate, understandable, and trustworthy, even if this is your first time setting one up.

What RD4U Helps You Do

RD4U focuses on the real problems people run into when setting up UniFi at home. Instead of guessing at firewall behavior, you start with clear goals and end with a network that behaves the way you expect.

With RD4U, you can:

• Safely isolate IoT devices without breaking control apps: Keep cameras, TVs, and smart devices locked down while still allowing your phone or tablet to manage them.
• Share a printer across networks without opening everything up: Allow just the traffic that’s needed so workstations can print, without weakening network isolation.
• Clearly define who can talk to what: Avoid confusion around zones, rule order, and hidden behavior by starting with simple communication rules.
• Set up guest access that stays truly separate: Give visitors internet access while keeping your personal devices and data private.
• Limit VPN access to only the networks you choose: Connect remotely and reach exactly what you need, without exposing your entire home network.
• Start from a clean slate or build on what you already have: Begin with a factory-reset gateway, or import your existing VLANs and add structure without starting over.

How RD4U Works

RD4U guides you through UniFi configuration one clear step at a time. You make the decisions, and nothing is applied until you explicitly choose to proceed.

Visual Firewall Design & Preview Mode

Firewall rules are where many UniFi users start to feel uncertain. RD4U is designed to make this step clear, visual, and fully under your control.

Instead of working through rule lists or guessing how traffic will behave, RD4U helps you describe what you want to allow. The wizard then translates that intent into the correct UniFi configuration.

Visual Firewall Design

In Step 5, you define how networks and devices are allowed to communicate.

Rather than thinking in terms of rule order or low-level firewall concepts, you define access at two clear levels:

• Network-level access, such as allowing one network to reach another
• Device-level access, such as allowing a specific device to reach a network or another device

These relationships are shown visually as you configure them, making it easier to understand what is allowed and what remains isolated.

You start from a safe default where networks are isolated, then explicitly allow only the access you want. RD4U handles the underlying firewall logic for you, whether your gateway uses the legacy firewall or the newer zone-based firewall.

Step 5 - Visual Firewall Design

Preview Mode

Before anything is applied, you can review a complete preview of the configuration RD4U plans to create. This includes all firewall rules and related settings, VLAN creation or changes, and other configuration generated by the wizard.

Preview Mode allows you to:

• See every change before it touches your gateway
• Confirm that the configuration matches your expectations
• Run the entire wizard without applying any changes
• Explore the wizard without logging in, before connecting to your gateway.

Only when you click Write Changes does RD4U begin configuring your gateway. Progress is shown step by step, so you always know what is happening.

If you’re not ready, you can stop at Preview Mode, go back, and make adjustments.

Step 6 - Preview Mode and Write Changes

Preview Mode shows exactly what would be configured. Nothing is written unless you choose to apply it. The result is a firewall configuration that feels intentional, understandable, and safe, even if this is your first time setting one up.

Your Security Comes First

Because RD4U connects directly to your UniFi gateway, security, transparency, and user control were non-negotiable design goals from the very beginning:

• 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)

Compatibility & System Requirements

RD4U is designed to work with UniFi Cloud Gateways and runs locally on your computer. The requirements below outline what’s supported and what to expect before getting started.

Supported UniFi Cloud Gateways

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

• Cloud Gateway Fiber (UCG-Fiber), Dream Machine SE (UDM SE), Dream Machine Pro (UDM Pro)
• Cloud Gateway Max (UCG-Max), Express (UX), Dream Router (UDR)

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.

Operational notes

No installation is required on UniFi hardware — the wizard connects directly via the UniFi API.

For best results, start with either a) a factory-reset UniFi Cloud Gateway or b) an existing setup after clearing your firewall rules (RD4U will import your existing VLANs).

Frequently Asked Questions

Try RD4U Today

Free to use. Runs locally. No changes unless you choose to apply them.

Preview Mode lets you explore the wizard without logging in and see exactly what would change before anything is written to your UniFi gateway.

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.