Is zero handoff supported in networks with multiple ubiquiti access points using the cloud key?

UniFi has always supported roaming according to base 802.11 standards. However with Zero-Handoff Roaming enabled, clients can freely roam between UAPs without incurring any latency penalty as a result of the roam. The basic premise is Zero-Handoff enabled UAPs appear as a single AP from the perspective of the client, thus eliminating disconnection.Zero-Handoff Roaming is available starting with v3.x.Non-ZH RoamingWhen Zero-Handoff is disabled, a UAP doesn't do anything to assist or influence the station's roaming decision. In testing (v2.x) using WPA-PSK, UniFi developers sent flood pings from the laptop to a PC on the wired side, with the following results:From the last ping to the original AP until association completion to the new AP is 45-155msFrom the last ping to the original AP until the first ping to the new AP is ~1sFor most internet applications (i.e. web-browsing), mobile activity would be seamless. For VoIP, observable delays may be noticed.Seamless roaming as described by IEEE 802.11r (fast BSS transition) is AP-assisted client roaming. Some vendors require software-solutions for assisting in a fast-handoff solution.ZH Roaming & ImplementationZero Handoff Roaming works with any type of 802.11a/g/n client. However, all UAPs in the ZH-Enabled WLAN Group must be on the same layer-2 network (same subnet) and use the same wireless channel (e.g., Channel 1). Listed below are a few things to expect / avoid when deploying ZH-enabled UAPs.RSSI ReadingsRSSI readings of the AP arriving at the client may appear sporadic. In a non-Zero Handoff scenario where a client is associated to an AP with an RSSI of -75 and "sees" another AP in the same service set at -50 RSSI. The client decides to associate to the other AP. WIth Zero-Handoff Roam, the client sees the same SSID from both APs and may report differing RSSI values (first -75, then -50, back to -74, -51, -75, -49, etc.). Although this can be confusing from the perspective of the client, recall that with ZH-Roaming, the APs themselves handle roaming, not the client.High DensityZH Roaming should not be enabled on High-Density WLANs. This is because ZH requires the same channel be used on all access points across the BSSID. In addition, all associated wireless clients are using the same channel. So in a high density environment, when ZH is enabled, the channel faces overuse. Stations will experience higher latency and lower throughput. When planning a wireless network, decide whether the environment needs High Density or Zero-Handoff.

Can you use it directly attached to the ubiquiti unifi usg security appliance 3 ports or does it have to plug into a PoE switch?

You can plug it into any PoE switch port and that will power it, or purchase a Micro-USB 5V, minimum 1A (1 amp). The amperage it IMPORTANT! If you get a Micro-USB 5V that supplies LESS than 1A, then it won't work .... WORSE: It'll act wonky ... you won't know if it's working or not. Many people that write bad reviews for Cloud Key are using underpowered power supplies and the unit won't work right. Have to give it the 1A it needs. Very, very important if not using a PoE port. .... You really, really should always use a PoE port for these. As you know Micro USB connectors, and the power supples themselves, are extremely cheaply made - i always use a PoE port.

Brand	Ubiquiti Networks
Colour	White
Item Height	4.8 Inches
Item Width	1.71 Inches
Standing screen display size	1
Product Dimensions	2.16 x 4.34 x 12.19 cm; 175.77 g
Item model number	UC-CK
Processor Count	4
RAM Size	2048 GB
Wireless Carrier	3
Wireless Type	802.11n, 802.11a, 802.11ac
Voltage	5 Volts
Wattage	5 Watts
Are Batteries Included	No
Item Weight	175 g

Ubiquiti UniFi Cloud Key (UC-CK)

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