UniFi Network MCP Server: MCP Client Integration Hub

Overview: What is UniFi Network MCP Server?

The UniFi Network MCP Server is designed to transform your UniFi Network Controller into a versatile, programmable toolset accessible via the Model Context Protocol (MCP). It enables AI applications like Claude Desktop, Continue, Cursor, and others to interact with sophisticated network management tasks such as firewall policies, traffic routing, port forwarding, Quality of Service (QoS), Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) settings, device management, client handling, and statistical analysis. This server serves as a bridge between AI applications and the UniFi Controller's rich set of built-in capabilities.

🔧 Core Features & MCP Capabilities

The UniFi Network MCP Server offers a comprehensive suite of tools prefixed with unifi_ that enable you to query, analyze, and modify your network configuration programmatically. These tools include:

• Firewall Management: Tools like unifi_list_firewall_policies, unifi_toggle_firewall_policy, and unifi_create_firewall_policy allow for fine-grained control over network security.

• Traffic Routing & QoS: Comprehensive management of traffic routes, QoS rules, and WLAN settings with tools such as unifi_list_traffic_routes and unifi_create_qos_rule.

• Device Control: Functions like unifi_reboot_device, unifi_rename_device, and unifi_upgrade_device enable detailed device management.

• Client Management: Tools to manage clients, including blocking, unblocking, renaming, and authorizing guests with actions from unifi_block_client to unifi_authorize_guest.

• System & Alert Monitoring: Features such as unifi_get_system_info provide insights into the network's overall health.

• VPN Management: Tools for configuring and managing both client and server aspects of VPNS like unifi_list_vpn_clients.

All these capabilities are meticulously designed to be used safely, with a requirement for explicit confirmation via the confirm=true parameter in mutating operations. The UniFi Network MCP Server also supports both FastMCP (stdio) and SSE (HTTP) communication endpoints, ensuring seamless integration across various environments.

⚙️ MCP Architecture & Protocol Implementation

The UniFi Network MCP Server is built on idiomatic Python 3.10 and packaged with pyproject.toml for ease of deployment. It leverages the Model Context Protocol to communicate securely with AI applications and local devices. The server architecture includes a robust command-line interface that supports one-liner launches, as well as Docker containerization for convenient execution.

MCP Protocol Flow Diagram

Using Mermaid syntax, here’s an illustrated flowchart of the MCP protocol interaction:

graph TD
    A[AI Application] -->|MCP Client| B[MCP Protocol]
    B --> C[MCP Server]
    C --> D[Data Source/Tool]
    style A fill:#e1f5fe
    style C fill:#f3e5f5
    style D fill:#e8f5e8

MCP Client Compatibility Matrix

The compatibility matrix below details the support status for various MCP clients, including their ability to interact with the UniFi Network MCP Server's tools and commands.

MCP Client	Resources	Tools	Prompts	Status
Claude Desktop	✅	✅	✅	Full Support
Continue	✅	✅	✅	Full Support
Cursor	❌	✅	❌	Tools Only

🚀 Getting Started with Installation

To get started, you have multiple installation options, including Docker and traditional Python setup through virtual environments.

Docker

Install the latest version directly from the GitHub container registry:

docker pull ghcr.io/sirkirby/unifi-network-mcp:latest

Run the server by supplying UniFi credentials via environment variables or a .env file:

docker run -i --rm \
  -e UNIFI_HOST=192.168.1.1 \
  -e UNIFI_USERNAME=admin \
  -e UNIFI_PASSWORD=secret \
  ghcr.io/sirkirby/unifi-network-mcp:latest

Python / UV

For a more detailed setup, follow these steps:

1. Install UV (modern pip/venv manager):

   curl -fsSL https://astral.sh/uv/install.sh | bash
   

2. Clone the repository and create a virtual environment:

   git clone https://github.com/sirkirby/unifi-network-mcp.git
   cd unifi-network-mcp
   uv venv
   source .venv/bin/activate
   

3. Install from PyPI (future versions):

   uv pip install --no-deps -e .
   

4. Provide credentials by creating a .env file and updating values.

5. Launch the server using mcp-server-unifi-network.

   Example configuration in.env:

   UNIFI_HOST=192.168.1.1
   UNIFI_USERNAME=admin
   UNIFI_PASSWORD=secretpassword
   

   Start the server with:

   uv python -m unifi_network_mcp.server
   

💡 Key Use Cases in AI Workflows

Use Case 1: Automated Network Monitoring and Optimization

AI applications can use the UniFi Network MCP Server to continuously monitor network performance, manage traffic routes, and prioritize certain types of data based on real-time analysis. This setup enables an intelligent response system that ensures network resources are allocated for mission-critical tasks.

Technical Implementation:

• Use unifi_list_traffic_routes to gather current routing configurations.
• Apply machine learning algorithms to predict future traffic trends and adjust settings dynamically with tools like unifi_config_traffic_route.

Use Case 2: Device Health Monitoring and Maintenance

AI systems can leverage the server's capabilities for routine device maintenance. For example, automated rebooting of underperforming devices or scheduling software updates without manual intervention.

Technical Implementation:

• Query system health using commands like unifi_get_system_info.
• Schedule and execute server restarts, firmware updates, etc., with unifi_reboot_device.

🔌 Integration with MCP Clients

The UniFi Network MCP Server provides seamless integration points for various AI applications that support the Model Context Protocol through its API. Common operations include setting up new devices, managing network policies, monitoring performance metrics, and more.

Example Configuration Code Sample

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "unifiNetworkServer": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": ["-y", "@modelcontextprotocol/server-unifi-network"],
      "env": {
        "API_KEY": "your-api-key"
      }
    }
  }
}

This configuration is a simplified example and may need adjusting based on specific use cases or client requirements.

📊 Performance & Compatibility Matrix

The performance matrix not only highlights the server's capabilities but also its integration with different MCP clients. This helps developers understand which features are fully supported and where additional work might be needed for optimal compatibility.

Feature	Claude Desktop	Continue
Device Management (on/off)	✅	❌
Traffic Policies	✅	✅
QoS Rules	✅	✅
WLAN Settings	✅	✅

🛠️ Advanced Configuration & Security

For developers and administrators looking to fine-tune their setup, the UniFi Network MCP Server provides advanced configuration options secured with environment variables and strict access controls.

Configuration Details

• Environment Variables: These set up critical parameters like the UniFi server's IP address (UNIFI_HOST), username (UNIFI_USERNAME), and password (UNIFI_PASSWORD).
• Security Settings: Ensure secure communication channels are established using SSL/TLS certificates as well as strict access control policies.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Q: How do I install the UniFi Network MCP Server via Docker?
   A: Pull the latest container image from the GitHub registry and run it with appropriate environment variables configured.

2. Q: Can I set up device management using AI applications? A: Yes, you can manage devices like setting schedules for reboots or updates, which are fully supported features.

3. Q: Are all tools compatible with every MCP client?
   A: Some clients do not support certain operations, as noted in the compatibility matrix. Always check before integrating new functionality.

4. Q: How does security work with the UniFi Network MCP Server? A: Security is ensured through robust access control, and all communication can be encrypted using SSL/TLS.

5. Q: What are the performance implications of running this server on a resource-limited device?
   A: Performance should remain stable even on less powerful machines but can be optimized for better resource management.

👨‍💻 Development & Contribution Guidelines

Contributions to the UniFi Network MCP Server project are welcome. Developers interested in contributing can find detailed guidelines and coding standards in our repository documentation.

Steps to Contribute:

1. Fork the Repository: Click on "Fork" to create your local version.

2. Clone the Repository:

   git clone https://github.com/yourusername/unifi-network-mcp.git
   cd unifi-network-mcp
   

3. Install Dependencies:

   pip install -r requirements.txt
   

4. Run the Server Locally: Use your preferred method based on installation instructions.

5. Create Issues and Pull Requests: Open issues for bugs or enhancements, and submit pull requests to implement them.

🌐 MCP Ecosystem & Resources

For more information and resources related to the Model Context Protocol (MCP), visit the official MCP documentation.

• Model Context Protocol Documentation
• GitHub Repository

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This comprehensive guide positions the UniFi Network MCP Server as a critical tool for integrating advanced AI applications with network management tasks, ensuring robust and secure communication patterns.