Release Note: Lab Infrastructure Modernization

• Date: May 2026
• Version: 2.0.0 (Unified Stack Migration)
• Classification: Internal Lab Operations

1. Executive Summary

This release documents the decommissioning of a heterogeneous “best-of-breed” network and the implementation of a unified Ubiquiti UniFi Ultra ecosystem. The architecture has been redesigned to decouple the lab environment from the primary production network, ensuring “break-fix” testing capabilities without sacrificing external connectivity for troubleshooting.

2. Physical Topology & Backhaul

The new design utilizes a distributed switching model connected via a high-bandwidth backbone.

• Core Gateway (Cloud Gateway Ultra): Serves as the WAN edge and Site Controller.
• Lab Distribution (16-Port PoE Switch): Located in the main lab area, connected to the Gateway via a dedicated long-haul trunk cable. This switch acts as the primary power and data hub for lab servers and the UK-Ultra WAP.
• Workstation Edge (8-Port PoE Switch): Situated at the desk to provide localized connectivity for “at-hand” testing devices, linked back to the core fabric to maintain VLAN consistency at the user interface.

3. Logical Network Design (Segmentation)

The network has migrated from a flat topology to an 802.1Q VLAN-segmented architecture. The long-haul cable from the Gateway to the 16-port switch is configured as a Trunk Port, carrying all four defined VLANs:

VLAN ID         Name               Description                                                Purpose

10                   Trusted             Primary management & personal devices.         Secure, high-priority traffic.

20                   IoT                    Low-trust smart devices.                                Isolation from core lab assets.

30                   Lab                   Active development & testing zone.                  General lab work/virtualization.

99                   Sandbox          High-risk testing environment.                          Full isolation for “break-fix” scenarios.

4. Key Technical Improvements

Hardware-Abstracted Management

By migrating the UniFi Controller from a ZimaOS-hosted container to the dedicated Cloud Gateway Ultra, the management layer is no longer dependent on a computer’s health. This ensures the network dashboard remains accessible even during total lab server failure.

Backbone Reliability

The transition from a mix of QNAP fiber and Flex Mini switches to a unified UniFi trunk minimizes protocol mismatch. The long-haul link between the Gateway and the 16-port switch provides a stable, simplified backhaul that is easier to monitor for CRC errors or throughput bottlenecks.

Redundant Power Efficiency

The 16-port (Lab) and 8-port (Desk) switches provide localized PoE, eliminating the need for power injectors. This allows for:

• Remote Power Cycling: Resetting the UK-Ultra WAP or lab nodes via the UniFi app.
• Clean Desk Policy: Significant reduction in cable clutter and “wall-wart” power supplies at the workstation.

Resilient Troubleshooting Workflow

Because the Gateway manages the WAN independently of the Lab switch, a configuration failure in VLAN 99 (Sandbox) does not impact VLAN 10 (Trusted). This allows the user to maintain internet access to research fixes while the lab environment is “broken”.

5. Hardware Inventory & Placement

Note for Portfolio: This document highlights the transition to a structured cabling approach. By utilizing a trunked long-haul connection between the Gateway and the 16-Port switch, the designer demonstrates proficiency in managing physical layer constraints while maintaining logical segmentation across the environment.

End of Release Note