What does Network Application Must Be Online Mean in UniFi?
The Network Application, which was previously known as the controller, is the software that managed the UniFi network. We will all be familiar with the UniFi interface, however in this context this refers to the network application host and its online state. The network application can run on the UDM, Cloud Keys or self hosted environments like a virtual machine or on-prem server. When authenticating guest WiFi sessions, this network application host must be online to enable authentication. More so, it mist be online via a FQDN (fully qualified domain name) hostname. You can read more about controller hostnames and our unique solution here.
The reason the network application must be online via a FQDN is to facilitate https API communication. As the UniFi external portal service, as well as most of the UniFi applications, depend on API’s, having the correct infrastructure in place is important.
UniFi Guest Portal Setup
“Network Application Must Be Online” – How to Fix It?
Nowadays, WiFi is the king that rules the way in which we establish an Internet connection. Although this technology seems simple enough to the end-user, the truth is that the potential of WiFi programs is limitless.
But WiFi isn’t just a way to connect to a new network anymore: it’s a breathing environment that makes our lives easier.
With great power comes great responsibility, and that’s when UniFi comes into the scene.
The days of typically poor coverage of networks are long gone now, but, as you know, nothing is perfect.
Some users have experienced an error message that says “Network Application Must Be Online,” so you are not alone.
That’s why today’s article describes all you need to know about the following matters:
- What does “Network application must be online” mean?;
- How to fix the “Network application must be online” when setting up a new connection;
- Things you need to know about Ubiquiti and UniFi Environments.
Network Application FQDN Hostname
Ubiquiti and UniFi Environment
Before we get to understand the problem that is happening in your Wi-Fi network, it’s imperative to get some background.
The World Wide Web has been with us for a while now. Electronic mail, simple mail transfer protocol, wireless network, hypertext transfer protocol, and web elements, are concepts that are widely comprehended as of today.
In this domain, most applications have specific purposes that provide certain services that create a harmonic environment.
In the case of Ubiquiti’s UniFi, each application software, and other applications, contribute to security, efficiency, and ultimate management of a connection-oriented environment.
Pro Tip: It doesn’t matter if you need to set up just a couple of access points with your Internet Service Provider connection – Ubiquiti’s UniFi adapts to all situations. For example, if you just need to get a small apartment connected, there’s definitely something for you on Ubiquiti’s system
Don’t worry if you don’t know much about IP addresses, web servers, Internet security, distributed database or advanced security protocols in your operating system – that’s what Ubiquiti Academy is for. Access the official web page for more information about relevant topics.
Understanding UniFi Network Application
In this specific case, the Network Application you are using is not working as it should on Windows.
But before being able to find a solution, we must first understand what is going on with the program.
Pro Tip: Accessing Ubiquiti Community might be the best course of action for you. You can logging with your e-mail information, and you will find information about the web application layer, Internet Applications, domain names, and useful documents to support your knowledge about the Ubiquiti environment. Don’t sleep on it!
1. The Application Runs on a Web Server
That’s right. The UniFiNetwork Application is different from computer-based software which runs on the computer’s operating system.
This given application receives all the data needed from a previously set web server. In this case, the web address which connects you to Ubiquiti’s port number is the following:Since it all runs on the web, it is imperative for you to get rid of any error message related to apps and controllers.You can open it on web browsers for it to be properly managed. This is the place where the magic happens, so make sure to save your contact information and password on your browser so you don’t lose it.
2. It Allows You to Control Client-Side Devices
Everything can be done from the UniFi network application. Do you want to see a file on a client’s device? Do it.
Are you suspecting the presence of malicious software that triggers Windows Firewall? Checking up on the Network Application is as simple as it gets.
By default, sending messages and making orders from the Network App is quick, easy, and effortless.
3. UniFi Devices Must Be Constantly Updated
Since UniFi has its own Operating System, constant updates are a must. It doesn’t matter what you might see on web pages out there – even if you have the latest device, it’s unavoidable to keep your machines updated.
You can communicate with UniFi support team by sending mail and they’ll tell you exactly this.
Hence, even if you have the latest Dream Machine Pro, failing to update its firmware might as well trigger the Network Application error message you are facing.
“Network Application Must Be Online” – What Does it Mean?
Now that you know the basics about UniFi’s OS and its Network Application, let’s identify the root cause of the problem.
In short, the “Network Application Must Be Online” message appears because the UniFi’s controllers are not running online.
Remember that the application is hosted on a remote network and not on Windows (or any other OS), so we are talking about a guest portal problem here.
So, since the controller is not considered running, it will not be available when clients connect to the guest portal
How to Fix “Network Application Must Be Online”
Now that you know the reason behind the “Network Application Must Be Online” message, it’s time to learn how to solve it.
Let’s say that you opened Internet Explorer (or whichever browser you use), and verified that the controllers are good to go.
1. Complete the Network Applications’ Configuration Properly
Are you sure that the setup for the Network Application was completed as it should? If not, follow these steps:
- Download the UniFi installer for your operating system (Windows, MacOS or Linux);
- Run the installer and launch the app;
- Follow on-screen instructions so the process can be properly completed.
Remember that you can always check UniFi’s Official Website to get more useful insights about the installation process.
In any case, the error message you are encountering might have been caused due to faulty installations, so it’s imperative to do this adequately.
If the “Network Application Must Be Online” message still appears, then move on to the following fix.
2. Enable Updates for the Network Application
Setting up your UniFi device is easy. Likewise, creating the WiFi network and the general Network Setup shouldn’t be a major problem.
If everything was working smoothly prior to the appearance of the message, then your devices might be outdated.
The best course of action here is to check if there are some pending updates that might be interfering with the proper functioning of the Network App.
Pro Tip: Updating your devices should be a walk in the park. Nonetheless, if you are facing problems while doing this, check out UniFi’s Community for useful insights regarding this matter.
3. Latest Java Version Not Installed
Sometimes, unexpected changes in your system might be causing the Network App error. It’s imperative for the app to have Java 8 up and running on your device.
Otherwise, things will start to fail without notice. Download and install Java 8 so you get rid of any Java-related issue that your system is encountering.
In most cases, the problem disappears once you have everything updated. Keep in mind that if you fail to solve this issue by yourself, contacting Ubiquiti Support might be your last hope.
That would be all for today! If you need more useful insights about UniFi, Ubiquiti, and other WiFi environments, keep tuned to our website for more useful content.
FAQ
Why Did the Network Application Installation Fail on My Device?
Maybe your system doesn’t meet the minimum requirements stated by UniFi. Make sure that your equipment is in good condition before trying to install the application again.
Where Can I Find the Option to Upgrade My UniFi OS’s Firmware?
It’s simple: just go to your UniFi Dashboard, click on System Settings, and then select “Update.” This should be enough to solve any update-related problem in your environment.
