Ubiquiti EdgeRouter Lite ERLite-3 User Manual

1. Introduction

The Ubiquiti EdgeRouter Lite ERLite-3 is a high-performance router designed for advanced networking environments. It features three independent Gigabit Ethernet ports, providing robust routing capabilities for home and small office networks. This manual provides essential information for setting up, operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting your ERLite-3 router.

2. Key Features

• Three Gigabit Ethernet Ports: Provides high-speed wired connectivity for multiple devices or network segments.
• Advanced Routing Capabilities: Supports various routing protocols and configurations for complex network setups.
• Powerful Processor: Equipped with a dual-core processor and 512MB memory for efficient packet processing.
• EdgeOS Operating System: Features a comprehensive graphical user interface (GUI) and command-line interface (CLI) for flexible management.
• Compact and Durable Design: Designed for desktop placement with a robust metal casing.

3. Package Contents

Verify that your package contains the following items:

• Ubiquiti EdgeRouter Lite ERLite-3 Device
• Power Adapter

Note: The device typically comes with the latest firmware pre-installed.

4. Hardware Overview

Familiarize yourself with the ports, LEDs, and buttons on your EdgeRouter Lite ERLite-3.

Figure 4.1: Front Panel of the EdgeRouter Lite ERLite-3.

This image displays the front panel of the Ubiquiti EdgeRouter Lite ERLite-3. From left to right, it features a CONSOLE port for serial access, followed by three Gigabit Ethernet ports labeled eth0, eth1, and eth2. To the right of the Ethernet ports, there are LED indicators for SPEED (showing connection speed: 10/100 Mbps or 1000 Mbps) and a DOWN indicator. On the far right, a small RESET button is visible.

4.1. Ports and Buttons

• CONSOLE Port: RJ45 serial console port for command-line interface (CLI) access.
• eth0, eth1, eth2: Three Gigabit Ethernet ports for network connections. These ports support 10/100/1000 Mbps speeds.
• RESET Button: Used to reset the device to factory defaults or reboot.

4.2. LED Indicators

• SPEED LEDs:
  • Green (1000): Indicates a 1000 Mbps (Gigabit) link speed.
  • Yellow (10/100): Indicates a 10/100 Mbps link speed.
• DOWN LED: Indicates the link status of the corresponding Ethernet port.

5. Initial Setup

Follow these steps to set up your EdgeRouter Lite ERLite-3 for the first time.

5.1. Connecting the Hardware

1. Connect the included power adapter to the EdgeRouter's power input and plug it into a power outlet.
2. Connect an Ethernet cable from your computer's network port to the eth0 port on the EdgeRouter.
3. (Optional) Connect your modem or upstream network device to another Ethernet port (e.g., eth1) on the EdgeRouter.
4. Ensure your computer is configured to obtain an IP address automatically (DHCP). The EdgeRouter's eth0 port typically provides a default IP address for initial access.

5.2. Accessing the Web Interface (EdgeOS GUI)

1. Open a web browser on your computer.
2. In the address bar, type the default IP address of the EdgeRouter (commonly 192.168.1.1) and press Enter.
3. You will be prompted for login credentials. The default username and password are ubnt and ubnt, respectively.
4. Upon successful login, you will access the EdgeOS graphical user interface. It is highly recommended to change the default password immediately for security.

5.3. Initial Configuration

The EdgeOS GUI provides wizards for common configurations, such as basic SOHO (Small Office/Home Office) setups. For more advanced configurations, you can use the various sections within the GUI or the command-line interface (CLI).

• Basic Setup Wizard: Look for a setup wizard option in the GUI to quickly configure WAN and LAN settings.
• Network Configuration: Configure IP addresses, DHCP server, DNS settings for your network.
• Firewall Rules: Set up firewall rules to secure your network.
• Port Forwarding: Configure port forwarding if you need to access internal services from the internet.

6. Operation

The EdgeRouter Lite ERLite-3 operates continuously once configured. Management is primarily done through the EdgeOS Web GUI or the CLI.

6.1. EdgeOS Web GUI

The Web GUI provides a user-friendly interface for monitoring and managing your router. Key sections include:

• Dashboard: Overview of system status, interface statistics, and traffic monitoring.
• Interfaces: Configure and monitor network interfaces (eth0, eth1, eth2).
• Routing: Manage static routes and dynamic routing protocols.
• Firewall/NAT: Configure firewall policies and Network Address Translation (NAT).
• Services: Manage DHCP server, DNS, VPN, and other network services.
• System: System settings, user management, firmware updates, and configuration backup/restore.

6.2. Command-Line Interface (CLI)

For advanced users, the CLI offers granular control and scripting capabilities. You can access the CLI via SSH or the CONSOLE port.

• SSH Access: Use an SSH client (e.g., PuTTY) to connect to the EdgeRouter's IP address on port 22.
• Console Access: Connect a serial cable from your computer to the CONSOLE port on the EdgeRouter. Use a terminal emulator (e.g., PuTTY, Tera Term) with appropriate serial port settings (e.g., 115200 baud, 8N1).

7. Maintenance

Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance and security of your EdgeRouter.

7.1. Firmware Updates

Ubiquiti frequently releases firmware updates that include new features, performance improvements, and security patches. It is recommended to keep your firmware up to date.

1. Download the latest firmware from the official Ubiquiti website.
2. Access the EdgeOS Web GUI.
3. Navigate to the System tab.
4. Use the firmware upgrade option to upload the downloaded firmware file.
5. The router will reboot after the upgrade is complete.

Always back up your configuration before performing a firmware upgrade.

7.2. Configuration Backup and Restore

Regularly back up your router's configuration to prevent data loss and facilitate quick recovery in case of issues.

• Backup: In the EdgeOS Web GUI, go to the System tab and locate the "Download backup configuration" option. This will save a .tar.gz file containing your configuration.
• Restore: To restore a configuration, use the "Upload backup configuration" option in the System tab. The router will reboot after restoring.

8. Troubleshooting

This section addresses common issues you might encounter with your EdgeRouter Lite ERLite-3.

8.1. No Network Connectivity

• Check Cables: Ensure all Ethernet cables are securely connected to the correct ports.
• LED Indicators: Verify that the SPEED and LINK/ACT LEDs on the connected ports are lit.
• IP Address: Confirm your computer is receiving an IP address from the router (if DHCP is enabled) or has a static IP within the router's subnet.
• Router Reboot: Power cycle the EdgeRouter by disconnecting and reconnecting the power adapter.

8.2. Cannot Access Web GUI

• Default IP: Ensure you are using the correct IP address (default is 192.168.1.1). If you changed it, use the new IP.
• Firewall: Temporarily disable your computer's firewall to rule out interference.
• Browser Cache: Clear your browser's cache or try a different browser.
• Reset to Factory Defaults: If all else fails, you may need to perform a factory reset using the RESET button. Note: This will erase all your configurations.

8.3. Performance Issues

• Firmware Update: Ensure your router is running the latest firmware.
• Traffic Analysis: Use the EdgeOS GUI's traffic analysis features (e.g., DPI - Deep Packet Inspection) to identify bandwidth-consuming applications or devices.
• Configuration Review: Complex or misconfigured firewall rules or routing policies can impact performance. Review your configuration.

8.4. Known Hardware Issues (Historical)

Some early batches of the ERLite-3 experienced issues with DDR memory or internal flash storage. While these were largely addressed in later production runs, if you encounter persistent, unresolvable issues:

• Contact Support: Reach out to Ubiquiti support for potential RMA or advanced troubleshooting.
• Community Resources: The Ubiquiti community forums often contain detailed discussions and solutions for such hardware-related problems, including procedures for re-flashing the internal storage if necessary.

9. Specifications

10. Warranty and Support

10.1. Product Warranty

Ubiquiti Networks products are covered by a limited warranty. For specific warranty terms and conditions, please refer to the warranty information provided with your product or visit the official Ubiquiti website. Warranty claims typically require proof of purchase.

10.2. Technical Support

For technical assistance, Ubiquiti provides support resources primarily through their online community and email support channels. Given the advanced nature of the EdgeRouter series, a strong community of users and official documentation are available to assist with configuration and troubleshooting.

• Ubiquiti Community Forums: A valuable resource for guides, configuration examples, and peer support. Many common questions and advanced setups are documented here.
• Ubiquiti Support Website: Access official documentation, FAQs, and submit support tickets for direct assistance.

Note: This product is designed for users with some networking knowledge. While basic setup wizards are available, advanced configurations may require familiarity with networking concepts.