# UniFi Event-Network Setup

## Goal

When the WAN link degrades during an event, bidder devices on the event Wi-Fi
should automatically fall back to the on-site server over the local LAN, with
no visible interruption beyond the connectivity banner turning yellow.

## Steps

### 1 – Note the server's LAN IP

Find the static or DHCP-reserved IP for the event server on your UniFi network
(e.g. `192.168.1.50`).  Set a DHCP reservation so it never changes.

### 2 – Create a local DNS record

In **UniFi Network → Settings → Networks → DNS Records** (or **Local DNS** in
older firmware), add:

| Hostname              | IP             |
|-----------------------|----------------|
| `auction.event.lan`   | `192.168.1.50` |

Set this same hostname in `.env`:

```
LOCAL_HOSTNAME=auction.event.lan
```

### 3 – Create a dedicated event SSID

- SSID name: e.g. `GalaAuction`
- Password: share on the event program or check-in desk
- VLAN: optional; keep on the same LAN as the server
- Band steering: enable for cleaner 5 GHz preference

### 4 – Test failover

1. Join `GalaAuction` on a test device.
2. Confirm `https://bid.example.org` loads normally (WAN path).
3. Disconnect the WAN cable or block WAN traffic in UniFi.
4. Confirm the connectivity banner turns yellow ("Local network – offline-capable").
5. Confirm bidding still works — bids are accepted via `auction.event.lan`.

### 5 – Battery backup

Plug the server, UniFi gateway, and all access points into a UPS.  A 10-minute
runtime is enough to survive a generator switchover or brief power blip.