Making sense of UNAS Pro IP address

[u/gomi-panda]

Hi, I am a noob trying to make sense of how my hardware is connected via IP address. If you followed my old posts, I built a Ubiquiti system from scratch and learned along the way. But again, I'm new to this, so I may not use the correct terminology or understand exactly how things work. I'm here to understand how it works.

1. My modem/gateway is covered by my ISP
2. I have a Dream Machine
3. I have a UNAS Pro
4. I operate via Windows
5. I have SMB checked in Unifi in order to access my files via explorer, so my UNAS Pro has its own IP address accessible
6. I originally accessed all of my files via Explorer under \\UNAS-Pro\ as opposed to a specific IP
7. I originally set up PleX to connect with \\UNAS-Pro

A few months ago we had a power outage, and this caused the \\UNAS-Pro address to no longer work. I had to use another ip "\\192.196..." Currently, I cannot access my files via \\UNAS-Pro, but only with the 192 ip address. And I don't know why. I also don't know why the ip address itself changed, but I'm assuming that happened when my ISP was shut down.

What I'd like to know is how I can ensure via Unifi that I can use \\UNAS-Pro, or make permanent a "\\192.168..." address in case I ever have a power outage again. What is the best practice? Due to my media, I have to add a new folder with PleX whenever the ip resets. Thanks!

[u/RIPDaug2019-2019]

• on the UDM network interface, under Unifi devices, select the UNAS Pro. Check the box to give it a fixed IP address. This IP will be reserved and won’t change upon reboots or lease expirations.
• make a DNS entry in the policy engine for whatever you want to call it. This should point to the IP you set as fixed earlier.
• access via the DNS entry or IP.