Apple Business Rental - Learn More

Hosted Telecoms Solutions - Learn more

Managed Print Services - Learn more

Setting Up Ubiquiti UniFi Protect for Business Security Cameras

Setting Up Ubiquiti UniFi Protect for Business Security Cameras

Ubiquiti’s UniFi Protect offers a robust and scalable solution for businesses seeking to enhance their security infrastructure. It allows businesses to monitor and manage surveillance cameras through an intuitive app, providing high-quality video surveillance and secure storage. In this guide, we will walk you through the process of setting up UniFi Protect for business security cameras, from selecting the right cameras to configuring the system for optimal security.

Table of Contents

  1. Introduction to Ubiquiti UniFi Protect
  2. Choosing the Right UniFi Cameras for Your Business
  3. Installing UniFi Protect Hardware
  4. Setting Up the UniFi Protect System
  5. Configuring Camera Settings and Recording Options
  6. Accessing UniFi Protect from Mobile Devices
  7. Troubleshooting Common Issues
  8. Conclusion

Introduction to Ubiquiti UniFi Protect

UniFi Protect is Ubiquiti's surveillance management system, designed to work seamlessly with their line of UniFi video cameras. It offers features like live viewing, recording, and motion detection, all accessible from a central control panel. The system is cloud-managed, allowing users to access their footage from anywhere. UniFi Protect is ideal for businesses due to its scalability, making it easy to add new cameras and manage a large number of devices.

Choosing the Right UniFi Cameras for Your Business

Before setting up UniFi Protect, it’s important to choose the correct cameras for your business's security needs. Ubiquiti offers a variety of UniFi Protect cameras, each suited to different environments and requirements.

  • UniFi Video Camera G4 Pro: This camera provides 4K resolution, making it ideal for high-detail areas such as entrances, reception areas, or parking lots.
  • UniFi G3 Flex: A more affordable option, perfect for areas that don’t require 4K resolution but still need high-definition quality.
  • UniFi G4 Doorbell: Great for monitoring entrances and doorways, equipped with a built-in speaker and microphone for two-way audio.
  • UniFi G4 Bullet: Ideal for outdoor security, with a rugged design that withstands harsh weather conditions.

Choose cameras based on your coverage needs (indoor or outdoor), resolution requirements, and your budget.

Installing UniFi Protect Hardware

To set up your UniFi Protect system, you will need a few hardware components. These include cameras, a UniFi Dream Machine or UniFi Security Gateway, and a UniFi Protect Network Video Recorder (NVR). The NVR stores video recordings, and the Dream Machine or Security Gateway ensures network connectivity.

Step-by-Step Installation:

  1. Install Cameras: Mount your cameras in their desired locations. Ensure they are positioned to cover key areas of your business, such as entry points, hallways, and parking lots. Cameras should be placed at a height and angle that provides a clear view of the area.
  2. Connect the Cameras: If you're using wired cameras, connect them to your network using Ethernet cables. Wireless cameras will connect via Wi-Fi once powered on.
  3. Connect the NVR: Connect the UniFi Protect NVR to your network via Ethernet. This device will handle video storage and management.
  4. Power Up: Once all devices are connected, power them on.

Setting Up the UniFi Protect System

With your cameras and NVR installed, it’s time to set up UniFi Protect.

  1. Install the UniFi Protect App:

    • Download the UniFi Protect app from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play (Android).
    • Open the app and sign in with your Ubiquiti account.

  2. Adopt Devices:

    • In the app, go to the Devices tab and select Add Device.
    • Your cameras and NVR will appear on the list. Tap Adopt to connect them to your system.

  3. Configure Your Cameras:

    • Once adopted, tap each camera to access its settings.
    • Configure Motion Detection: Enable motion detection for areas where constant surveillance isn’t necessary, like hallways or corridors. Adjust the sensitivity to avoid false triggers.
    • Set up Recording Schedules: Choose when the cameras should record (e.g., continuously, only during motion detection, or on a specific schedule).

  4. Configure Storage Options:

    • The NVR will automatically start recording footage. You can adjust settings to specify the amount of footage retained and set a maximum storage limit.
    • Ensure your NVR has enough storage to hold weeks or months of footage, depending on your business’s needs.

  5. Set up Alerts:

    • Configure Email or Push Notifications to alert you when motion is detected or an unusual event occurs.
    • Set up Activity Zones in the app, which allows you to specify areas where motion detection should be active or inactive.

Accessing UniFi Protect from Mobile Devices

One of the key benefits of UniFi Protect is its cloud integration, allowing you to access your security footage from anywhere.

  1. Access from the UniFi Protect App: Once you have the app installed on your mobile device, you can access live footage, review recorded video, and receive notifications.

  2. Access from a Web Browser: You can also access your UniFi Protect system from a web browser by logging into your Ubiquiti account at https://protect.ui.com. This gives you the same features as the app but in a desktop interface.

  3. Remote Viewing: Both the mobile app and web browser interface allow you to access your footage remotely, enabling you to monitor your business while you're away. You can even manage camera settings and adjust configurations remotely.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Although UniFi Protect is a reliable system, you may encounter occasional issues. Here’s how to troubleshoot common problems:

  1. Camera Not Appearing in the App:

    • Ensure the camera is powered on and connected to the network.
    • Check your Wi-Fi or Ethernet connection to ensure it’s working.
    • Restart the camera and check the app again.

  2. No Video Feed:

    • Verify that your camera has enough bandwidth. High-definition cameras require more network resources.
    • Check if the NVR has enough storage and is functioning properly.

  3. Motion Detection Not Working:

    • Adjust the motion detection settings in the app.
    • Ensure that the camera’s field of view is not obstructed.
    • Test the sensitivity and change the detection zones if necessary.

  4. Notifications Not Coming Through:

    • Check your notification settings in the app to ensure they are turned on.
    • Make sure the mobile device has internet access and can receive push notifications.

Conclusion

Setting up Ubiquiti UniFi Protect for your business is a straightforward process that can greatly enhance your security infrastructure. By selecting the right cameras, configuring your system, and ensuring proper setup and storage, you’ll have a reliable surveillance system in place. With easy access to your footage and remote monitoring capabilities, UniFi Protect ensures that your business remains secure, whether you're in the office or on the go. Follow this guide, and you’ll be well on your way to setting up a comprehensive, secure camera network for your business.