Getting Started with Unifi Protect

[@davidsamson6186]

One thing I would also add here in the camera options and POE Switching aspect is understanding the wattage each camera is going to take and what kind of switch to get. For example 4K Cameras take if I’m not mistaken 15-20w per camera, so if you get a 100W maximum switch this means you have a the capacity of 5 camera. You kinda touched on it with the power rating comment but it doesn’t matter as much if it’s Poe + or ++ but that’ll impact your CCTV implementation dramatically. My CCTV, switching, and actual cameras took the maximum Poe capacity and ended up having to replace my initial unmanaged switch with a dedicated ubiquiti switch.

[@ethernetblueprint]

Yes, this is something that you definately want to keep an eye on. It is one of the reasons I like to use UDM SE's for cameras because there is 180W of total power on them that you can use for cameras. I will add that I have a G4 Pro and it is pulling around 6W of power most of the time, so 60W will go pretty far until you get in to larger deployments. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@mar1video]

Great video ! Thanks for sharing your knowledge and your own experience with us. 😃

[@ethernetblueprint]

I enjoy this. Happy to help!

[@paultech9385]

Follow on comment and request, I’d be interested in a video on linking the system to Google Drive or One Drive. I hope they’ll add sending real time recordings to another NVR or CKGen2 in the future.

[@ethernetblueprint]

At this time, I am fairly certain you can save Unifi recordings to synology, however, in doing some quick research, it seems to be something that isn't officially supported. I haven't looked into this much and would need some more testing to create a video around it. Thanks for watching!

[@noelreynolds2356]

Hi, would one dream machine cope with 150 cameras and 7 NVRs?

[@ethernetblueprint]

I haven't done anything that big with Unifi so I don't want to steer you wrong. I would ask @MactelecomNetworks. I follow him and he does larger setups with multiple NVRs.

[@chrisracer2007]

0:07 “small business “? I believe small to medium large is more accurate…

[@ethernetblueprint]

Yes, True... Thanks for the comment.

[@xan2242]

I found that if you just want Unifi Protect, the NVR is almost always going to be better than the Cloudkey+. Extra $100 and no hard drive yes, however the included 1TB HDD in the Cloudkey+ really doesn't last long if you record 24/7 and you'll need to throw it away for something higher capacity anyways, which to find in a 2.5" size compared to 3.5", is usually $100 more expensive, so the NVR is just cheaper and better at that point, the only reason for the Cloudkey+ for pure Unifi Protect is either the NVR is too big, or you really care about $100 so much that you're willing to set it to record motion only, which doesn't make sense since Unifi Protect cameras are already expensive enough anyways.

[@ethernetblueprint]

I agree with alot of what you are saying, however, I do think there is a market and customer for the cloudkey+. I used one for years and never had any issues with it. Only reason I don't have it still is because I moved to a UDM Pro and have my strorage that way... I do agree that there isn't much of a difference in cost to just upgrade, but there would be an increase, plus space might be a factor too... Lots to consider when choosing what is best for your needs. Thanks for the comment... Always love hearing other perspective on the matter.

[@mynameisben123]

In Australia the NVR IS $300 (around US$200) more than the CloudKey+. So it’s essentially double the price with no drive.

[@xan2242]

@@mynameisben123 But then even a 4TB 2.5" HDD that's just for general computers is about $349, whilst I can get a 6TB 3.5" HDD that's meant for constant writing for about $239. That included 1TB is just a waste of money since you will have to throw it out anyways if you use more than 1 camera and care about recording for longer than a week.

[@anthonygonzales129]

Totally agree. I just ordered one and right now you get a free camers with a nvr pruchase.

[@brucemoolenaar7944]

Great video, good level of detail, well presented.

[@ethernetblueprint]

Wow... Thanks. And thanks for watching.

[@cruzekid1031]

Great video, I am wanting to make the switch to Unifi just for my security cameras, I love my home network to much to switch. With that being said is the NVR and cameras all I need for the setup? You mentioned UDM/SE + switch + cameras (why would you need a switch with the UDM/SE?).

[@ethernetblueprint]

Yes, You would just need an NVR or a CloudKey+ to have a cameras and they would work with your current network.

[@paultech9385]

Does adding a 2nd NVR unit increase the number of cameras or just expand storage? BTW, The NVR runs Protect App but not the Network app. I’m hoping they’ll add loitering detection in the future.

[@davidsamson6186]

Just expands the storage capacity which helps increase the number of cameras but ultimately just storage since you can’t connect the NVR to the camera directly

[@yzmey42113]

Can i install the camera software on any Linux server? because i don't want to buy a dedicated server, i already have one.

[@ethernetblueprint]

I don't believe so. Everything I have seen says it needs to be on Unifi hardware...

[@victorarrocha453]

Your video is great! Thanks you! Just a question: Can UDM-SE support 4TB HD?

[@ethernetblueprint]

You are welcome... and yes it can... It can support an 8Gb too...

[@donaldhoudek2889]

Great video! As mentioned in one of your previous videos, pre-planning is really important. In my case I started with 1 AP (thinking that it would be enough) and I am now up to 4, unless you do not want to count the one in our RV parked next to the house where the 7 year old grand daughters love GLAMPING on the weekends and they would really complain. I believe the only only thing I would say is that if there is any possible way to bypass the Ultra Series switch and go straight to maybe a Pro 24 PoE switch or the Promax Series that would be my choice, as the Ultra Series does not have a 10G SFP port on it. This means that all the processing is done by the UDMPro or SE where as I believe that the Pro 24 Switch handles all the camera data processing and sends it directly to the UNVR via the 10G SPF port. Not totally sure, but I believe that is how it is handled, leaving the UDMPro to do its normal things. Agreed, the SE is the way to go as I have the UDMPro that does not have PoE on the 8 ports. Camera wise started with a few and now have 13.

[@ethernetblueprint]

You have fallen into the "Unifi Trap"... Setups always start out small and grow and grow... Sounds like a good setup over there! Thanks for taking the time to share and comment! Much appreciated!

[@courtenaybotterill5591]

Don't buy this stuff if you live in the UK. The returns process is done by sending stuff to the Netherlands. Your products get customs charges for returns! This stuff is garbage! I was offered instore credits to cover the customs charges! I will not be buying more items to send to the Netherlands! Very poor customer service.

[@ethernetblueprint]

I don't have experience with UK gear. Sorry you had a bad experience.

[@LordKaefer]

BREXIT was your choice.

[@Volnodumez63]

It's a pity you can't record video on 2 devices at the same time (in case the main recorder is lost).

[@ethernetblueprint]

Are there other systems that do that? I haven't heard of that feature before on an NVR.

[@dannydigtl]

I'd be curious to hear about the Cloud Gateway Max

[@ethernetblueprint]

I did a video on that. I really like it for home deployments.

[@crevard203]

What is the ad blocking? Cool video

[@ethernetblueprint]

I don't recall any ad blocking?!

[@EC_USC]

Great video, just ran I to your channel while I was doing some research for my homes network and security camera options. I am curious to know if I can reboot a camera from an Ultra switch? Or is that feature only available on the higher end switches like the Pro 16?

[@ethernetblueprint]

Thanks. Hope the video was helpful. To answer your question, any UniFi POE switch can power cycle a camera.

[@EC_USC]

@@ethernetblueprint awesome thank you for the info and keep up the great job.

[@dannymulv]

Great video! Thank you. Helped sort some things out. I'm going from a Lorex WiFi system (not super reliable) to Unifi. I'm will run 3 G5 Turret Ultras for now. I think I'm going with the Dream Machine Pro (UDM Pro) and the Ultra (USW-Ultra (42W)) switch. With this setup I am good to go, correct? Also, are there any advantages going with the Unifi switch over a less expensive Netgear?

[@ethernetblueprint]

Without knowing anything about your netgear switch, all Unifi Switches are managed and give you the ability to reboot cameras remotely by power cycling a port. If your netgear isn't managed, you would have to physically pull the cable to do the same thing... That 42W Unifi switch should do the job just fine. They are nice switches. One thing to think about with the G5 Turret Cameras is if you are mounting them flush on a wall, they have a waterproof connection on them that requires either a larger 1-1/4" hole in your wall OR, you will need one of their mounting boxes so you can hide the bulky connection. I think if they are going to be mounted in an eve, you should be fine, but most don't like that big of a hole in the side of their house. Maybe look into that a little.... Unifi vs Netgear. My assumption is this would be an unmanaged Netgear switch??? I will say that being able to see your client connections on the network is a valuable troubleshooting tool. Plus you can incorporate VLANing and see your whole network in a single pane of glass which is great too... for the money, I think you will like the Ultra 42W more. If you are looking for a cheap "set it and forget it" then you can definately make a POE Netgear switch work for you... Just my 2 Cents...

[@dannymulv]

@@ethernetblueprint Rebooting remotely is huge. And yes, an unmanaged Netgear switch. Seems like the Unifi switch is the way to go. Thanks and thanks for the tip on mounting the cameras. I will look into that!

[@ethernetblueprint]

Good luck with your project!

[@ElCidPhysics90]

So my question is, how do we access the video that is recorded on the nvr? Do we just go to an ip address assigned to the nvr? Can HomeAssistant access the video?

[@ethernetblueprint]

There are mulitple ways... if you are just trying to view it, then you can just go to Unifi Protect app on your computer or cell phone and view it from there... there is a button on each of the clips that allow you to download them too... If you want to see your cameras on a TV, then you would need a Unifi Viewport device... but it would work on any TV that has Ethernet to it.... unlike many other NVRs that the TV has to be right next to the NVR. As far as Home Assistant goes, I know that Unifi protect does work with it... but I haven't set it up myself to know what all functions and what doesn't. Hope that helps.

[@ElCidPhysics90]

@@ethernetblueprint thank you. You’re always helpful

[@ethernetblueprint]

You Bet!!!

[@pedrobuitrago19]

First. !!!

[@ethernetblueprint]

Trophy. !!!

[@Vin68142]

Great video, I am still a bit confused with my upcoming setup. It's a small office 1000sqft split in 3 areas but open space. I was putting together my setup and ended up over $1000 which I think is a bit overboard, I just want (3) indoor cameras, poe. I have fios gbit coming and running my lines next week, so I was curious if you can provide any suggestions. No doorbels neded just 3 cameras (was thinking 2k torrents) and thats about it, would like 24hr recording and only need 7-10 days storage, specifically the mvr option as im abit confused there, would the $99 option work in my scenario? I appreciate the help!

[@ethernetblueprint]

All you would need is that is a Cloud Key+ ($199) and 3 G5 Turret Cameras ($129 each). They are awesome indoor/outdoor cameras. I just upgraded my home to them and really like the quality. With the 1Tb hard drive included in the CK+, you should be able to get 6 days of 24 hour recording. You could upgrade that hard drive very inexpensively to get longer retention. Something I noticed about the turrets though is that they require a larger hole in the wall for the cable to fit in. They have a built in Ethernet port that is quite a bit thicker than a regular ethernet cable. If drilling a larger hole for the camera cable is not an option, then you may need to look at buying the mounts too which allow you to hide the extra cable in them. They are $49 each.

[@Vin68142]

@@ethernetblueprint appreciate the reply, If i went with CK+ with 3 cameras, I assume I would need to get a POE switch, and go router CK+ > switch > cameras? also as far as the mounting you mentioned I am currently having someone wire my office with 3 cat5 drops, couldnt i just plug them in and mount them, sorry I misunderstood what you were saying about the sizing? Is the female cat5 on the camera a bump or something?

[@ethernetblueprint]

So it would go Router --> POE Switch --> CK+ and Cameras. The CK gets its power and connectivity via POE too. If that is all you plan on doing for your POE, you could get the 8 Port POE Lite which as 4 POE+ ports and 4 standard Gigabit ports for just ($108) If you go look up the Turret camera page on the Unifi store and go to the "in the box" section, take a look at how the ethernet plugs into that camera. 1) There is a cable whip that comes out of the back of that camera that can't be hidden under the camera. The diameter of that plug is wider than your Cat5 cable so a larger hole would need to be drilled in the wall to hide it and have a clean/flush mounted look. 2) Or you would need the buy the mounting box and hide that extra cabling in there... Let me know if this makes sense.

[@Vin68142]

@@ethernetblueprint I see what you're saying now about the wiring, good thing it was mentioned because it changes things, I do not have access to the ceiling, landlord wont let me touch it, but I do have basement access to run all my cabling, so my only option is to find corners, drill down into the basement, run my cat6 at corners of the room to hide it as best i can and run all my cabling throught he basement. So mounting the turrets will be tricky, they will be wall mounted with the cabling on the wall not behind the wall coming out behind the turret. Would the cloudkey+ handle (3) turrets and a swiss army AP? I know wifi5 is being phased out but wifi will only be for 3-5 customers randomly using their cell phones while getting their nails done, so I assume the swiss army would be just fine for them? I appreciate the replies, just got into ubiquiti, watched all your videos, they look like amazing products and fun to work with.

[@ethernetblueprint]

Yes, the cloudkey would run that just fine... And the Turret cameras have a notch that the cable can fit through if you are mounting them with exposed wiring. You will see the connector, but the mount will sit flat on the wall. When it comes to WiFi 5, Wifi 6, Wifi 7... don't worry about which one you are using. They will all be around for a long while and they will all do what you need them to do. Yes, WiFi is getting faste with the new generations, but most of that crap is just marketing. You should be fine with the Swiss Army AP. I have heard great things.

[@mikemondano3624]

All of KZbin is becoming full of ads. But this 29-minute ad is just obscene.

[@ethernetblueprint]

Haha. Good One!