Plan storage, placement, cabling, coverage, and network capacity before installing a UniFi Protect camera system.
Start with the security objective
Camera selection should follow the purpose of each view. A wide overview camera, a doorway identification view, a license-plate application, and an interior cash-handling area have different requirements. Mounting a high-resolution camera in the wrong location will not produce useful evidence.
Plan recording and retention
The recorder and storage should be sized for camera count, resolution, frame rate, motion activity, and desired retention period. Storage estimates should include future cameras and a safety margin. Critical environments may also need backup procedures, restricted export access, or evidence-retention policies.
Design the PoE network
Each camera needs a reliable cable path and sufficient PoE power. Switch capacity should be evaluated by total wattage, uplink bandwidth, port count, and location. Exterior runs require proper cable, weatherproofing, drip loops, mounting boxes, and surge considerations.
Choose useful mounting positions
Faces, entrances, exits, transaction areas, loading zones, and property boundaries should be evaluated. Avoid aiming directly into strong lights or placing cameras so high that faces become unrecognizable. Test day and night views before considering the position final.
Secure administrative access
Use unique administrator accounts, multifactor authentication, least-privilege roles, secure recovery methods, and timely updates. Cameras and recorders should be placed on an appropriately controlled network rather than sharing unrestricted access with guest devices.
Document the system
Record camera names, locations, cable labels, switch ports, retention settings, administrator ownership, warranty details, and export procedures. Good documentation is valuable during an incident, equipment replacement, or insurance request.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much storage does a camera system need?
It depends on camera count, image settings, activity, and desired retention. Use the vendor’s current capacity tools and include room for expansion.
Should every camera record continuously?
That depends on risk, storage, policy, and the area being monitored. Some sites combine continuous and event-based recording.
Can cameras share the regular business network?
They can, but a dedicated or segmented camera network is often easier to secure and manage.