UniFi home security system: cameras, SuperLink sensors, sirens and alarm

A UniFi home security system puts cameras, door and window sensors, smoke and CO alarms, sirens and the router on one console, managed in the UniFi Protect app. This build covers a typical single-family home: doorbell, four exterior cameras, a floodlight, nine SuperLink sensors, two smoke and CO alarms, a siren and battery backup. (S1, S7, S15)

Choose the console and size storage

Pick one console that runs both your network and UniFi Protect. For a home with cameras and sensors, the Dream Machine SE is the cleanest choice: it is a 10G Cloud Gateway with one 3.5" NVR HDD bay and eight GbE LAN ports, two PoE+ and six PoE, on a 180W PoE budget. That one box replaces a separate router, NVR and PoE switch. (S1)

Install the Enterprise 8 TB HDD in the bay. (S2) Retention depends on resolution, frame rate, recording mode and motion, so run your camera count through the LV Handbook camera storage calculator before you pick a drive size.

Parts list and price

Cat6, wall plates, mounting boxes and labor are not included.

Plan PoE ports and power

All eight UDM-SE LAN ports are used, and the draw stays well under the 180W budget. (S1)

Note Need more cameras later? Add a UniFi PoE switch on the SFP+ port or a LAN port. The sensors and the USL-Siren are wireless and don't use ports. (S1, S13)

Place the cameras

Tip Want plate reads at a driveway gate? Use a UniFi AI LPR with an Access Gate Hub; see the UniFi LPR gate opener guide.

Add SuperLink sensors and sirens

SuperLink is Ubiquiti's long-range, low-latency wireless link for Protect sensors. Every SuperLink sensor needs a SuperLink Gateway. (S7, S8) This build uses the Gateway HA, which adds LTE and a built-in battery, so alarms keep reporting if internet or power drops. (S7)

Set up arm and disarm modes in Alarm Manager

Each alarm in Alarm Manager has a trigger, a scope and an action. Protect triggers include person, vehicle and package detection, faces and license plates, motion, doorbell rings, and water leak, smoke and CO sensor events. Protect actions include notifications, webhooks, lights and hardware automations. (S15)

Set up alerts and remote access

In Alarm Manager, Notify sends push alerts by default. Email delivery is turned on per user under My Notifications. (S15) Install the UniFi Protect app on each family member's phone, and give each person their own account so alerts and arming are logged by name.

Back up power

Plug the UDM-SE into a backup outlet on the UPS Tower. It is a 1 kVA UniFi managed UPS with five backup outlets and five surge outlets. Its 108 Wh hot-swappable battery runs about 7 minutes at a 300W half load. (S14) The SuperLink Gateway HA adds its own battery and LTE path for alarm signaling. (S7)

Add professional monitoring

Ubiquiti has announced professional alarm monitoring powered by Noonlight for UniFi Protect 7.4. It adds keypad arm/disarm, 24/7 agent review and emergency dispatch, with the SuperLink Gateway HA providing a cellular backup path. It will be US only; other regions can use SIA DC-09 to report to a central station. (S16) Some cities require an alarm permit for monitored systems, so check before you turn it on. (S16)

Dealers adding monitoring can compare options in the video monitoring for dealers guide and the wholesale central stations guide.

Troubleshooting

Test every sensor, siren and alert with the household before you rely on the system.

Tools and parts list

• Cat6 and RJ45 connectors for every camera, doorbell, floodlight and gateway run
• Cable tester; see the ultimate low voltage tech tool list and the security tech tool list
• Drill, fish tape and exterior-rated sealant