Security
Security System Design Checklist
Key considerations for designing a reliable security camera and access control system. Use this checklist to ensure your system is properly planned.
Security-First DesignCameras, access control, and infrastructure planned together.
Network ReadyVLANs, PoE budgets, and uplink capacity considered.
Compliance AwareRetention and audit requirements built in from the start.
Step-by-StepWork through each section to cover every decision point.
Planning Tool
Use the UniFi Capacity Calculator for Protect systems
For UniFi Protect deployments, the official resource calculator helps size storage, retention, and camera count before any hardware is ordered.
Plan storage before hardwareVerify PoE budgets earlyDesign for retention requirements
Network & Infrastructure
The foundation that every camera and access control device depends on.
Core Requirements
- Dedicated VLANs for cameras and access control
- Adequate PoE budgets on switches
- Sufficient uplink capacity
- Secure remote access configuration
Camera Design
Placement and specification decisions that determine coverage quality.
Key Decisions
- Correct camera placement and lens selection
- Lighting and night performance considered
- Coverage balanced with privacy
Storage & Retention
Match storage capacity to your operational and compliance needs.
Planning Points
- Storage sized for resolution, frame rate, and camera count
- Retention aligned with operational or compliance requirements
- Motion vs continuous recording considered
Access Control
Define access rules and hardware behaviour before installation.
Checklist Items
- Clear access groups and schedules
- Audit requirements defined
- Fail-safe vs fail-secure decisions made
Maintenance
A system is only as reliable as its ongoing upkeep.
Ongoing Plan
- Firmware update strategy
- Access management procedures
- Ongoing health checks planned
Structured maintenance options coming soon.
Related Reading
Continue exploring our security resources.
Need Help with Security Design?
We can review your requirements and design a reliable system.
Request a Consult
Get a scoped proposal for your security project with clear next steps.
Request a Consult