Orbit Security Group

UniFi Protect analytics reference

LPR, facial recognition, smart detections, audio analytics, AI Key, and AI Port — what runs where, and what to spec on a design.

Use this when scoping Protect on a consulting engagement — or when comparing a bid that only lists camera counts.

Identity analytics

License plate recognition (LPR) — Gate, pickup loop, service lane, and dock approaches. Requires correct aim, shutter speed, and lighting; the AI LPR camera exists for dedicated plate shots. G4/G5 get real-time LPR with an AI Port; async enhancement and search with AI Key.

Facial recognition — Local face library for staff, vendors, or watchlists. Built into AI-series cameras. G4/G5 need AI Port for real-time face events; AI Key adds enhancement and NeXT AI search. Policy first on schools and daycares — often staff-only libraries, not children.

Face enhancementAI Key upscales small faces from wide shots for usable exports.

Smart detections

Person & vehicle — Filters motion to people and cars instead of trees and headlights. Native on AI and G4/G5; AI Port for G3 and ONVIF.

Line crossing — Virtual tripwire for fences, stock lanes, and corridors.

Zones & loitering — Area entry and dwell alerts with schedules.

Vehicle type / color — Search metadata when LPR angle is impossible.

Audio

Speech detection & speech-to-text — AI-series mics; transcription via AI Key. Confirm two-party consent and site policy before enabling near public areas or classrooms.

Environmental classes — Glass break, scream, gunshot-style alerts on supported AI models.

Search & automation

NeXT AI natural language search — Plain-language queries across cameras (AI Key).

AI summaries & alerts — Digest and notification rules sized to queue capacity.

Alarm Manager — Chain analytics to push, email, webhooks, or physical outputs.

Edge appliances

ApplianceRole
AI PortReal-time smart detections + real-time face/LPR on G4/G5; required bridge for G3/ONVIF
AI KeySite-wide NeXT AI search, speech-to-text, face enhancement, async identity on G4/G5 (~1,000 detections/hour)

Design checklist

  • Each analytic feature tied to a named camera on the drawing
  • LPR shots verified for angle, glare, and night IR
  • AI Port / AI Key count matches camera mix and rush-hour event volume
  • Alarm Manager rules documented with hours and escalation
  • Face/audio policy noted for education and public-facing sites
  • Retention and export workflow in the handoff

Local processing on UNVR/console — no per-camera cloud analytics fee. Coverage and network path still come first; analytics follow the shot.

All resources

Need a design consultation?

Tell us the property and what has to work — boardwalk shop, strip mall unit, network, cameras, a wireless hop to the lot, remote WAN, or a single-door intercom. We will scope the engagement and say what belongs on paper first.

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