Network & Security Infrastructure

What This Covers

Hands-on networking and physical security work, primarily using Ubiquiti’s UniFi ecosystem.

Networking

UniFi Infrastructure

• Switches, access points, and gateways
• VLAN segmentation for different device types
• Guest networks with proper isolation
• Network monitoring and alerts

Why UniFi It hits a sweet spot between consumer gear (which is limiting) and enterprise equipment (which is expensive and complex). The single-pane-of-glass management is genuinely useful when you have multiple sites.

Surveillance

The Evolution Started with Hikvision cameras and NVRs - they work, they’re affordable, they’re also a bit clunky to manage and the software feels dated.

Moving towards UniFi Protect for new deployments:

• G5 Turret cameras
• Integrated management with the rest of the network
• Simpler setup and maintenance
• Better remote access

The Trade-offs UniFi cameras are more expensive per unit, but the management overhead is lower. For small deployments where I’m also managing the network, the consolidation makes sense.

Lessons

• Proper network segmentation from the start saves headaches later
• PoE simplifies camera and access point deployment enormously
• Document everything - IP addresses, VLAN assignments, port mappings
• Test your backups (including camera footage retention)