Unifi Access

[Oaktech]

Is anyone using it?

 

We're a Unifi wireless school already with an upgrade to Unifi switching at Easter. We currently have about 2 dozen standalone access panels which have to be programmed individually for new cards or fobs - this ends up costing us around £12 per new fob to implement! We've had a couple of quotes for replacement Paxton and TDSI systems and we've been quoted an eye watering amount of money. I've read the instructions and I'm pretty I can implement them in the place of the existing equipment.

[steveg]

Not tried the Unifi stuff, but what system do you use at the moment? I swapped all of our old paxton Switch 2 kit out with Net 2, its a pretty simple system and was quite straight forward to do. Almost all our old fobs worked with net2 so we didn't have to buy any more.

[Oaktech]

Not tried the Unifi stuff, but what system do you use at the moment? I swapped all of our old paxton Switch 2 kit out with Net 2, its a pretty simple system and was quite straight forward to do. Almost all our old fobs worked with net2 so we didn't have to buy any more.

 

Currently standalone (individual system per door, non networkable) ACTSmart single format 125khz readers with a mish-mash of elderly Paxton and HID Global controllers.

[MatthewL]

Paxton all the way for door access, regardless of cost I wouldn't put anything else in personally.

[DGardiner]

Paxton all the way for door access, regardless of cost I wouldn't put anything else in personally.

 

i agree with this

[Aprice]

Paxton all the way for door access, regardless of cost I wouldn't put anything else in personally.

 

Also would agree with this, NET2 is pretty much bulletproof. Paxton 10 is the newer shiny version but does require you to buy a server (intel NUC effectively) from them.

 

I don't have the confidence that after 5 years Ubiquiti won't discontinue access, somewhat like they did with unifi Video. A lot of their products last for a set number of years and then stop receiving updates, whereas Paxton are still supporting hardware that's 15+ years old.

[supportman]

Looks like a really good system. We have paxton here but its quite old fashioned with a poor admin software.

[DrCheese]

I wouldn't touch the Unifi stuff with a bargepole, outside of wifi and switching. They have a history of just dropping a product or letting it die off. What they did with their CCTV cameras was appauling, eg you used to be able to install the software on any device then they EOL'd it and forced everyone to buy their NVR's. They also don't make them ONVIF compatible so if they pull the same in future, you're stuck.

[localzuk]

One thing to take into account with Unifi - the system does not have battery backup, unless you're putting the entire infrastructure on UPSs. The standard setup for a Paxon Net2 door has a battery per controller - so even in a power cut, the doors will work.

 

Honestly, security is not something that should be skimped on. Paxton costs a fair amount, but it does so for a reason.

[kidpressingbuttons]

Isnt access still in beta? Knowing Unifi's past id be concerned about whether it ever makes into full production. Would also want to understand how it integrates with fire alarms...

[Oaktech]

Isnt access still in beta? Knowing Unifi's past id be concerned about whether it ever makes into full production. Would also want to understand how it integrates with fire alarms...

 

Not sure about Beta, but nothing we currently use for access is integrated with the fire alarm so not a consideration for us in this instance.

[36Degrees]

Paxton all the way for door access, regardless of cost I wouldn't put anything else in personally.

 

Me neither.

 

 

Looks like a really good system. We have paxton here but its quite old fashioned with a poor admin software.

 

Assuming you're on NET2 I think you should be able to upgrade at no cost. We were looking at purchasing NET2 Pro but discovered we already had it so should just be able to install the new version and then import the database.

[stevewill6]

We recently had a Salto system installed, works really well. Was expensive tho.

 

Have to agree with other comments regarding unifi. Fab for switching / wifi but access control on a large scale i would stick to the specialists.