Unlocking Smarter Surveillance: What the UniFi Protect AI Key and AI Port Add to Your System

Ubiquiti’s UniFi Protect ecosystem is known for its sleek interface and reliable performance, but with the addition of the AI Key and AI Port, it now offers enterprise-grade AI capabilities—even for older or third-party cameras. Whether you're upgrading legacy UniFi models or integrating ONVIF-compliant devices, these tools bring powerful features like facial recognition, license plate detection, and natural language search to your fingertips.

What Does the UniFi AI Key Add?

The AI Key is an edge AI appliance that processes smart detections from UniFi cameras and enhances them with advanced features:

• NeXT AI Summary: Automatically generates descriptive summaries of events.

• Speech-to-Text: Transcribes spoken audio into searchable text.

• License Plate Recognition (LPR) and Facial Recognition: Adds identification capabilities to G4/G5 cameras.

• Natural Language Search: Lets users search footage using phrases like “person in red shirt near entrance.”

• AI Enhanced Alarms: Enables custom alerts based on object descriptors.

The AI Key can add features all cameras with AI detection. AI detection is a requirement for the AI Key as it reprocesses AI events as detected by the individual cameras. For older UniFi and 3rd party cameras, the AI Port may be required to get the AI Features.

The AI Key can handle up to 1,000 detections per hour, so strategic camera pairing may be important on large deployments. Mutiple AI Keys can be installed for larger (enterprise) systems. It unlikely a home system will ever need more than one AI Key. With 15 cameras installed I’m getting fewer than a few hundred AI events a day.

What Is the UniFi AI Port?

The AI Port is a compact AI module that enables real-time AI processing for both older UniFi and third-party ONVIF cameras. It acts as a bridge, allowing older or non-UniFi cameras to benefit from UniFi Protect’s AI features.

Key Features:

• Supports ONVIF Cameras: Adds AI to third-party cameras like i-Pro and UNV.

• Real-Time AI: Enables live facial recognition, LPR, and object classification.

• PTZ Support: Maintains pan-tilt-zoom functionality for compatible cameras.

• Flexible Installation: Works over wired or wireless networks; PoE+ or PoE++ powered.

• Stream Optimization: Automatically selects HQ/LQ streams for Protect integration.

Each AI Port currently supports one camera, but future updates will allow up to five UniFi cameras or up to three third-party HD cameras.

Using Third-Party Cameras with UniFi Protect

Thanks to the AI Port, third-party ONVIF-compliant cameras can now be integrated into UniFi Protect with full AI functionality. Here’s what you need to know:

Requirements:

• ONVIF Protocol Support: The camera must support ONVIF for compatibility.

• Standard Aspect Ratio: Cameras should have a resolution within 3840x2160 and a standard aspect ratio.

• Audio Compatibility: For speech detection, microphones must support the full audible frequency range.

• Network Access: Cameras must be on the same subnet as the UniFi console.

G5 vs. G6 vs. AI Series: Camera Comparison

• G5 Cameras (e.g., G5 Bullet, G5 Turret): Reliable with basic detection. Use AI Key and AI Port for advanced features.

• G6 Cameras (e.g., G6 Bullet, G5 Turret): Native AI support with better imaging and smart detection. Use AI Key for full AI features.

• AI Series (e.g., AI Pro, AI Turret): Built-in AI features like speech-to-text and facial recognition—no AI Key or Port needed for Facial and License Plate Recognition. The AI Key does add Natural Language features and image enhancement.

Final Thoughts

Whether you're retrofitting older UniFi cameras, integrating third-party devices, or building a new AI-powered surveillance system, the AI Key and AI Port offer unmatched flexibility and intelligence. They allow you to maximize your existing infrastructure while unlocking the full potential of UniFi Protect.

If you're managing a mixed environment or want to avoid replacing hardware, these tools are a smart investment in future-ready security.

If you want to future proof your UniFi Protect system, these devices add that as well. Ubiquiti tech notes specifically call out that AI Key and AI Port will be upgraded via software updates with new features.

Why I Chose UniFi Protect for My Home Security System

When it came time to upgrade my home security setup, I knew I needed a system that was reliable, scalable, and gave me full control over both hardware and software. After extensive research and hands-on experience, I landed on UniFi Protect—and I haven’t looked back.

A System Built for Power Users

Unlike plug-and-play consumer options like Nest, UniFi Protect offers a professional-grade experience. I personally handled the design, programming, and partial deployment of the system, working alongside Ira Harrison, a seasoned low-voltage contractor who specializes in physical installs and security planning. This collaboration allowed us to tailor the system to the unique layout and needs of my property, including strategic camera placements like tall poles to prevent tampering—a lesson learned from neighbors whose cameras were disabled during a break-in.

Smart Features and Remote Control

One of the standout features of UniFi Protect is its remote management capability. I invited Ira to access the system via the UI Protect app, enabling him to adjust camera angles and settings without needing to climb a ladder. This kind of flexibility is a game-changer for both installers and homeowners.

Performance and Troubleshooting

I’ve had my share of troubleshooting moments, including issues with third-party ONVIF cameras not displaying properly on the UI Viewport. But UniFi’s support team was responsive and helpful, guiding me through firmware updates and camera positioning to improve license plate detection with the AI Pro camera. These interactions reinforced my confidence in the platform’s long-term viability and support ecosystem.

Learning Curve and Resources

For those new to UniFi, I highly recommend the “Unifi for Newbies” video series, which covers everything from VLAN setup to firewall rules and camera configuration. These tutorials helped me understand the system’s architecture and optimize my setup for both performance and security.

Final Thoughts

Choosing UniFi Protect wasn’t just about buying cameras—it was about investing in a customizable, enterprise-grade security solution that I could manage and evolve over time. Whether you're a tech-savvy homeowner or working with a professional installer, UniFi Protect offers the tools and flexibility to build a system that truly fits your needs.