Video Security Essentials – SD (VSE-SD) is a self-directed training technical training course focused on designing, deploying, configuring, and managing modern video surveillance systems using the Ubiquiti UniFi Protect platform. It is  6 ½ hours and is available online as Virtual Instructor Led.or live in class.

The class emphasizes real-world deployment techniques and operational best practices rather than purely theoretical concepts.

Students learn how UniFi Protect integrates cameras, recording systems, AI analytics, remote access, and physical security workflows into a centralized management platform.

Course Outline:

Module 1 – Course Introduction

  • Course overview and objectives
  • UniFi Protect ecosystem overview
  • Security camera fundamentals
  • Required lab equipment

Lab

  • Verify hardware and access
  • Review UCG-Max / UDR7 setup

Module 2 – Camera Fundamentals

  • Camera internal components
    • Lens
    • CMOS sensor
    • Processor
    • NIC
    • IR LEDs
  • How cameras build images
  • Bayer filters and image processing
  • Sensor sizes and resolutions
  • Optical vs digital zoom

Lab – Camera Adoption

  • Install UniFi Protect
  • Adopt G6 Bullet camera
  • Configure overlays and naming
  • Disable/enable recordings

Module 3 – Image Quality & Pixel Density

  • Resolution and pixel density
  • IEC/EN 62676 standards
    • Overview
    • Outline
    • Discern
    • Perceive
    • Characterize
    • Validate
  • Calculating usable camera distance
  • Field of view vs detail
  • Zoom impact on identification

Lab – Camera Tuning

  • Adjust exposure and HDR
  • Configure focus
  • Capture snapshots
  • Compare image quality settings

Module 4 – Night Vision Technologies

  • IR night vision fundamentals
  • IR cut filters
  • 850nm vs 940nm IR
  • Low-light limitations
  • Thermal imaging vs IR

Lab

  • Compare day/night camera behavior
  • Observe IR illumination changes

Module 5 – AI Detection & Analytics

  • Motion detection
  • AI object detection
  • Facial recognition
  • License plate recognition (LPR)
  • False positives and tuning
  • AI zones and crossing lines

Lab – Detection Types

  • Motion vs AI detections
  • Configure AI zones
  • Configure motion zones
  • Create crossing line detections
  • Test recording triggers

Module 6 – Camera Housing Types

  • Bullet cameras
  • Dome cameras
  • Turret cameras
  • PTZ cameras
  • Theta covert cameras

Topics Covered

  • Mounting methods
  • IP/IK ratings
  • Night vision capability
  • Environmental considerations

Module 7 – UniFi Protect Operations

  • NVR walkthrough
  • Playback and archives
  • Live views and Vantage Point
  • Find Anything search
  • Global recording settings
  • Storage and linked backups
  • Facial recognition settings

Lab – Protect Operations

  • Create live views
  • Multi-camera playback
  • Configure Vantage Point
  • Archive footage
  • Use Find Anything search
  • Review storage settings

Module 8 – Alarm Manager & Automation

  • Alarm Manager overview
  • AI-triggered alarms
  • Sensor-triggered workflows
  • Multi-condition alarms
  • Notification actions

Lab – Alarm Manager

  • Create loitering alarms
  • Configure AI-triggered alerts
  • Create sensor + AI combined alarms
  • Test notification workflows

Module 9 – Sensors & Integrations

  • SuperLink overview
  • UniFi sensors
  • Open/close events
  • Environmental monitoring
  • User and admin permissions

Lab – Sensor Adoption

  • Adopt SuperLink
  • Adopt sensors
  • Configure sensor events
  • Test open/close detections
  • Add users and permissions

Module 10 – Design & Visualization

  • Camera placement strategy
  • Coverage planning
  • Overview vs forensic detail
  • Designing for AI detections

Lab – InnerSpace

  • Create building layout
  • Import floor plan
  • Place cameras in design
  • View events in 3D

Module 11 – Final Review

  • Camera selection best practices
  • Common deployment mistakes
  • AI and recording optimization
  • Final Q&A
  • Real-world deployment discussion

The VSE course includes downloadable lab books, guided exercises, assessments, and Pearson-Credly certification

By the end of the class, students will understand how to deploy and manage a professional UniFi Protect surveillance system, optimize camera performance and storage, implement AI-driven monitoring features, and support real-world security operations using the UniFi ecosystem.

Hands-On labs require the following devices to be in hand:

UniFi Gateway Console (UCG Max, UDR7, or UDM),

Unifi Switch

Protect: Chime, Smart Sensor (enviro or bluetooth) & Superlink

Access the SD training here: learn.wifi-u.com

All wifi‑U trainings are Credly by Pearson certified, ensuring that every student receives an industry‑recognized digital credential upon successful completion. These badges validate the skills gained in each course and can be easily shared on LinkedIn, resumes, and professional portfolios.

Ubiquiti® and UniFi® are registered trademarks of Ubiquiti Inc. This course is independently produced and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Ubiquiti Inc.