UniFi Access - Selecting UniFi Access Control Hubs
The UniFi Access Control Hub is a key component of any door access system, serving as the broker between door locks and the UniFi Access Readers users interact with to unlock the doors. This article compares hub models to help you choose the right one. For a quick start guide to UniFi Access, click here.
Hub Overview
UniFi offers three types of Access Control Hubs, each designed for specific access control needs:
- Doors
- Gates
- Elevators
You can mix and match hubs within the same deployment to create a flexible, secure access control system.
A hub pairs with any Access Reader, allowing you to customize unlock methods and enhance functionality with features like doorbell notifications, two-way audio, and integrated cameras.
Hub Comparison
The table below provides a comparison of all UniFi Hubs.
| Hub Type | Single-Door |
Multi-Door | Gate |
Elevator |
||
|
Hub Model
|
Door Hub |
Door Hub Mini | Access Ultra | Gate Hub |
Elevator Hub | |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Output Relays |
(2) Lock terminals (12V and dry) (1) AUX for door operator (dry) (1) AUX for siren/chime (12V) |
(1) Lock terminal (12V and dry) | (1) Lock terminal (12V/1A) |
(8) Lock terminals (12V and dry) (4) AUX for chimes, sirens, or door openers |
(2) Gate operator terminals (dry) (1) Side lock terminal (12V) (1) AUX |
(18) Relays to support 18 floors |
| Input Terminals |
(1) Motion sensor (1) Exit button (1) Door position sensor (1) Emergency |
(1) Request to exit (1) Door position sensor |
(1) Request to exit (1) Tamper switch |
(8) Request to exit (8) Door position sensor (1) Emergency |
(1) Gate exit request (1) Gate position (1) Side door exit request (1) Side door position (1) Emergency |
(1) Emergency (1) Car position (5-bit) (1) Car status: up/down/stop/full (1) Door status: open/close |
| PoE Ports |
(4) PoE for readers and cameras |
(2) PoE for access readers and cameras |
-
|
(8) PoE for readers and cameras | (4) PoE for readers and cameras | (4) PoE for readers and cameras |
| Power Method | PoE++ | PoE++ | PoE+ | AC power and 36V DC input | PoE++ | PoE++ |
| M ax. User Count | 6,000 | 3,000 | 3,000 | 10,000 | 6,000 | 6,000 |
For a full list of product specifications, visit techspecs.ui.com.
Hub Architecture
UniFi has several models of Access Control Hubs. The key criteria in determining which should be used in an application consist of:
- Application Type: Select a Door Hub, Gate Hub, or Elevator Hub according to the application.
- Quantity of Doors: While most door hubs support a single door, the Enterprise Access Hub (EAH-8) accommodates up to 8 doors, making it ideal for managing multiple doors within the same area.
- Input/Output Functionality: Some hubs offer comprehensive I/O terminals to support advanced peripherals, including emergency overrides, chimes, sirens, door position sensors, push-to-exit buttons, and motion sensors for enhanced control and monitoring.
Single Door (Standard)
Door Hub (UA-Hub-Door) is the standard single-door solution, offering comprehensive I/O functionality for enhanced access control.
Single Door (Compact)
Door Hub Mini (UA-Hub-Door-Mini) is a compact, single-door solution ideal for setups with basic I/O, such as request-to-exit and door position sensor.
Single Door (Integrated Reader)
Access Ultra (UA-Ultra) is a single-door solution designed for basic security needs, such as meeting rooms, guest rooms, or locker rooms. Ideal when I/O requirements are limited to request-to-exit.
Multiple Doors
Enterprise Access Hub (EAH-8) offers the same comprehensive I/O as the standard Door Hub, except that it has support for up to 8 doors (4 if using push-to-exit buttons). Key features include:
- Battery backup support for continuous operation during power outages.
- Up to 8 cameras and readers support in total for multiple door management in the same area.
Note: Ports 9 and 10 on the hub are GbE RJ45 uplink ports without PoE output, designed exclusively for uplink connections. Only one port can be used for uplink at a time, while the other serves as a backup.
Gate Hub
Gate Hub (UA-Hub-Gate) is the standard gate solution, offering comprehensive I/O functionality for enhanced gate and garage door control. Key features include:
- License plate recognition support by integrating with UniFi Protect AI Cameras for vehicle access control. Learn more
- Various gate-type support, including sliding, swinging, barrier, and roll-up garage gates.
- One pedestrian side door support
- Up to 4 cameras and readers support in total for multiple gate management in the same area.
Elevator Hub
UniFi's Elevator Starter Kit (UA-SK-Elevator) is the standard elevator solution kit. Its Elevator Hub (UA-Hub-Elevator) offers versatile I/O functionality for enhanced elevator control. Key features include:
- Up to 18 floors support
- Up to 4 cameras and readers support in total for multiple elevator management in the same area.
- Floor-specific access control to enhance security by limiting user access to designated floors.
FAQs
Where should I install the Access Control Hub?
The Access Control Hub can be installed near the door to minimize cable length or in a central location for easier maintenance.
Near the Door
- Reduces cable length for wiring locks and other devices.
- Recommended to use an enclosure to prevent tampering.
- May increase system cost per door as each requires a hub.
- Applicable hub models:
- Door Hub
- Access Ultra
- Gate Hub
- Door Hub Mini
Central location
- Simplifies maintenance by consolidating hubs.
- May require longer cables, leading to potential voltage drops.
- Example: If the Electric Lock (UA-Lock-Electric) operates at 12V (range: 8-15V), excessive cable length can cause a voltage drop, making the lock inoperable.
- Follow recommended cable length guidelines and consider voltage requirements for reliable performance.
- Use correctly rated cables to maintain reliable lock operation.
- Applicable hub models:
- Enterprise Access Hub
- Door Hub
- Elevator Hub
- Door Hub Mini
What cable length should I use for wiring devices to an Access Control Hub?
For optimal performance, use 18 AWG cables, as thicker cables support longer distances. See each Access Control Hub's technical specifications on the UI Store list for the recommended maximum cable length.
For best compatibility with UniFi Access, we recommend the Door Lock Relay Cable (UACC-Cable-DoorLockRelay), available in a 500-foot (152.4 m) spool of low-voltage, one- or two-pair cable.
- 1-Pair Relay Cable: (2) 18 AWG conductors for an electric/magnetic lock.
- 2-Pair Relay Cable: (2) 18 AWG conductors for an electric/magnetic lock, and (2) 22 AWG conductors for a door position sensor.
How many readers can be paired with the Enterprise Access Hub?
The Enterprise Access Hub has 8 PoE ports and supports up to 8 readers. You can configure readers in different ways:
- 1 reader per door: Supports 8 doors with 1 reader each.
- 2 readers per door: Supports 4 doors with 2 readers each (max reader capacity reached).
Doors without readers can still be unlocked remotely via the hub's LOCK relay terminal. You can also connect request-to-exit buttons or motion sensors for easy egress/entry without authentication.