UniFi Access - Understand, Compare, & Manage Access Readers & Intercom
G2 Reader Pro (UA-G2-Pro), G2 Reader (UA-G2), Reader Lite (UA-Reader Lite), and Intercom (UA-Intercom), an indoor/outdoor intercom terminal with reader functions, are designed for security, versatility, and flexibility.
Highlights
- Use PoE and a proprietary security protocol for easy, secure connection to Access Control Hubs.
- Offer various features and access methods to streamline the user experience.
- Allow Intercom and G2 Reader Pro to pair with UniFi Access Intercom Viewer for easier management of building entry requests.
- Feature a range of accessories, such as mounts and junction boxes, to improve installation and user accessibility in various environments.
Direct PoE Connection to Access Readers
UniFi Access Readers must connect directly to Access Control Hubs to unlock locations for the following purposes:
- Secure Communication: Direct PoE connections between Access Readers and Access Control Hubs ensure a secure link without intermediaries. This reduces eavesdropping risks and protects against cyber threats.
- Enhanced Reliability: Unlike many systems that fail if the network or hub goes down, Access Control Hubs work independently. They store credentials and make access decisions autonomously. As long as the hub is powered, it continues to operate and grant access, even if the network or UniFi Console fails.
UniFi Access Proprietary Security Protocol
Wiegand and Open Supervised Device Protocol (OSDP) are communication protocols commonly used in NFC readers and other access control systems. Wiegand is an older, less secure method, while OSDP offers enhanced security and bidirectional communication. Both protocols rely on legacy serial connections, complicating the wiring. For example, a traditional NFC reader system requires complex wiring for the NFC interface, telephony intercom system, and coaxial cables for CCTV cameras, adding to the setup's complexity.
In contrast, UniFi Access Readers utilize PoE and a proprietary security protocol to enhance security and functionality. For example, G2 Reader Pro and Intercom connect to the Access Control Hub using a single PoE cable, which supports power, NFC reading, intercom, and camera functions. This streamlined approach removes the need for separate telephone or coaxial cables, simplifying installation and improving both access control and communication systems.
Image: Traditional NFC reader using Wiegand (left) and G2 Reader Pro with PoE port (right).
| UniFi Access Proprietary Security Protocol | OSDP | Wiegand | |
| Protocol | UniFi Access Proprietary Protocol | Based on the RS485 protocol | Uses an older protocol with security vulnerabilities |
| Wires | Uses a single RJ45 cable for hub, readers, and device connection | Uses two wires for data and two wires for power | Uses at least two data wires to transmit data and additional wires for reader control |
| Encryption | Communication encrypted with NaCl (128-bit keys) | Communication encrypted | No encryption |
| Supervision | Communication supervised (reader removal is detectable by the hub) | Communication supervised (reader removal is detectable by the hub) | No supervision (reader removal is not detectable by the hub) |
| Transmission |
|
Provides ACKs and NAKs to confirm successful data transmission | No guarantees of successful transmission |
Access Reader Comparison
| Intercom | G2 Reader Pro | G2 Reader | Reader Lite | |
| Wall Mount | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Mullion Mount | — | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Camera | ✓ (ADA-compliant) | ✓ (ADA-compliant) | — | — |
| Two-Way Intercom & Doorbell Call | ✓ | ✓ | — | — |
| Directory | ✓ | — | — | — |
| PIN Access | ✓ | ✓ | — | — |
| NFC Card & Keyfob Access | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Mobile Access | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| QR Code Access | ✓ (For Visitors Only) | — | — | — |
| Handwave Request to Exit | — | — | ✓ | ✓ |
| Entry & Exit Greeting Messages | ✓ | ✓ | — | — |
| Keypad | ✓ (Hardware Keypad) | ✓ (Software Keypad) | — | — |
| Doorbell Button | ✓ (Physical Doorbell Button) | ✓ (Software Doorbell Button) | — | — |
| LED Floodlight | ✓ | — | — | — |
| Intercom Viewer Pairing | ✓ | ✓ | — | — |
| Outdoor-Ready |
|
|
IP55 rain resistance: -30° to 45° C (-22 to 113° F) | IP54 rain resistance: -20° to 40° C (-4 to 104° F) |
| Power Method | PoE via Access Control Hub | PoE via Access Control Hub | PoE via Access Control Hub | PoE via Access Control Hub |
| UL 294 | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
*The display will turn off when the ambient temperature is above/below the display operation temperature, but other functions will remain functional. (Effective after firmware version 1.3.28)
ADA-Compliant UniFi Access Products
The G2 Reader Pro and Intercom's built-in cameras meet the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) regulations by being mountable at a maximum height of 48 inches (120 cm) to ensure accessibility. When mounted at this height, they can capture facial images of individuals up to 6 feet (183 cm) tall, including those in wheelchairs, ensuring both accessibility and inclusivity.
Set Global Reader Language & Greeting Messages
The reader language and greeting settings apply to all Access Readers in the Access application.
- Go to your Access application > Settings > General > Advanced > Access Reader.
- Set the Access Reader Language.
- Set the Entry Greeting and Exit Greeting sounds, messages, and salutations when someone unlocks a location:
- Message: Select Hi, Hello, or Welcome.
- Salutation: Select First Name, Last Name, Full Name, or None. Only available for G2 Reader Pro and Intercom.
- Click Apply Changes.
Manage Access Readers
- Go to your Access application > Devices > Readers, select a reader, and a panel will prompt.
- View the reader information in the Overview panel.
- Manage the reader in the Settings panel.
- Name: Enter the reader name.
- Direction: Set the reader for Entry or Exit purposes.
- Callers & Receivers: Only available for G2 Reader Pro and Intercom. View the receiver paired with the reader.
- Access Methods: Select the methods for location access.
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Display: Only available for G2 Reader Pro. Set the doorbell trigger method to Hold to Call, Swipe to Call, or Disabled.
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Video Recording: Only available for G2 Reader Pro and Intercom. Select whether to enable Motion Detection.
- When enabled, the camera starts recording video automatically when it detects motion and continues through the unlocking event, capturing both pre- and post-unlock moments.
- When disabled, the camera only begins recording video after the location is unlocked, capturing only the post-unlock moment.
- Set the Detection Sensitivity to Near, Medium, or Far.
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Advanced: The options may vary depending on the reader model.
- Status Light: Enable it to show the LED when the reader is active.
- Welcome Flashlight: The flashlight automatically activates when someone approaches the reader in low ambient light.
- Display Brightness: Adjust the brightness level of the reader's screen.
- Volume: Control the volume for credential access sounds, doorbell calls, and two-way communication.
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Manage:
- Manual Firmware Update: Enter a URL for firmware updates.
- Download Support File
- Locate: The reader will sound an alert or flash its LED to make it easier to locate.
- Restart: Restart the reader.
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Remove: Remove the reader from the Access application. This will also reset the reader.