UniFi Dream Machine SE - Unboxing and Setup

Crosstalk Solutions
21 Jan 202220:23

TLDRIn this video, Chris from Crosstalk Solutions unboxes and sets up the UniFi Dream Machine SE (UDM-SE), a new network device with improved features over its predecessor, the UDM Pro. The UDM-SE, priced at $499, offers eight PoE ports, an integrated 128GB SSD for surveillance storage, and a 2.5 Gigabit WAN port. The video provides a detailed comparison of the hardware, setup process, and initial impressions, highlighting the device's capabilities and value proposition for those needing PoE functionality or higher internet speeds.

Takeaways

  • 😀 The UniFi Dream Machine SE (UDM SE) is an improved successor to the UDM Pro, offering enhanced features.
  • 💰 The UDM SE is priced at $499, which is more expensive than the original UDM Pro at $379.
  • 🔌 It comes with an integrated 128GB SSD for UniFi Protect video storage, but upgrading to a larger drive is recommended for extensive surveillance use.
  • 🌐 The UDM SE has eight Gigabit network ports, two of which support 802.3at PoE+, and six support 802.3af PoE, addressing a common complaint about the UDM Pro.
  • 🚀 The WAN port on the UDM SE is a 2.5 Gigabit port, an upgrade from the standard Gigabit port on the UDM Pro.
  • 🔒 The UDM SE includes a lock for the power cord, a feature not present in the older UDM Pro model.
  • 🛠 Inside, the UDM SE has a more complex setup with additional components, including a larger power section to support PoE ports.
  • 🖥️ The device features a 1.3-inch touchscreen for local management and quick access to system status and settings.
  • 🔄 The UDM SE can be set up using the UniFi app or by accessing its IP address directly through a web browser.
  • 📈 The initial setup includes a speed test to determine internet connection capabilities and optimize settings.
  • 🔄 The UDM SE requires updates to be installed for the base OS and other components like Network and Protect after initial setup.

Q & A

  • What is the UniFi Dream Machine SE (UDM SE)?

    -The UniFi Dream Machine SE is an improved successor to the UDM Pro, designed for a 1U rack mount form factor and comes with enhanced features such as additional PoE ports and a 2.5 gigabit WAN port.

  • How much does the UDM SE cost compared to the original UDM Pro?

    -The UDM SE is priced at $499, which is $120 more than the original UDM Pro, which costs $379.

  • What is unique about the power cord included with the UDM SE?

    -The power cord included with the UDM SE is not a regular rubberized one but a braided power cord, and it features a locking mechanism to secure it in place, a feature not present in the UDM Pro.

  • What is the purpose of the integrated 128GB SSD in the UDM SE?

    -The integrated 128GB SSD in the UDM SE is used solely for UniFi Protect video storage, which is for surveillance camera storage. However, this capacity can fill up quickly with standard HD recordings.

  • How many PoE ports does the UDM SE have, and what is special about them?

    -The UDM SE has eight PoE ports, two of which are 802.3at PoE Plus ports and the other six are standard 802.3af PoE ports. This is an improvement over the UDM Pro, addressing a common complaint and providing more options for powering devices.

  • What is the difference between the WAN port on the UDM SE and the original UDM Pro?

    -The WAN port on the UDM SE is a 2.5 gigabit port, an upgrade from the standard gigabit RJ45 LAN port found on the original UDM Pro.

  • What are the two 10 gigabit fiber SFP plus ports used for on the UDM SE?

    -The two 10 gigabit fiber SFP plus ports on the UDM SE are used for high-speed data transmission, typically in a network environment where such speeds are necessary.

  • What is the significance of the lock for the power cord on the UDM SE?

    -The lock for the power cord on the UDM SE is a safety feature that ensures the power cord is securely in place, preventing accidental disconnections.

  • What are the two methods mentioned to set up the UDM SE?

    -The two methods to set up the UDM SE are by using the UniFi app, which automatically detects the device, or by accessing the device's IP address (192.168.1.1) and following the setup process through the web interface.

  • What is the role of the 1.3-inch touchscreen on the UDM SE?

    -The 1.3-inch touchscreen on the UDM SE provides a user interface for quick access to system status, settings, and various UniFi services like Network, Protect, and Access, allowing for easy management and monitoring of the device.

  • What is the recommended action if the UDM SE is used for heavy surveillance with multiple cameras?

    -For heavy surveillance use, it is recommended to upgrade the internal 128GB SSD to a larger drive, such as an eight-terabyte Western Digital Purple drive, to accommodate the increased storage needs for video recordings.

Outlines

00:00

📦 Unboxing the UniFi Dream Machine SE

Chris from Crosstalk Solutions introduces the new UniFi Dream Machine SE (UDM SE), an improved successor to the UDM Pro. The device has just become generally available after its early access period. The UDM SE is more expensive, priced at $499 compared to the original UDM Pro at $379. The unboxing reveals the device, a power cord with a unique locking feature, rack mount ears, and hardware kit screws. The UDM SE includes an integrated 128GB SSD for UniFi Protect video storage, eight Gigabit network ports with Power over Ethernet (PoE) capabilities, a 2.5 Gigabit WAN port, and two 10 Gigabit SFP Plus ports. Chris also mentions the device's touchscreen and the need for a larger hard drive for those heavily utilizing surveillance features.

05:02

🔍 Inside Look at the UDM SE Hardware

The video continues with an exploration of the UDM SE's internal hardware, comparing it to the UDM Pro. The UDM SE has a larger power section, presumably to support the additional PoE ports. The 1.3-inch display driver circuit board has been updated with a blue backing and additional components. The device features an exhaust fan system for cooling, with airflow channels directing air across the back of the device. The main motherboard has been significantly upgraded with additional components, including a power connector for the PoE board, extra capacitors, and a Kingston 128GB SSD. The UDM SE also has a unique locking feature for the power cord, absent in the older UDM Pro model.

10:04

🔄 Setting Up and Updating the UDM SE

Chris demonstrates the initial setup process for the UDM SE, which includes connecting the WAN port, using the UniFi app or accessing the device's IP address for setup, and signing into the UniFi account. He opts to run updates manually to avoid unexpected issues post-update. The UDM SE's interface is navigated to check for and install updates, bringing the device to version 2.3.11. The video provides a brief overview of the system settings, including general information, notifications, location and time settings, and advanced options such as renaming the console, enabling SSH, and managing remote access.

15:06

🛡️ Exploring UniFi Protect and Network Features

The script discusses the UniFi Protect feature, noting the absence of 'always on' recording when using the internal 128GB storage, likely due to limited space. The UDM SE is compatible with additional hard drives for increased storage. Chris also touches on the UniFi Network setup, mentioning the need for a full tutorial series for in-depth configuration, which he links in the video description. The integrated touchscreen offers quick access to network, protect, access, settings, and about menus, providing system status, IP addressing, temperature, uptime, hardware and software versions, and disk stats.

20:07

💬 Final Thoughts on the UDM SE Upgrade

Chris concludes the video with his thoughts on whether the UDM SE is worth the additional cost over the UDM Pro. He suggests that the upgrade is beneficial for those needing PoE ports for multiple devices or those with internet connections greater than one gigabit. The UDM SE's additional features, such as the 2.5 Gigabit LAN port and the eight PoE ports, justify the higher price for some users. Chris invites viewers to share their opinions and provides a thumbs up and subscription call-to-action for more content from Crosstalk Solutions.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡UniFi Dream Machine SE

The UniFi Dream Machine SE (UDM SE) is a network device that combines a router, switch, and wireless access point into a single unit. It is an improved version of the UniFi Dream Machine Pro (UDM Pro), offering additional features and enhancements. In the video, the UDM SE is presented as a new device that has just become generally available, highlighting its capabilities and differences from its predecessor.

💡Early Access

Early access refers to a situation where a product, in this case the UDM SE, is made available to a select group of users or the public before its official release. This allows users to experience the product and provide feedback before it becomes widely available. The script mentions that the UDM SE has just come out of early access, indicating it is now ready for the general public.

💡Rack Mount

Rack mount is a term used to describe hardware that is designed to be mounted in a standardized rack, which is a framework for mounting multiple electronic devices. In the script, the UDM SE is described as having rack mount ears, which are used to attach the device to a rack, making it suitable for environments where space is at a premium and equipment needs to be neatly organized.

💡Redundant Power System (RPS)

The Redundant Power System (RPS) is a feature that provides backup power to certain network devices in the event of a primary power source failure. The script mentions an RPS port on the UDM SE, which is used to connect to an RPS device, ensuring that the network remains operational even during power outages.

💡SSD (Solid State Drive)

A Solid State Drive (SSD) is a type of data storage device that uses flash memory to store data persistently. In the context of the UDM SE, it comes with an integrated 128GB SSD, which is primarily used for UniFi Protect (a video surveillance system) storage. The script points out that while this provides a built-in storage solution, the capacity is limited and may require upgrading for users with extensive surveillance needs.

💡PoE (Power over Ethernet)

Power over Ethernet (PoE) is a technology that allows network cables to be used to simultaneously transmit data and electrical power to devices such as cameras and access points. The UDM SE is highlighted in the script for having eight PoE ports, including two PoE+ ports, which provide more power for devices that require it, and six standard PoE ports.

💡2.5 Gigabit WAN Port

A 2.5 Gigabit WAN (Wide Area Network) port is a type of network port that supports data transfer rates of up to 2.5 Gigabits per second. The script mentions that the UDM SE features a 2.5 Gigabit WAN port, which is an upgrade from the standard Gigabit port found on the UDM Pro, allowing for faster internet connections.

💡10 Gigabit Fiber SFP+ Ports

10 Gigabit Fiber SFP+ ports are high-speed network ports that use small form-factor pluggable (SFP+) modules to connect to fiber optic cables, supporting data rates of up to 10 Gigabits per second. The script notes the presence of two such ports on the UDM SE, indicating its capability to handle very high data throughput, which is beneficial for large-scale networks or those requiring high-speed connections.

💡UniFi OS

UniFi OS is the operating system used by UniFi devices, including the UDM SE, to manage network functions and provide a user interface for configuration and monitoring. The script describes the setup process for the UDM SE, which involves accessing UniFi OS through a web interface to configure the device and update its software.

💡UniFi Protect

UniFi Protect is a video surveillance system that can be integrated with UniFi devices like the UDM SE. The script discusses how the UDM SE can be used to store video footage from surveillance cameras, highlighting the limitations of the built-in 128GB SSD and the option to upgrade to a larger drive for increased storage capacity.

Highlights

Introduction to the UniFi Dream Machine SE (UDM SE) and its availability after early access.

Comparison of the UDM SE with its predecessor, the UDM Pro, highlighting the improvements.

The UDM SE's price point of $499, contrasted with the original UDM Pro at $379.

Unboxing the UDM SE, including the power cord, rack mount ears, and hardware kit.

The UDM SE's integrated 128GB SSD for UniFi Protect video storage.

Recommendation to upgrade the SSD for extensive surveillance camera usage.

The UDM SE's eight gigabit ports, including two 802.3at PoE Plus and six 802.3af PoE ports.

The 2.5 gigabit WAN port upgrade from the standard gigabit port on the UDM Pro.

The internal hardware comparison between the UDM SE and UDM Pro, showing increased complexity.

New power cord lock feature on the UDM SE for secure power connection.

The larger power section in the UDM SE to accommodate Power over Ethernet (PoE) ports.

The UDM SE's setup process through the UniFi app or by accessing its IP address.

The importance of manual updates for monitoring post-update functionality.

Initial setup of the UDM SE, including naming the device and choosing between personal or business use.

The UDM SE's speed test results and configuration review before final setup.

Exploration of the UDM SE's interface, including system settings and update options.

Discussion on the UDM SE's integrated touch screen features and settings.

Comparison of the UDM SE's value proposition over the UDM Pro based on PoE needs and internet connection speed.

Final thoughts on the UDM SE, inviting viewer comments and feedback.

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