Replace The Now Banned HIK Vision System: Install UniFi Protect for Optimal Video Surveillance Security

If you currently use a Banned HIK Vision camera system, you’re not alone. Many businesses now need to replace HIK Vision and Dahua equipment due to U.S. restrictions and FCC actions. Because of that, organizations are searching for a safer, supportable surveillance platform that they can manage long-term.

The good news is that you have a clear path forward. In most cases, UniFi Protect works as a modern replacement for a Banned HIK Vision setup. In addition, The UniFi Nerds can help you plan the migration, install the new system, and keep it running reliably.

For background on the FCC action and related restrictions, see:
TechCrunch coverage of the FCC action.

The FCC blocked new authorizations for certain communications and surveillance equipment that it considers an “unacceptable risk” to U.S. communications networks and national security. As a result, many organizations started reviewing their current surveillance vendors and planning replacements.

In addition, the restrictions extend beyond one product line. The broader enforcement trend has impacted multiple manufacturers and supply chains. Therefore, staying on a Banned HIK Vision platform can create long-term support and compliance headaches.

For additional context, these sources explain the broader restrictions and enforcement trends:
Blacklisting and enforcement overview and
DW coverage of the U.S. ban.

Once you decide to move away from a Banned HIK Vision system, you need a replacement that is secure, scalable, and easy to manage. That’s exactly where UniFi Protect fits.

UniFi Protect gives you modern cameras, local recording options, and centralized management through one platform. As a result, you can monitor sites, review footage, and manage users without juggling multiple vendors.

In addition, UniFi Protect works especially well if you already use UniFi networking. That way, you can manage cameras and network infrastructure together, which simplifies support and troubleshooting.

UniFi Protect is Ubiquiti’s camera and surveillance platform. It combines cameras, recording hardware (like an NVR), and a management app into one system. Therefore, teams can standardize surveillance across one location or many.

The Protect app supports features like motion events, alerts, live viewing, and remote access. In addition, it makes daily tasks simpler, such as searching timelines, exporting clips, and checking camera health.

UniFi Protect also scales well. You can start with a small deployment, then add cameras as your needs grow. As a result, you don’t need a full rip-and-replace every time you expand.

Replacing a Banned HIK Vision system is not only about compliance. It’s also about reliability, security, and support. With UniFi Protect, many organizations see immediate improvements in day-to-day operations.

• Centralized management: Manage cameras, users, and recordings in one interface.
• Modern camera options: Choose models that fit indoor, outdoor, and specialty use cases.
• Cleaner support: Reduce vendor finger-pointing by using one platform.
• Better long-term planning: Expand camera coverage without rebuilding the system.

In addition, moving away from Banned HIK Vision hardware helps you standardize your security stack. Therefore, your team spends less time patching around old limitations.

Solution For HIK Vision

UniFi Protect fits many environments, including offices, schools, retail locations, warehouses, and homes. Because the platform supports different camera types and flexible recording options, you can match coverage to your risk areas.

You can also improve response time with smart alerts and motion events. In addition, features like night vision and configurable motion zones help reduce false alarms while still capturing what matters.

Camera performance depends on the network behind it. Therefore, a clean design matters just as much as the camera model. In many installs, the biggest issues come from weak cabling, overloaded PoE switches, or messy racks.

Ideally, you should centralize gear in a dedicated MDF/IDF. That includes your router, switches, and NVR. In addition, structured cabling and proper labeling reduce troubleshooting time later. If you want help with that foundation, our team can assist with
structured cabling.

High-quality video recording

UniFi Protect supports crisp video and smooth playback when you size the system correctly. As a result, you can review incidents faster and export usable clips when needed.

Real-time monitoring and alerts

Protect can send alerts when motion triggers events. In addition, you can review timelines quickly, which helps teams respond faster to issues.

UniFi ecosystem integration

UniFi Protect integrates with the UniFi Network ecosystem. Therefore, you can manage cameras alongside switching and wireless infrastructure. In addition, you can segment camera traffic with VLANs and apply firewall rules for better security.

Motion zones and smarter detection

UniFi Protect lets you tune motion zones so you capture the right activity. As a result, you reduce noise from busy streets, trees, or reflections while still protecting key areas.

If you still run a Banned HIK Vision system, now is a good time to plan a replacement. The longer you wait, the harder it becomes to support aging hardware and uncertain supply chains. Instead, move to a platform that you can manage and scale with confidence.

The UniFi Nerds have installed UniFi Protect since Ubiquiti launched the platform. In addition, we can help you replace a Banned HIK Vision setup with a clean, secure design that fits your site, your budget, and your long-term needs.

Want to get started? Explore:
UniFi Protect case studies
and
UniFi Protect expertise.