How To Perform A Bench Test For POE

The bench test should be performed before the actual installation at a test environment. Ensure all equipment has been received, and include any techs that will be performing the installation. If you have already been setup as a partner and are testing a new system, you may skip to #5 below.

1. Sign up for the app using an email address that will be used by your entire organization (ex: deepsentinel@yourorganizationemail.com) 
   1. If your customers are business customers, sign up for business app.
   2. If your customers are residential customers, sign up for residential app.
   3. If mix of customers will be onboarded, sign up for both using different email addresses. 
2. Contact Partner Support (see above) to get your app enabled as a partner 

3. Add a new property in the partner app using the partner dashboard. New customers can be added here as well (see How to Add a New Customer in the Partner App)

4. Plug in the hub and camera(s) at a test location (ex. headquarters) and connect it to the internet
   1. A recommended simple network looks like:
      Internet > Router > Switch > Hub & Cameras
5. Onboard the hub via the app
   
6. Onboard the cameras via the app
   1. If cameras are not purchased from Deep Sentinel, they are BYOC and need to be configured before continuing. See BYOC Setup Guide
   2. A list of supported cameras can be found here. 
7. Configure the cameras Name, Protection Zone, Privacy Schedule, AI Deterrent, Business Hours, etc.
8. Test the system to make sure it works:
   1. Live view the cameras
   2. Test 2-way audio (speaker test and microphone test)
   3. Escalation test (walk in front of each camera and ensure it escalates)
   4. Perform Hello Guard Test to verify guards can hear you and you can hear the guards.
9. If you are planning on installing an NVR:
   

   1. Connect the NVR to the same switch as the Hub/Cameras. If using the certified NVR model (UNV NVR502), follow the instructions. If using a different model, make sure it works with ONVIF/RTSP - some manual configuration may be required to make sure the NVR does not change camera settings from default.

   2. Ensure both the NVR works and that the Deep Sentinel cameras continue to work. (perform another Hello Guard Test)
10. If you are planning on installing an external speaker/bullhorn:
    1. Connect at least one of them to one of the cameras to ensure it works, conduct a speaker test afterwards. 
    2. If you have the Uniview POE IP Speaker, see these setup instructions instead.
11. If you are planning on installing Sentinel Now (Panic Button):
    1. Install the gateway first, then add the button.
    2. For more information, see Sentinel Now Guard on Demand
12. If you are planning on installing Flash Bang:
    1. Currently only Smoke is available. See FlashBang Smoke Install & Testing for setup, testing & instructions.
13. Once the bench test is complete, you are ready to prepare for going onsite: Pre-Install Checklist: Preparing for On-Site Install
14. Optionally schedule installation date with partner support. Send email to partnersupport@deepsentinel.com with time and date of install. We will make best efforts to call you back and be available during this time, however if urgent support is needed please call 866-444-2413.

Pre-Deployment Readiness & Network Planning

Before going on-site, ensure the following preparation steps and network details are fully addressed. Incomplete information may delay troubleshooting or require a second visit.

1. Power & Equipment Preparation
   1. UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply): Recommended for all installations to prevent power loss issues.
   2. Remote Power Switch: Enables your team to reboot the hub remotely if needed.
   3. Installation Tools: Confirm availability of ladders, conduit, junction boxes, cable, and any other physical tools needed for install.
   4. Camera Layout & Positioning: Review planned camera placements. After installation, always verify each camera's live view, detection range, and coverage.
      1. Typical detection range is 50 ft. when cameras are mounted at 10 ft. height.
2. Collect Customer & Site Information
   1. Business Hours & Privacy Settings: Confirm the customer’s preferred:
      1. Business Hours (for alert scheduling)
      2. Privacy Schedule (for disabling recording/detection)
      3. AI Deterrent settings (for verbal guard interventions)
   2. Camera Configuration Plan: Name, zones, audio test, and escalation test should all be completed during bench test.
3. Gather Network Details:
   1. ISP Name
   2. Bandwidth Speeds (Upload/Download)
      1. Deep Sentinel recommended upload speed is 5Mbps for the hub + 1.5Mbps per camera
   3. Network Path:
      1. Can the POE switch plug in directly to the main access router?
      2. Are there any intermediate devices such as firewalls, mesh notes, additional switches, or wireless bridges?
      3. Is there VLANs or VPN on the network?
      4. Consider utilizing a managed switch for critical installs.
   4. IT Support Contact: Determine if the business or residence utilized a third party IT or MSP to manage the network. You may need to consult with them before the install.