Network & Physical Security · Rural Kansas

Modernizing Network and Physical Security for Graber Backhoe

This Graber Backhoe network modernization began with a firewall and Wi-Fi request, then expanded into a coordinated Ubiquiti upgrade after an onsite conversation uncovered another operational need.

A Ubiquiti G6 180 replaced a narrow-angle camera where Graber Backhoe needed broader visibility.

Graber Backhoe initially contacted 2Labs with two practical concerns: modernizing its firewall and improving weak Wi-Fi coverage in the primary shop area.

The work ultimately became broader than the original request—not because 2Labs arrived with a predetermined package, but because an in-person conversation uncovered another problem the client was already considering. Graber Backhoe was unhappy with its existing camera system, wanted better remote access, and had a visibility gap around the shop entrance and an adjacent vehicle-approach area.

That discovery shaped a coordinated upgrade spanning the network gateway, Wi-Fi, point-to-point connectivity between buildings, video recording, and six UniFi Protect cameras.

Starting with the Network

The existing setup raised general security concerns and did not provide adequate wireless coverage in the primary shop area.

2Labs designed the replacement around a UniFi Cloud Gateway Ultra, two U7 Lite access points, and managed switching. A USW 24 PoE serves the office, while a USW Flex supports the shop-side connection. Two airMAX NanoStation 5AC loco units form the point-to-point wireless bridge between the buildings.

The client has since confirmed that Wi-Fi coverage in the primary shop area improved.

Verified deployment

An Onsite Conversation Uncovered a Second Need

While discussing the network project in person, 2Labs learned that Graber Backhoe was also dissatisfied with its existing camera system and was considering a change.

The original camera view covered only part of the parking area. It did not provide the broader visibility the client wanted around the shop entrance and nearby vehicle approach.

Instead of treating that as a separate, isolated project, 2Labs designed the camera work alongside the new infrastructure. Five existing cameras were replaced—four with G6 Bullet cameras and one with a G6 180. A new AI LPR camera was added for the gate, bringing the completed system to six cameras connected to a UniFi UNVR.

Adding the Gate View the Client Requested

Graber Backhoe specifically wanted improved visibility at the gate as part of the security upgrade. Rather than only replacing five existing cameras, 2Labs added a sixth camera: a UniFi AI license plate recognition (LPR) camera for the gate view.

The owner later highlighted the new gate camera and improved nighttime visibility among the most valuable security improvements from the project.

Using a 180-Degree View Where a Narrow Angle Was Not Enough

This project was 2Labs’ first installation of Ubiquiti’s G6 180 camera.

Its broader field of view fit the area where the previous camera had captured only a portion of the scene. The completed view broadened coverage around the shop entrance and adjacent vehicle-approach area, addressing the gap identified by the customer.

Easier Access Without a Shared Login

The client’s most important day-to-day improvement is the ability to view the camera system remotely from a phone.

Previously, two people accessed the former system through one shared account. The completed UniFi Protect environment now uses three separate individual viewer accounts. That gives each authorized viewer distinct access rather than requiring the business to circulate one set of shared credentials.

Replacing the Previous Camera Subscription

Graber Backhoe confirmed that its former Brinks service covered camera access and video history only. It did not include alarm monitoring or emergency dispatch.

After cancelling that service, the client estimates the change is saving roughly $140 per month. This comparison is limited to the camera-access and video-history service that was actually replaced; it does not suggest that UniFi Protect replaced professional alarm monitoring or emergency response.

The Result

The project began with a firewall and Wi-Fi request. The final design addressed those needs while also solving a related problem that only surfaced because 2Labs met with the client, listened, and looked at how the technology was actually being used.