What does a surveillance system look like?

An IP camera surveillance system mainly consists of IP cameras and a Network Video Recorder (NVR). The IP cameras capture surveillance images and transmit them over the network to the NVR, where recording and storage takes place. The benefits of such a system include high image quality, remote monitoring and scalability.

To set up the system, IP cameras are strategically placed to cover desired areas. These cameras are connected to the NVR via a local area network (LAN) or wireless network (Wi-Fi). The NVR acts as a central unit to receive, process and store the recordings from the cameras.

Local storage allows recordings to be saved directly to the NVR's hard drive, minimising the need for external servers or cloud-based storage. This provides a more reliable and independent storage solution.

For remote access to the recordings, users can easily monitor their system via mobile phone or computer. This is done by connecting the devices to the NVR via a dedicated app or software. Remote monitoring provides flexibility and the ability to react quickly to events, even when not physically present at the monitoring system.

In summary, an IP camera surveillance system enables efficient monitoring with high image quality and easy remote access. Using a combination of IP cameras and NVRs creates a reliable and scalable solution to ensure security in different environments.

NVR (Network video recorder)

It is important to understand the different aspects of Network Video Recorder (NVR) when considering the installation of surveillance systems. NVRs are the device that manages and stores all surveillance images. They are available both with and without Power over Ethernet (PoE), which means that some models can power connected cameras directly through the network cable. This feature eliminates the need for a separate power supply for each camera and greatly simplifies installation.

NVRs are available in different configurations with different numbers of channels, such as 4, 8, 16, 32, 64 and so on, depending on the desired number of connected cameras. The choice of NVR with the right number of channels is crucial to ensure that the system can handle all installed cameras efficiently.

A major advantage of NVR systems is the ability to choose a suitable hard drive for storage. This gives users control over storage capacity and eliminates the need for monthly cloud storage costs. Users can quickly and easily select the right size hard drive to meet their specific storage needs.

Cameras with PoE

Firstly, you should know that PoE cameras come in different types and can vary in terms of image quality, monitoring range or function. Bullet cameras, PTZ camera, and dome cameras are typical types and are readily available on the market now. Moreover, the budget to install IP cameras is not uncontrollable, most people or companies can afford it. Moreover, cameras with zoom capabilities, such as PTZ cameras and vari-focal cameras, can meet needs for flexibility.

Now, returning to the point; understanding the basics of PoE will help reduce doubts when you learn the following guide for PoE camera installation.

What is PoE?

PoE is short for Power over Ethernet, which has been an innovative cable connection solution for network devices for decades. It allows the Ethernet cable to carry power, meaning that power and data are transmitted simultaneously for the connected IP device over a single shielded Ethernet cable. This improved technology is widely used to power various low-voltage IP devices, such as IP cameras, wireless access points, VoIP phones, etc.

Why use PoE?

1. Reduces installation hassles and costs: Setting up IP cameras requires both power and network management. PoE allows the Ethernet cable to transmit power, making it possible to avoid the hassle of solving network and power separately.

2. Stable PoE wire: While some prefer to use WiFi cameras to build IP surveillance systems because of its smooth wireless connectivity, in some situations it can present problems in ensuring the stability of the system. The point here is the inherent limitations of WiFi transmission, including vulnerability to interference, limited coverage within a short distance, limited bandwidth, etc. Moreover, WiFi cameras still require power to operate. Therefore, if you need cables anyway, why not choose PoE cameras with PoE power solution to solve both power and network problems at the same time and achieve an IP camera system with great stability and reliability.

3. Centralised power system: In addition, as mentioned earlier, power can be transferred from the main network device via Ethernet cable. It is possible to create a centralised power system with easier management and better protection of the power source, allowing for more secure video surveillance.

4. Safe PoE cabling: PoE has low-voltage cabling, so you don't have to deal with dangerous AC power. The risk is lower if you want to build the IP camera system yourself. Moreover, when you choose devices that meet the standard PoE as the main PSE (power supply equipment), it will be an additional safety measure thanks to its PoE detection mechanism.

How to power PoE cameras with PoE?

Option 2: Power supply via PoE switch

If a certain number of PoE cameras need to be installed under the same network, or the IP camera system is built for larger applications such as offices, factories, warehouses or the like, then PoE switch is a better power option. Because PoE switches allow installers to get a customised IP surveillance system that meets their installation requirements. Let's go straight to the diagram that directly tells you how to use PoE switches with network switches and PoE cameras.

The PoE switch is a network switch with a built-in PoE injector, and it can serve multiple ports to connect a certain number of PoE cameras with less wire tangling. PoE switches can integrate multiple PoE cameras with network switches without built-in PoE capability (which are widely used in enterprise areas before) over one main cable. And based on the number of ports, PoE switches can be classified as 4/8/16/32/64-port PoE switches.

For choosing PoE switches as the power option for installing PoE cameras, there are obvious advantages. Firstly, you can choose managed or unmanaged PoE switches according to the needs of manageability and configurability. Managed switches provide flexibility and efficiency in system configuration and management. Unmanaged PoE switches offer simplicity. In addition, almost every PoE switch will have at least 2 uplink ports for network connectivity and data transmission (router/network switch and NVR). To meet the requirements of outdoor or industrial use requiring high reliability, there are outdoor PoE switches or industrial PoE switches available in the market.