Lay of the LAN

If you’re starting an IP surveillance network from scratch, congrats! You have either a) waited it out until the technology has come down in price or b) waited until the technology advanced to maximize the efficiency of your network…or c) you just happened to join the party right now.
The necessary elements of a residential or small shop IP surveillance network system are few and simple. Even a large system can be easily integrated into a manageable network. However like all quality things it takes time and dedication to get it that way. Conveniently, once it’s created, even if something has to be switched out due to a failure or need to expand to keep up with demands, it won’t destroy all your hard work—you merely replace it or add it while everything else keeps rolling.
Component List:
IP Cameras – There are several types of network cameras each unique to whatever task it is best for. Be it indoors or outdoors, VGA or Full HD, audio or not, be sure to check out several cameras to be sure you’re getting what you want.
Cable (LAN) – Today, most IP cameras are set to work over a 10Base-T/100Base-TX cable. This is a twisted-pair cable that works at the standard 802.3a 10-Mbps Ethernet or 100-Mbps for fast Ethernet. If you have not purchased cable, may I suggest Cat-5? As of 2013, I cannot really suggest going any lower. If it’s the price that entices you, try to resist: anything lower than Cat-5 cabling is that cheap because it’s obsolete and will do you little good. Cat-5e would prepare you for the next wave of improved technology with Gigabit Ethernet built in (1000Base-T), and if you want to go all out and install fiber optic, more power to you—however chances are you’re going to need a media converter because most IP cameras have not caught up that far.
Network Switch – Depending on the type of network you’re creating, you might not need this. If you have one or two cameras, depending on the router you’re running your house phone out of, you could probably plug it into that. If you’re business is running off a switch and you have a few extra ports, go ahead and use those. For a full scale surveillance system, don’t risk running off your SIP/IP switch, dedicate a completely different switch to the system. Also ask yourself if you have power outlets by the camera stations or if you need Power over Ethernet for your cameras and switch. Depending on the circumstances, you could get a switch, PoE switch, or a PoE+ switch.PC with video management software – This is the biggest perk of IP surveillance: you can look in on the cameras from your computer. Most cameras will come with some free version of video software for viewing your security footage, but just keep in mind that this software is free. If you need facial recognition, license detection and the ability to easily find what you need to search for, check out third party Video Management equipment. They might be more than what you want to pay for, but most have a free trial version, so test it out and see if it’s going to be the right fit for you! And if nothing else remember this: In IP surveillance, you get what you pay for.
Storage – Last but not least, decide if you need storage or not. Storage can either be backed up on your PC, saved on a Network Video Recorder (NVR), or an emerging option is to back up your security footage over the cloud. These options will be explained in further detail in other posts, but it’s good practice to consider what kind of footage you’ll be saving and how much memory it’s going to take up!