A switch for cameras: how to choose
A switch gathers the cables from the cameras into one network and, if it has PoE, powers the cameras. Whether the system runs smoothly depends on it.
Site survey and cost estimate are free of charge
Choosing
Five questions
- How many portsOne per camera plus a port to the recorder. Allow spare ports for future cameras.
- Is there enough PoE powerA switch has a total power budget for all ports. Pan-tilt-zoom cameras and cameras with strong illumination draw more than ordinary ones.
- A fast port to the recorderThe picture from all cameras travels to the recorder over one cable. With many cameras this port is chosen faster than the rest — a gigabit one.
- Cable lengthsThe usual length of one run is up to 100 metres. If a camera is further away, an intermediate switch is added.
- Where to put itIn a closed cabinet next to the recorder and the UPS: that way all the equipment is protected and powered together.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
Is a switch needed if the recorder has PoE ports?
For a small system, no: the cameras are connected straight to the recorder.
Will an ordinary office switch do?
It will carry the data, but it cannot power cameras if it has no PoE.
What equipment do you work with?
Hikvision, TP-Link and ZKTeco. We select it for the site and budget.
See also