Power over Ethernet offers another good reason for migration to IP-Surveillance.

Traditionally installation of cabling for security systems has been an expensive process. Costs only multiply if cabling is needed to network access control and a fire detection system. Not forgetting provision of power supply. Analog CCTV cameras and other devices such as multiplexers and DVRs all need individual power supplies – cabling, AC outlets and wall warts - which mean involving electricians in any installation. Individual Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPSs) will be required at each device for mission critical systems, in case of power failure. This escalates costs still further.

Safe transmission of electrical power to networked devices without any degradation of network performance is now possible.

Power over Ethernet (PoE), sometimes referred to as Power over LAN, is a revolutionary technology that integrates data and power over standard LAN infrastructure. It works across standard Ethernet network cabling (i.e. CAT-5) to supply power directly from the data ports which networked devices are connected to. Standard CAT-5 Ethernet cables have four twisted pairs, but only two of these are used for 10BASE-T and 100Base-T networked data. The other two pairs can be deployed for delivery of power to networked devices.

There are many benefits of the application of PoE to IP surveillance systems, which go beyond the installation savings as detailed above.

PoE is an intelligent power source

The Power Sourcing Equipment within PoE is capable of providing a high level of system management using existing system management protocols such as Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP). This makes it possible to shut down power centrally through the network for maintenance for example.

PoE makes it easier and more cost-effective to make the power supply to IP-Surveillance systems highly robust

The centralization of power through PoE hubs (often called Mid-spans) also means that PoE-based systems can be plugged into the central Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS), which already supports most computer network involving more than one or two PCs. This ensures that any power outages will not affect the integrity of the IP-Surveillance system.

PoE hubs or mid-spans also create the ability for security managers to shut down or reset devices remotely

PoE systems can pinpoint malfunctioning networked devices and then enable managers to reset them at the touch of a button. Devices being replaced can simply be isolated from power, a new device installed and then re-powered up.

Centralization of power supply control also helps eliminate security vulnerabilities

Security vulnerabilities are often created by the situation in which someone carrying out a service such as cleaning or building work may need to utilize a power point used by a particular camera.

PoE makes it much more difficult to cut or vandalize cabling

Network cabling is generally attached to trays in roof voids or behind plastic ducts which are very difficult to get at. Any cutting of these cables will be immediately obvious to those passing by and of course to computer users who will find themselves unable to get on with their work.

PoE also lends for optimal location of cameras for maximization of coverage

This means that installers of network cameras will no longer need to feel limited by the location of existing power supplies which all too often are sited down near the skirting boards as far away from the optimal location of surveillance cameras as they could possibly be.