How to install Home Security cameras

Learn how to plan your CCTV connections — POE switch, NVR & network setup for reliable surveillance

Planning Your CCTV Connections – POE Switch, NVR, and Network Setup

In this stage, proper planning is key to ensure all security cameras and devices are connected efficiently. There are multiple ways to link your equipment, but some factors are critical for reliable performance and uninterrupted monitoring:

Number of POE Switch Ports – Make sure your POE switch has enough ports to support all cameras.
LAN Ports on the NVR – Check the NVR to ensure sufficient LAN ports for wired connections.
High-Quality Router and Modem – Use a stable and fast network router and modem for seamless video transmission.
Direct Cable Connections – Connect the POE switch directly to the NVR and router to minimize network interruptions.

Proper planning of your network setup ensures that residential and commercial CCTV systems perform optimally, with high-resolution streaming and reliable remote monitoring.

How to Connect IP Cameras to the Network Using a POE Switch

1: POE switch with an Uplink port connected to the router

Connecting IP cameras to your network correctly is crucial for reliable monitoring and high-quality video streaming. Using a POE switch with an Uplink output ensures all devices communicate efficiently:

The POE switch is linked to the router via its Uplink port.
The NVR is directly connected to the router for seamless network access.
All cameras connect through the POE switch and the router, allowing the NVR to receive live images from all devices on the same network.

Step-by-Step Connection Guide:

Connect the LAN port of the NVR to a LAN port on the router.
Connect the Uplink port of the POE switch to another router port.
Connect each IP camera to the POE switch ports.

Following this setup ensures stable connections, smooth video transmission, and reliable remote access for residential and commercial CCTV systems.

Connecting Your NVR to a Network Switch.

2: POE switch with two Uplink ports to connect to NVR and router

Using a POE switch with two Uplink ports allows for a direct and efficient connection between the NVR, cameras, and router, minimizing delays and ensuring smooth video transmission. This method is ideal for residential and commercial CCTV installations where reliable performance is crucial.

Step-by-Step Connection Guide:

Connect the NVR to one of the Uplink ports on the POE switch.
Connect the router to the other Uplink port on the POE switch.
Connect the IP cameras to the remaining POE ports on the switch.

This setup ensures all devices are on the same network, providing stable streaming, uninterrupted recording, and reliable remote monitoring.

Connect all CCTV cameras directly to NVR PoE ports for simple setup and stable, reliable recording.

3: Connecting all the cameras directly to NVR PoE ports

When setting up IP cameras, there are two main methods for connecting them to the network:

Connecting cameras via a POE switch to the NVR.
Direct connection of cameras to the POE NVR.

All NVRs have two separate network cards to support these configurations. It is important to note that the IP addresses differ between these two methods.

When using a POE switch, all cameras are visible on the network, and you can access them from a PC or mobile device connected to the same network.
When connecting IP cameras directly behind the NVR, their IP addresses are not accessible from other devices on the network, limiting monitoring options.

Choosing the correct connection method ensures stable camera performance, full access to live feeds, and reliable remote monitoring for both residential and commercial CCTV systems.

Learn how to configure your NVR and IP cameras for reliable CCTV surveillance&smooth video recording

4: Configuring NVR and IP Cameras

After powering on the NVR, the first step is to set a secure password and answer the security questions to protect your system. Then, configure the time, date, and NVR IP address, either manually or automatically.

If your NVR supports plug-and-play, all connected cameras will appear immediately, allowing you to continue with the rest of the configuration:

Format the hard drive for proper recording.
Adjust video settings for optimal resolution and quality.
Set perimeter alerts to receive notifications on your mobile phone.

To monitor your cameras on a smartphone, click the mobile phone icon at the bottom of the NVR screen and scan the QR code. This allows for remote access, live streaming, and push notifications, ensuring your residential or commercial CCTV system remains fully monitored at all times.