Power over Ethernet is fantastic if you need to “bury” a switch in a wall, attic or Crawlspace. (Note that devices should always be “accessible”: but that doesn’t mean we can’t “hide” them). More devices are having PoE capability built into them all of the time. Even if they don’t come shipped with POE capabilities,… Continue reading Power over Ethernet for Devices
Author: wayne
What’s the Difference Between Active and Passive PoE?
Power over Ethernet (PoE for short) connectivity simplifies cabling needed to connect a device by allowing power and data delivery over a single network cable such as CAT5e or CAT6. It makes it easy to connect devices such as IP security cameras, wireless access points or office phones; a separate power supply or electrical outlet… Continue reading What’s the Difference Between Active and Passive PoE?
Protect those CCTV cameras!
Case Study A few days after installing a new CCTV system for a client, the system was attacked. The client had previously had a CCTV system installed. The previous system was stolen during a recent break in. The new system comprised of a new Swann DVR (digital video recorder), four cameras, and a number of… Continue reading Protect those CCTV cameras!
CCTV Cages – Stop people easily smashing your cameras off the wall
There are a number of different options available for you to protect your CCTV camera equipment from vandalism and damage. Some of them are easy, some of them a little harder to manage. Take a look at some of these products and remember to add them to your amazon basket, even if you don’t to… Continue reading CCTV Cages – Stop people easily smashing your cameras off the wall
The Swann DVR
One of the most popular CCTV systems that many home users and businesses use are from Swann. They offer reliability, and high specifications at reasonable pricing. They offer much better value for money when compared to cheaper unbranded options available. The newer “Enforcer” models have built in alarms, and lighting which actively alert intruders that… Continue reading The Swann DVR
Swann Home Safe View for Windows
Whilst I personally use iSpy for viewing on my Windows machine – there are other alternatives. Swann Security Systems have a Windows application: Home Safe View for Windows (opens Swann Support). The software itself is pretty good. It even allows you to download the video files to your remote machine from the Swann DVR. After… Continue reading Swann Home Safe View for Windows
Using iSpy to monitor multiple video streams
iSpy is a fantastic piece of software. Although we are not affiliated with this software in any way, it is something that i’ve used personally for some time on my Windows machines. It’s great because I can monitor many of my own personal systems from different DVR’s etc on a single screen. I even use… Continue reading Using iSpy to monitor multiple video streams
CCTV RTSP Streams
One of the many functions of many CCTV cameras, and CCTV DVR systems is their ability to broadcast a live feed to a remote location. Many CCTV systems include a web interface to do this, but many of us have multiple systems, or cameras – sometimes even from different brands. These systems might be located… Continue reading CCTV RTSP Streams
Switch / hub / router – What are the differences?
A hub, switch and router are all devices that you might find on a network. Often you will find many routers contain a built in switch (multiple LAN ports) A router is used to send data packets across different networks IE: your home network to the internet. A hub and a switch are used to… Continue reading Switch / hub / router – What are the differences?
Why would I use wired sockets
Installing a wired network socket is the same idea as installing a telephone extension point in a different room – for example a kitchen, or bedroom. It provides the flexibility to plug in and unplug devices without the need to leave a trailing cable. This is especially useful in areas which have multiple uses: IE:… Continue reading Why would I use wired sockets