System Performance: The Importance Of Infrastructure

A reliable surveillance system isn’t just about high-resolution cameras—it’s about the supporting equipment that keeps everything running smoothly. Choosing the right components can dramatically improve video quality, system stability, and installation efficiency.

Network Switches: For IP camera systems, managed or unmanaged switches form the backbone. A PoE (Power over Ethernet) switch simplifies wiring by delivering both power and data through a single cable, reducing clutter and installation time. High-quality switches prevent data bottlenecks and keep footage flowing without interruption.

PoE Injectors: Ideal for small setups or single-camera additions, injectors provide power to cameras when a PoE switch isn’t available. They’re cost-effective but less scalable than dedicated PoE switches. They also help when you need to have a camera more than 300ft away from it's power source.

NVRs and Storage: A Network Video Recorder ensures smooth recording and playback. Look for models with high throughput ratings and ample storage to avoid dropped frames or data loss. Ensuring the NVR is compatible with the cameras being used allows for a smoother plug and play installation with very little additional programing involved. Always check how much extra storage can be added to your NVR, a sometimes overlooked feature is the expandability of an NVRs storage space, you may be restricted to a certain number of hard drives and the capacity of the hard drives you can add to the system, make sure they suit your needs.

Cabling and Surge Protection: Quality ethernet cables and surge protection are often overlooked. Cat6 Cable is the industry standard and can reliably maintain signal integrity. A good surge protector will help safeguarding against power spikes and prevent damage to your equipment. Surge protectors are the most often overlooked feature of a surveillance system, but can save you a fortune in damaged hardware.

Choosing the right equipment for your installation is every bit as critical as choosing the right cameras. It is an investment in the maintenance and longevity of the system and will pay off in the long run.