CCTV Installation Guide From Basic To Advanced
Let me explain my HOME CCTV Installation Setup With Text and Diagram, plus with Video guide
GROUND FLOOR
│
├── Main Router
│ └── LAN Cable → Secondary Router (First Floor) to provide internet connection
to the secondary router. From the secondary router, one LAN cable is
connected to the POE switch to give the IP cameras internet access,
allowing the NVR and cameras to go online.
│
└── POE Switch
├── IP Cam1 (via PoE)
├── IP Cam2 (via PoE)
├── IP Cam3 (via PoE)
├── Uplink 1 → NVR (First Floor) to transmit all the camera feeds connected
│ to the POE switch to the NVR via LAN cable. The NVR then
│ displays the output on the monitor.
└── Uplink 2 → Secondary Router (First Floor). From the POE switch, one
cable goes to the secondary router — or vice versa: the
secondary router (which is receiving internet from the main
router on the ground floor) is connected to the POE switch
to provide internet access to the IP cameras and NVR for
remote viewing across the globe.
──────────────────────────────
FIRST FLOOR
│
├── Secondary Router
│ ├── LAN Port 1 → IPTV
│ ├── LAN Port 2 → POE Switch (Ground Floor) [Internet for Cameras]
│ └── WAN Port ← Main Router (Ground Floor) [Internet Input]
│
├── NVR
│ ├── Connected directly to POE Switch Uplink (Ground Floor)
│ ├── Display/Monitor
│ └── Mouse (USB Powered by NVR)
│
Video Explanation: https://youtu.be/YQS6x3_nxUM
Now, let me explain the basics of IP camera installation and COmmon issues
A PoE switch means a Power over Ethernet switch.
👉 In simple words:
It is a network switch that not only transfers data (like a normal switch) but also supplies electrical power through the same Ethernet cable (Cat5e/Cat6).
Key Points:
PoE = Power over Ethernet
A PoE switch can power devices such as:
IP Cameras (CCTV)
Wireless Access Points (Wi-Fi routers)
VoIP Phones
IoT devices (like smart sensors)
It removes the need for a separate power adapter near those devices.
Common standards:
IEEE 802.3af (PoE) → up to 15.4W per port
IEEE 802.3at (PoE+) → up to 30W per port
IEEE 802.3bt (PoE++) → up to 60W or 90W per port
✅ So, instead of running two cables (one for power, one for data), a PoE switch provides both power + data in one Ethernet cable.
PoE Switch (Power over Ethernet switch)
A network switch that sends data + electrical power over the same Ethernet cable.
Used for IP cameras, Wi-Fi access points, VoIP phones, etc.
Eliminates the need for separate power adapters for those devices.
⚡ Example:
Normal switch → sends only data.
PoE switch → sends data + power through one cable.
📌 Why it’s used:
To avoid running separate power cables for devices.
One cable = both network + power.
📌 Devices powered by PoE switch:
IP Cameras (CCTV)
VoIP Phones
Wireless Access Points (Wi-Fi routers/extenders)
IoT devices & smart sensors
📌 PoE Standards:
802.3af (PoE) → up to 15.4W per port
802.3at (PoE+) → up to 30W per port
802.3bt (PoE++) → up to 60–90W per port
⚡ Simple Example:
If you install a Wi-Fi Access Point on the ceiling →
Without PoE: you need an Ethernet cable for internet + power adapter for electricity.
With PoE: just one Ethernet cable from the PoE switch gives it both internet + power.
CCTV IP camera installation with PoE switch:
IP Cameras → each camera connects to the PoE switch using one Ethernet cable (that cable provides both power + data).
PoE Switch → collects all the camera connections (works like a hub/switch).
NVR (Network Video Recorder) → a single Ethernet cable from the PoE switch goes to the NVR, so the NVR can access all the cameras’ video streams.
NVR to Router/Internet (optional) → if you want remote viewing, the NVR connects to your router for internet access.
📌 So yes, the PoE switch is the central hub for powering + connecting all the IP cameras, and then only one uplink cable is needed to the NVR.
let’s compare the two connection methods in CCTV installation with PoE switch + NVR:
🔹 Method 1: PoE Switch → NVR Directly
Cameras connect to PoE switch.
PoE switch uplink goes directly to the NVR LAN port.
NVR handles camera discovery + video recording.
✅ Pros
Simple setup → easy for small CCTV systems.
No need for extra router configuration.
Works even if internet is down (local viewing/recording continues).
❌ Cons
NVR has no internet access (unless you also connect its other LAN port, if available, to router).
No remote viewing unless NVR is also connected to the router.
Not ideal if you want NVR + cameras on the same home network for remote/mobile app access.
🔹 Method 2: PoE Switch → Router → NVR (Your Setup)
Cameras connect to PoE switch.
PoE switch uplink connects to Router/Switch (secondary router in your case).
NVR also connects to the same router.
Router connects to the main internet router.
✅ Pros
Internet access for NVR → remote/mobile app viewing possible.
All devices (NVR, cameras, phones, PCs) are in the same LAN → flexible and accessible.
Easier to add more devices (extra cameras, storage NAS, monitoring PC).
❌ Cons
Slightly more network configuration needed (IP addresses, port forwarding for remote view).
If router fails → both cameras + NVR lose connectivity (though cameras keep recording locally if NVR has direct PoE).
📌 Summary:
Direct PoE → NVR = best for simple local-only setups.
PoE → Router → NVR (your setup) = best for remote access + integrated home network.
👉 Your method is the professional & scalable one, because you can:
View CCTV remotely.
Access the NVR from PC/mobile on the same Wi-Fi.
Keep all devices under one network.
Case 1: Router → PoE Switch → NVR (single cable from PoE switch to NVR)
The PoE switch is giving power + data to cameras.
All cameras are in the same network as the NVR, because both are on the PoE switch.
Router connection to PoE switch gives internet access to NVR (for online remote viewing).
✅ Good option: keeps all cameras and NVR in the same LAN, simple topology.
Case 2: Router → NVR directly (internet cable) + PoE Switch → NVR (camera cable)
NVR now has two cables:
One to PoE switch for cameras.
One to router for internet.
Some NVRs have dual LAN ports and can separate networks (one for camera LAN, one for WAN/internet).
If your NVR has only one LAN port, you cannot connect both — you’d have to choose either switch or router, not both.
✅ If NVR has dual LAN, this is the most stable setup (isolated camera network + internet separately).
⚠️ If NVR has single LAN, then Case 1 is better — otherwise your cameras won’t connect.
Recommendation:
If your NVR has only 1 LAN port → use Case 1 (router to PoE switch, then NVR connected to PoE switch).
If your NVR has 2 LAN ports → use Case 2 (one to PoE for cameras, one to router for internet).
👉 So the best method depends on how many LAN ports your NVR has.
📌 PoE Extender – Complete Guide
🔹 What is a PoE Extender?
A PoE Extender is a small device used to extend the distance of PoE (Power over Ethernet) beyond the standard 100 meters (328 feet) Ethernet cable limit.
👉 In CCTV, Wi-Fi, or VoIP setups → if your device (camera, access point, phone) is too far from the PoE switch/NVR, you use a PoE Extender in between to push both power + data further.
🔹 How a PoE Extender Works
Input: It takes PoE (power + data) from the switch or injector.
Boosts/Regenerates: It regenerates the Ethernet signal and forwards both power + data.
Output: Sends it further down the cable to the device (camera, AP, phone).
⚡ Most PoE Extenders are pass-through devices (they don’t need extra power adapters).
🔹 Types of PoE Extenders
1. Single-Port PoE Extender
1 input, 1 output.
Extends one device (e.g., one IP camera).
Example: 100m in → extender → another 100m out = 200m total.
2. Multi-Port PoE Extender (PoE Splitter Switch)
1 input, 2–4 PoE outputs.
Works like a mini-PoE switch at the remote location.
Example: Run 1 cable 100m, use extender, then connect 2 cameras.
3. Indoor PoE Extender
Used inside offices/buildings.
Compact and often wall-mounted.
4. Outdoor/Weatherproof PoE Extender
Rugged, waterproof casing.
Used for CCTV on poles, gates, long outdoor runs.
5. High-Power PoE Extender (PoE++ / 802.3bt)
Supports high-wattage devices like PTZ cameras, Wi-Fi 6 APs.
Passes up to 60W–90W further.
🔹 PoE Extender Distance Limits
Standard Ethernet: 100m
With 1 PoE Extender: 200m
With 2 PoE Extenders (chained): 300m
Some industrial models → up to 500–800m
⚠️ But remember → more extenders = more power drop. So for high-power devices (like PTZ cameras), avoid chaining too many extenders.
🔹 Where PoE Extenders are Used
CCTV Installations: Long-distance cameras far from NVR/PoE switch.
Wi-Fi Access Points: To cover large areas in offices, warehouses.
VoIP Phones: In big campuses or long corridors.
Smart Devices: Remote IoT sensors, intercoms.
🔹 Pros & Cons
✅ Advantages
Extend PoE beyond 100m without extra power supply.
Easy plug-and-play (no config needed).
Reduce need for extra switches.
Works with PoE, PoE+, and PoE++.
❌ Limitations
Power loss increases with distance (may not support high-power devices at extreme lengths).
Each extender adds small latency to the network.
Usually supports 1–2 devices max (unless multi-port).
📌 Example Setup (CCTV with PoE Extender)
[ PoE Switch/NVR ] ─── 100m cable ─── [ PoE Extender ] ─── 100m cable ─── [ IP Camera ]
Without extender → max 100m.
With extender → max 200m.
Add another extender → max 300m.
✅ In summary:
A PoE Extender = device that boosts PoE signal + power beyond 100m limit, used for cameras, Wi-Fi APs, and VoIP phones. Comes in single-port, multi-port, indoor, outdoor, high-power versions depending on your need.
🔹 Correction
A PoE Extender does not combine two switches into one.
It’s not a merging/switching device.
It’s only for extending distance of one PoE link (power + data) beyond 100m.
👉 If you connect two PoE switches into one extender, it won’t work.
🔹 Correct Way to Connect Multiple PoE Switches to NVR
PoE Switch A uplink cable → goes to your router / core switch.
PoE Switch B uplink cable → also goes to the same router / core switch.
NVR → connects to that router / core switch.
📌 Now all devices (cameras from both PoE switches + NVR) are in the same LAN network.
🔹 Where PoE Extender Fits In
If PoE Switch A is too far from the router/NVR (over 100m), you place a PoE Extender in between to push the signal further.
Same with PoE Switch B if it’s too far.
But each switch still needs its own uplink cable back to the router/NVR.
✅ Final Correct Setup (Example)
[PoE Switch A]───100m───[PoE Extender]───100m───┐
│
│
[PoE Switch B]───100m───[PoE Extender]───100m───┤──> [Router / Core Switch] ──> [NVR]
📌 Summary for You
PoE Extender = distance booster (not a combiner).
Each PoE switch must have its own uplink back to the network (router/core switch).
The NVR will then discover all 30 cameras because everything is on the same LAN.
Connecting Two PoE Switches Directly to NVR
NVR usually has 1 network uplink port (for the NVR itself, remote access, or local discovery).
You cannot just combine two PoE switches into one cable to NVR (PoE Extender doesn’t merge traffic).
Correct way without router:
Option A – Cascading Switches
Connect PoE Switch A → uplink port → PoE Switch B.
Connect PoE Switch B uplink → NVR network port.
All cameras from both switches are now on the same network.
Notes:
Only one uplink from the whole chain goes to the NVR.
If the total cameras exceed bandwidth limits of the uplink, performance may drop.
Option B – Using a NVR with Multiple PoE Inputs
If your NVR has, say, 16 PoE ports, and you have 30 cameras:
Connect 16 cameras to NVR PoE ports directly.
Remaining 14 cameras → PoE Switch → uplink → NVR.
The NVR will detect all cameras automatically.
🔹 Important Notes:
PoE Extender cannot merge two switches → it only extends one link.
Without a router, you rely on NVR as the main network device.
The network must remain all in the same IP range (subnet), otherwise NVR won’t see all cameras.
🔹 Summary
🔹 1. Job Readiness with Your Current Knowledge
You already understand:
PoE switches and their role in powering IP cameras.
NVR connectivity (local & remote viewing).
Network basics (LAN, uplink, IP addressing).
CCTV installation workflow for homes or small offices.
✅ This knowledge is enough to:
Install home CCTV systems.
Troubleshoot camera connectivity and PoE issues.
Set up remote viewing for clients.
Work for companies that do residential or small business CCTV installations.
🔹 2. Advanced/Professional Skills to Grow in CCTV Industry
If you want better jobs, higher pay, or work on commercial projects, these are the areas to focus on:
🔹 3. Career Progression Scenarios
Entry-Level Installer
Small residential/commercial projects.
Hands-on installation, PoE/NVR setup, remote access.
Network CCTV Technician
Works on multi-floor offices, factories, schools.
Needs understanding of VLANs, switch uplinks, IP management.
Surveillance Systems Engineer
Designs the whole system: cameras, NVR/DVR, storage, network.
Works for banks, airports, malls.
Advanced Security & Analytics Specialist
Configures AI-based cameras, analytics, facial recognition, ANPR (license plates).
Integrates CCTV with security alarms and building management systems.
🔹 4. Suggested Next Steps for You
Hands-on practice → Install a small system at home (3–5 cameras).
Learn network fundamentals → IP addressing, subnetting, router vs switch, VLANs.
Practice remote access setup → DDNS, port forwarding, Dahua/ Hikvision apps.
Learn one analytics feature → Motion detection, line crossing, smart alerts.
Document your projects → Companies love seeing practical experience.
💡 Bottom line:
With your current knowledge, you are ready for an entry-level CCTV installer job. To grow, you’ll need to learn networking, advanced NVR setups, PTZ cameras, video analytics, and integration with alarms.
1. DVR (Digital Video Recorder)
Definition:
DVR is used for analog cameras (CCTV).
Cameras connect via coaxial cables.
Video is processed and encoded at the DVR.
Key Features:
📌 2. NVR (Network Video Recorder)
Definition:
NVR is used for IP cameras.
Cameras connect via Ethernet (PoE) or network switch.
Video is processed and encoded at the camera, not the recorder.
Key Features:
📌 3. Hybrid DVR/NVR (HVR)
Definition:
A hybrid recorder that can accept both analog and IP cameras.
Useful if upgrading an old CCTV system gradually.
Key Features:
🔹 Comparison Table (Side by Side)
🔹 When to Use Each
DVR: Small older analog system, limited budget.
NVR: Modern IP camera system, PoE setup, high resolution, remote access.
Hybrid: Upgrade old analog system gradually to IP without replacing all cameras.
💡 Pro Tip:
For home or small office, NVR + PoE cameras is now standard. DVR is mostly legacy, and Hybrid is best if you already have analog cameras.
🔹 The Problem
You connected the cameras and NVR to the network for the first time.
After connecting the internet/router, the cameras stopped working.
Reason: IP address mismatch between the cameras and your network.
Your router had IP series: 192.168.100.x
Your cameras had IP series: 192.168.0.x
⚠️ Devices need to be in the same subnet to communicate on a LAN. If the router and cameras are in different subnets, the NVR cannot detect the cameras.
🔹 The Solution You Did
Connected the cameras to a PC.
Used IP scanner / Angry IP Tool to detect the cameras’ current IP addresses.
Logged into each camera.
Changed their IP addresses to match the router subnet (192.168.100.x).
✅ Result: Cameras became visible to the NVR, and everything worked.
🔹 Alternate Solution
Instead of changing the cameras:
You could have changed the router’s subnet to match the cameras (192.168.0.x).
Both methods are valid; it depends on which devices you prefer to reconfigure.
🔹 Key Takeaways
All devices must be in the same subnet to be seen by the NVR:
Router IP: 192.168.100.1
Camera IP: 192.168.100.10, 192.168.100.11, etc.
Subnet Mask: 255.255.255.0
Using tools like Angry IP Scanner is a smart way to discover camera IPs before configuring them.
You did the correct troubleshooting method:
Identify problem → Check IP → Correct the IP → Test connectivity.
💡 Extra Tip for NVR setups:
Assign static IPs to cameras so they don’t change after a reboot.
Keep all cameras and NVR in the same IP range.
If multiple subnets exist, you need a router that can route between subnets, but that’s more advanced.
So yes — your understanding is correct, and this is exactly how professional CCTV installers handle IP conflicts.
If you want, I can make a diagram showing “Camera IP vs Router IP mismatch and correction” — it’s very handy for remembering troubleshooting steps.
1️⃣ Large-Scale Network Design: VLANs, Subnetting, IP Planning
When you have 100+ IP cameras in an office, factory, or campus:
a) Why You Need Network Planning
Each camera is a network device → needs an IP address.
NVR(s) need to see all cameras → must be reachable on the same network.
Without proper planning, you get:
IP conflicts
Network congestion
Cameras unreachable
b) Subnetting & IP Planning
For 100+ cameras, you don’t put all cameras in one subnet.
Example:
Cameras in Floor 1 → 192.168.10.0/24
Cameras in Floor 2 → 192.168.20.0/24
Cameras in Parking lot → 192.168.30.0/24
Subnet mask 255.255.255.0 (/24) allows 254 devices per subnet.
Each subnet can have its own VLAN for traffic isolation.
c) VLANs (Virtual LANs)
Purpose: Separate camera traffic from office PCs or Wi-Fi.
Example VLANs:
VLAN 10 → IP Cameras Floor 1
VLAN 20 → IP Cameras Floor 2
VLAN 30 → Parking Lot Cameras
Benefits:
Reduces network congestion
Increases security (office users cannot access camera network directly)
Easier to troubleshoot
d) Network Topology
PoE switches connect cameras → uplink to core switch / NVR network.
Redundant paths can be implemented for reliability in factories.
IP planning example:
VLAN 10: 192.168.10.1-192.168.10.254
VLAN 20: 192.168.20.1-192.168.20.254
VLAN 30: 192.168.30.1-192.168.30.254
2️⃣ PTZ Cameras & Automation
a) What are PTZ Cameras
PTZ = Pan, Tilt, Zoom → motorized cameras that can move and zoom remotely.
Controlled via NVR software, keyboard controller, or app.
b) Presets & Patrols
Presets: Save positions and zoom level (e.g., gate, entrance).
Patrol Routes / Auto Scan: Camera automatically cycles between presets on a schedule.
Example:
Morning patrol: Camera pans entrance → lobby → stairs → parking lot → repeat
c) Use Cases
Warehouses: Track forklifts and goods in multiple aisles.
Streets / Parking lots: Monitor wide areas with one camera.
Office buildings: Monitor corridors or entrances efficiently.
3️⃣ Integration with Alarms & Sensors
a) Why Integration is Important
CCTV alone may not be enough in high-security areas.
Integration allows automated response when events happen.
b) Typical Integration
c) Benefits
Automates monitoring
Reduces response time
Creates a unified security management system
4️⃣ Wireless & Hybrid Systems
a) Wireless (Wi-Fi) Cameras
Useful where running Ethernet cables is difficult.
Often battery-powered or PoE if near a switch.
Must plan Wi-Fi coverage and channel management to avoid interference.
b) Hybrid Systems
Mix analog + IP cameras
Example:
Old analog cameras → still running coax
New IP cameras → PoE / Ethernet
Hybrid NVRs can record both types, making gradual upgrade possible.
c) Mesh Networks
Outdoor/large areas: Use Wi-Fi mesh or point-to-point links to connect remote cameras.
Avoids expensive trenching/cabling for distant cameras (gardens, parking lots).
5️⃣ Practical Scenario Combining All
Factory Building
120 cameras total → VLANs per floor
PTZ cameras on gates with preset patrols
NVR integrated with fire & intrusion sensors
Outdoor cameras on Wi-Fi mesh because cabling is hard
Remote viewing via VPN from central security office
✅ Key Takeaways
Large-scale CCTV = combination of networking + camera features + integration.
VLANs & subnets = organize and secure cameras
PTZ & automation = efficient monitoring
Integration = faster response & unified security
Wireless / hybrid = flexible installation in challenging areas
Large-Scale CCTV Network Diagram (Factory/Office Example)
[Internet / Remote Viewing]
│
[Core Router / Firewall]
│
┌───────────────────┴───────────────────┐
│ │
[Core Switch / NVR Network] [Security Office PCs]
│
┌───┴───────────────┐
│ │
[VLAN 10 - Floor 1] [VLAN 20 - Floor 2]
│ │
[PoE Switches] [PoE Switches]
│ │
│ │
[IP Cameras] [IP Cameras]
(Dome, PTZ) (Dome, PTZ)
│ │
└─> PTZ Cameras with Presets / Patrol Routes
└─> Integrated Motion / Fire / Door Sensors
│
└─> Alarms / Access Control (linked to NVR)
[Outdoor / Hard-to-Cable Areas]
│
└─> Wi-Fi Mesh Cameras
│
└─> Connects to Core Switch / NVR
Explanation of the Diagram
Core Router / Firewall
Provides internet and remote access for NVR and security staff.
Core Switch / NVR Network
Aggregates all camera traffic from PoE switches.
VLANs are used to segment cameras by floors or areas.
PoE Switches
Power cameras and carry data.
Can be cascaded for distant areas.
IP Cameras
Dome cameras for indoor monitoring.
PTZ cameras for gates, parking lots, warehouses.
Configured with presets and patrol routes.
Integration with Alarms & Sensors
Fire alarms, motion sensors, and door contacts trigger recordings and alerts on the NVR.
Wireless / Hybrid Cameras
Outdoor cameras where cabling is difficult.
Connect through mesh networks or wireless bridge points.
✅ Key Design Notes
Each VLAN corresponds to a physical area → improves security & performance.
PTZ cameras reduce the number of cameras needed for large open areas.
Hybrid systems allow gradual upgrades from analog to IP.
Wireless mesh is for temporary setups or hard-to-cable zones.
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