An IP camera system is four pieces that plug together with network cable. One Cat 6 run powers the camera and carries the video. We install this same ENS gear in Cincinnati. DIY Pro Security is the parts shop, written in plain English.
The four pieces
- Recorder (NVR). This is the box that saves video. PoE on the recorder means each camera port also powers the camera. No extra power brick at the camera.
- IP cameras. Bullet for a driveway, turret for a porch, active deterrence if you want a light and speaker. One Cat 6 cable each.
- Cable and connectors. Cat 6 solid copper for most camera runs. Outdoor or direct burial if the cable leaves the building. RJ45 ends go on the cable. A pass-through plug plus a crimp tool makes that easy.
- Hard drive. A SkyHawk drive inside the recorder. A regular desktop drive is the wrong tool.
Step by step
- Count the spots you want to see (front door, driveway, backyard, shop). That is your camera count. Buy an NVR with a few spare ports.
- Put a SkyHawk hard drive in the recorder. Slide it into the bay, close the lid, power the recorder.
- Run Cat 6 from each camera location to a PoE port on the recorder. Outside runs use outdoor or burial cable. Keep copper for long runs.
- Put the matching junction box behind the camera. That hides the extra cable and the RJ45 end.
- Crimp an RJ45 on each end. Plug one end into the camera, the other into the NVR. The camera should show up on the recorder.
- Name each camera (Front door, Driveway). Turn on person and vehicle alerts if the camera has them.
- HDMI from the recorder to a monitor, or use the phone app to see live video.
That is the whole IP system. Start with cameras and an NVR, then add cable, connectors, and a drive. If you cannot run a cable to a barn or gate, add a wireless bridge instead of that run.
Shop recorders · Shop IP cameras · Shop cable · Shop cable connectors · Shop hard drives
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