Typically, an IP Video Surveillance System includes a Network Video Recorder (NVR) and IP Cameras.
In some cases, the IP Cameras are directly connected to the NVR via CAT5e or CAT6 Ethernet Cabling. There are Wireless IP Camera options available, but remember if the IP Camera is not “powered” over the CAT5e or CAT6 Ethernet cabling, then local 110VAC power will be required near the Wireless IP Camera. Usually it is more cost effective to install CAT5e or CAT6 Ethernet cabling than having an electrician install 110VAC local power.
If the NVR does not have Ethernet Ports for IP Cameras to connect to, then a Power over Ethernet (PoE) Switch will be required. When using a PoE Switch, the NVR and the IP Cameras all connect to the PoE Switch.
The IP Video Surveillance System can be a standalone “Network”, or connected to your Data Network.
Remote Viewing will require that the NVR be accessed remotely, usually via the internet. Most mainstream IP Video Surveillance Systems today offer remote viewing from a Mobile App on your Smartphone.
Some smaller installations use IP Cameras without an NVR. This is accomplished either by using an SD Card installed directly in the IP Camera for Storage, or streaming the Video up to a Cloud based storage provider. (Cloud based storage usually requires a monthly subscription)
Some IP Camera manufacturers support SD Card storage AND streaming to Cloud based storage simultaneously. Some allow FREE viewing from the cloud, and only charge a subscription fee if you use the Cloud based storage.
Watch out for IP Cameras that only support their manufacturers proprietary Cloud based storage, as this means you will need a monthly subscription to view your own Video data.
IP Cameras come in many types and combinations:
♦ Indoor
♦ Outdoor
♦ Vandal Resistant
♦ Explosion Proof
♦ Wired
♦ Wireless
♦ Dome
♦ Bullet
♦ Day
♦ Night
♦ Fixed Lens
♦ Varifocal Lens
♦ Pan/Tilt/Zoom (PTZ) Lens
ECS is an Authorized Video Surveillance Reseller located in Seattle, WA & Portland, OR.
ECS provides local technicians for on-site work installing and servicing a variety of voice/data equipment, ie; Avaya Aura Servers, Gateways, Voicemail, Telephones, Firewalls, Ethernet Switches, Low Voltage Cabling, CAT5e/CAT6, Fiber, Circuit Extensions, Wireless Networking, Video Surveillance, Point of Sale, Overhead Paging, etc.
ECS provides services in Washington & Oregon, primarily in the greater Seattle & Portland areas.