Your video surveillance system is useless if the recording fails during an incident. Most system failures aren't due to the cameras themselves, but to the network infrastructure that supports them. Insufficient bandwidth, Wi-Fi interference, or an overloaded switch can cause dropped frames, pixelated video, or worse, the camera to disconnect completely at a critical moment.
Network planning is not a secondary step; it's the foundation upon which you build a reliable security system. Before deciding on the megapixel count of a camera, it's imperative to design the "channel" through which that data will flow.
As experts in connectivity infrastructure, at tiendacables.com we break down the pillars for building a robust, scalable and secure video surveillance network.
1. The Structural Decision: Wi-Fi vs. Ethernet Cable ( PoE )
Choosing between a wireless and a wired network is your most important strategic decision and will define the reliability of the entire system.
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Wired Network ( Ethernet with PoE ): The Professional Standard. Wired connection is, unequivocally, the superior solution in terms of performance and reliability.
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Advantages: Constant Gigabit speed, interference immunity, maximum security, and stable power supply through the same cable thanks to PoE (Power over Ethernet) .
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Consideration: Requires physical cabling installation, which implies a higher initial cost in existing infrastructures.
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Usage: It is the mandatory option for critical locations, new constructions and any business environment that demands 24/7 reliability.
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Wireless Network (Wi-Fi): The Flexible Solution Wi-Fi offers undeniable installation flexibility, but introduces variables that you must manage professionally.
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Advantages: Ideal for locations where cabling is impossible or prohibitive (historical buildings, exterior facades, temporary installations).
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Risks: The signal is susceptible to interference (from other networks, microwaves, jammers), latency is higher, and bandwidth is shared and fluctuating.
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Important Myth: Wi-Fi cameras are not "wireless." They still require a power cord, which negates some of their advantage if you don't have a power outlet nearby.
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Strategic Verdict: Always prioritize wired PoE connections. Reserve Wi-Fi only for specific, unavoidable locations, and do so using a dedicated antenna system, not your office's general Wi-Fi network.
2. The Critical Resource: How to Calculate Bandwidth (Bitrate)
Video surveillance consumes a massive amount of upload bandwidth. Miscalculating this figure guarantees network failure.
The bitrate of a camera depends on three factors:
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Resolution: 1080p, 4K, etc.
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Frames Per Second (FPS): 15 FPS (standard) or 30 FPS (smooth).
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Codec: H.265 consumes almost 50% less bandwidth than the older H.264 for the same quality.
Simplified Calculation (Average values for H.265):
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1080p (2MP) camera @ 15 FPS: Requires approx. 3-4 Mbps (Megabits per second).
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4K (8MP) Camera @ 15 FPS: Requires approx. 8-10 Mbps.
Planning Example: If you install 10 1080p cameras, you will need a constant upstream network capacity of at least 40 Mbps (10 cameras x 4 Mbps).
The Common Mistake: Your 600 Mbps internet connection usually refers to your download speed . If your upload speed is only 50 Mbps, your network will be stretched to its limit with just 10 cameras, impacting the rest of the company's operations. For cloud recordings, upload bandwidth is the limiting factor.
3. The Hardware Pillars: Switches, Routers and Antennas
Home network equipment is not designed for the constant loading of multiple video streams 24/7.
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The PoE Switch : The Heart of the Wired Network For a wired installation, the PoE switch is the central component.
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Criterion 1: PoE Budget . This isn't just about the number of PoE ports; it's the total power (in watts) the switch can deliver. Add up the power consumption of all your cameras (e.g., 10 cameras x 12W = 120W) and make sure the switch's budget is higher, leaving a margin of at least 20%.
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Criterion 2: Gigabit Uplink Ports. The switch must have high-speed ports (1 Gbps or more) to connect to the router or NVR (Network Video Recorder) without creating a bottleneck.
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Router and Antennas: The Brain of the Wi-Fi Network If you opt for Wi-Fi cameras, you cannot use your service provider's standard router.
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Professional Router: You need a router with Traffic Management (QoS) capabilities to prioritize video streams over other less important tasks (e.g., web browsing).
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Antennas / Access Points (APs): Cameras should not connect to the general Wi-Fi network. You must install a dedicated Access Point system (Mesh or high-power) that creates a separate network for video surveillance, ensuring a clean and stable connection.
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4. The Key to Security and Performance: Network Segmentation (VLAN)
This is the step that distinguishes an amateur installation from a professional one. Your security cameras should not share the same network as your employees' computers or the guest network.
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Security Risk: If a device on the guest network is compromised, it could access your cameras.
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Performance Risk: Constant and heavy video traffic will saturate your employees' Wi-Fi network, slowing down their daily operations.
The Solution: A VLAN (Virtual Local Area Network) . Using a managed switch or an advanced router, you can create an isolated subnet just for your video surveillance system. Camera traffic is contained and doesn't interfere with the rest of the business, and security is exponentially increased.
Conclusion: Build your security on a solid foundation
A reliable video surveillance system relies on a meticulously planned network. Choosing a wired infrastructure with PoE will always be the superior option in terms of reliability and security. If circumstances require Wi-Fi, you should treat it as a dedicated, high-performance network, not just a convenient connection.
At tiendacables.com , we provide the professional-grade connectivity infrastructure needed for this purpose. From managed PoE+ switches with high power budgets to Cat 6A cabling and advanced routers capable of managing VLANs.
Don't leave the reliability of your security to the whims of a home network. Invest in infrastructure that guarantees logging.