With crimes on the rise, the importance of a highly responsive surveillance system cannot be overstated. PoE security cameras have proven to be very helpful in deterring crime and theft, giving you peace of mind knowing that your home or business is being monitored. However, camera installation at vast distances can be quite expensive, and even challenging in places where LAN access is not available. Given that a single run of Ethernet cable is designed to work at a maximum distance of 100 meters, its deployment is highly restrained in applications where longer lengths are required. But Fastcabling has come up with a solution that allows you to install multiple PoE cameras over 500 meters via a single Ethernet cable.
Challenges of Install PoE Cameras over Long Distances…
Here, we’ve summarized some of the main challenges when deploying outdoor PoE cameras over long distances.
1) Signal Loss
One of the main challenges is signal loss. Ethernet cabling has a distance limitation of 100 meters, beyond which the signal strength may degrade, leading to lower network performance or complete signal loss, which can result in poor video quality or even loss of connection. Even by extending the physical length of the Ethernet cable, there will always be a maximum distance beyond which the signal cannot be transmitted effectively.
2) Lack of Power
Another challenge is the lack of power in remote locations. PoE cameras require power to operate, and in areas where there is no access to electrical outlets, providing power can be difficult. This limitation can make it challenging to install cameras in areas far away from power sources, such as parking lots or remote outdoor locations.
3) Voltage Drop
As the distance increases, there is a possibility of a voltage drop in the Ethernet cable used to transmit both power and data. This drop in voltage can affect the performance of the PoE camera, leading to insufficient power supply or intermittent connectivity. It may require using thicker or higher-quality cables to mitigate voltage drop issues.
4) Environmental Factors
CCTV camera installations often involve outdoor or harsh environments, which can introduce additional challenges. Extreme temperatures, exposure to moisture or water, and physical obstructions can impact the performance and durability of the PoE cameras and cabling. Specialized enclosures or protective measures may be necessary to ensure reliable operation.
How to Extend the Range of Your PoE Cameras Effectively?
If your IP camera must be installed more than 100 meters from the network source, you will need at least one PoE extender, as your signal will lose signal integrity beyond that distance. PoE extenders can enable the delivery of Ethernet data and power beyond the standard 100-meter limit of twisted pair copper cabling to extend the connection distance between PSE and PD. And the distance can be 100 meters (328ft) on each side.
Running additional power lines over long distances can be expensive, whereas using PoE extenders simplifies the installation process and reduces overall costs since they can deliver power and data simultaneously to the next device. Besides, the plug-and-play feature and scalability offered by PoE extenders also make installation much easier. Considering that the installation is just a matter of an inline plug, the extender can be easily added or removed without affecting the integrity of the entire system.
Use 300M Direct-Burial PoE Extenders to Maximize Efficiency
Before the installation, you need to assess the distance between your security camera and the PoE switch and ensure it falls within the maximum distance supported by PoE extenders. Usually, the PoE extender receives power and data from a PoE switch or injector. While it uses some of the power to operate, it passes on the rest to the next device in the line. If you need to extend PoE over 500 meters, you’ll need to daisy chain 4 extenders and lose 4 to 5 watts per unit. To reduce the chances of power loss, Fastcabling has developed 300M direct-burial PoE extenders to help you extend the reach of PoE to 500M with only two pieces of hardware in the line. By connecting the inputs of both extenders, the maximum distance between them can effectively reach 300M, which also significantly reduces failure points over long cable runs. In addition, this PoE extender can deliver a maximum power of 60W when used with an 802.3bt PoE injector. Using these waterproof PoE extenders, you’re able to install the camera at vast distances from the main network infrastructure.
How to Power Multiple PoE Cameras Over 500M?
Although PoE extenders can effectively extend PoE to greater distances, they only have one PoE output, which means a PoE extender can only connect one camera at a time. But the PoE powered switch provides a convenient and efficient solution for powering IP cameras in places where power outlets may not be readily available or occupied for other uses. The PoE powered switch, also called the PoE passthrough switch, can operate as a PD and a PSE at the same time. It receives the power and data from the upstream PSE and transmits them to the PDs. The passthrough feature allows for multiple devices to be connected to the switch and powered through a single PoE source, making installation and maintenance much easier. Additionally, using a switch allows for more efficient power distribution, reducing the risk of power overloads and potential damage to equipment.
Outdoor PoE Passthrough Switch: One Cable to Rule Them All
This outdoor PoE passthrough is specially designed to provide power to the IP cameras or other PoE devices using the existing Ethernet cable, eliminating the need for a separate power source, which simplifies the installation process and reduces the cable clutter. Besides, it reduces the number of Ethernet cables and power outlets required, minimizing the overall infrastructure investment. By using the outdoor PoE passthrough switch, you can consolidate the remote camera connections to a single location, making it easier to manage and monitor the security camera system. It provides a central point for troubleshooting and managing power delivery to multiple PoE cameras, leading to increased efficiency. At the same time, it’s built with a rugged enclosure that protects against dust, moisture, impacts, and extreme temperatures in outdoor environments.
However, one of the challenges when deploying a PoE powered switch is the power budget. PoE powered switches don’t consume too much power, but depending on the manufacturers, models, port numbers, etc., the power consumption will vary. For example, if the PDs require 15 watts of power in total and the switch itself will consume around 10W, then you’ll need at least 25 watts of power available at the PoE powered switch, which means the PSE will have a power budget of 30W. And to reduce power loss over transmission, you should use pure copper cables instead of CCA cables to reduce voltage drop.
How Much Power Does a Security Camera System Require?
The power consumption of a surveillance camera can vary depending on the type of camera and its capabilities. However, on average, an IP camera powered via PoE consumes around 4-7W. So, for 7 PoE IP cameras, you need 35-40 watts available on the PD. Although the power consumption of PoE passthrough switches from different manufacturers may vary, it usually lies somewhere between 15 and 20W. Thereby, a total of 50-60W is required at the outdoor PoE passthrough switch. As previously mentioned, our PoE extender can supply 60 watts at a time, but only if used with a 95W 802.3bt PoE injector which specifies a maximum power output of 71.3W. This 95W PoE injector is designed for specific PDs requiring high power consumption, such as PoE lighting, digital signage, PoS terminals, AIO touch-screen PCs, and IP speed dome cameras equipped with blower, heater, illuminators, and wiper.
Step-by-Step Installation Guide
Fastcabling has also produced a video tutorial showing you how to set up a security camera system step by step with these powerful network devices:
Equipment You’ll Need:
1) a router, an NVR, and a monitor
2) 95W 802.3bt PoE injector
3) 300M direct-burial PoE extenders
4) outdoor PoE passthrough switch
5) short patch cords and Ethernet cables
How to Connect:
a. Connect NVR either HDMI or VGA port to the Monitor/TV;
b. Connect one end of a short patch cord to an available port on your router, and connect the other end of the cable to the LAN port on the NVR;
c. Plug the 95W PoE injector into a nearby power outlet and connect it to the router;
d. Connect one end of an Ethernet cable to the POE port on the injector, and connect the other end of the Ethernet cable to the PoE OUT port on the first PoE extender;
e. Plug another Ethernet cable (300 meters long) into the PoE IN port on the first extender and then connect the other end to the PoE IN port on the second PoE extender.
f. Use another short patch cord to connect the PoE OUT port on the second extender to the PoE passthrough port on the outdoor PoE powered switch.
g. Lastly, connect the IP cameras to the outdoor PoE passthrough switch with Ethernet cables.
Speak to the Experts
We have many years of expertise in CCTV systems and network design. Whether you need to extend your network to a remote location or improve the performance of your existing network, we’ve you covered. We also provide free solution design for our customers. Reach out and find out more about the solutions we offer!
