Horizontal Cabling for Video Surveillance Guide

Horizontal Cabling for Video Surveillance Guide 

Horizontal cabling for video surveillance connects individual security cameras from their wall outlets or mounting locations back to a main control room or telecommunications enclosure.

Complicated and particular cabling is required in video networks, especially in commercials or academic environments. The cables used in network cabling must be created from specific materials. Horizontal cabling is one of the primary cabling methods used in today’s structured cabling system.

Horizontal cabling expands from a video storage room (NVR/DVR) to the individual IP Camera outlets. It is typically installed in a star topology that connects each IP Camera to the video storage room. It consists of the I/O outlet, a consolidation point (optional), a horizontal cable, mechanical terminations, and patch cords, or jumpers, stationed in the Video storage room.

 Typically, 100 meters is about the limit for the length of a cable. And bear in mind that this standard also applies to patch leads. Of course, every kind of cabling has its own limits, but it’s important that you understand what the standards are and make sure you are properly using cables.

The environment you run your cables through can make a distance. Areas that are too hot can lead to your network to fail, which is also true of excessive moisture. The best environments for cabling are areas that are cool and dry, so if your cables are run through an area that’s excessively hot or humid, you may need to set up equipment to help adjust those conditions.  A burst steam pipe can wreak havoc on your system (yes, we’ve repaired that, too).

There are a few options when it comes to professionally installing horizontal cabling for video surveillance networks. The three options examined here are:

·       'Direct Attached', where the first terminates the field cabling with an RJ45 modular plug, and connects it directly to the camera.

·       'Jack & Patch', where the cables are first terminated to a jack or patch panel, and then connected to security devices by patch cord.

·       'MPTL', Modular Plug Terminated Link is a hybrid of the two methods above with a female jack / patch panel at the head end and an RJ45 modular plug on the far end connecting directly to the camera.

Inside this report, we explain the options, tradeoffs, and elaborate on the pros and cons of each method.

The Three Methods

Direct Attach Method: The most common method of attaching devices to a network is simply plugging each terminated end into a device. Cables are run directly to a switch and to a camera or controller in the field, using an RJ45 modular plug at both ends of the cable. Testing is performed from these plugs across the length of the single cable.

However, many cite a second more permanent method is better despite being more complex:

Jack and Patch Approach: According to the 12th Edition of BICSI's TDMM and prior, all horizontal cabling should be terminated in the closet end on a patch panel, and in the field, on a jack. Starting in later editions, this requirement was relaxed for security equipment and other installations where accessibility may be difficult or tampering may be a risk.

Connections are made from the patch panel to switch, and from the jack to device with patch cords. The resulting section of cable from patch panel to jack is called the 'permanent link'. Typically jacks are installed in a wallplate for interior cameras, and patch from the plate to the camera. In exterior applications, jacks are commonly mounted in junction boxes.

Most recently ANSI/TIA has added a hybrid approach.

MPTL (Modular Plug Terminated Link): The standard ANSI/TIA-568.2-D, published in 2018, includes a specification for horizontal cabling which is is a hybrid of both 'Jack and Patch' and 'Direct Attach' cabling methods. The standard specifies a female jack on one end and a male plug on the other end. In surveillance networks this is typically a patch panel port at the head end patched to an NVR or switch, and the far end terminated with an RJ45 modular plug connected directly to the camera. This method offers the benefit of using patch panels for organized termination at the head end with the ease of installation at the far end.

The Heart Of The Debate

Historically, the major issue driving this debate is the 'modified permanent link' which modular plugs create. Since cables are specified by standards to be terminated in the typical link fashion, testers were created to test the normal permanent link, resulting in not-quite-accurate tests when testing through a modular plug.

In 2020 this is no longer a practical concern as certifiers are equipped to test, the permanent link, full channel, and most recently MPTL.

Building automation systems have used the direct attach method for years, as it was recognized by TIA standards that in some cases a jack and patch cable are impractical or unserviceable. Current Editions of BICSI's Electronic Safety and Security design reference have come to the same conclusion.

However, it should be noted that security applications break other fundamental rules of BISCI standards, such as each outlet being mounted 18" above finished floor with two cables run to it. Security devices, just like BAS devices, are application-specific, and different standards apply while respecting original intent where possible.

Which Method Should I Use?

While, practically speaking, there is nothing wrong with any of these methods, and much is left up to preference, directly attaching plugs is generally preferred by the majority of integrators. There are two main drawbacks which may be a problem when using this method:

·       Cable flexibility: In UTP cable used for horizontal runs, each of the eight conductors (four pairs) is made from a solid copper conductor. In patch cables, each conductor is made up of multiple thin copper strands. This makes the conductor, and in turn, the entire cable, more flexible. For this reason, patch cables may be able to fit into tight domes where sharp bends are without straining or pinching the cable where solid conductor cable would have issues. Strictly speaking, however, according to standards, bend radius is four times the diameter of the cable, regardless of solid or stranded construction.

·       Modular plug construction: While Cat 5e cable is almost always 24 AWG, some manufacturers of Cat 6 and higher cables have sized conductors up to 23 AWG. Care should be taken when selecting cable/modular plug combinations, to make sure the plug is rated for the category cable being installed and will handle larger-gauge wire, or it may not work properly, or simply not at all.

Users should be aware of challenges in specific applications, as well:

Interior cameras: When installing interior cameras, the key consideration is where the camera will be mounted. If the cameras are to be wall-mounted, or in the case of warehouse or other open-ceiling environments, installing jacks is simple, either in a surface-mount or recessed box with wallplate. When using ceiling-mounted domes, however, installation is trickier. As discussed in our installation issues update, exposed connections are not allowed by code above drop ceilings. This means that, unless the dome has room enough to install a jack inside it (which is unlikely), a junction box must be provided to house the connections, making the direct attach method much simpler.

Exterior cameras: Using jacks in exterior locations can be much trickier than their interior counterparts. If using box cameras, a jack may be located in the housing. However, exterior domes are as unlikely as their interior counterparts to have enough space to locate a jack and patch cable. If an enclosure is provided, for surge protection, wireless equipment, or other needs, the jack may be located there. In most cases, however, the direct attach method will be simpler.

No matter which method is used, care must be taken during installation. Maximum cable pulling tension and not exceeding bend radii should be observed. All components should be matching category rated, including mod plug and patch cables. If all of these are followed, connections should experience few issues.

Best Practices for Installation

Outdoor Protection: Use UV-resistant or shielded (STP) cables if any portion of the horizontal run is exposed to outdoor elements or electrical interference.

Avoid CCA: Do not buy copper-clad aluminum (CCA) wire because it breaks easily and fails standard resistance tests

 REF: IPVM, John.

Step by Step Guide to Remote view DVR

CCTV – Guide to Remote view of DVR

This post will walk you through setting up a CCTV DVR for remote viewing on Mobile or PC.

Connect the cameras to your DVR using BNC connectors & provide the power supply to DVR.Connect a mouse to the USB port. To view the cameras the DVR can be connected to a monitor through the VGA output of DVR or to a TV through the Video out pin (you may need a BNC to RCA converter)

Connect the DVR to the Network Router (providing internet connection as well as LAN) using the RJ45 Ethernet cable. 

For this demo I’m using DVR, Camera & a Linksys Router.

Right click on DVR screen to get the Menu list.

Click on Home & then click on Network tab.

For Net Link there are two options. Static IP & DHCP.

If you select Static IP, you’ve to feed the IP address manually.

DHCP is Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol. Generally a Router is at the top of a Network & it assigns IP address to a device like DVR when connected to it.

Select this option DHCP.

Note down the IP Addresses.

Here the IP address of DVR is assigned as 192.168.1.108 & the Gateway address is 192.168.1.1 .

The Gateway address is the IP address of the Router.

To view DVR over Internet or Mobile you’ve to open two ports for the incoming traffic on your Router.

1) HTTP PORT &

2) MOBILE PORT.

At the bottom you can see HTTP port assigned as 80.This is the default port for webservice WWW.

Click on the arrow mark next to Netservice to know the Mobile port number.

Here the Mobile port number is shown as Mobile Monitor & port assigned is 34599

Now we shall see how to open these two ports 80 (HTTP) & 34599 (Mobile)  inside Router’s settings.

This process is called Port Forwarding.

PORT FORWARDING SETUP ON ROUTER.

Open a web browser like Internet Explorer or Firefox.Type in the Gateway IP address 192.168.1.1

Following table is a list of some Routers with IP address, Username & password.

In this demo we’re using a LinkSys Router.  So type in the IP 192.168.1.1

User Name is admin & password is also admin

Setup Window of Router opens.

You can note that the Router IP address as well as Network IP address are displayed.

Click on Application & Gaming tab.

Click on Port Range Forwarding tab.

Enter any name  under application , say , DVR . Under start , as well as End enter the HTTP port 80.

Select Protocol as Both. Under IP address enter the IP of DVR. Here it is 192.168.1.108.

Check mark the Enable.

Same way enter application name as DVR1 for the Mobile port enabling. Under Start & End enter 34599 .Protocol is Both & IP is the address of DVR.

Save the settings.

Now it’s time to check whether the Forwarded Ports can be seen from outside over Internet.

For this open the web browser & visit  www.canyouseeme.org

This website displays your current external IP address , along with a question “What Port ?”

Enter the HTTP port 80 & click on Check port button.

You should see a “Success : I can see your service on IP xxx.xxx.x.x on port 80 “.

Again check for the mobile port 34599 to see a success.

If you do not get a success , the port forwarding you’ve done is not correct.Again open the Router Setup & check the correct entries for port forwarding.Check whether the Enable box is checked.

Once you see Success on this site , you can go ahead with your Mobile installation.

Ethernet Splitter

Ethernet Splitter

An Ethernet splitter can split a single Internet connection so that two or more computers can connect to the Internet simultaneously. It can also create additional connections for other computers on a network, which can reduce the overall amount of cabling required to setup a network. Unfortunately, Ethernet splitters cannot resolve the network collision issues that may occur if the computers connected to the splitter are using the same network resources simultaneously.

The CAT 5E Ethernet splitter allows two separate devices to share the same Ethernet cable. Ethernet splitters are generally used in pairs, with one CAT 5E splitter at the outlet and another Ethernet splitter at the patch panel. This allows for several wiring configurations to connect more devices to your network. Primus Cable offers both Ethernet splitter adapters and pigtail type Ethernet splitters.

The Ethernet Splitter for 1x VOIP + 1x PC, Pigtail Type, 10/100 BaseT 1P/2J 07 splits the signal from one CAT 5E Ethernet cable among two RJ45 connections. This Ethernet splitter is ideal for both domestic and commercial applications. We have both type 7 and type 8 Ethernet splitter adapters. By utilizing this device, two computers can share one CAT 5E Ethernet port. If the router has only one RJ45 port, then an Ethernet switch will be required to run multiple PCs off one signal at the same time.

Our phone cable is commonly used for 10Base-T and 100Base-T networking, particularly for telephone and low speed data applications. We stock both phone cable for plenum and for riser applications. If your project involves installation in plenums or air spaces, the CAT 3 Bulk Cable, Plenum CMP Solid UTP 25Pair 24AWG, 1000, White is a wise choice.

This phone cable features 25 unshielded solid copper pairs in a 24 AWG diameter cable. This phone cable is ideal for indoor voice communications applications, and is supplied on a wooden spool. This CAT 3 phone cable is also easy to install with its color striped pairs.

Primus Cable provides a wide assortment of networking and telco tools for your installation project. EZ-RJPRO™ HD Ratchet Crimp Tool is the professionals’ choice when working with CAT 5E and CAT 6 RJ45 connectors. It also works well with EZ-RJ12/RJ11 connectors. This crimping tool functions as a wire cutter, stripper, and crimping tool all in one. The ratcheted straight action crimping motion ensures a uniform crimp every cycle. Features precision cast crimping dies for superior accuracy. 

How to Connect an Ethernet Splitter

Step 1 – Insert one end of the Ethernet splitter into the primary Ethernet port of the device that is providing the network connection (such as the cable/DSL modem or Internet router).

Step 2 – Insert the Ethernet cables from the devices to be connected (such as a computer, printer, or scanner) into the Ethernet splitter. Users often connect a printer and computer to the splitter in order to minimize the frequency with which network collisions occur while sharing the connection.

Step 3 – Test the connection of the devices on the splitter to ensure that they can connect to network resources.

How to Make an Ethernet Splitter

Step 1 – Procure the following materials: a short Ethernet cable, 2 x RJ45 keystone jacks, electrical tape, super glue, and crimp tool.

Step 2 – Crimp one end of the Ethernet cable so that the wire’s ends are visible. Leave the other end of the cable in-tact.

Step 3 – Follow the directions that come with the keystone jacks to open them, then place the wires from the Ethernet cable into the jacks to split the connection. Place the white and orange wires into Pin #1, the orange wire into Pin #2, the white and green wires into Pin #3, and the green wire into Pin #6. On the second keystone jack, place the white and blue wires into Pin #1, the blue wire into Pin #2, the white and brown wires into Pin #3, and the brown wire into Pin #6.

Step 4 – Glue the jacks to each other by the sides with super glue, then snap them together.

Step 5 – Wrap electrical tape around any exposed wires and begin using the new Ethernet splitter.

This diagram works in a half duplex mode which provides communication in both directions, but only one direction at a time. Under normal operation, each port is constantly sensing any traffic through its receiving pair of wire. As long as it can sense that data is being processed, it will not start sending data. The significance of this operation is to avoid collision where two ports are sending data at the same time, and due to this phenomenon, data will be discarded. When this issue is resolved by both computers, they will start to transmit at random amount of time. The circuit employs the method known as Carrier Sense Multiple Access / Collision Detecion (CSMA/CD) wherein it allows the devices to take turns using the signal carrier line. In this operation, the hub’s primary task is to allow each port to check the signal level of the line to determine whether someone is already using it. The device waits for a few seconds if it is in use, or it transmits otherwise.