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Power over Ethernet is a technology which allows a user to transfer both power and data over an Ethernet cable. This technology can be found in IP cameras more and more with most of the latest models now supporting it as standard. PoE comes in useful when there are no power outlets near the point of installation and because no further power outlets are needed, PoE is quicker and easier to use and can reduce the cost of an installation substantially.
There are a few different ways in which PoE can be set up. The first way involves having a PoE compatible router or switch at the heart of the network. The router or switch connect to the IP camera and provide both data and power. This means customers will not have to buy individual PoE devices for every IP camera connected.
The second method is to add a PoE midspan in between a non PoE router and a PoE ready IP camera. The midspan has inputs for both data and the power supply, and an Ethernet output that carries both power and data to the IP camera. This lets you add individual PoE ready IP cameras to your network without requiring a PoE router or switch.
The third setup involves using a non PoE ready IP camera. A PoE router or switch can be made to supply both power and data to a non PoE ready IP camera by using a PoE splitter. A PoE splitter is placed on the network between a PoE router or switch and a non PoE ready IP camera. It then separates the power and data so they can be connected to separate inputs on a non PoE IP camera.
Comments (0) Posted by Andrew Ednie on Tuesday, July 1st, 2008
A video server takes an analogue video input and lets you use it over an IP network. It does this by digitising the analogue signal and serving it through an IP network. This then allows access to the digital stream over your LAN or the internet.
Video servers can come with different numbers of ports, the most common are one port and four port. Multiple port video servers allow you to view each stream individually or all the streams on the same page. The video server assigns a unique address to every stream so they can be added to other applications as standalone streams.
A major advantage of using a video server is that it allows you to use old, non IP cameras through a digital interface. This means that it can enable the same features and benefits as IP camera technology. These features can include analytics, motion detection, event logging and recording. Using a video server is a cheap way of upgrading an existing CCTV camera installation to the IP age.
Another big advantage of using a video server with existing CCTV cameras is that it can allow remote access to them from anywhere in the world. This is handy for people who want to check on a site from home or people who want to access their camera on the move.
Comments (0) Posted by Andrew Ednie on Tuesday, July 1st, 2008
One feature of Sony cameras which we think is rather unique is their optional wireless support for some of the key IP cameras in their product line-up.
This support allows wireless connectivity for high-end domes such as the SNC-RZ50N or the SNC-RX series, something not found in any of the other ranges we support.
The way they offer this support is by using a wireless Compact Flash card. This card needs to be inserted directly into the camera’s Compact Flash card slot or into the camera’s alternative data slot using an appropriate adapter.
The card comes in two models. The SNCA-CFW1 or the SNCA-CFW5. The main difference is in the wireless speeds. The SNCA-CFW1 works to IEEE802.11b 11Mbps speeds while the SNCA-CFW5 works to IEEE802.11g 54Mbps. Although the SNCA-CFW5 cards is only supported by multi-codec cameras. See compatibility tables below for information.
**Camera only has PCMCIA (PC Card) slots. A commercially available CF card to PCMCIA card adapter is required for use
***Camera has both Compact Flash slot and PCMCIA slot. Choose either a direct connection or use a CF to PCMCIA adapter
NOTE
Two other Sony cameras are currently marked as wireless compatible, the SNC-RZ30N and the SNC-Z20. Currently these cameras cannot use either the Sony SNCA-CFW1 or the SNCA-CFW5 cards, instead they used to use a third-party card which has since been discontinued. We are working to find a solution and will update the Resource Center when this is available.
