Security Cameras General Discussion

[mcsincnj]

I recently added a 5th  camera to my system. This pushed my powerhouse/home net into overload. I contacted tech support and we discovered that the furthest camera had poor power strength and low bandwidth.

The house is not very big [1700 sf], the circuits have very little electrical interference [mostly unfurnished], so the Logitech technician suggested that I could use POE to minimize the traffic on the adapters from Logitech.

So, I start to research the POE option and find there are many POE switches on the market with varying levels of power.  My first question - how much power is the minimum and the maximum that the camera needs to be optimal - I can only run 3 cameras to a place convenient to a POE Switch -

I am not that familiar with the POE switch option... I assume that I connect the switch to my network and plug the CAT5 cable into the camera and POE powered connection and that is all there is?

Next, for the run I can't make with CAT5 to a POE switch, There are many variants of powerline adapters. They have the send and receive units as a kit.

On that front, has anyone had any experience with 3rd party powerline adapters - do they use a different frequency than Logitech units? Do they have better power and bandwidth  than OEM from Logitech??

Any experiences and recommendations out there for both of these and can they all be on the same network?

Other than this problem which is 600 miles away and needs a solution on the first try,  I am very happy the 700e Camera system.

Thanks in advance.

[UselessS · Accepted solution]

The weakest camera may actually be on a circuit from the other side of the main AC line to the house...thus making the HomePlug signal have to travel all the way to the transformer and back.  You could use an extension cord to try other outlets nearby if not on that same circuit breaker.  If you are part electrician, swapping breaker positions could be done...but you should probably let an electrician do that <g>

PoE is certainly a better solution...eliminates the HomePlug variables/attenuation, but you'd have to run the ethernet cables from your camera to your PoE switch port ( yes, that's it <g> ).  There are many PoE switches and the majority should meet/show the IEEE 802.3af  spec ( see link below ).  The outdoor camera draws ony 7 watts max in night mode...so should be no problem.  Most affordable PoE switches are 8-port with 4-PoE.  I'm using D-Link DGS-1008P, but there are many others.

http://logitech-en-amr.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/24514/section/troubleshoot/crid/589/lt_p...

Yes, you can mix PoE & HomePlug...no problem.

As for using other HomePlug units, I doubt that would help...what interferes with one would likely do the same with the other.

[mcsincnj]

Thanks,

Did the extension cord thing,  even moved the cameras to closer outlets, it seems that 5 cameras on the system overload it no matter where the camera is located -

[UselessS]

5 cameras shouldn't overload the network side.  If your PC is connected via WiFi, then that may be a bottleneck to check.

[mcsincnj]

Yes, there are mulitple wifi devices connected - to be on the safe side, I will take three cameras off and put in  a POE switch -

That way for sure, I should not have an issue. The devices are 600 miles away,  so time becomes more costly, esp when the cameras are not the only things to do.

I have all my equipement in the walkup attic so the cameras feed right into the attic with no problem - no real place to create a hardwire drop yet.

Actually easer to install the switch than make any more hard runs - time=money $120 is a small price to pay.

t/y

[UselessS]

Yeah, it was much easier for me to run ethernet cables than power at my place...even though the HomePlug stuff worked fine for temporary prototyping placement via extension cords.  There are cheaper PoE switches than my example...mine is more high-end...but as you say, the $$ is a minor thing for a 600 mile trip ( I've setup some in-laws Alert systems at 900+ miles away...so I know what you mean ) <g>

Going PoE also allows you to put that switch/cameras on UPS...so an additional advantage if desired.

...let us know how it goes when you finish the changes.

[mcsincnj]

Will do!  you gave me a thought that cost more $. I will be adding an UPS to the mix!