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Using PoE is straightforward. Normal network design considerations also apply to IP surveillance systems, but there is also the need for network sockets at “odd” locations, such as in the ceiling and other areas not normally networked.

In most cases, the natural location for a camera would be fairly high up in a corner, either on the wall or directly in the ceiling, as this normally provides the best images over the scene to be monitored and, at the same time, also reduces the ability to cover the camera, realign it to face the ceiling or even steal it. Also network cables and network sockets should preferably be concealed or located out-of-reach to avoid disconnection and/or manipulation.

Spare capacity
When designing a PoE-based IP-surveillance system one should, as with all systems, design it so that a spare capacity of at least 15-20% is available for expansion. Populating all ports on a PSE from the start, would limit the ability to quickly add a camera, or to swap ports when troubleshooting. Leaving at least one or 2 ports unpopulated on PSEs would provide the required flexibility.

As most PSEs cannot provide full power on all ports simultaneously, it is also important to ensure that the maximum power capacity of the PSE is not exceeded.

Don’t take short-cuts
It may be tempting to use some AC outlets that are available, to save some equipment costs, but this has the following implications:

The “vacuum cleaner” effect – cleaning personnel unplugging cameras, to use an existing AC outlet, as they are easy to find, creating coverage breaks in the security.
“Where’s the fuse?” – locating the correct fuse to a power outlet in a larger building may take some time, and using the normal power supply is always a risk, as one can never know what other devices may be connected, such as powerful work tools etc.
Maintaining UPS capability. This creates a back up capability of the entire IP surveillance system by backing up the PoE midspan or endspan.

Install in a secure environment
Install all midspans and endspans in locked and secure communications rooms. To minimize tampering with the units, they should preferably be rack mounted.

Use colour cabling
Use a consistent colour coding for powered camera cabling, especially within patch panels, to indicate that these cables are not to be touched, being part of the security system and including power.

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