Networking Equipment

How an IP CCTV network fits together

The minimum components for a wired IP CCTV install:

• NVR — the recorder, also typically the local interface and remote-access server. Most modern Hikvision and HiLook NVRs include built-in PoE ports (typically 4 or 8 per matching channel count), so for small installs the NVR is also the PoE switch.
• PoE network switch — for installs beyond the NVR's built-in PoE port count. Standalone switch connects to the NVR by uplink, then powers and connects each camera.
• Ethernet cable — one Cat6 run per camera from the switch (or PoE-enabled NVR) to the camera position.
• Connectors — RJ45 plugs (solid or stranded specific) for patch cables, wall jacks for permanent runs.

The architecture scales by adding components: PoE injectors for adding individual cameras to a non-PoE network (e.g. retrofitting a camera onto an existing data switch); PoE extenders for runs beyond the 100 m PoE limit; media converters when the uplink between switches needs to go fibre (multi-building campus, long site-to-site runs over 200 m+ where copper isn't viable); encoders when bringing legacy analog cameras onto an IP NVR; network monitors for local NVR display in a comms cabinet or control room.

The four components most CCTV installers buy

• Network switches — the central junction. PoE switches deliver both power and data; managed switches add VLAN segregation, QoS and SNMP for commercial installs. The biggest component spec decision is PoE tier (802.3af, at, bt) and total power budget. 11,780 monthly search volume.
• Ethernet cables — Cat6 is the current standard; Cat5e for value installs at short distance; Cat6a for 10G or long-distance PoE++. Solid for permanent runs, stranded for patch leads. Indoor PVC jacket or outdoor UV-stabilised. 17,680 monthly search volume.
• PoE injectors — add PoE power to a single Ethernet line without a full PoE switch. Useful for retrofitting one or two cameras onto an existing non-PoE network, or for installs where a PoE switch is overkill. 2,320 monthly search volume.
• PoE extenders — boost the PoE signal mid-cable to extend a run beyond the 100 m Cat6 limit. Useful for rural installs, long perimeters, and site-to-outbuilding runs.

What is PoE — and why does every camera install talk about it?

Power over Ethernet (PoE) delivers electrical power and network data over a single Ethernet cable. For IP CCTV, this means one Cat6 cable per camera carries both — no separate power supply at the camera, no AC outlet planning, no power cable trenching. The whole simplicity advantage of wired IP CCTV over older analog systems is PoE-driven.

The PoE standards are part of IEEE 802.3:

• 802.3af (PoE) — 15.4 W per port at the switch, 12.95 W delivered after cable loss. Fine for standard fixed cameras at 6–10 W.
• 802.3at (PoE+) — 30 W per port, 25.5 W delivered. Needed for PTZ, 4K AcuSense and ColorVu cameras at 15–25 W.
• 802.3bt (PoE++) — 60 W or 100 W per port. For long-range PTZ with built-in heaters, high-power IR arrays, and specialist commercial equipment.

Check every camera's power requirement and match the switch's PoE tier accordingly. See the network switches page for the full spec decision.

Other networking components in this collection

• Encoders and decoders — bridge legacy analog cameras into a modern IP system. The encoder takes analog camera output and converts to IP for the NVR; the decoder does the reverse for legacy display systems.
• Media converters — convert between copper (Cat6) and fibre. Useful for inter-building uplinks where copper distance is exceeded, or where the install needs fibre's EMI immunity.
• Network monitors and displays — for local NVR display at a comms cabinet or control desk. Modern NVRs output HDMI 4K, so any compatible monitor works.
• Surge protection — protect networking equipment from voltage spikes (lightning, switching transients). Note: surge protection is usually integrated with the UPS rather than standalone — see the UPS collection for the practical answer.

Why buy from Security Cameras Australia

• Authorised Australian dealer — genuine networking equipment with full manufacturer warranty.
• Expert support — pre-purchase advice on PoE sizing, cable category, switch selection and install architecture.
• Price-match guarantee — competitive pricing.
• Free shipping — fast Australian delivery.
• 30-day returns — satisfaction guarantee.

Shop the networking equipment range

Browse the full networking equipment range below, or jump to the right sub-collection:

• Network switches — PoE+ managed and unmanaged.
• Ethernet cables — Cat5e, Cat6, Cat6a bulk and patch.
• PoE injectors — single-camera PoE without a switch.
• PoE extenders — beyond the 100 m PoE limit.