• ben@lemmy.zip
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    5 months ago

    If you have to run power to it, you might as well run some data as well. Never really the best idea to have mission critical equipment at the mercy of a congested wifi network.

    • Bonehead@kbin.social
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      5 months ago

      Save some trouble and go with POE. A little more expense to setup, but you only have to run one wire and everything is permanently hardwired.

      • BearOfaTime@lemm.ee
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        5 months ago

        I’m hard pushing my family and friends to replace/install POE switches currently. Its a minor cost upgrade that will make my life so much easier

      • Jessica@lemmy.blahaj.zone
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        5 months ago

        Heck yeah. In addition to POE, I’ve got a power line adapter setup to the NVR so that the cams are all hardwired to the modem/router combo. It’s fast enough for remote viewing in HD.

        • Mycatiskai@lemmy.ca
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          5 months ago

          What system do you have and how many cameras. We are moving north and I wanted to get a POE system and am looking for recommendations. Obviously Costco has some options but they are going to be pretty basic and have iffy reviews.

          • Jessica@lemmy.blahaj.zone
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            5 months ago

            These are 3 outdoor cameras I helped setup for my bestie. I’m pretty sure she went with a no name brand. The UI is the same UI you see in other basic NVR’s out there. It was likely an Amazon or Costco purchase. This was a few years ago, the details are a bit hazy. I helped setup the software on a non-PoE system and it looked exactly the same. I’m sorry I couldn’t be of much help…

    • youngalfred@lemm.ee
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      5 months ago

      A lot of the new systems can use battery powered cameras that are motion activated - they can last for a month+ on battery because they only turn fully on when they detect motion.

      You’re right though - if it’s mission critical don’t rely on wireless.

      • jonne
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        5 months ago

        Some of them even have solar panels as well. It’s very useful if you want to DYI installation without having to run cables all over the place (data and/or power).

        This Wi-Fi jamming stuff does seem like a huge issue. I was actually considering wireless down the line, but maybe a system with proper wired connections would be better.

        • 4am@lemm.ee
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          5 months ago

          Power over Ethernet (PoE) requires one wire for both data and power. You also need a PoE network switch, or a “PoE injector” which is basically a power brick that adds power to the network cord.

          • jonne
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            5 months ago

            Yeah, that would definitely be the way to go. You still have to run the cables all over the place, whether it’s one or two. I totally get why people go with wireless.

      • Pistcow@lemm.ee
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        5 months ago

        Have wireless setup, works really well. If they want it that bad they can have it while I’m gone or risk their life while I’m there.

    • frezik@midwest.social
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      5 months ago

      Doorbell cameras are tricky there. They’re designed for the lowest common denominator and expect you to use the existing wiring for power, but nothing else. No PoE connections for that.

      My other cameras are PoE, though. Madness not to.

      • The Pantser@lemmy.world
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        5 months ago

        I use a reolink poe doorbell camera. It’s a bitch to replace your doorbell wire with Ethernet but it’s really worth it for the zero lag and camera still working during a power outage because my server is on a UPS. plus the wires can be used for a traditional doorbell if I sell the house, I just pick a pair and power them.

      • themeatbridge@lemmy.world
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        5 months ago

        Just because they are popular and cheaper doesn’t mean it’s a good idea.

        See also: Bathtub inserts, countertop veneers, cheap EIFS stucco, overlay roofing, etc.