Metrico

Yes, the 34xx switch series from Dell are managed. Since Dell now has their 35xx line, they sold their 34xx stock to resellers on the cheap.

I used a Dell Powerconnect 3424P for my install. This is Dell's previous model line for switches, so it was considerably cheaper than a current model. We are already using that model for our internal network in the 48 port version (3448P), and it has been extremely stable. I picked it up new for about $275. Not bad for a commercial grade switch with 15w PoE on all ports. It more than handled the dozen ACTi 3511s which only pull 7 and a half watts. You might have to check ebay or some reseller to get the previous model though. Dell will probably only have their new line available.

Not too familiar with DSL devices, but you could try to have it forward everything/DMZ/NAT to a normal router that you are more familiar with. I know the all in one devices ISPs are using these days can create some hassles since they don't do everything you want.

I do like the batch of 3511 megapixel day/night domes I installed. I could have spent more to go with Axis or Panasonic or whoever, but then I'd be paying a lot extra for features that were beyond what I needed.

Here's what I did to focus the cameras for my installation. Sat in the server room with a laptop and preprogrammed the IP settings one at a time with the laptop and camera hooked into the PoE switch. Was fairly quick process for the 11 cameras I had. Installed the cameras, and got them all on the switch, so they all were powered up with the right IP configuration (Made note of which IP was which camera too!). Hooked up a wireless access point to the switch and connected wirelessly to the individual cameras with my laptop. Focusing was pretty easy as things go, has the added benefit of no cords to screw with at that point. Very handy since I had all domes, and to connect an external power source aside from the main switch would have made it that much more difficult for the install. If you're doing a complete PoE setup, this should be a viable way to do things. If wireless is too far at the switch, patch a drop into it that's has a closer outlet to where you're working. Running a new drop just to do this might be overkill though.

Yesterday I completed the finishing touches on an 11 camera CCTV system for my office. It consists of 11 ACTi 3511 megapixel domes, a Dell 3424 PoE switch, and a custom built system running LuxRiot. This is the first camera system that I have designed and installed, and it is working beautifully. Both with questions answered and previous posts I researched, this forum was an invaluable resource in creating the system. Now that the job is done, I don't know how often I'll keep coming here, but I wanted to show my appreciation for the help. I was able to deliver the system at roughly $6-10 thousand dollars less than what I received quotes for. (The lowest quote was using the same model of camera.) Thanks again! David Hayes Metrico Wireless www.metricowireless.com

Something to be mindful of is that audio support is contingent on the software's compatibility with a particular model of camera. While a camera may support 2 way audio, the NVR software might only support 1 way or no audio on the camera.

I'm still planning out a cctv system for our company, and still trying to learn enough to do it right the first time. All of the cameras will be indoors. The cameras would be the following Axis models: 211M, 209MFD, and 209FD. Are IR illuminators needed to ensure a good nighttime picture, or is their sensitivity enough on their own? Also, I'm planning a lower cost option as part of the proposal. This second system centers around ACTi cameras. The ones I'd be using here are 1511 and possibly the 3311. Anyone have any comments about these models? Thanks in advance!

Here's a video of 3511 in low light: http://www.acti.com/livedemo/watch.asp?ID=D7D8C569-8477-451E-B60F-EC85BC2DA565

They are going mounted on a drop ceiling so positioning shouldn't be a huge problem. Hopefully lighting should also be pretty binary for the camera since it is an office. Thanks for the input, I'll keep those tidbits of info in mind.

I think I got it: WIT Security Technology Co. Model #WIT-1028SDN http://color-camera-manufacturer.tradenet.com.tw/ip-ir-camera/1028sdn.htm http://color-camera-manufacturer.tradenet.com.tw/ Hope the info helps!

That's a good point on the raid controller, got a card coming in for that. As far as the video, I figured it would be something that I could upgrade if needed. I don't need live viewing so that wasn't as critical of a component. If it turns out I need one, they are cheap and easy enough to get.

I'm building an NVR that will handle 11 ACTi 3511 cameras and will be running LuxRiot Advanced. I wanted to know if there would be any particular issue if the NVR also handled the software side of a 4 door access control system. (Galaxy) The key system specs are as follows: Intel Xeon 3110 cpu (3gHz) 4GB of RAM (2x2GB, dual channel) 4x1TB Western Digital RE3 drives in raid 5 The motherboard is a server grade board (Asus P5BV-C) which will be using one or both onboard ethernet controllers to connect to the camera system switch. Can the system handle both? Or, is a second system for the access control necessary? It seems like the access control needs are fairly minimal so I'd hate to devote a whole system to it.

I forgot about this post, thanks for the input! I ended up going with ACTi 3511s across the board.

Here's what I've come up with for a complete system, I would love any input. I also would appreciate suggestions on alternate cameras. Cameras: 3 x Axis 211M, 24/7 @1280x1024, 6fps, mpeg4 1 x Axis 209MFD, on event, 10% @1280x1024 30fps, mpeg4 1 x Axis 209MFD, 24/7 @1280x1024, 6fps, mpeg4 2 x Axis 209FD, 24/7 @640x480, 6fps, mpeg4 The 24/7 megapixel cameras are watching entrances, 3 with windows, the 209MFD without. The on event 209MFD is motion activated in a particular storage room that does not have regular access but will hold critical equipment. The 2 209FDs will watch general access in two rooms. Lower res here since the hi res entrance cameras should be able to establish facial recognition. The 640x480 should still maintain decent resolution. Software: Video Insight IP server or Axis Camera Station (if camera station is with the $500 extra) Windows Server 2k3 DVR System: Case: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811152050 Motherboard (server oriented, 2x1gb LAN: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813182105 CPU: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819117166 RAM, 2x2gb (verified mobo compatible): http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820134193&Tpk=KVR667D2N5K2%2f4G Hard drives, x8 in RAID 5: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136313 Blu Ray Burner: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827129037 Vid Card: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814161252 19" 1280x1024 Monitor adds another $160 To summarize if you don't want to click through links: Supermicro 3U rackmount case along with a supermicro mobo that has 2 gigabit lan connections. Quad core Xeon processor, 4 gigs of ram. 8TB worth of WD RE3 hard drives in RAID 5, blu ray burner, and a basic 512mb vid card. Estimated cost for all of this is ~$8200. I know some things like storage can be scaled back on, and there may be similar cameras out there that do the same for cheaper as the Axis ones, I'm not sure. I wouldn't mind bringing the cost down some, but even with this build I'm coming in under the initial target budget. Thoughts?

Greetings everyone! I hope I'm posting this in the right place. I manage IT for a small business, and we are about to move our office. One of the VPs asked me to look into a CCTV solution for the new office. While contracting out the job is an option, I would prefer to have a system that I can familiarize myself with and know all of the details first hand. Unfortunately, the problem I run into is the vast variety of options out there, so I'm getting a bit overwhelmed. Here's some basic info to start with: I'd like the system to be fully IP based. The new office is EXTREMELY wired up with cat5e and relocating a few outlets for cameras is much simpler and cost effective than running new cable. Also, this gives the option of using a PoE switch to power the cameras, further simplifying the installation. I'd like the system to be PC based. I'm an IT person, so I always have scalability in mind. From what I have seen, PC systems are the way to go for that. Also, I would rather work with standardized equipment that I am familiar with instead of a proprietary closed box. Here's what would be needed in the way of coverage: 3-4 entrances, with only one of those not being surrounded by windows. 2-4 more cameras will be used for watching specific rooms within the office. The lighting is your standard florescent office lighting. Day & night coverage is desired. Facial recognition is of course desired. No point in a camera system if we don't know who it is moving around on camera. I understand about the need for different lenses based on viewable area and distance. Some questions I have that I have not been able to find info on my own about: Does an IP PC system need a specialized card to process data, or will a standard graphics card handle the processing? Or, does the processing never hit the graphics card and is handled by the CPU? Part of that question also entails if a card is needed at all for an all IP system. Is a beefed up network card necessary to handle the multiple data sources? Based on the above, I'm looking for suggestions on cameras & a nvr solution. The nvr would need to be scalable beyond an initial 8 cameras. The ceiling is a drop ceiling, but wall mounting is not an issue if needed. The tenative budget is <$10,000. There is no "spend it or lose it" mentality here, I just need to get the job done. That's all I can think of right now, any input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

I've met the 5day/5post mark, and I'd like to respond in one of my threads with some links about a system build. Unfortunately, it says I haven't met the mark. Thanks!

I'm in the planning stages for a PC based NVR system, and I'm trying to decide on hard drives now. I'd like to use 1tb+ drives, although the only manufacturer of that size that makes cctv oriented drives is Seagate. I have read about some quality control issues Seagate has had recently with those drives. Are there any other manufacturers making cctv grade drives in that size? Or, would server grade drives be sufficient? (Western Digital's RE series for example)

I'd be running the drives in RAID, but I'll check out implications of TLER. The RE series drives in general have 5 year warranties, as do the caviar black drives. If it were my own system I'd go with the caviar black, but hey, it isn't my budget I'm spending.

I've seen Axis come up a decent bit in my searches, and they do have some models that support auto-iris. Given that up to 3 cameras will be facing windows, that's something I'd like to incorporate. How are their cameras and management software? If I were to use them, I believe I would be going with 3 211Ms, 2 209MFDs, and 2 209FDs. The megapixel cameras would be recording at 1280x1024, and the others will be at 640x480. I'm not set on these by any means, I just don't know every option out there yet.

Lots of useful info there, thanks! I'll definitely have the cameras going to their own switch and subnet not touching the main network. I am planning on having a monitoring system being connected to both networks so that it can be remotely accessed instead of the cameras. Is it necessary to have the nvr be dedicated entirely to recording, or can it handle monitoring & remote access? I already had figured on a system and switch that have gigabit ports. We currently make use of about 80 cat5 lines in our current office, the new office is prewired with close to 300. Every room has a minimum of 2 lines, and many have more. There's also 30 lines up on the patch panel that go up in the ceiling but aren't terminated at any outlet. This was some mortgage company that sprang up last year, lasted a month in the office, and then vacated. Left behind a lot of almost new stuff that we get to use