Biggen

Hello, I'm installing a couple of IP cameras in my business. Right now I'm installing two Axis M5014 PTZ: http://www.axis.com/products/cam_m5014/index.htm According to page 4 of the user guide (http://www.axis.com/files/manuals/um_m5014_45490_en_1112.pdf) it says that STP must be used to protect product against power surges. I have been working with networking on and off for over 10 years and have never saw the need to run STP. Is Axis just being overly cautious here by recommending STP cableing or is there something I am not seeing? I hadn't planned on running STP unless you guys tell me I should. Was planning on running my tried and trued Cat5e UTP. Thanks!

In the process of purchasing and installing myself some IP cameras for my business. I have a tall 40 light pole on my property next to my parking light that I'd like to install one outdoor IP camera so that I can monitor vehicles entering/exiting my lot. Thinking about mounting the camera halfway or slightly less than halfway up the pole (i.e. 15~ feet) I was looking to install an Axis P5512-E PTZ or a P5511-E PTZ. The P5512-E PTZ is PoE while the P5522-E is PoE+ and requires the included midspan. First off, how close does the midspan need to be to the P5522-E? There isn't a distance requirement in the manual so I assume as long as it isn't beyond 100 meters it is fine? Secondly, how do you ground these cameras? I would think a large metal arm sticking up and out of a 40' wooden light pole during a thunderstorm would attract lightning. I know there isn't a lot one can do to protect against direct strikes but shouldn't I do "something" to protect the rest of my LAN that will be connected to the same switch my outdoor camera will be? Third, how are you guys running Cat5e/6 to these cameras when they are outside on poles or other exposed locations where you can't put the cable inside of a wall? PVC conduit? And, lastly, why don't these cameras have SFP (fiber) connectors on them? Not only would that preclude problems with lightning but you also wouldn't be limited to the 100m ethernet length standard. I realize that PoE wouldn't be possible but honestly there are situations where installing power and using fiber would be easier than dealing with 100m hardcap of ethernet and PoE. Just thinking out loud a bit as I want to make sure I have everything perfect before I attempt any installs.

I thought it was odd myself. Grounding STP is a PITA anyway. I'm suprised anyone uses it.

Well I'm guessing no one has installed an IP camera to a remote outdoor location...