Dormie 0 Posted August 9, 2015 Hi, Thank you in advance. I have a large project in progress at my house, with an entire floor down to studs. My wife recently asked if we could put a couple of outside security cameras (probably roughly four). I've started reading a lot of article about systems however it's difficult to find something that's up-to-date with technology. I understand the following question is going to be hard to answer without having a cameras or a dvr already purchased. But, I'm looking to run the cables so I have them in place and I'll buy what's required later. My first basic question is: What type of cables should we run? Cat5, Cat6, or Siamese. I understand that Cat 6 is capable of higher bandwidth, however is that really a future concern? I originally thought we would just run Siamese cable but now I'm questioning that. Basically, what would I be happy or "not disappointed" that I ran, when I set this up in the future (1 year from now). We are also looking for highest reasonable quality. Money is not a major concern, obviously it's a home system so we aren't spending $1000 a camera. I know that reasonable quality is relative. Any info or pointing in the right direction would be greatly appreciated. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Boogieman 1 Posted August 9, 2015 Hi, Thank you in advance. I have a large project in progress at my house, with an entire floor down to studs. My wife recently asked if we could put a couple of outside security cameras (probably roughly four). I've started reading a lot of article about systems however it's difficult to find something that's up-to-date with technology. I understand the following question is going to be hard to answer without having a cameras or a dvr already purchased. But, I'm looking to run the cables so I have them in place and I'll buy what's required later. My first basic question is: What type of cables should we run? Cat5, Cat6, or Siamese. I understand that Cat 6 is capable of higher bandwidth, however is that really a future concern? I originally thought we would just run Siamese cable but now I'm questioning that. Basically, what would I be happy or "not disappointed" that I ran, when I set this up in the future (1 year from now). We are also looking for highest reasonable quality. Money is not a major concern, obviously it's a home system so we aren't spending $1000 a camera. I know that reasonable quality is relative. Any info or pointing in the right direction would be greatly appreciated. Please do yourself a HUGE favor and run ethernet (cat5e is fine, but the cost of cat6 is negligible so do cat6)..This will allow you to install high resolution IP cameras (or analog - using bluns, but thats junk)...you will be able to use the single cat 6 to power and pull data from the camera. Siamese is used for low resolution analog or HD over coax which is a limited technology meant for those who have coax and cant rerun the cable. Bottom line, run ethernet. Dont use Junk cable..make sure its NOT copper clad aluminium (CCA), thats garbage..buy from a reputable source, monoprice, cable matters etc... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dormie 0 Posted August 9, 2015 Great Boogieman, That's exactly what I was looking for, I'm looking at 1000ft boxes. Price for the Cat 6 doesn't appear to be much more. Just to clarify, NO CCA, is what I'm looking for pure copper? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Boogieman 1 Posted August 10, 2015 Great Boogieman, That's exactly what I was looking for, I'm looking at 1000ft boxes. Price for the Cat 6 doesn't appear to be much more. Just to clarify, NO CCA, is what I'm looking for pure copper? Exactly copper NOT cca. It should be solid not stranded. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dormie 0 Posted August 11, 2015 Great! Thank you for the advice! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
zr1 0 Posted August 12, 2015 +1 Go network cable. You'll be happy with it now, and several years from now too. When starting a new system, I'm doing IP cameras. And most always 3MP camera systems. And lately, more 4MP systems. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
