Our macOS CCTV software SecuritySpy allows you to set up an effective video surveillance system of any size, in both home and commercial settings.
The simplest setup for a LAN (Local Area Network) that includes network cameras is to have a central Ethernet switch with all devices, including the cameras, connected to it. This works well for small networks, but there are some problems with this setup that become especially important on larger networks:
- IP cameras generate constant traffic, which can slow down the LAN.
- Having cameras on the main LAN, with Internet access, can be a security risk.
- Larger PoE (Power-over-Ethernet) switches are expensive, have significant power consumption, and often contain noisy fans.
The solution to these problems is to segregate the IP cameras onto their own LAN. In contrast, this solution has the following advantages:
- Camera traffic is completely separate and does not impact the normal LAN.
- Cameras do not have Internet access, removing the risk of them sending sensitive information over the Internet or being hacked.
- You can use a PoE switch that is no larger than you need it to be. Smaller PoE switches are less expensive, use less power, and are quieter.
Setting this up does require a bit of knowledge of IP addressing, so if you are not familiar with this topic, we would advise you to research how IP addresses work on local networks before proceeding. An example setup is as follows:
