12- Wire & Cable - Alternative Transmission Options
Cables
Most IP systems operate on Cat6 network cable. Cat5 is also serviceable and was used until Cat6 arrived on the market a few years ago. Both cables are great for video surveillance. They can transmit far more data than a 4K camera requires, so neither cable will bottleneck data flow or hinder performance in anyway. The difference between Cat5 and Cat6 is relatively insignificant. Cat5 uses 24-gauge conductors while Cat6 uses 23-gauge conductors which is slightly larger than 24-gauge wire. Since the conductors are larger in Cat6 cable, you can send power further than you can with Cat5.
Because Cat6 cable has larger conductors, maximum cable distance from camera to recorder or PoE unit is 300 feet.
There are three main types of Cat6e cable we use: indoor, outdoor, and direct burial. Cat6e is a good quality cable, made with 100% copper and a center separator spline, non-shielded.
Indoor Cable
Indoor cable is the standard cable used with all networks. We offer white Cat6e indoor cable in the following lengths:
Premade Cables
Bulk Cable
Outdoor Cable
Outdoor cable is very similar to indoor cable with the exception the outer PVC jacket is treated to resist the effects of UV rays from the sun, extreme temperature changes, and moisture. We offer white outdoor Cat6e cable in the following lengths:
Premade Cables
Bulk Cable
Direct Burial
Direct burial cable has an extra outer PVC jacket with a gel-filled insulation layer separating the inner cable from the outer jacket. This extra protection makes the cable more expensive and slightly more difficult to work with but allows the cable to be directly buried in the ground or run across a flat roof without the protection of a conduit. The cable will last decades exposed to the elements. If your application includes burying the cable, we recommend that the minimum depth be below the frost line, which is usually 8-12 inches down. We offer black Direct Burial Cat6e cable in the following lengths:
Premade Cables
Bulk Cable
Customer Provided Cable
There are versions of Cat6 which should be avoided. If a customer intends to provide the cable, we advise them to stay clear of Cat6 cable labeled CCA, or Copper-Clad Aluminum. CCA can be identified by a small marking in the corner of the item's label. This is a low-cost, low-quality cable. It is made by taking aluminum conductors and fusing a thin layer of copper to the exterior of each conductor, making it more aluminum than copper. This low-quality cable can cause performance issues such as reduced transmission distance and latency in data transmission. We support the customer providing the cable but we strongly recommend only using authentic Cat6e cable.
Alternative Transmission Options
There are situations where the design requires signal transmission past the normal 300 feet. Below are other solutions we support: PoE Power Control, PoE Extenders, Long Range WiFi, Power Transmitters and Fiber.
Power Control
Some of our PoE units have the ability to double the maximum port distance from 300 feet to 600 feet. This is done with a toggle switch on the PoE unit. The downside is you lose the use of half of the PoE ports. By flipping that toggle switch you doubled the power source for half of the ports by taking the power way from the other half.
Extenders
As you have studied, these units regenerate the video data and power every 300 feet and DO NOT need a power source. They can be directly buried in the ground, but we recommend placing them in a PVC electrical box to help protect the connections. You can use up to three PoE extenders on one camera connection with the exception of PTZ cameras- they draw too much power- and you must limit them to one PoE Extender.
Long Range Wireless
We have excellent wireless solutions. They are reliable, fast, and can reach 3,000 feet. Our solutions are point-to-point antennas. They create their own private, secure, wireless network. PoE units are connected to an antenna which transmits to one receiver connected to the NVR or a network. Multiple antennas can transmit to one receiver.
New! Wifi-Arrow
Click here to visit our wireless section on our website.
Power Transmitters Item: PWR-Trans-Kit
If you find running a cable from the video recorder location to your internet modem (for remote viewing) is a problem; this kit is the answer. Plug one unit into the wall outlet and connect the video recorder to it using a network cable. At the modem location plug the other unit into the wall outlet and use a network cable to connect the two. The power line units transmit the video data signal across your home or business 110v power grid. A simple, easy solution to a hard wire run.
If you have, lets say a detached garage and you would like to install cameras on the garage. But you do not have a way to wire the camera or camera(s) to the video recorder located in your home. This kit is the solution. Simply install the cameras on the garage and wire them to a PoE unit (Power over Ethernet), this unit powers the cameras. Then connect the PoE to one of the transmitters. In the home, plug the other unit into a wall outlet and using a network cable, connect the unit to a camera input on the video recorder or your internet router. All the cameras will be transmitted across your power wiring to the video recorder. You can transmit up to 16 cameras this way with one kit.
Fiber
We do not sell fiber equipment, but our systems are completely compatible with fiber transmission. If a customer would like to provide the network to fiber connections, there is no problem transmitting video. All we require is a network port on the fiber units.
Chapters
1 - The Smart Way to Shop for Security Cameras
Many consumers are more confused at the end of shopping for a security solution than when they started. (video)
2 - Choosing the Right Technology
There are so many different technologies on the market: solar, battery, wireless, wired as well as Consumer Grade and Professional Grade versions of these products. How do you know which is right for you? (video)
3 - Industry Warranty's Indicate Quality
A security camera's warranty is a good indication of its quality and how long you should expect it to last. Industry warranties range from 1 to 10 years. Know the warranty before you buy! (video)
There are golden rules that should be considered when designing or purchasing any security camera system. We explain each rule so you "Get It Right the First Time"! (video)
5 - Understanding Resolution & Frame Rates
Let's cut through the confusion and keep things simple when it comes to video clarity and resolution. Which resolution is right for your application? (video)
It's important to learn the basic parts that are used in all video security camera systems: camera components, cable, recorders, monitors and internet connection. This video covers it all. (video)
7 - Best Camera Locations & Heights
Learn recommended camera fields of view, installation locations and heights for best coverage. Your design should be flexible while following these best practices.
8 - Selecting the Right Camera & Mount
One size does NOT fit all! Learn how to select the right camera for each location. Optical Zoom vs Digital Zoom, how to capture license plates, color night vision & more. Follow the Pro's tips and get it right the first time. (video)
9 - Video Recorders & Best Locations
How to select the right security NVR (network video recorder) for your application. Click through to learn the best locations for video surveillance recorders.
10 - Video Storage, Hard Drives & Cloud
Use our storage calculator to easily calculate what size hard drive need. Learn how to expand storage, protect against theft and what cloud options we offer. (video)
11 - PoE Units & How to Use Them
PoE units make installation more cost-effective and provide flexible system design options. Learn what they are and how to use them.
12 - Wire & Cable - Alternative Transmission Options
Learn how to wire a system, plan cable runs and design efficiently. If the camera installation is difficult, our wireless transmission options will solve the problem. (video)
Learn how to design an effective business security camera system. Effectively secure your assets and employees while managing your business operations from anywhere. (video)
Learn how to design an effective home security camera system to secure your home, assets, and family. Monitor your home remotely from anywhere. (video)
15 - Interior Camera Placement
Learn how to effectively locate security cameras inside of your home or business for the best coverage while maintaining privacy.
16 - DIY Installation or Pro Install - You Choose!
Most of our customers install the system themselves with our expert factory support, but you may want that clean professional installation completed by a pro. We support both options nationwide and you choose which you prefer. (video)
17 - Live & Remote Viewing with Alerts
You choose how you interface with our state-of-the-art-systems. All options are available and any combination of viewing options can be used: direct connect monitors, personal computers, tablets, and smartphones - Super fast, clear, and no monthly fees.
One of the most common requests our customers have is the ability to identify and capture license plates. This can be achieved if you follow the rules and recommendations we detail. It is important that you follow them, simply because capturing a license plate is one of the most challenging tasks for security cameras.
19 - Customizing Kits - Sending Quotes - Financing
Learn how to customize any of our kits to meet your exact needs, then send a line-item PDF quote to any email you choose. Use our instant financing option during checkout to fit the budget. (video)
20 - ProVue vs. Cyber Secure - Feature Comparison
We offer two high performance series. Both are cutting-edge 4K solutions. Which series is right for you?
21 - Become Certified Design Consultant
Help secure your community and earn a great income on your schedule. Backstreet University offers a professional consultant training course.
Design Tools & Resources
Let one of our experts design your system. Its the sure way to get it right the first time at the lowest price. Book a 30-minute design appointment using our online calendar. You'll be glad you did!
Do-it-yourself System Designer
Design your home or business security system like a Pro. Locate cameras and their viewing areas to provide a visual of the effective coverage of each camera and evaluate the overall design. This surveillance system design tool covers it all.
Build a complete custom system for your home or business without any confusion or mistakes. This easy to use tool makes sure you select all the components you need for a complete system. You can even include installation!
Use our video storage calculator to determine the size of the hard drive you need based on the number of cameras and the desired storage days.
Not sure what Cat6 is? Would you like to know the difference between a DVR and an NVR? Here are simple and clear explanations of the industry terms.
How to Troubleshoot Security Cameras & Systems
CCTV Security systems consist of several electronic parts. The system requires all of them to be operating flawlessly for reliable operation. When one item fails it can be difficult to find the issues because each part relies on the other for system-wide operation. Follow these simple step-by-step instructions and you'll quickly identify the part causing the problem.
Industry News & Events
What is a Surveillance Trailer?
Why are these strange, purpose built, surveillance trailers popping up all over the country? Are they the only reliable and cost-effective solutions available for crime deterrence and response? How do they work? Are they Effective? What do they Cost?
US government banned the use of Dahua, Lorex, Hikvision and other security cameras in federal facilities due to hidden backdoors. In June 2021, the FCC unanimously voted to start procedures to ban the sale of these brands to the general public by denying new products FCC approval.
The NDAA law banned the use of electronic equipment provided by specific companies. What’s interesting about the law is that it bans companies rather than countries. It ignores borders and focuses on individual entities.
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