Overview
IP CCTV systems are a cornerstone of modern physical security. After deploying surveillance across 60+ sites with 4 to 16 cameras each, I've compiled the lessons that make the difference between a system that works and one that frustrates everyone.
What You'll Learn
- How to plan camera placement for maximum coverage
- NVR sizing and storage calculations
- Network design for CCTV traffic isolation
- Common installation mistakes and how to avoid them
- Remote viewing setup and maintenance routines
Step 1: Camera Placement Planning
Before ordering any equipment, create a site coverage map. Walk the premises and identify:
- Entry/exit points — All doors, gates, and windows at ground level
- High-value areas — Server rooms, cash handling areas, inventory storage
- Common areas — Lobbies, corridors, parking lots
- Blind spots — Corners, recessed areas, behind pillars
Common Mistake
Don't point cameras directly at windows or light sources. The backlight will wash out the footage during the day. Use WDR (Wide Dynamic Range) cameras in areas with mixed lighting conditions.
Step 2: Choose the Right Camera Type
| Camera Type | Best For | Resolution |
|---|---|---|
| Bullet | Outdoor, long-range, deterrent | 2MP – 8MP |
| Dome | Indoor, vandal-resistant, discreet | 2MP – 5MP |
| Turret | Versatile, indoor/outdoor | 2MP – 8MP |
| PTZ | Large areas, active monitoring | 2MP – 4MP |
| Fisheye | Panoramic overview, open spaces | 6MP – 12MP |
Step 3: NVR Sizing & Storage
Calculate your storage needs based on these factors:
Storage (TB) = Cameras × Bitrate (Mbps) × Hours/Day × Retention Days ÷ 8 ÷ 1000 ÷ 1000
Example: 8 cameras × 4 Mbps × 24 hrs × 30 days = ~10.4 TB → Use 2× 8TB drives (RAID 1)
Step 4: Network Architecture
CCTV traffic must be isolated from business network traffic:
- Dedicated VLAN for all cameras and NVR
- PoE switches — Use 802.3af/at compliant switches (budget PoE watts carefully)
- No internet access for cameras — NVR handles all remote viewing
- Static IPs for all cameras (DHCP reservation at minimum)
- Bandwidth monitoring — Camera streams can spike during motion events
Step 5: Installation Best Practices
- Cable quality matters — Use Cat6 for all runs, outdoor-rated for external cameras
- Weatherproof connections — Junction boxes and waterproof RJ45 connectors outside
- Cable management — Label both ends, use cable ties, document runs
- Camera height — 2.5m–3.5m is ideal for facial recognition; higher for wide area coverage
- Test before finishing — View each camera feed from the NVR before sealing cable paths
Step 6: Remote Viewing Setup
End users expect to view cameras from their phones. Set up remote access properly:
- Configure the NVR's cloud P2P service (Hik-Connect, DMSS, etc.)
- Train users on the mobile app — live view, playback, and screenshot functions
- Set up email alerts for motion detection in critical zones
- Schedule monthly check-ins to verify all cameras are recording
Maintenance Checklist
Monthly Maintenance Routine
- Verify all cameras are online and recording
- Check HDD health and storage usage on NVR
- Clean camera lenses (especially outdoor cameras)
- Review and update motion detection zones
- Test remote viewing from at least one mobile device
- Check firmware updates for NVR and cameras