The distance between an IP camera and the network depends on the technology used. If it is a PoE-operated IP camera, it is 100 meters. Why? This is the range in which PoE can operate. That means if you need the internet and a power supply for your camera, it must be within 100 meters of the network.

PoE, or Power over Ethernet, is the latest technology facilitating data centers from every aspect. For example, you need a high-speed data connection. No problem. PoE can enable you to get up to 100GB per second of data speed. You don’t have to worry about high-power devices like laptops and flat screens. PoE would work for them, too. PoE works depending on their different PoE standards.

Check out the guide at PoE 802.3 standards—What is PoE standard?

What is an IP camera?

IP Cameras, also called Internet Protocol cameras, are famous for outdoor surveillance and security purposes. Especially in Industrial PoE, you can observe the use of an IP camera. It is pretty different from the other types of cameras.

IP camera is a digital video camera that records the scenes and transfers them to the device over the local area network. That’s how exactly an IP camera provides you with the recording.

How is an IP camera different from a CCTV camera?

CCTV(closed-circuit television) cameras are a favorite type of camera. Usually, at the offices or stores, you can observe it. You might have several questions in mind. Do you know why? Because CCTV is also available for surveillance purposes. So, how exactly is an IP camera different from a CCTV camera?

Both types of cameras have the same purpose—recording video and sending it to the device. The difference is in the working mechanism.

For example, an IP camera requires the internet to transfer the files over the network to the device. Compared to it, a CCTV camera has a local recording device. There is no need for data supply to transfer the files.

Another critical difference is the ease of getting the video to your device. With an IP camera, you will get the video directly if you have the internet, no matter where you are. Since CCTV cameras have a local recording device, you won’t get the video when away from your local recording device.

How does my IP camera work?

Do you have an IP camera outside your office? If yes, have you ever wondered how exactly it works? Maybe not. Let me tell you in simple words.

In a PoE network, you have PoE switches to transfer data and enable power supply. So, PoE switches link the IP camera in the network over the Ethernet port, making the data connection from the PoE switch to the IP camera possible and practical.

That’s how a PoE IP camera works. To better understand their applications, you can observe these cameras outdoors or in industrial ethernets.

To check whether your IP camera is PoE compatible, check this: Are all IP cameras PoE compatible?

What is the purpose of an IP camera?

IP cameras serve many purposes, but their primary role is to provide security in buildings. I have shortlisted some uses of IP cameras.

• In the offices, IP cameras allow the admins to keep an eye on employees.
• It helps keep records of office management, such as when and what time a specific employee leaves the office.
• In industrial zones, it provides the ultimate security option.
• At outdoor places, you can detect criminal activities.

There can be several other purposes for IP cameras, too.

What is the maximum distance for an IP camera?

The maximum distance for an IP camera is 100 meters. If your camera is within 100 meters of the local area network, you can enjoy the recorded video and transfer it to your device.

You might be wondering what 100 meters means. Am I right? The simple answer is that if the distance of the PoE switch over the Ethernet port to the IP camera is more than 100 meters, you can not get the power and data connection.

Why is it limited to 100 meters only?

The maximum distance for an IP camera is the range for PoE. Instead, it is PoE that is limiting the length. Let’s understand this fact in simple language.

An IP camera needs to transfer the recorded video. How will it do that? By using the Internet, correct? PoE allows a high-speed internet connection for better and faster video transfer.

Internet connection limitations will also apply to the PoE camera, which is why the range of PoE also applies to IP camera distance.

Can I increase the distance of the IP camera to more than 100 meters?

Yes. You can increase the length of the IP camera by taking the proper steps. And what are the right steps? For example, use PoE extenders. They can increase the size of your IP camera by more than 100 meters.

Our PoE extender is the perfect solution for your network. It can enhance the length of the IP camera by up to 800 meters.

In actuality, there are three options to go.

Use PoE extenders

PoE extenders are intermediate between the IP camera and the PoE switch. That means the PoE extender has a link with the PoE switch on one end and an IP camera on the other. It receives the power from the PoE switch and transfers it to the IP camera.

The total distance increases quite quickly.

Activate VLAN support

In every system, there is another option to enhance the length. But this costs you the data speed. For example, you activate the VLAN support and get up to 250 meters from the data connection. But, data speed will decrease in this case.

So, a PoE extender is a good choice if you don’t want to affect data speed.

Last solution, Fiber Power System!

An optical fiber system is a powerful solution for extending your IP camera’s working range. More than 2000 meters is no longer a dream! However, this option is also expensive, so adjust your budget accordingly.

The PoE fiber extender helps transfer the power from the PoE switch to the device. Voltage drop is a bigger problem. But now, copper wires have solved this issue as well. So, you can enjoy the high-speed data connection without taking much pain.