Are all IP cameras PoE compatible?

IP cameras are part of our advanced technology. You can find the use of these cameras at almost every place where security is essential.

Are you hundreds of miles away from the IP camera location? No problem. Turn on your internet and access the live recording effortlessly. This case becomes more interesting when it comes to implementing IEEE 802.3 standards.

Fast internet, smooth recording, and quick transmission is the outcome of PoE technology. You might have seen some non-PoE IP cameras as well. But, the truth is, Ethernet cable makes a high-quality video with high-speed data transfer. Nowadays, you can convert your non-PoE IP camera into PoE compatible.

What is an IP camera?

Just go through the term. Can you define it? Have you ever observed IP cameras and know how exactly they work? Maybe you have seen such cameras at outdoor places because of security reasons out there.

IP (Internet Protocol) cameras are not simple digital cameras. Instead, you can consider them as advanced types of cameras. Here is how they can work.

• Record the live video or images
• Require Internet to Transfer
• Send it to a nearby or remote computer

Remember, internet access is quite an essential factor in this case. PoE technology offers high-speed data up to 1 gigabyte per second for the IP cameras over Ethernet cable. Therefore, you might have seen many cameras implementing different PoE standards of 802.3.

Are all the IP cameras PoE compatible?

The answer is simply “No.” You know, why? Because all IP cameras don’t involve the use of Ethernet cable or PoE 802.3 standard technology. For example, WiFi IP cameras are non-PoE and don’t make use of PoE standards. So, let me introduce both types of IP cameras and differentiate them to understand them better.

Difference between PoE and Non-PoE IP cameras:

To understand the difference, you must know both of these types. The primary difference between both of these IP cameras is Ethernet cable. A non-PoE IP camera doesn’t require an Ethernet cable. On the other hand, you need a power supply and data transfer in a PoE camera over an Ethernet port.

PoE IP camera:

PoE IP cameras utilize the PoE 802.3 standards like 802.3at or 802.3bt, depending on power requirements. Over the Ethernet cable provides high-speed data transfer up to 1 gigabyte and a high power supply up to 95W. Only a single Ethernet port is enough for both tasks power supply and data transfer.

It’s like hunting two birds with one bullet.

Pros:

• High power supply up to 95W with PoE 802.3bt standard.
• High-speed data connection up to one per second. Even you can increase the speed by employing Cat5 and Cat6 patch cables.
• High reliability because of physical communication between NVR, computer, and IP cameras.
• Coverage up to 100 meters is ten times that of non-PoE cameras. Moreover, you can install extenders like 800 Meters Long-Distance IEEE802.3af/at PoE+ Extender to improve coverage distance.
• Centralized management is better for devices with central Uninterrupted Power Supply(UPS) for backup power supply.

Cons:

• It is expensive because you have to purchase Ethernet ports and extenders to increase the range.
• Requires professional skills to execute the PoE IP cameras.

Non-PoE IP cameras:

As the name suggests, they are non-PoE cameras working without the need for an Ethernet cable. Usually, they have a wireless system that transfers the data over WiFi. Let’s have a look at its positive and negative points.

Pros:

• No need for wires to place your camera at a given location.
• Installation is easier as you don’t have to worry about attaching the cables between the computer and the IP camera.
• Typically, it charges less compared to the PoE IP camera.

Cons:

• Low-speed data when there are a large number of IP cameras linked to single WiFi.
• Less secure and easily accessible by the hackers that can leak the photos and data.
• A low range up to 10 meters is a significant problem for surveillance.

How to make your Non-PoE IP camera PoE compatible?

Is your IP camera non-PoE? If yes, no need to worry about it. You can now easily convert it into PoE with simple settings. The following guide you can follow to install PoE 802.3 standards into a non-PoE IP camera.

• Purchase the Ethernet cable. It can be cat5, 5e, 6, or 7.
• Use the PoE injectors like AC Input Gigabit IEEE802.3bt POE++ Injector(90W) to convert the non-PoE system to compatible.
• Now, you can connect the PoE injectors and the Cat5 cable with your IP camera.

There must be a connection between the NVR, router, IP camera, and computer with the Ethernet port. The IP cameras will record the video, transfer it to the computer through the Ethernet port linked with NVR. It is how exactly the system will work depending on PoE 802.3 standards.

One more thing to remember is, you must know how to connect all these. If the system already has a PoE switch, it will be great; otherwise, you can use the PoE switch to connect all the systems.

What are the purposes of installing IP cameras?

Do you think IP cameras can only work as security cameras? If so, you might be wrong as you can use it for a wide variety of purposes. However, have a look at some practical uses of IP cameras.

Security Purposes:

One of the most popular functions of IP cameras is their use in surveillance. They act as security cameras, keep an eye on the people passing through the place, and transfer the data to nearby or remote devices. It is beneficial to detect criminal activities.

For example, you need to identify a killer but don’t have a clue. If an IP camera is around that place, it might show you what happened out there with high-quality images. So, it would be no longer a problem to identify culprits.

Live Recording:

IP cameras offer live recording options. Just turn your data on, get the live recording from the IP cameras, and save it on your device. Maybe you can use it later on for other purposes. A two-way audio system can help you connect with the customers or employees in the office. With this feature, you can listen and talk to the subject effortlessly.

Events recording:

Events usually involve the use of IP cameras, especially PTZ— Pan, tilt, zoom cameras. With 180 degrees of inclinations, it is quite possible to record the event from different angles. It offers up to 360 degrees of panning that is quite a remarkable feature of IP cameras.

Outdoor places:

IP cameras serve various purposes in the outside places. For example, you can employ them for security purposes in public places. Moreover, they offer live videos and photos from different views.