Using CAT5 or better UTP cabling, we can now integrate video, power, and control over one cable through the use of transceivers that combine and breakout the three signals for their respective functions (Video, Power and Data.) In a hybrid system, it is necessary to specify products that will integrate easily into a structured cabling environment.

Many times we are able to utilize UTP wiring that already exists inside a building and eliminate the cost of the coax, power, and control cables, as well as the labor to pull these new cables. We can also benefit from the use of multi-pair UTP cabling. Through the use of one bundled multi-pair UTP cable we can send the video signal from several cameras from our secondary wiring closets (IDF,) to our main wiring closet location (MDF.) The labor to pull one 25-pair UTP cable is the same as pulling one coaxial cable.

The future of the CCTV industry is slowly moving toward IP Video (network cameras.) However we still have far more choices available with analog CCTV equipment, and the cost remains significantly less. By utilizing UTP cabling today, and staying within the distance limitations of an IP network (300 meters,) we can now begin to future-proof our CCTV installation for when IP Video becomes more prevalent.

By JP Moore