A reliable network has become an important part of both homes and businesses. Computers, televisions, Wi-Fi access points, security cameras, access-control systems, printers, automation equipment, and many other devices depend on a properly planned network.

Low-voltage systems are also much easier to plan during construction or remodeling than they are to add after walls and ceilings are finished.

Our Low Voltage, Networking & Security Learning Center is designed to answer common questions about wired networks, Wi-Fi, security cameras, access control, and communication systems while helping customers plan systems that can grow with their needs.

Home Networks

Why Is Hardwired Ethernet Still Important?

Wi-Fi has become extremely capable, but there are still advantages to having a hardwired network.

Ethernet provides a direct wired connection between a device and the network. For stationary equipment such as desktop computers, televisions, printers, network equipment, security cameras, and Wi-Fi access points, a wired connection can provide reliable and consistent network performance without relying on the quality of a wireless signal.

Hardwired connections also allow devices that do not need to use Wi-Fi to be moved off the wireless network, leaving Wi-Fi available for phones, tablets, laptops, and other mobile devices.

Wi-Fi vs. Ethernet

Wi-Fi and Ethernet both have an important place in a modern network.

Wi-Fi is especially useful for:

• Phones and tablets

• Laptops

• Mobile devices

• Some smart-home equipment

• Devices that frequently move throughout a building

Ethernet is often a good choice for stationary devices such as:

• Desktop computers

• Televisions and streaming equipment

• Printers

• Wi-Fi access points

• Security cameras

• Network equipment

• Compatible automation and control equipment

When practical, we generally prefer a wired connection for stationary equipment where reliability is important and use Wi-Fi for devices that benefit from being wireless.

What Is Power over Ethernet?

Power over Ethernet, commonly called PoE, allows compatible network equipment to receive both electrical power and network communication through the same Ethernet cable.

Depending on the equipment, PoE may be used for devices such as:

• Security cameras

• Wi-Fi access points

• VoIP phones

• Network equipment

• Access-control equipment

• Other compatible low-voltage devices

The network switch or PoE power source must be capable of supplying the amount and type of power required by the connected device.

PoE can simplify installations because a separate receptacle or power supply may not be required at every device location.

Should I Wire My New Home With Cat6 or Cat6A?

Cat5e is still found in many existing homes and businesses. It can provide enough network speed for many common devices. However, newer cable standards such as Cat6 and Cat6A provide greater performance and more room for future network upgrades.

Cat6A is designed to support network speeds up to 10 gigabits per second over a full-length Ethernet connection. While most homes may not need that level of speed today, network requirements continue to increase as more devices, security cameras, Wi-Fi access points, computers, and other equipment are connected.

For an existing home, having Cat5e does not necessarily mean the wiring needs to be replaced. But during new construction or a remodel, when the walls are already open, installing higher-capability cabling or pathways for future cabling can make sense because replacing the wiring later can be much more difficult.

More important than simply choosing the highest cable category is planning where network connections may eventually be needed.

Where Should Network Equipment Be Located?

Network equipment should be located somewhere that is dry, reasonably cool, accessible for service, and protected from physical damage.

The location should also provide a practical pathway for cables to be distributed throughout the building.

Depending on the home, a basement utility area, dedicated closet, or other central location may work well. Areas with excessive heat, moisture, dust, or restricted access should generally be avoided.

Planning enough space for the modem or internet gateway, router, network switch, patch panel, UPS, and future equipment can also prevent the network area from becoming difficult to maintain as devices are added.

Whole-Home Wi-Fi Explained

A whole-home Wi-Fi system uses multiple wireless access points to provide reliable coverage throughout a home rather than depending on one wireless router to reach every area.

Access points are placed based on the size and layout of the building, construction materials, areas where wireless service is needed, and surrounding wireless conditions.

A properly planned system provides appropriate overlap between coverage areas while managing wireless channels and signal levels.

The goal is simple: a phone, laptop, or other wireless device should be able to move throughout the areas you use while maintaining a reliable connection.

Business Networks & Structured Cabling

What Is Structured Cabling?

Structured cabling is an organized system for distributing network and communication cabling throughout a building.

Instead of adding individual cables wherever they happen to be needed, network connections are planned around centralized network equipment and routed to workstations and devices throughout the facility.

A structured cabling system may support:

• Computers and workstations

• Printers

• Wi-Fi access points

• Security cameras

• VoIP phones

• Access-control equipment

• Automation equipment

• Other network-connected devices

The goal is to make the network organized, serviceable, and easier to expand as the business changes.

Planning a Network or Server Area

Business network equipment should have a dedicated area whenever practical.

Depending on the size of the facility, this may be a network cabinet, telecommunications room, IT closet, or larger server room.

The area should be secure, accessible for service, properly ventilated or climate controlled as required, and have pathways for distributing network cabling throughout the building.

Planning should also consider:

• Electrical power

• UPS equipment

• Network racks or cabinets

• Patch panels

• Network switches

• Internet equipment

• Cable management

• Future expansion

A little extra space and pathway planning can make a significant difference when additional devices or work areas are added later.

Wi-Fi Access Points for Businesses

Business Wi-Fi systems often use multiple access points rather than relying on a single wireless router.

Access points can be positioned throughout a building to provide coverage where employees, customers, equipment, or mobile devices need it.

Depending on the network equipment selected, separate wireless networks can also be created for different users.

For example, an employee network can be kept separate from a guest network so visitors can receive internet access without being given the same access to business network resources.

Access-point placement, building construction, coverage requirements, and the number of users should all be considered when planning the system.

Copper vs. Fiber

Copper Ethernet works very well for many network connections within a building.

Standard copper Ethernet runs are generally designed around maximum channel lengths of approximately 300 feet.

For longer distances, high-bandwidth backbone connections, or connections between different areas or buildings, fiber-optic cabling may be a better solution.

Instead of transmitting data using electrical signals over copper conductors, fiber communicates using light signals.

Fiber can support much longer network connections, although the actual distance depends on the type of fiber and network equipment being used.

One important difference is that fiber itself does not provide power to the equipment at the opposite end. If a remote switch, camera system, or other network device is connected through fiber, electrical power still needs to be available at that location.

UPS & Backup Power for Network Equipment

Network equipment is often overlooked when planning backup power.

A generator may keep a building operating during an outage, but generators normally require some amount of time to detect the outage, start, and transfer the electrical load.

A UPS, or Uninterruptible Power Supply, contains a battery that can provide nearly immediate temporary power to connected equipment when normal power is interrupted.

Critical equipment that may benefit from UPS protection includes:

• Routers and internet equipment

• Network switches

• Servers

• Network video recorders

• Security equipment

• Access-control equipment

• Other important communication devices

How long a UPS can operate depends on the size and condition of its battery and the amount of load connected to it.

A UPS can also work together with a standby generator by keeping important communication equipment operating during the period between loss of utility power and generator operation.

Many UPS systems also provide some degree of power conditioning or surge protection, although the features vary by model.

Security Cameras

Are Wired Security Cameras Better?

For permanent camera installations, wired network cameras have several advantages.

A PoE camera can receive both power and network communication through one Ethernet cable. This eliminates batteries and provides a dedicated wired network connection.

Advantages can include:

• No routine battery replacement

• Reliable continuous power

• A dedicated network connection

• Centralized recording

• Generally higher quality lenses

Image quality, nighttime performance, zoom, and other camera features depend on the camera selected rather than simply whether the connection is wired or wireless.

Choosing Camera Locations

Camera placement should start by determining what actually needs to be seen.

Common areas may include:

• Entrances

• Parking lots

• Loading areas

• Driveways

• Equipment areas

• Building perimeters

• Interior entrances or hallways

• Other important areas

For exterior projects, satellite imagery or a site plan can be useful during the initial design. A site visit can then help account for building height, obstructions, lighting, mounting locations, and the actual field of view required.

The goal is not simply to install as many cameras as possible. It is to position the appropriate cameras where they provide useful coverage of the areas that matter.

How Much Camera Storage Do I Need?

Network video can typically be stored locally on an NVR, on other compatible storage equipment, through cloud services, or through a combination of methods depending on the system.

The amount of recording time available depends on several factors, including:

• Number of cameras

• Camera resolution

• Recording frame rate

• Continuous or motion-based recording

• Storage capacity

More cameras or higher-quality recording generally require additional storage.

When designing a system, we can work backward from how many days of recorded video you would like to retain and select storage capacity based on those requirements.

Remote Camera Viewing

Many modern camera systems allow authorized users to view live or recorded video remotely through a computer or mobile application.

Remote-viewing features and any associated fees depend on the equipment and software selected.

Some manufacturers include remote access with the system, while others may offer subscription-based cloud or remote-management features.

Do Security Cameras Require Internet Connection?

Not necessarily.

A properly designed local camera system can operate without an internet connection. Wired cameras can communicate with and record video to a local NVR or other storage equipment.

Without an internet connection, remote viewing and cloud-based features generally will not be available, but recorded footage can still be stored and accessed locally. Amount of time that the footage data will be stored will vary based on hard drive storage rating and number of cameras recording.

This can be useful for remote agricultural buildings, shops, storage areas, or other locations where internet service is unavailable or unnecessary.

If remote access is desired, available internet options may include traditional wired service, cellular, or satellite service depending on the location.

Access Control

Card & Credential Readers

Electronic access control allows a building owner or manager to control who can enter specific doors without relying only on traditional keys.

Users can be assigned individual credentials such as:

• Proximity cards

• Key fobs

• Mobile credentials

• PIN numbers

• Other compatible identification methods

Permissions can be configured so that different users have access to different doors or are allowed access only during certain times.

If a credential is lost or an employee leaves the organization, access can often be removed without having to re-key every affected door.

Depending on the system, access events can also be recorded so authorized administrators can review when credentials were used.

Electronic Locks & Door Control

An access-control system can integrate readers, electronic locking hardware, door-position monitoring, controllers, and software to manage building entrances.

Depending on the system, authorized users may be able to monitor door status or remotely control certain doors.

Systems can range from a single controlled entrance to multiple doors throughout a facility.

Access-control systems must also be planned around the building's door hardware and applicable life-safety and egress requirements.

Intercom & Entry Systems

Intercom systems can provide communication between entrances and people inside a building.

Depending on the application, an intercom may allow an employee to communicate with a visitor before allowing entry and may be integrated with cameras or access-control equipment.

Paging & Building Communication Systems

Paging systems are designed to distribute announcements or important messages throughout selected areas of a building.

Systems may include indoor and outdoor speakers and can be divided into different areas or zones depending on the building.

Applications can include:

• Warehouses

• Manufacturing facilities

• Agricultural buildings

• Offices

• Shops

• Loading areas

• Outdoor work areas

The number and location of speakers depends on building layout, background noise, and the areas where announcements need to be heard.

Planning Low Voltage During Construction or Remodeling

One of the best times to plan networking, cameras, access control, and other low-voltage systems is before walls and ceilings are finished.

Even if you do not plan to install every system immediately, providing cable pathways or empty conduit during construction can make future additions considerably easier.

Items worth considering include:

• Ethernet connections

• Wi-Fi access points

• Security cameras

• Door access

• Television locations

• Network equipment

• Intercoms

• Paging systems

• Automation equipment

• Spare pathways for future technology

Technology will continue to change, which is one reason we like planning pathways rather than trying to predict every device that may be installed ten years from now.

A good low-voltage system should meet today's needs while still giving the building room to change.

Have a Networking or Low-Voltage Question?

Networking and low-voltage systems can range from a few Ethernet connections in a home to a complete commercial system containing Wi-Fi, cameras, access control, and building communications.

If you are building, remodeling, expanding a business, or trying to improve an existing system, we can help evaluate what you need today while planning for what may be added in the future.

As customers ask us more questions, we will continue expanding this Learning Center with additional information about networking, Wi-Fi, security, access control, and low-voltage systems.