IP- One perceived advantage of IP cameras is the ability to use an existing network wiring infrastructure to support a surveillance system. Network wiring by standard follows TIA/EIA-568-B guidelines, which limits the total distance from switch to camera to 330 feet. Structured cable in the IP camera architecture is capable of transmitting power (PoE), video and data.



Analog - Legacy cabling for analog cameras utilized coaxial cables, which are cumbersome. Today, integrators can use ‘baluns’ to transmit analog video, power and data over a network wiring infrastructure beyond TIA/EIA limitations. Using baluns, analog video can be transmitted well over a mile and power over 1,000 feet. Using active power (PoE), video and data. baluns video can be extended well over a mile on standard Cat5 cabling.


NOTE: One further concern is the PoE standard limits power to 12.9 watts. As such, it is insufficient
for many infra-red and outdoor cameras requiring a heater and/or blower. Even when the new PoE+
standard eventually becomes ratified, it caps out at 25 watts, far below the 70+ watts required to
power and operate outdoor PTZ. Accordingly, you still need to run additional cabling for power.
There are technologies on the horizon beyond PoE+ offered by companies such as Aventura Tech-
nologies, which can take power out beyond 100W, but they are not IEEE compliant at this time.