Help with wired home network

[Marknk]

Hi everyone,
I visited this forums many times in past and always found help.I decided to ask questions regarding my new home network.

Here is what I have:
1, New built house wired with cat6 cables.I have 2 cat6 cables running out of every room to the desired location.
2, cat6 cables for IP cameras going into same location.
3,Internet will go throught the phone line cable which is in the same location again.

Here is what Im after and Im not sure if Im doing it right:
1,Modem supplied by ISP + Network switch to connect all the cat 6 cables except cameras one
2,Cameras connected to cctv recorder which will be connected to the switch.cctv recorder will be connected to the monitor using hdmi.
3,All in cabinet rack hanging on the wall.
4, I have 4 extra electrical sockets in that location

My questions:

1.Is the network switch with POE better than without.?
2.Should I get Managed or Unmanaged (leaning towards managed)?
3 Should I connect IP cameras directly to the switch?
4.This is the big one for me . Home network security options.Firewall? VPN?
Thank you for any thoughts.
Mark

 

[kanewolf]

1.Is the network switch with POE better than without.?
2.Should I get Managed or Unmanaged (leaning towards managed)?
3 Should I connect IP cameras directly to the switch?
4.This is the big one for me . Home network security options.Firewall? VPN?

• 
  ■ POE can be beneficial for IP cameras. It can be beneficial for WIFI access points. It is not used for normal devices like TVs or PCs. POE switches can be significantly more expensive. If you have several POE capable devices it will simplify wiring, otherwise use the POE injector that comes with the device.
  ■ Do you understand what the benefits of a managed switch are? If you don't know, then you probably don't need a managed switch.
  ■ Wiring: Modem -> router -> switch -> devices. You didn't mention a router in your description. You have to have one. If you use standard POE, then you want to connect to the switch. Some IP cameras that are sold with DVRs HAVE to be connected to the DVR because they use non-standard POE.
  ■ Security -- The amount needed is proportional to your risky behavior. Do you have teenagers? Then you need pretty strong defenses. A router has a firewall and network address translation (NAT) which generally protects your network.

 

[Marknk]

Thank you kanewolf for your answer.
Cameras would be 4MP standard poe cameras.Im not sure if the recording (with external hard drive) and online viewing (on android or apple devices) can be done via network switch.That is why I mentioned recorder.

I'm planning to run the ceiling access point down from the attic to cover rooms upstairs.Would the POE switch be sufficient enough for higher power consumption or should I be better off to have one that is plugged in?

I have a bit of understanding of managed switches.I want to able to have some control through my network.That is why I'm leaning towards managed switch.I know there is a learning curve but I don't mind that.

Can you recommend the type of router in middle range price.We have kids, they are not teenagers yet but they act like ones.Security would be high priority.I might even consider VPN service in future.I have nothing to hide I just dont like the idea of someone seeing what I do online.

Im doing this for the first time so its all new to me.That is why Im asking so many questions that might sound stupid to some people. :/

 

[kanewolf]

Viewing the cameras will depend on the camera. Some may REQUIRE the PVR and some may be directly viewable. You would have to provide a make and model for me to give you a better answer.
If your access points are standard POE and you are within the 100m ethernet standard then you should be fine.
When you say "control through my network" in relation to a managed switch, what do you mean? The things a managed switch can do are very specific.
I don't have a recommendation for a router with good parental controls. I have never needed one. A separate thread with that question may be the best way to get an answer. Also search the board for existing threads on parental controls.

 

[Marknk]

Link to the camera is here:
http://www.netviewcctv.co.uk/cctv-cameras/4mp-hikvision-turret-dome-ip-camera-poe-h264-exir-ds-2cd2342wd-i-28mm

I couldn't find the information about PVR in it's description.

I'm within 100m range I would say it's around 20m through the house up to the attic.
Main reason for managed switch would be to be able to find faults within my network and in case of cameras being connected to the switch then I would like to able to prioritise them before anything else (if its possible).
Thanks for the hint on the router.I will search the board to find the answer.

 

[kanewolf]

OK, so the datasheet for the camera says it is standard POE -- 802.3af. A switch compatible with the 802.3af standard should work.

I would also recommend the Ubiquiti UniFI access points for your installation.

You will be able to get statistics from a managed switch, which might show problems. There shouldn't be any prioritization required for the cameras. Their traffic won't be using the same ports as other traffic. The cameras are 100Mbit so a gigabit switch won't have traffic limitations anyway.

 

[Marknk]

I was looking at Ubiquiti UniFI Access points couple weeks ago.Thats what I will go for.
I spent last couple of hours searching for routers and switches.
Asus routers with parental control seem to be most common and its in my price range.
I must do more search on network switch that would support 802.3af power.Currently looking at some Netgear and TP-link but Im open to any recommendation.

 

[kanewolf]

A used commercial Dell or HP switch from E-Bay is a good choice. That is what I use.