Subscriber Discussion

NVR With Built-In POE Or Separate?

js
james spenn
Feb 17, 2015

It seems like buying a separate POE switch for an NVR is more expensive than getting an NVR with a switch built-in. Why do you choose built-in over separate or vice versa?

JH
John Honovich
Feb 17, 2015
IPVM

James, a big part is product availability. Most manufacturers who offer NVRs do not offer NVRs with PoE switches built in, so that is a limitation.

That said, I will presume you are already looking at a manufacturer that offers both.

There's clearly benefits: simpler setup, one less device to buy and maintain, less space, etc.

The main downsides are: fears about reliability (what if a port or the whole embedded switch fails), and limited scalability (boxes are often limited to 8 ports even if they support 16 channels or more).

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Jon Dillabaugh
Feb 17, 2015
Pro Focus LLC

We prefer a separate managed switch so we can have more versatility. We commonly are also installing wireless APs (UBNT) which need 24V PoE. We also like the ability to power cycle ports individually via the switch GUI instead of running onsite to do it manually, or reboot the whole switch, which brings all ports down.

If you have a very small install and the budget won't allow a $200 switch, I guess a built in PoE switch may be your only choice, but thankfully we haven't had that issue yet.

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U
Undisclosed #4
Feb 20, 2015
IPVMU Certified

Are the wireless AP's supporting cameras?

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Jon Dillabaugh
Feb 20, 2015
Pro Focus LLC

No. They are just for general WiFi. We usually use the NanoStation Loco M5 for wireless backhaul.

UI
Undisclosed Integrator #1
Feb 19, 2015
There are practical reasons for both. First, if you don't know the difference between a managed and unmanaged switch, IMO, then it really doesn't matter, does it? Second it can be a way to get around "company standards" where the end users mandate a Cisco Switch for data that will cost as much for additional ports as the entire CCTV install. I know of a site that has to install a 24 Port Cisco Layer 3 for any expansion if the switch is full. Third, you don't have to worry about the cameras being issued new IP addresses by the customers DHCP server if you didn't set them as static in the device / switch. Lastly it then becomes a "piece of hardware" and just a component of the CCTV system with no direct interaction on the customer network and less security exposure with external cameras. All of that said, someone strong in IT would have an easy time configuring a managed switch and would gain value from it, especially if using a server based VMS. At least, that's been my experience.
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HB
Harris Bond
Feb 19, 2015

We do it with Dahua and for up to 8 cameras it is fine - we have a few sites. I think now they have a 16 channel NVR with 16 PoE ports but I am really wondering if the power supply is really good enough to power 16 cameras - even some of the good 16/24 port PoE swithces have power limitations. Nevertheless we will try testing the 16PoE NVR also because as mentioned above there are reasons:

1) Price

2) Space - you do not always have a rack, residential install, e.t.c

3) Less "Complexity"

4) PoE switches are loud

5) Very small resi project where there is no need for a PoE and price and noice are factors

P.S. I am not in favor of PoE NVRs but then again - even though I had reservations at the beginning - I am surely not against them also.

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Jon Dillabaugh
Feb 19, 2015
Pro Focus LLC

1) Price - You are talking about cost of the purchase today and aren't thinking TCO. Future service calls on site to power cycle a camera possibly could add to the price.

2) Space - How much space does a PoE switch take up really? Not much in the grand scheme of things. If that PoE switch doesn't fit in the space allowed, you need a better space to house the equipment IMO.

3) Less "Complexity" - To me, this means less features. No remote managment, individual port power cycling, ping watchdog, VLANs, or SNMP to name a few.

4) PoE switches are loud - Not always. Some are, some aren't. It depends on the model. But, those NVRs with PoE also have fans, so they aren't silent either. This goes back to a better space for the equipment.

5) Redundant, see #1 and #4.

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Ethan Ace
Feb 19, 2015

Some models of NVR with built-in switch allow you to power cycle ports, at the very least. I don't think the Dahua models do, but I believe the Hikvision 7700 series does.

Also the switch built into the Avigilon NVR (and Razberi, Sentry360, DVTel, etc.) is fully managed. Individual port cycling, VLANs, SNMP, etc., etc.

Really, though, on 4-8 camera installs which the Dahua/Hik PoE NVRs are aimed at (and often kitted as such), ping watchdogs, VLANs, and SNMP are non-issues in the vast majority of cases. I can see the value of being able to power cycle a camera, but these other features aren't used even in lots of mid-size systems, let alone low camera count ones.

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Jon Dillabaugh
Feb 19, 2015
Pro Focus LLC

I wouldn't consider a device that is equivalent to a Costco kit as a professional product. It is a consumer lever, watered down device and professional installation isn't really needed. If that is what fits the need of the consumer, that's fine. But, I can't make a living intalling Costco kits. That's my take.

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UM
Undisclosed Manufacturer #3
Feb 19, 2015

The Samsung PoE NVRs (currently SRN-472S) allow you to turn on/off indivudial ports thus power cycling specific cameras via the web GUI.

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UI
Undisclosed Integrator #1
Feb 19, 2015
Jon, Good points, all are valid. I would argue that I would love to sell Lamborghinis and if you ask them they are the only way to go. However I know a few Toyota and Ford dealers that reside in mansions selling something lesser in stature. Every market has a variety of end user requirements and people to fill them. Should I feel bad if I sell and maintain Ford's?
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Jon Dillabaugh
Feb 19, 2015
Pro Focus LLC

To be fair, an all in one NVR with PoE ports that are "Plug'n'Play" isn't a Ford or Toyota in this market. It is more like a Yugo.

What I sell isn't the Ferrari or Lambo either. I sell Chevy's, Toyota's and Honda's, with some Hyundai mixed in for good measure.

I would consider the Avigilon, Bosch, Pelco, Panasonic lines to be more of the upper echelon crowd.

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UI
Undisclosed Integrator #2
Feb 19, 2015

On larger commercial jobs, I wouldn't even consider it.

But on a 4 cam basic domestic job? Every day of the week.

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KL
Keefe Lovgren
Feb 20, 2015
IPVMU Certified

We have used some Avigilon appliances, they have a built in manged switch. So far they have been great for smaller installations.... NVRs with integrated switches have a small footprint which is nice especially if space in a rack is limited or if being installed into a small room...

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