Security cameras are the pillars of the advanced security system and are meant for your both home and business. However, the security setup remains incomplete without the compliance of the right cables. When it comes to the 4K security camera setup, the connecting cables and wires should be capable of delivering the required power.
On the other hand, the transmission of high-quality 4K footage might get disrupted if the carrying cables are of low quality or incompatible. Hence, the cable quality and type should be perfect for uninterrupted streaming of 4K video quality while recording footage on a 4K security camera.
Well, most 4K security cameras require cat5e Ethernet cables. And, 4K cameras are mostly IP rather than analog. Analog security cameras can be connected using RG-59 Siamese cables.
So, let’s get into the details of the cable and wiring of 4K security cameras.
Ethernet Cables for 4K Security Cameras
Nowadays, Ethernet cables are the most used components required for connecting 4K security cameras. They are unavoidable when you’re considering IP cameras. Additionally, you can use the same Ethernet cables for analog cameras.
So, what does an Ethernet cable look like from inside?
Any Ethernet cable has eight copper wires insulated, and they are split into four pairs. Every pair of Ethernet cables contain two twisted wires for the entire length of the cable. This is done to reduce signal interference. The best thing about Ethernet cables is that you don’t require different cables for power or communication. You can use the same Ethernet cable for both the power and connection of the 4K and IP security camera.
The primitive functionality of an Ethernet cable is to connect the dedicated device to a network of devices. Thus, you can use Ethernet cables to create a network of compatible devices. In addition to this, Ethernet cables have a PoE or Power over Ethernet functionality. You need to turn on the PoE switch, and your security camera is good to go with an uninterrupted power supply with the Ethernet cable.
If you have an analog security camera system, then you can still use Ethernet cables. However, you need not connect Ethernet cable to your analog cameras for networking. Some might argue the use of Ethernet cables over the Siamese cable when it comes to analog camera setup. But, ethernet cables are way cheaper than Siamese ones. In addition, they are ideal for long distances.
Different Types of Cables under Ethernet Category
Ethernet cables are labelled as cat followed by a specific number. Well, the cat stands for the category. Different categories of the Ethernet cable detect how the cable can tackle data it is carrying. Additionally, the category tells much about the speed of the data.
For example, if it’s a Cat3 cable, then the transmission speed will be 10Mbps, and the maximum bandwidth is 16MHz. If you’ve considered an Ethernet cable of Cat5, then the transmission speed varies from 10 to 100Mbps. Whereas the max bandwidth turns 16MHz.
The most efficient Ethernet cable, Cat6 supports a transmission speed of up to 10Gbps, and the bandwidth is a maximum 250MHz. On the other hand, if it’s a Cat5e Ethernet cable, then you get a maximum bandwidth of 100MHz. And, the transmission speed reaches up to 1000Mbps. So, which Ethernet cable should you choose?
Traditionally, you should go for Cat5e cables. Cat6 is the most capable one in terms of security, but it is way more expensive than Cat5e. If you consider a higher bandwidth for the latest technologies, you can go with Cat6 cables. However, if it’s for the analog security setup, then the category of ethernet cables doesn’t make any significant difference. You can easily opt for Cat5 or Cat5e cables.
Consideration Regarding Ethernet Cables
You can dodge the idea of connecting a power Ethernet cable to your IP camera setup if you can arrange a 12V DC power adapter. This will directly draw the power from the switch or the NVR. Make sure that you don’t attach any other PoE Ethernet cable to an IP security system when you have already connected the camera to a power source.
When you are thinking about purchasing cables, you can go for bulk cables or already-fitted cables. When it’s bulk, then you have to attach connectors and tools at the ends of the cable. Ethernet cables use Registered Jack 45 or RJ45.
RJ45 connectors are also known as 8-position 8-contact Modular connectors. Additionally, you’ll require a modular crimping tool to connect an Ethernet cable to an RJ45 connector.
Siamese Cables for 4K Security Cameras
In case you are dependent upon HD-TVI or analog security cameras, then you can go for RG-59 Siamese cables. The benefit of Siamese cables is that – you’ll require only a single cable for both power and data communication services. At the end of the cable, you need to separate the dedicated cables for power and video streaming.
The copper cable is designed for power distribution. Whereas it’s the coax cable that carries video information from one place to another. If your security cameras come with a 12V Dc power adapter, then you need not connect the copper cable to the camera.
On the other hand, the coax cable will lead the connection from the security camera to the DVR. The DVR gets a video signal through the coax cable of the Siamese wire. Well, what are the categories of Siamese cable for better performance metrics?
As we know from the resistance formula, it will be better to handle data transmission, if the wire is wider or thicker. But, it can serve longer distances, if the cable goes thinner. Hence, the thickness of the cable should be very precise, if you don’t want to lose efficiency as well as proper video signals.
Additional Information Associated with Siamese Cables
No doubt, your analog security system requires Siamese cable and you can go for pre-made cables or for bulk. If you consider bulk Siamese cable, then you have to separately purchase BNC connectors.
Siamese vs Ethernet: The Best?
Both are reliable and have specific jobs regarding specific security systems. However, ethernet cables are way faster than Siamese cables. You’ll be in confusion between these two when you are addressing an analog security system. Otherwise, it’s always the Ethernet cable in terms of price, compatibility, and features. However, Siamese cables are more durable than Ethernet ones.
