Hey there, I've been reading the cliff notes and several threads, but I'm still trying to sort everything out! I just installed some mini split AC by myself but this seems more complicated!
I live in a quiet neighborhood but the new neighbors are genuinely from hell, so I decided to set up some cameras - in their latest exploit they almost burnt down my house because they are too dumb to use fireworks, and they had to call the firefighters.
Initially I thought I could run ethernet through the soffit vents, but I'm not sure it's up to code, and also I was reading that it's perhaps not a good idea as the cable would be exposed to the weather even under the soffit. So I was thinking to just go into the attic and hopefully I can walk my way over the fiberglass insulation without falling through the ceiling, and I can drill a hole through the soffit.
Am I OK installing without weatherproof junction boxes, attaching the cameras under the soffit? I was reading this thread Point to Junction Boxes for Soffit Mount? about condensation in the attic, but in CA it's generally pretty hot and dry. I'm renting so I'll probably only stay here a few more years (maybe 2-3).
Also, please correct me if I'm wrong, my general setup should be something like:
about 8 cameras (I'm thinking Dahua) - each camera connected by cat5e (or 6) to a PoE switch (preferably active?) with at least 8 ports.
The PoE switch should also have another ethernet port to connect to my PC (running blue iris), or alternatively to a NVR. The PoE will also connect to a wall outlet for electrical power. Is it OK to have the PoE switch in the attic and wire through the ceiling into the living room, both the ethernet cable (to the PC) and the power cable to the outlet?
I will have to setup firewall rules to block the cameras IP. It's also highly suggested I activate a VPN for inbound traffic (I'm still trying to figure this out, as to whether it would slow down my other broadband uses).
I will need an ethernet cable crimper (I saw the ipcamtalk one on amazon), and I saw cable and RJ45 plugs at monoprice. It seems I'll also need dielectric grease and silicone tape. Do I need a cable tester?
Planning for about 8 cameras and having a powerful PC, I was thinking to install Blue Iris on my PC, and turn it off when I'm home and need to use the computer, with the option of putting together a 2nd PC specifically for the cameras, if I find out I need it (I build my own computers).
Thanks for reading and for any help!
I live in a quiet neighborhood but the new neighbors are genuinely from hell, so I decided to set up some cameras - in their latest exploit they almost burnt down my house because they are too dumb to use fireworks, and they had to call the firefighters.
Initially I thought I could run ethernet through the soffit vents, but I'm not sure it's up to code, and also I was reading that it's perhaps not a good idea as the cable would be exposed to the weather even under the soffit. So I was thinking to just go into the attic and hopefully I can walk my way over the fiberglass insulation without falling through the ceiling, and I can drill a hole through the soffit.
Am I OK installing without weatherproof junction boxes, attaching the cameras under the soffit? I was reading this thread Point to Junction Boxes for Soffit Mount? about condensation in the attic, but in CA it's generally pretty hot and dry. I'm renting so I'll probably only stay here a few more years (maybe 2-3).
Also, please correct me if I'm wrong, my general setup should be something like:
about 8 cameras (I'm thinking Dahua) - each camera connected by cat5e (or 6) to a PoE switch (preferably active?) with at least 8 ports.
The PoE switch should also have another ethernet port to connect to my PC (running blue iris), or alternatively to a NVR. The PoE will also connect to a wall outlet for electrical power. Is it OK to have the PoE switch in the attic and wire through the ceiling into the living room, both the ethernet cable (to the PC) and the power cable to the outlet?
I will have to setup firewall rules to block the cameras IP. It's also highly suggested I activate a VPN for inbound traffic (I'm still trying to figure this out, as to whether it would slow down my other broadband uses).
I will need an ethernet cable crimper (I saw the ipcamtalk one on amazon), and I saw cable and RJ45 plugs at monoprice. It seems I'll also need dielectric grease and silicone tape. Do I need a cable tester?
Planning for about 8 cameras and having a powerful PC, I was thinking to install Blue Iris on my PC, and turn it off when I'm home and need to use the computer, with the option of putting together a 2nd PC specifically for the cameras, if I find out I need it (I build my own computers).
Thanks for reading and for any help!
