Best Network Setup?

[Oreo10]

I'm looking into setting up an IP camera network in my house. I'm probably going to start with a Vivotek camera. I have everything figured out except how I will connect all these to the computer. (WIll probably end up with about 4 cameras)

What is the best/least expensive way to do this? The current router I have is all used up so is the best way to set up another router that shares the same internet connection, if that's even possible, or are the better ways to do this?

Thanks for any input you have!

[buellwinkle]

Do not plug a router into a router, biggest rookie mistake. Odds are that these are PoE cameras, so get a PoE switch. A typical budget PoE 8 port switch (4 PoE, 4 regular) runs under $100. Common load end include the likes of Trendnet or DLink. Do not look for them at local shops, this is more of an online purchase item.

Then plug your 4 cameras to the PoE ports on the switch. Remove one item from your router, plug that into one of the free ports on the switch, then run a cat5 cable from the router to the switch. When all is done, you will still have 3 open ports on the switch.

What model Vivotek and for what price if you don't mind me asking?
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For network camera articles and reviews, visit my blog at http://ipcamnetwork.wordpress.com

[Oreo10]

Okay, wow can't believe I looked over these. A lot cheaper than another router and a bunch of PoE injectors that I was thinking I would need. Thanks a bunch for that info buellwinkle!

I see a TrendNet 8 port PoE switch on Amazon for $62 which is more than reasonable. I'm looking at two different Vivotek cameras right now, the Vivotek IP8332 which I found on Amazon for $369 for outside and a Vivotek FD8161 on Amazon for $592 for indoors although I'm not sure how comparable the FD8161 is to this FD7131 or FD7132 which are a lot cheaper other than having a better resolution.

Any suggestions on those would be much appreciated as well.

[buellwinkle]

I use that trendnet switch, just be careful as it's rated the standard 15w per port, but I believe only 30w total. I have low power cameras, like Mobotix which are 3W, no problem, some cameras like Panasonic can be 12w so check the power spec on the cameras you are looking at. It's been in service for nearly a year and it's worked flawlessly for me.

The FD7131 or FD7132 are less expensive, but VGA resolution which plenty good for indoor use. 2MP is sort of overkill unless you are viewing a very large room.
_________________
For network camera articles and reviews, visit my blog at http://ipcamnetwork.wordpress.com