Whether you're installing your first CCTV or expanding an existing system, a few decisions upfront save problems later.

1. What do you actually need to see?

The most important question. Common goals:

  • Crime prevention — visible cameras at entries deter
  • Crime investigation — clear footage of incidents
  • Access tracking — who entered and when
  • Operational — monitoring kitchens, production lines
  • Safety — slip-and-fall claims, accident investigation

Each goal needs different camera placements and resolutions.

2. Indoor vs. outdoor coverage

Outdoor cameras need:

  • Weatherproof rating (IP66 or IP67)
  • IR illumination (most have built-in)
  • Vandal-resistant housing for accessible cameras (IK10 rating)

Indoor cameras can be cheaper but won't survive outdoors.

3. Resolution targets

Different goals need different resolutions:

  • General surveillance: 1080p is fine
  • Face recognition: 4MP minimum, 4K preferable
  • License plate: 4K with appropriate lens
  • Workspace monitoring: 1080p

Higher resolution = more storage and bandwidth required.

4. PoE vs. powered

PoE simplifies installation:

  • One cable per camera carries power + data
  • 60m+ runs to camera from switch
  • Power supply consolidated at the switch

Modern installs default to PoE. Choose powered only for cameras that draw more than PoE+ provides (rare).

5. Network design

For IP cameras:

  • Cameras on a dedicated VLAN (segregated from office network)
  • PoE switch with adequate budget (4K cameras draw more)
  • Cabling: Cat6 is the modern standard for new runs

6. Storage planning

Calculate before buying:

  • (Cameras × bitrate × days × 86,400 seconds) ÷ 8 = bytes
  • Add 20-30% headroom

For 8 4K cameras at 6 Mbps for 30 days: ~16 TB raw.

Plan for retention growth too — a system at 80% capacity has weeks before it fills.

7. NVR / VMS choice

Two approaches:

  • NVR (Network Video Recorder) — hardware appliance with built-in software. Easier setup, limited customization.
  • VMS (Video Management Software) — runs on a server. Scales to hundreds of cameras, more flexibility, more complex.

Most sites under 32 cameras use NVR. Larger sites use VMS.

8. Recording mode

Per-camera decisions:

  • Continuous (most reliable for evidence)
  • Motion-triggered (saves storage)
  • Scheduled (e.g. business hours)

Mixed approach common: continuous for entrances, motion for back areas.

9. Cabling

For new installs:

  • Pull spare cables to popular locations (future cameras)
  • Label both ends
  • Use conduit outdoors
  • Test continuity after pulling, before terminating

10. Lighting

Cameras need light:

  • During the day, ambient light is fine for most scenes
  • At night, dedicated IR illumination from camera or separate IR lights
  • Avoid pointing into bright lights (sun, headlights, neon signs)

11. Maintenance plan

Before installing, plan for:

  • Quarterly review of footage quality
  • Annual lens cleaning
  • Battery replacement schedule for IR illuminators
  • Drive replacement schedule (3-5 years)

When to ticket

Raise a ticket if:

  • You need a site survey for a new install
  • Existing system needs replacement (EOL or insufficient capacity)
  • Migration from analog to IP planned
  • Integration with access control, AI analytics, or VMS needed

Include the site (or building plan if available), your goals, and any budget guidance.