Older sites have analog (coax) cameras; newer ones have IP (Ethernet). Some sites have both. Knowing which you have determines what you can change and what works.

Analog (coax)

Analog cameras connect to a DVR (Digital Video Recorder) via coaxial cable (the round-tipped cable, often with a BNC twist-lock connector):

  • Pros: cheap to install; reliable; long cable runs work without amplifiers
  • Cons: limited resolution (typically 1080p max with HD-TVI / HD-CVI / AHD); no individual camera intelligence; harder to integrate with modern systems

If you see RG59 or RG6 coax cables and BNC connectors at the back of the DVR, that's analog.

IP

IP cameras connect via Ethernet (RJ45 — the same cable as your laptop) to a network switch (often PoE) and to an NVR (Network Video Recorder):

  • Pros: high resolution (4K, 8K); per-camera intelligence (motion, AI, two-way audio); easier to manage remotely; mix and match brands via ONVIF
  • Cons: more expensive cameras; network engineering needed; PoE switches required

If you see Ethernet cables to cameras and switches, that's IP.

Hybrid

Many sites have both:

  • Original analog cameras still in place
  • New IP cameras added in expansions
  • A hybrid recorder (XVR — accepts both) or two separate recorders

This is common during gradual migrations.

Which is yours?

Check the recorder:

  • DVR stamped on the front, BNC connectors on the back → analog
  • NVR stamped on the front, Ethernet ports on the back → IP
  • XVR stamped, both connector types → hybrid

Migration considerations

If you have analog and are considering IP:

  • Cable reuse: HD-over-coax (HD-CVI, HD-TVI) reuses the coax but caps at 8MP. EOC (Ethernet over Coax) is a powered converter that runs IP cameras over coax — useful when running new Ethernet is impractical.
  • Full replacement: pulling new Ethernet to each camera location is the long-term right answer; expensive upfront

Resolution differences

What you actually get:

  • Analog standard def (700 TVL): roughly the resolution of an old TV; useless for face recognition at any distance
  • Analog HD (HD-TVI/CVI 1080p): usable for general surveillance
  • IP 1080p: similar quality to HD analog, more intelligence features
  • IP 4K: much more detail; useful for license plate or face capture at distance

Wiring

Analog:

  • One coax per camera for video
  • Often a separate power cable
  • 12V DC supplied by power adapters or a centralized PSU

IP:

  • One Ethernet cable per camera carries both data and power (PoE)
  • No separate power cable
  • Cleaner installs

Network considerations for IP

IP camera networks need:

  • Adequate switch capacity (PoE budget, not just port count)
  • Sufficient bandwidth for streams (4K H.265 cameras at 4-8 Mbps each)
  • Often a dedicated VLAN for security — keeps camera traffic separate from office traffic

What you can do with what you have

If analog only:

  • Replace failed cameras with HD-over-coax cameras (likely fits existing cable)
  • For new locations, run new IP cabling and a small IP NVR
  • Plan for full migration when current DVR fails

If IP only:

  • Mix and match brands via ONVIF
  • Upgrade individual cameras as needed
  • Add cameras to spare PoE ports easily

When to ticket

Raise a ticket if:

  • You're planning to expand or migrate the system
  • A camera failed and you need to know if a replacement fits the cabling
  • You're not sure what type of system you have
  • The recorder is showing signs of EOL and needs replacing

Include the recorder model, cable types you can see, and what you'd like to do.