Split Level Home - 2 separate attics

[David Jonathan]

Hi All,
Newbie here.
I purchased a Lorex NVR and 10 Lorex POE cameras, two of which are PTZ.
I'm deciding where I want to position the cameras around my house, and intend to run the lines through my attic(s). The issue is my home is an older 'split level' design, so I have two separate attics, and I'm in a dilemma as to how I'm going to run all these wires to my NVR. Each attic will have 5 cameras (4 bullet and 1 PTZ).
Here's a split level home:

My initial thought was to run all the lines to an upstairs bedroom and have the NVR located in that room. However, this would mean having the NVR and monitor in a guest bedroom, which is not ideal. I'd really like the NVR and monitor in my office downstairs.
Are there any wireless solutions? Routers, switches, POE extenders you'd recommend? Any ideas are much appreciated.
David

 

[mat200]

Hi All,
Newbie here.
I purchased a Lorex NVR and 10 Lorex POE cameras, two of which are PTZ.
I'm deciding where I want to position the cameras around my house, and intend to run the lines through my attic(s). The issue is my home is an older 'split level' design, so I have two separate attics, and I'm in a dilemma as to how I'm going to run all these wires to my NVR. Each attic will have 5 cameras (4 bullet and 1 PTZ).
Here's a split level home:

My initial thought was to run all the lines to an upstairs bedroom and have the NVR located in that room. However, this would mean having the NVR and monitor in a guest bedroom, which is not ideal. I'd really like the NVR and monitor in my office downstairs.
Are there any wireless solutions? Routers, switches, POE extenders you'd recommend? Any ideas are much appreciated.
David

Welcome @David Jonathan

Looks like a very nice home.

My recommendations:

1) DO NOT put the NVR in a bedroom - too much noise from these little high rpm fans.
2) I like to minimize equipment, thus I like to run all cat5e/6 cables to one central location where all my switches, router, ups(es), NAS, NVR, etc will be. This makes the system more reliable and easier to trouble shoot. I like to have a patch panel. I also like to do any internal networking cables at the same time.
3) Is your attic a conditioned space? If so you can put equipment in there. If not - you do not want to do that due to the ambient humidity and temp extremes.

See if you can find a good location for for a networking "closet'.

If you plan to keep the home for a long time, I would seriously consider converting the lower attic space into a conditioned space and putting the networking closet in there. This is a potential DIY job - but DO plan it out carefully due to the potential issues with snow ( snow dams and water especially an issue ) and humidity. ( lots of great youtube videos out there.. but do watch a number of them, as often each DIY video often has one or more mistakes in it )

btw - I really like Matt R's build youtube channel and this old house
Matt Risinger

also this is a great video to watch for other cat6 location ideas

 

[tangent]

NVRs are sometimes less flexible than you'd like regarding network topology. Eg. they may require a 1 to 1 mapping of cameras and nvr ports, using a switch may not work.

Is the part of the house with the front door on a slab or does it have a basement or crawlspace?

Look for walls that line up between levels, especially in closets for places to run wires.

 

[David Jonathan]

I think I've found the solution. I'm going to run multiple POE Ethernet cables to a POE switch, and then run a single cat 5e to my NVR. I'll let you know how this works out.

 

[tangent]

I think I've found the solution. I'm going to run multiple POE Ethernet cables to a POE switch, and then run a single cat 5e to my NVR. I'll let you know how this works out.

That may not work, test it first. If it doesn't, change your cabling plans or your nvr / camera selection.

Don't use the cables in the kit.