Residential Complex - Installing Cameras - Need Help

[nickCR]

Hello All,

I'm here because I need to verify a few things. We have a comity in the complex that is dealing with the Security Cameras and we have a few different providers. As a note this complex is located in Costa Rica.

The provider that seems to be the best option for our complex is one that is offering a Wireless IP system.

The software he wants to run is ZoneMinder on CentOS and says he has a lot of experience with the software. (1 tb of space, not sure on the other specs but he believes it will run 32 cameras). Will this software handle this build correctly or is it more advisable to go with something like exacq?

He wants to use Foscom F18904w cameras. He will not actually use the built in wireless rather he will use a standalone wireless system made by SENAO (AP -> CB)

I'm a little concerned with the quality of Foscom since they only cost around $100. He says his cameras are ORIGINAL Foscom's and not copies.

I feel that the Foscom cameras are good for homes or something of such but not necessarily a large / commercial type install in a complex like this but I could be wrong and that's why i'm here

The reason we are using wireless here is because all 7 cameras are over 100 meters in distance from the base point and running cables is going to be an extremely difficult task.

What do you guys think? Would these cameras do a good job or would it be more advisable to get something a little better?

Thanks in advance,

Nick

[kingofkya]

As far as wireless camera go I do not trust them. but it may just be there crappy wifi chipset.

Foscams are decent from what I have seen but there about the same as a good standard anolog camera. However i do see why he wants to use them less cost .
If you do go ahead make sure its a high end wireless access point a cisco or comparable.

I would have him setup a test system for you with a few focams and his proposed wifi access points let in run for a week or so to make sure its reliable.

Also as far as ZM as long as the network/install is good it runs perfectly for years on end.

[kingofkya]

Also as a side note anaolog cams can go 1000ft with video blauns over udp cable(cat5)

[nickCR]

Thanks for your reply

The problem with the analog cams is the wiring which will be next to impossible. We are talking from the central point almost 350 meters to one of the cameras.

With an IP system we can put a router in the secondary club house and feed the camera from there so it drops the distance to about 200 mts..

But either way wiring is going to be next to impossible and the humidity may create issues with the equipment so outdoor wireless is the direccion we're heading.

The AP and CB are all made by SENAO which is rebranded Engenius seems that they are really good quality so i'm confident with that.

I think the foscams are the only thing i'm concerned about and maybe we can spend a couple hundred more per camera and get something that really will have some serious abilities.

Regards,

Nick

[kingofkya]

I dont know how much humidity you have there but if the wireless links are 2.4 ghz b g or n you might have issuse because 2.4ghz is the fequency of water. a 900 or 800mhz band equipment might be better.

I would also talk to him about a mesh network because if you lose a AP the rest can repair themselves.

[nickCR]

Average Humidity is between 78% - 86% depending on the season, of course thunderstorms are common as well.

[kingofkya]

Then i would really try to stay out of the 2.4ghz band.

[nickCR]

Thanks for your post. Ubiquiti has some really nice products at a decent price for 5ghz. I'll look into those.

[clegger]

I can second the Ubiquiti recommendation. I've used some Nanostation units as a wireless bridge and they work great.