216
g/networking • Posted by u/rack_and_stack_rob •

Running ethernet for IP cameras in a parking garage — what to watch out for?

First time doing IP camera infrastructure in a multi-level parking garage. About 45 cameras, all PoE, running back to an IDF on each level and then fiber to the main MDF.

The garage is unheated, outdoor temperature swings from -10°F to 100°F here. Any cabling, connector, or switching gotchas specific to parking garage environments?

💬 3 replies

Log in or sign up to leave a reply.

u/wireless_wendy •

PoE budget deserves careful attention in cold environments. Cameras that heat their housings in cold weather draw more power than rated. Multiply your camera count by the camera's maximum PoE draw (not typical draw) and verify your switches have headroom. A switch that's fine in summer can brown out PoE in January.

103
u/cat6_carlos •

Use outdoor-rated (OSP) or direct burial cable for any exterior runs, or at minimum CMX (sunlight resistant). Regular CM-rated cable will degrade in UV and temperature extremes within 2-3 years. All terminations in outdoor environments need weatherproof enclosures with drain holes — otherwise condensation ruins the connections.

60
u/fiber_splicer_faye •

For the IDF switches, make sure they're rated for the temperature range you mentioned. Most commercial managed switches are rated to -10°C (14°F) minimum — check your spec sheet. At -10°F outdoor, you may need an enclosure with a thermostat-controlled heater. Unheated parking garages can easily hit those temperatures.

9