Tutorials · Video Surveillance
How to Set Up IP Cameras With a PoE Switch and NVR
From unboxing to recording: plan IP addresses, power cameras with PoE, add them to the NVR and set recording and retention.
Before you start
- IP cameras, a PoE switch and an NVR with enough channels
- An IP plan for the camera VLAN
- Hard drives installed in the NVR
Step by step
Plan addresses
Use a dedicated camera subnet, for example 10.30.0.0/24, with the NVR at .10 and cameras from .101 upwards. Use static IPs or DHCP reservations.
Check the PoE budget
Add each camera's maximum power with IR on, plus 20–30% headroom, and confirm the switch can supply it.
Connect and power
Plug cameras into the PoE switch (within 100 m, or use a long-range PoE switch beyond that) and connect the NVR to the same VLAN.
Initialise cameras
Set a strong admin password on each camera, update firmware and set the IP address, time zone and NTP server.
Add cameras to the NVR
Use the NVR's search function or add each camera by IP. Name cameras by location, for example 'Entrance-North'.
Set recording
Choose continuous or motion/AI-event recording, H.265 compression, resolution and frame rate. Check that the retention days meet your policy.
Test
Check live view, playback and night images, and confirm the recording schedule.
Pro tips
- Use 15 fps for most areas and higher only where motion detail matters.
- Store the NVR in a locked, ventilated space with UPS power.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
How much storage do I need?
It depends on cameras, bitrate and retention days. See our CCTV storage calculation guide.
Keep learning
Related guides
CCTV bandwidth & storage calculation
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Read more →Stuck on a step?
Ask Navijin technical support or an authorised partner for help with your configuration.