Lesson 1Overview of CCTV system architecture: cameras, recorders (NVR/DVR), storage, network, powerUnderstand how cameras, NVRs or DVRs, storage, switching, and power systems interconnect, forming an end-to-end CCTV architecture that supports recording, remote access, redundancy, and future expansion for local setups.
Roles of cameras, encoders, and recordersNVR vs DVR vs hybrid architecturesNetwork topology for CCTV trafficStorage sizing and retention planningRemote access, clients, and VMSLesson 2Regulatory and privacy considerations affecting camera placement and recordingLearn how privacy laws, data protection rules, and industry standards influence camera siting, retention periods, audio capture, and signage so that CCTV deployments remain compliant and defensible during audits or legal reviews in Gambia.
Key global and local CCTV legal frameworksData protection, consent, and purpose limitationAudio recording restrictions and best practicesSignage, notifications, and privacy maskingRetention periods, access rights, and logsLesson 3Illumination and low-light technologies: IR, white-light, low-light CMOS, WDR, BLC, HLCExplore how IR and white-light illumination, low-light CMOS sensors, WDR, BLC, and HLC work together to maintain usable images in darkness, backlit scenes, and high-contrast environments common in CCTV deployments around Gambia.
IR LEDs, IR range, and wavelength choicesWhite-light illuminators and deterrenceLow-light CMOS and minimum lux ratingsWide Dynamic Range concepts and tuningBLC and HLC for backlight and glareLesson 4Lens basics: focal length, field of view, fixed vs varifocal, auto-iris, megapixel lens considerationsUnderstand how focal length, sensor size, and lens quality shape field of view, identification distance, and image sharpness, and compare fixed, varifocal, auto-iris, and megapixel lenses for different CCTV applications in local areas.
Focal length, sensor size, and angle of viewFixed vs varifocal lens use casesAuto-iris vs manual iris operationMegapixel lens resolution and MTFLens selection for typical CCTV scenesLesson 5Mounting, housings and environmental ratings: pole, wall, ceiling mounts, IK and IP ratings, vandal housingsLearn how mounting hardware, housings, and environmental ratings protect cameras from weather, vandalism, and impact, and how to choose pole, wall, and ceiling mounts that ensure stability, safety, and correct viewpoints in Gambian weather.
Wall, ceiling, and pole mount selectionOutdoor housings and heater–blower unitsIP ratings for dust and water ingressIK ratings and vandal-resistant designsCable routing, seals, and strain reliefLesson 6Power and connectivity: PoE fundamentals, power budgets, cable types (Cat5e/Cat6, coax), surge protectionGain practical knowledge of PoE standards, power budgets, cable categories, and coax options, plus surge and lightning protection, to ensure stable, safe, and standards-compliant power and data delivery to CCTV devices in rural and urban Gambia.
PoE standards, modes, and power classesCalculating and verifying power budgetsCat5e vs Cat6 vs coax for CCTV linksConnectors, patch panels, and terminationsSurge, lightning, and grounding practicesLesson 7Image sensors, resolution standards and their trade-offs: 720p, 1080p, 4MP, 4KExamine how sensor size, pixel pitch, and resolution levels such as 720p, 1080p, 4MP, and 4K affect detail, bandwidth, storage, and low-light performance, enabling informed trade-offs for each surveillance scenario in Gambian settings.
Sensor types, sizes, and pixel pitchCommon CCTV resolutions and aspect ratiosDetail levels for detect, observe, identifyBandwidth and storage impact of resolutionBalancing resolution with low-light needsLesson 8Camera types and form factors: fixed dome, turret, bullet, PTZ, panoramic, covertReview major CCTV camera types and form factors, including domes, turrets, bullets, PTZ, panoramic, and covert units, and learn how each design affects coverage, deterrence, tamper resistance, and installation complexity for local use.
Fixed dome and microdome applicationsTurret cameras and IR performanceBullet cameras for long corridorsPTZ cameras for active monitoringPanoramic and multi-sensor camerasCovert and discreet camera options
