Lesson 1Cabling and topology choices: twisted-pair (CAT5e/6) for IP systems, 2-wire bus cable options for legacy systems, coax considerations, shielding and pair assignmentThis lesson looks at cabling choices, comparing CAT5e/6 for internet systems, 2-wire buses for older digital ones, reusing coax, shielding, wire pairs, earthing, and star or bus layouts for small buildings.
CAT5e and CAT6 selection and limits2-wire bus cable types and constraintsReusing existing coax in retrofitsShielding, grounding, and noise controlStar vs bus topology in three-story sitesLesson 2Apartment monitor placement and types: flush vs. surface, color video, audio handset vs. hands-free, distributed topology (star or bus)This lesson picks and places flat monitors, comparing built-in versus wall-mounted, handset or hands-free, screen sizes, power/data links, cable paths, and star/bus from risers to flats.
Flush vs surface mounting requirementsHands-free vs handset user experienceScreen size, buttons, and UI layoutCable routing from riser to monitorsStar and bus distribution in apartmentsLesson 3Entrance panel placement and selection: camera specs (resolution, WDR, IR), vandal resistance, mounting height and sightlinesThis lesson chooses and positions entry panels, detailing camera clarity, lens view, wide dynamic range, night vision, anti-vandal build, height, views, weather guards, and access for a three-storey entrance.
Selecting suitable camera resolution and lensUsing WDR and IR for difficult lightingVandal-resistant housings and ratingsMounting height, angles, and sightlinesWeatherproofing and accessibility needsLesson 4Intercom system types: IP-based vs. 2-wire bus systems (digital), pros/cons for a small three-story residential buildingThis lesson compares internet and 2-wire digital intercoms for small three-storey blocks, on wiring, growth, video quality, power, reliability, cost, and install time plus upgrades.
IP video intercom architecture overview2-wire digital bus system architectureCost and scalability comparisonReliability and maintenance factorsRetrofit vs new-build selection criteriaLesson 5Integration notes with structured cabling: VLANs, network segmentation, bandwidth considerations, multicast/uni-cast video streams, and QoS configuration basicsThis lesson integrates IP intercoms with cabling, covering VLANs, security splits, bandwidth/PoE plans, group versus single video streams, and basic quality settings for voice/video priority.
Assigning VLANs for voice, video, and dataSegmentation between intercom and tenant LANsBandwidth and PoE switch sizingMulticast vs unicast video configurationQoS markings and switch queue settingsLesson 6Door release integration: electric strike vs. magnetic lock wiring and power requirements, relay wiring from intercom to lock, safety considerations (egress)This lesson links door gear to intercoms, comparing electric strikes and mag locks, relay wiring, power needs, safe/fail-secure modes, escape safety, fire links, and rule-compliant releases.
Electric strike vs magnetic lock selectionLock voltage, current, and power sizingRelay contact types and wiring diagramsFail-safe, fail-secure, and egress safetyFire alarm and emergency release inputsLesson 7Testing video and audio: test checklist for camera image, microphone/speaker levels, intercom signaling, latency and network QoS for IP intercomsThis lesson gives a test plan for video/audio, checking camera views, focus, night/low light, mic/speaker volumes, call signals, delays, lost packets, and quality on internet intercoms.
Video image quality and framing checksMicrophone gain and speaker volume testsCall signaling and door release testsNetwork latency, jitter, and packet lossDocumenting results and client handoverLesson 8Powering strategies: PoE for IP intercoms vs. centralized power supply for 2-wire systems, UPS/backup for entrance panel and door releaseThis lesson covers power plans, comparing PoE for internet intercoms with central supplies for 2-wire, load calcs, supply choices, UPS spots, and backups for panels, switches, and locks.
PoE switch selection and power budgetCentralized low-voltage power suppliesLoad calculation for locks and panelsUPS sizing and runtime estimationPower distribution and overcurrent protection