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 assignmentExamines cabling and layout options, comparing CAT5e or CAT6 for IP, 2-wire bus for digital, coax in upgrades, shielding, pair uses, grounding, and star vs bus in 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)Focuses on flat monitor picks and spots, comparing flush and surface mount, handset vs hands-free, screen size, power/data links, cable runs, and star or 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 sightlinesExplains choosing and placing entrance panels, with camera resolution, lens angle, WDR, IR lights, vandal-proofing, height, sightlines, weather protection, and access for a three-storey flat 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 buildingCompares IP and 2-wire digital bus intercoms for a small three-storey building, on wiring, scaling, video quality, power, reliability, cost, and install time plus future 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 basicsDetails linking IP intercoms to structured cabling, with VLAN design, security splits, bandwidth/PoE plans, multicast vs unicast video, and basic QoS 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)Covers linking door hardware to intercom, comparing electric strikes and mag locks, relay wiring, power sizing, fail-safe vs secure, egress safety, fire links, and code release methods.
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 intercomsPresents test plan for video/audio, with image framing, focus, WDR/IR checks, mic/speaker levels, call signals, latency, packet loss, and QoS checks on IP intercom networks.
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 releaseExplains power plans, comparing PoE for IP with central power for 2-wire, load calcs, power supply picks, UPS spots, and backup for entrance panels, switches, and door locks.
PoE switch selection and power budgetCentralized low-voltage power suppliesLoad calculation for locks and panelsUPS sizing and runtime estimationPower distribution and overcurrent protection