If you are setting up a wired network for the first time you will first need to install Ethernet cabling. For most purposes, use twisted-pair Cat-5 or Cat-5e Ethernet patch cables, which are available very cheaply.

Gigabit Ethernet is recommended if you have more than twenty cameras, in which case you should use Cat-5e or Cat-6 cabling.

Power Over Ethernet

Power Over Ethernet eliminates the need for power points at each camera location. In order to use this technology your network cameras and Ethernet hardware must be compatible with the 802.3af Power Over Ethernet standard.

Crossover Ethernet cables

A crossover Ethernet cable lets you connect two Ethernet devices together directly, without the need for an Ethernet switch.

If your Mac doesn't have an AirPort card, you can connect wireless network cameras to it by using a crossover cable to plug in a wireless access point.

Alternatively, you can turn a wired network camera into a wireless network camera by connecting it to a wireless bridge with a crossover cable.