A network is typically composed of the following hardware components:
Router There are actually two separate networks shown on the above diagram: the local network, consisting of all the devices pictured; and the internet. The router acts as the link between the two, providing all the devices on the local network with internet access. Wireless acess point (WAP) This device adds wireless capability to the local network. It acts as a "bridge" between the wired and wireless parts of the local network, connecting all devices together on the same network. If you are using an AirPort Extreme or Time Capsule for this function, in addition to a router, these devices must be set to "bridge mode" to perform the function of a WAP, otherwise they will act as routers in their own right and will make configuring the wireless part of the network very difficult. This applies to any wireless router that you want to use as a WAP. Many routers have wireless functionality built in, so there is no need for a separate WAP. Network devices These are the devices that connect to the local network, either wired or wirelessly. Each device can communicate directly with any other device on the same local network, but in order to communicate with any device over the internet, it must go through the router. | ||
Choosing a system
Types of camera
Progressive scan
System demands
Example systems
Budget
Home or small business
Professional
Network cameras
Choosing network cameras
Network hardware
Ethernet cabling
Local networks
Setting up network cameras
Setting up wireless cameras
Network camera notes
Analogue cameras
Analogue cabling
Quad processors
Choosing input hardware
Network video servers
PCI input cards
Firewire inputs
USB inputs
Remote monitoring
Internet connection
Seting up your Mac
Setting up your router