Choosing the Right CCTV System

Selecting the right CCTV system for your needs can be a daunting task, given the myriad options available. To simplify this process, we will explore some key factors to consider.

Type of Security System

When choosing a CCTV system, the first step is to determine the type of security system you need. The main types include:

1. Analog Systems: These are traditional systems that use DVRs (Digital Video Recorders). They are cost-effective and straightforward but offer lower resolution compared to digital systems.

2. Digital Systems: These systems use NVRs (Network Video Recorders) and provide higher resolution, flexibility, and integration with other digital devices.

DVR or NVR: Pros and Cons

Deciding between DVR and NVR systems is crucial as it impacts the overall functionality and quality of your CCTV system.

DVR (Digital Video Recorder)

Pros:

• Cost-effective
• Compatible with older analog cameras
• Simple installation

Cons:

• Lower resolution compared to NVRs
• Limited scalability
• Requires direct connection to cameras, leading to more cables

NVR (Network Video Recorder)

Pros:

• Higher resolution video quality
• Flexible and scalable
• Can be integrated with IP cameras over a network
• Easier remote access and control

Cons:

• Higher cost
• Requires a network infrastructure
• More complex setup

Types of NVR: Wired or Wireless

Another critical decision is whether to opt for a wired or wireless NVR system.

Wired NVR Systems

Pros:

• Stable and reliable connection
• Consistent video quality
• Less susceptible to interference

Cons:

• More complex installation due to wiring
• Limited flexibility in camera placement

Wireless NVR Systems

Pros:

• Easier and quicker installation
• Greater flexibility in camera placement
• Ideal for locations where running cables is challenging

Cons:

• Potential for signal interference
• Requires a strong and stable Wi-Fi connection
• Might face connectivity issues over long distances

Budget vs. Quality

Balancing your budget with the desired quality is a key aspect of choosing the right CCTV system.

Budget Considerations:

• Basic analog systems are more affordable but may not meet high-resolution needs.
• Mid-range digital systems offer a good balance of cost and quality.
• High-end systems provide the best features and quality but come at a premium price.

Quality Considerations:

• Higher resolution cameras capture more detailed images.
• Advanced features like motion detection, night vision, and remote access enhance security.
• Reliable brands with good customer support ensure long-term satisfaction.

Area of Coverage

The area you need to cover will influence your choice of CCTV system. Larger areas may require more cameras and higher resolution to capture detailed footage.

Small Areas:

• A few high-quality cameras may suffice.
• Consider NVR systems for better image quality.

Large Areas:

• Multiple cameras with a central NVR system are recommended.
• Ensure the system can handle the number of cameras needed without compromising quality.

Future Upgrade Options

When investing in a CCTV system, consider future scalability and upgrades.

Scalability:

• Choose a system that allows easy addition of more cameras.
• Ensure the NVR or DVR can handle increased storage needs.

Technology Upgrades:

• Opt for systems compatible with the latest technologies, such as AI-powered analytics.
• Ensure the system can integrate with other security devices, like alarms and access controls.

Setup OpenWRT 23.05 with DSA for TM Unifi

Disclaimer: This guide is based on Linksys EA8100 router. The configuration and steps may varies depends on the router hardware and brands.

If you haven't had any experience with OpenWRT, this blog might be a good start. I am also a newbie to OpenWRT. I did a lot of googling around how to do a proper setup with OpenWRT for TM Unifi (one of Malaysia's ISP providers) but was not able to find one during the time I wrote this blog, especially for the version of OpenWRT with DSA.

First, you will need to go to the OpenWRT website to check if your router is supported by OpenWRT. It is important to make sure the router has adequate support for its hardware. You can go to this link, https://firmware-selector.openwrt.org/ where you can check your router model. If it is on the list, then you are good to download the firmware for your router brand and model.

Once you download the firmware for your router, you will need to upload the firmware to your router. For linksys brand, especially for model EA8100 (since I am using this brand and model) it is quite easy. You just need to go to Linksys WebUI page and then under Router Settings, go to Connectivity, then under Router Firmware Update, click on Choose File button under Manual section and select your openwrt image, and click Open button. After that, click the Start button next to start the flash image process. Once completed, the router will automatically reboot. Do not manually reboot the router even it seems like the flash has been completed, as it can brick your router. You can also search the video guide on YouTube on how to do this process.

Once the router is successfully back online after a reboot, you should be able to login to your OpenWRT UI or LuCI. It uses the same IP address as your original Linksys WebUI login page.

The first step it will ask you to do is it to setup the login password. Then go to Network > Interface. Click on Devices tab. Click on Add Device Configuration. Device type, select VLAN (802.1q). Base Device, select wan. VLAN ID, type 500. Device name, you can put anything that would make it easier for you to identify the WAN connection for VLAN ID 500 for TM Unifi, example UniFi.500. Then click Save button. 

Next, go to Interfaces tab. Select wan interface and then click Edit button. Change the protocol type from DHCP client to PPPoE. Then you will need to enter userid and password for TM Unifi and click Save button.

Next, you can configure the wifi for the router. This configuration may vary depending on your requirements and needs. 

Configure Netis DL4480V for TM Streamyx

These steps will guide you through on how to configure Netis DL4480V modem router for TM Streamyx.

(Note: This guide is based on Software Version: 2.0.10a)

 1. First, you will need to login to the modem/router. Default IP setting is 192.168.1.1, and the admin login to this modem/router is tmadmin/Adm@{last 4-digits of MAC address}.

2. Once you login, go to Easy Setup tab.

3. Under WAN Configuration, select Router(SUBB) for Wan Mode. After that, enter your streamyx user name and followed by the password.

4. Under Wireless Setting, enable Wireless 2.4GHz & Wireless 5GHz radio button. Then enter your desired SSID name for both 2.4GHz channel and 5GHz channel. For Encryption type, please select WPA2 Mixed and enter your Pre-Shared Key for both channels as well.

5. Once all above settings have been configured, click Apply Changes button at the bottom of the page. It might ask you to reboot the router for the changes to take effect.

6. Once the modem/router is back online, login again and this time go to Setup tab. Then under Ethernet WAN, click on Disable button for ETH_connection_2, since this is for unifi HyppTV STB box. You do not need this configuration for Streamyx. It is only applicable for Unifi account with STB box. Once you click the Disable button, the button's text will changed to Enable.

7. Still under Setup tab. Click on PTM WAN, and then click on Edit button under Action column. For IP protocol, please choose only IPv4 if you do not have IPv6 configured on your home network. Please validate your streamyx username is correct under PPP Settings. If all goods, click on Apply Changes button at the bottom of the page.

8. Still under Setup tab. Click on xDSL Settings page, tick on the checkbox for G.Lite under ADSL modulation. Enable AnnexM Option as well. Untick the checkbox for G.INP Option since it is for VDSL. Untick VDSL Modulation as well since you are not using those for Streamyx. Then click on Apply Changes button.

9. Click on Service tab. Go to DHCPv6 and click None for the DHCPv6 Mode and click Apply Changes button.

10. Still under Service tab, under DNS Server, go to IPv4 DNS and tick the radio button for Domain Name Server Assignment and then enter your favorite DNS IP addresses and then click on Apply Changes button.

11. Reboot your modem/router. 

That's all. Have fun.

Configure ZTE ZXHN H267A for TM Streamyx

These steps will guide you through on how to configure ZTE ZXHN H267A modem router for TM Streamyx.

(Note: This guide is based on Software Version: V1.0.0_MYT3A)

1. Connect your laptop to modem via LAN ports. Recommended to use Port 1. If LED for Port 1 is not blinking try other ports.

2. Go to the default main page of the modem by typing http://192.168.1.1 on your internet browser.

3. Login to your modem using tmadmin userid and password.

4. Once you have successfully login, it should direct you to Management & Diagnosis > Service Scenarios. On this page information, under Default Configuration, please make sure the mode setting is set for Router (SUBB). The reboot might be required if the default mode is different.

5. Once the modem is up after the reboot, login again to modem. Then go to Internet > WAN. Under DSL tab, please disable PPPoE_VD since it is for VDSL connection and click Apply button. After that, expand PPPoE_AD, and put in your streamyx login under PPP > Username and enter your streamyx password on PPP > Password. For IP Version, please make sure the value is IPv4 then click Apply button.

6. On the same page, go to DSL Modulation Parameters and expand it. Under Modulation Type Selection, disable VDSL2 (G.993.2) since you are not using it for Streamyx which only using ADSL. Under Enhance Capability, make sure Bitswap and SRA are selected (other option are for VDSL, you can ignore it).

Configuration for the Wifi/WLAN on this modem is pretty straight forward. But do let me know if you guys need me to add the steps on this blog as well.

I am still looking for a link on how to get the latest firmware for this modem. If anyone has an info on that do share with me so that I can update this blog content on how to perform a proper firmware update and how to validate it.