A Beginner's Guide to Business Surveillance: Leveraging Surveillance Switches

In today’s fast-paced business environment, ensuring the security of your premises, assets, and employees is more critical than ever. Surveillance systems have become a cornerstone of modern business security, and at the heart of these systems lies a powerful yet often overlooked component: the surveillance switch.
This beginner’s guide will walk you through the essentials of business surveillance, focusing on how smart surveillance switches—like the D-Link DSS-200G Gigabit PoE Smart Surveillance Switches—can simplify and enhance your security setup.
Why Business Surveillance Matters
Surveillance isn’t just about catching thieves in the act; it’s about creating a safe, monitored environment that protects your business from various risks. Whether you run a small retail shop, a warehouse, or an office, a surveillance system can:
  • Deter theft and vandalism: Visible cameras discourage potential wrongdoers.
  • Monitor employee and customer activity: Ensure safety and compliance with company policies.
  • Provide evidence: Recorded footage can help resolve disputes or assist law enforcement.
  • Enhance peace of mind: Know your business is secure, even when you’re not there.
For beginners, setting up a surveillance system might seem daunting—cameras, cables, power supplies, and storage devices all need to work together seamlessly. That’s where surveillance switches come in, acting as the backbone of your system.
What Is a Surveillance Switch?
A surveillance switch is a specialised network switch designed to support IP (Internet Protocol) surveillance cameras and other security devices. Unlike a standard network switch, a surveillance switch is optimised for video data transmission, power delivery, and easy management—key factors for an effective security setup.
The D-Link DSS-200G Series, for example, is a range of Gigabit PoE (Power over Ethernet) smart surveillance switches built specifically for businesses. With models like the DSS-200G-10MP, DSS-200G-10MPP, DSS-200G-28MP, and DSS-200G-28MPP, these switches offer features tailored to surveillance needs, making them an excellent choice for beginners and seasoned professionals alike.
Key Features of the D-Link DSS-200G Series
Let’s break down why the DSS-200G series stands out and how it simplifies business surveillance:

 

  1. Power over Ethernet (PoE)
    PoE allows the switch to deliver both power and data to your IP cameras through a single Ethernet cable. No need for separate power adapters or messy wiring!
  2. The DSS-200G series supports PoE and PoE++ (up to 90W on select ports), with power budgets as high as 518W (on the DSS-200G-28MPP). This means you can power high-demand devices like PTZ (pan-tilt-zoom) cameras without extra equipment.
  3. Extended Range with Extend Mode
    Need to place a camera far from the switch? The DSS-200G’s Extend Mode lets you deploy cameras up to 250 meters away—perfect for large properties like warehouses or parking lots.
  4. Surge Protection
    Outdoor cameras are vulnerable to lightning and power surges. With 6kV surge protection on all PoE ports, the DSS-200G keeps your equipment safe.
  5. Easy Setup with DIP Switches
    No IT degree? No problem. The built-in DIP switch lets you toggle settings like QoS (Quality of Service), Extend Mode, and Port Isolation without diving into complex software.
  6. Smart Management Features
    The switch auto-detects ONVIF-compliant cameras (a standard for IP devices) and organizes them into a surveillance VLAN (Virtual Local Area Network). This keeps video traffic separate from your regular network, improving performance and security.
    A web-based interface and SNMP support offer more advanced control when you’re ready to dive deeper.
  7. PoE Usage Indicators
    Built-in LEDs show your power usage (25%, 50%, 75%, 100%), so you always know how much capacity you have left for additional devices.
  8. Scalability
    With options ranging from 10 to 28 ports, plus fibre uplinks for connecting to servers or NVRs (Network Video Recorders), the DSS-200G grows with your business.

How to Set Up Your Surveillance System with the DSS-200G

Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to get started:
  1. Plan Your Surveillance Layout
    • Identify key areas to monitor (entrances, cash registers, parking lots, etc.).
    • Decide how many cameras you need and their types (e.g., fixed, PTZ, indoor, outdoor).
  2. Choose Your Equipment
    • Pick IP cameras compatible with PoE (D-Link offers great options, but the DSS-200G works with third-party ONVIF devices too).
    • Get an NVR or a computer with surveillance software for recording and playback.
  3. Install the DSS-200G Switch
    • Mount the switch in a secure, ventilated location (it’s rack-mountable for convenience).
    • Connect it to your router or network using an Ethernet cable.
  4. Connect Your Cameras
    • Run Ethernet cables from the switch’s PoE ports to each camera. For distances over 100 meters, enable Extend Mode via the DIP switch.
    • The switch will automatically power and detect the cameras—no extra configuration needed for basic use.
  5. Set Up Recording
    • Connect the switch to your NVR via a Gigabit uplink port.
    • Configure your NVR or software to recognize the cameras and start recording.
  6. Test and Monitor
    • Check live feeds to ensure all cameras are working.
    • Use the DSS-200G’s web interface to tweak settings like bandwidth allocation or VLANs as needed.
Benefits for Your Business
Using a surveillance switch like the DSS-200G offers several advantages:
  • Cost Savings: Fewer cables and power supplies reduce installation costs.
  • Reliability: Surge protection and smart features minimize downtime.
  • Flexibility: Easily add more cameras as your business grows.
  • Simplicity: Plug-and-play design means you don’t need to be a tech expert.
Tips for Beginners
  • Start Small: Begin with a few cameras and expand as you get comfortable with the system.
  • Check Power Needs: Ensure your cameras’ power requirements match the switch’s PoE budget (e.g., 30W for standard cameras, 90W for PTZ).
  • Secure Your Network: Use the surveillance VLAN and strong passwords to protect your video feeds.
  • Leverage Support: The DSS-200G comes with a 5-year D-Link warranty—reach out to their team if you need help.
Why Choose the D-Link DSS-200G?
The DSS-200G series is designed with businesses in mind, offering a balance of power, ease of use, and advanced features. Whether you’re securing a small shop or a sprawling facility, it provides the tools to deploy a robust surveillance system without breaking the bank or your patience.
Ready to take the next step? Visit D-Link’s DSS-200G product page to explore the full range and find the model that fits your needs. Embark on your journey to a safer home or business with D-Link's surveillance solutions. If you need any advice, you can contact us via our live chat - or drop us an email

 


By Alan Jones, Marketing Manager, D-Link

A highly experienced Marketing professional, Alan Jones has led the UK&I Marketing Strategy of D-Link for 5 years.