So, it seems that the cost of IP cameras are starting to come down to where I'm looking at using them. I haven't yet, but ready too.
The thing that I thought would happen is slow the internet speed down within the premises it's in. I don't know when or where I heard it but it's been stuck in my head.
So, for those that have some experience with them, what are the pros and cons you found.
What is the best way to set them up as to not slow down the local network?
Do you use a NVR or can they record directly to the users computer?
One of my distys likes Nuv*co and swears by them, anyone used them?
Sorry for all the questions but I'm trying to get as much info as I can before jumping in and want info from the guys installing them and not just relying on the people selling them.

If your catX is home run, the way analog would have been, than there are several things you can do to eliminate the issues with network slowdown to other net devices.

Thanks Mario- Can you direct me to where I can find more info on this.......

I'm not a network guru... but as far as I know, as long as you use a proper switch with every device connected to its own port, then traffic between the cameras and your recording device should not impact throughput on the rest of the network.

Of course, there are other things you can do to completely isolate the cameras from everything else, but I don't know that in a home network it's necessary.

The number one rule with IP cameras (and a lot of IP capable devices) is OWNING THE NETWORK. Don't bother installing IP cams if you don't have full control of routers, switches, etc. One change on and/or swap of the router and there is a high probability that some or none of the cameras will work.

Next, physical isolation is your best bet. 
One switch (most likely PoE) for the cameras, and everything else (PCs, printers, data type network stuff) on another switch.

If you're doing this on the budget, most likely you won't have redundant managed switches in place. 
Even with VLANs, you're still maxing out at what Cat5/6 can push over that single wire.
If you're doing small installations with 4-8 cams, depending on bandwidth and settings on the camera, you 'should' have enough overheard. 
But if you're moving large files between PCs and already straining/maxing existing copper network infrastructure, adding IPs to same wire is only going to make matters worse.

Every IP camera will have specs on data throughput. It will depend on resolution, FPS, compression used (CODEC) and so forth. 
Do simple math and see what it adds up to and go from there. 

I'm sure other IT gurus (Chris, Paul, Jason, etc.) will chime in with suggestions, and maybe even a web based calculator. 

Don't you create a network with just the cameras on it? You view cameras through the NVR, which is connected to your data network and the internet. Cameras then cannot affect network speed.All problems are solved.

You could do it just like JAP, isolated MAC's on a VPN via a managed switch. More sophisticated installs couldn't have it on its own network as you would then loose IP control that's tied into rest of network or other tie-in, ie streaming to handhelds or inwalls.

We have the new Snap 16 channel IP sitting here in box waiting for time to hook it up! VERY EXCITED!!

This is how I thought it should be done. I know you may not always be able to home run all cameras to a single location though. Burt the overall thought of the cameras having there own "network" and then having one connection to the internet side to view, etc.
What about the existing customer that has cat5 or 6 running to various parts of there house and now wants cameras? Is this case, more "calculating" may be involved from what I'm understanding or ?
I gotta just dig in and do it, ip is where everything is going.

I will only ever use HD Panasonic IP cams from this point on. Have used them on the last 4 CCTV projects without issues. Went to another installation where another company put in some cheap $120 bullet cams and the image is [email protected] Was brought in because they had some vandalism and the cameras/DVR proved to be worthless. You could stare at the footage on the DVR for hours and not be able to identify a single person caught on camera.

Great questions on networking when relating to IP Surveillance! Going to IP from analog is like going from an old standard def tube TV to a high def flat panel, but you must understand and consider the network and internet connection.

Mario offers a great summary above. At minimum we highly recommend a dedicated 1 gigabit network switch dedicated for all IP cameras and the NVR. This switch would be connected to a port on the router/gateway, or a higher level switch that in turn is connected to the router/gateway. If you are more network savvy and use managed switches then a VLAN setup can accomplish the same goal. The idea behind this is that you keep your high megapixel traffic going to the NVR on the local switch. Any outside requests for viewing (PC, mobile or control system) can be for lower resolution streams to reduce latency and overcome bandwidth restricted ISP connections (it is the ISP’s upload restriction that is typically the gating factor). In summary, all IP camera traffic to the NVR stays local to the switch while outside requests are handled by the NVR (or direct camera access) through the central switch/router.

You could use a local / dedicated / closed network but if you want to remote view you will need a connection to the internet.

This might be of interest. You can use it to get an idea of the network usage:

[Link: axis.com]

Hey Ranger, How did the Snap NVR install go? Looking for feedback on it.........

Pretty painless. Lots of adjustment options. however, Im still not sold on IP yet as it needs lots of light to keep from switching to IR. However, Im told there are some settings to make adjustments. Havent had time to play with it more. Also have the encoder, which is nice to add analog to the mix. I don't like that all cams don't show up on one screen. You have to view the encoder separately.

Great point. The fact that the camera is an IP camera doesn't mean anything if the resolution is not high. We try to use AVS 3.0 megapixel cameras. Their tech support is great.