Why Use Twisted Pair Transmission

What is twisted pair tranmission?

Twisted pair tranmission is a system for tranmission of CCTV signals (video, power and audio) over unshielded twisted pair wires (UTP or CAT5 network cable). This system provides an alternative solution to using coaxial cable, wireless or fiber-based system.

Benefits of twisted pair tranmission

• Fast and easy wire installation. UTP cable is thinner and more flexible than coaxial cable and thus easier to layout and handle. The effort needed to install decreases as more cameras to be installed increases.
• Lower labor costs. Since cabling is easier and faster, lower labor costs can be charged. Also, the CCTV installation is completed earlier so other costs like traveling expenses and allowances are saved.
• Less costly cabling. By using twisted pair "hubs", several cameras in one location can be combined and video can be transmitted over a single UTP cable. For large installation, this saves a lot of cables since instead of running a coaxial cable for each camera, only a single UTP cable needs to be layed out.
• Easier maintenance. Using twisted pair transmission reduces the number of cables used and consequently the number of cables that need to be checked when problems arise.
• Long range transmission. Powered (active) transmitters and receivers allow transmitting CCTV signals over distances that span kilometers.
• Better interference immunity. Active transmitters and receivers have built-in transient protection and ground loop lifting which provide protection from interference.
• Multiple video signals in the same bundle. Twisted pair hubs combine several cameras and allow tranmission over a single UTP cable.
• RS485/RS422 data signal transmission. Video power and data can be transmitted over a single cable instead of 3 different cables (coaxial cable, power cable, UTP cable)
• Power transmission. Some models allow transmission of power over the UTP cable.
• Take advantage of structured building wiring. Some buildings already have UTP cables layed out. If this is the case, then laying out new cables can be skipped by using instead these cables for CCTV transmission.

Applications

Twisted pair transmission is recommended for CCTV projects where coaxial cable is difficult to use (either there are many cameras to be installed or there is interference present in the environment) or where UTP cable is already present. These locations include but are not limited to:

• Newly constructed buildings
• Power plants
• Elevators
• Entry gates
• School campuses
• Casinos

References

"CCTV Smart Cabling Twisted Pair Transmission System." SC & T, Print.