General Overview and Specs
Ethernet Camera System
An Ethernet camera system networks via Ethernet cables. Ethernet-based camera models include PrimeX series (PrimeX 13, 13W, 22, 41), SlimX 13, and Prime Color models. Ethernet cables not only offer faster data transfer rates, but they also provide power over Ethernet to each camera while transferring the data to the host PC. This reduces the number of required cables and simplifies the overall setup. Furthermore, Ethernet cables have much longer length capability (up to 100m), allowing the systems to cover large volumes.
Main Components
Host PC with an isolated network (PCI/e NIC)
Ethernet Cameras
Ethernet cables
Ethernet PoE/PoE+ Switches
Uplink switch (for large camera count setup)
The eSync (optional for synchronizations)
Ethernet Cable Requirements
Cable Type
There are multiple categories for Ethernet cables, and each has different specifications for maximum data transmission rate and cable length. For an Ethernet based system, Cat6 or above Gigabit Ethernet cables should be used. 10 Gigabit Ethernet cables – Cat6a or above — are recommended in conjunction with a 10 Gigabit uplink switch for the connection between the uplink switch and the host PC in order to accommodate for high data traffic.
Note
Electromagnetic Shielding
We recommend using only cables that have electromagnetic interference shielding. If unshielded cables are used, cables in close proximity to each other have the potential to create data transfer interference and cause cameras to stall in Motive.
Unshielded cables do not protect the cameras from Electrostatic Discharge (ESD), which can damage the camera. Do not use unshielded cables in environments where ESD exposure is a risk.
Network Switch Requirement and Setup
Our current general standard for network switches are:
PoE ports with at least 1GB of data transfer for each port.
Switch Setup
If you have a switch that is not purchased from OptiTrack, these are not supported by our support team.
General Questions
Troubleshooting
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