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Network switches, cable runs and the Schedule

Guide 5 of 10 · 2 min read

Add the network switches (IDFs or closets) and SightLine works out each camera's cable length, the ports used and the PoE load on every switch.

Add a switch

1. Click Switch on the map toolbar (or press N).
2. Pick the Maker and Model. The line below shows its PoE ports and PoE budget.
3. Click Place on the map, then click where the switch or network closet is.

Switches are named SW-01, SW-02 and so on. To rename one, edit the name at the top of its panel. The Cable runs checkbox turns on so you can see each run. For a model that isn't listed, choose the Generic maker and enter its PoE ports and PoE budget (W).

Connect cameras to switches

• With one switch, every camera connects to it.
• When you add a second switch, the cameras you already have stay on the first. Each new camera needs its switch picked: it shows a "!" on the map and "no switch" in the Layers tab.
• Pick the switch in the Switch box in the camera's panel, or tick cameras under Cameras on this switch in the switch's panel. A camera is on one switch only.

Ports and PoE budget

The switch panel shows Ports used and PoE budget used as bars, and warns when the switch is over capacity. The fix is a bigger model or a second switch. Each camera's PoE draw comes from its model and is shown in its panel.

Cable lengths

Each run is a planning estimate: the path from the switch to the camera, plus the camera's mount height, plus a 15 ft service loop.

• Without a drawn route, the path is a straight line plus 20%.
• To follow a trench or conduit, click Draw cable route in the camera's panel, click each bend, then double-click or press Enter. Drawn routes add 10%. Reset to straight removes the route.

Runs over 328 ft (100 m), the Ethernet limit, are shown in red: they need a closer switch or an extender.

The Schedule

Click Schedule in the top bar to open the Camera schedule under the map. It shows:

• A summary: how many of each camera model, Verkada licenses by retention, switches, and the total PoE.
• One row per camera: model, type, resolution, field of view, aim, mount height, identify and recognize distances, PoE, switch, cable length, retention, what it covers and notes.

Click a row to select that camera on the map. Export CSV saves the schedule as a spreadsheet file. Click ✕ to close the panel. Lengths follow the ft / m button in the top bar.