How To Guide
How to Set Up IP Cameras for Office Surveillance
IP cameras provide flexible, high-quality security monitoring for your business premises. Unlike older analogue CCTV, IP cameras connect to your network and can be managed remotely.
Overview
IP cameras offer significantly higher resolution than analogue systems, support remote viewing via smartphone apps, include smart detection features (motion, person, vehicle), and scale easily by adding cameras to your network.
Step 1: Plan Your Camera System
Design effective camera coverage for your premises.
1
Camera Placement Strategy
- Cover ALL entry and exit points: front door, back door, loading bays, fire exits
- Monitor reception and public-facing areas where visitors and customers enter
- Cover car park entrances and key parking areas
- Install cameras in server rooms, stock rooms, and high-value storage areas
- Position cameras to capture faces at head height (1.5-1.8m) for identification
- Avoid cameras in toilets, changing areas, private break rooms, and union meeting rooms
- Consider both interior and exterior lighting conditions — some areas need IR capability
2
Choose Camera Equipment
- Indoor dome cameras: 2-4 MP, vandal-resistant, from 50 pounds each
- Outdoor bullet cameras: 4-8 MP, weatherproof IP67, from 80 pounds each
- PTZ (Pan-Tilt-Zoom) cameras: For large areas, from 200 pounds each
- NVR (Network Video Recorder): Centralised recording and management
- Calculate storage: 1 camera at 4MP continuous = approximately 25GB per day
- Plan retention: 30 days minimum, which requires significant storage
- PoE (Power over Ethernet) cameras: Single cable for power and data — simplifies installation
3
Recording and Storage
- NVR sizing: Multiply per-camera daily storage x number of cameras x retention days
- Example: 8 cameras x 25GB/day x 30 days = 6TB minimum NVR storage
- Use surveillance-rated hard drives: WD Purple, Seagate SkyHawk
- Configure motion-based recording to reduce storage requirements by 50-70%
- Enable H.265 compression for 50% storage savings over H.264
- Consider cloud backup of key footage for offsite protection
Step 2: Network and Camera Configuration
Set up cameras securely on your business network.
1
Secure Camera Network
- Place ALL cameras on a dedicated VLAN, isolated from corporate network
- Use a PoE switch dedicated to cameras for easy power management
- Change every camera's default username and password immediately after setup
- Disable UPnP on all cameras — prevents automatic port forwarding
- Keep camera firmware updated — subscribe to manufacturer security advisories
- Use HTTPS for camera web interface access
- Disable any cloud services you don't need on the cameras
2
NVR Configuration
- Connect NVR to the camera VLAN via a managed switch
- Add cameras to NVR using their static IP addresses
- Configure recording schedules: Continuous for entry points, motion-triggered for others
- Set up motion detection zones to reduce false alerts
- Configure email notifications for after-hours motion detection
- Set up NVR user accounts with role-based access (admin, viewer, operator)
- Enable NVR hard drive health monitoring
3
Remote Viewing
- Install manufacturer's mobile app: Hik-Connect (Hikvision), Reolink, etc.
- Set up VPN on your router for secure remote access to camera feeds
- Avoid exposing NVR directly to the internet — use VPN or secure relay
- Enable push notifications for motion alerts to your phone
- Configure viewing permissions per user — not everyone needs all cameras
- Test remote viewing from 4G/5G to ensure it works outside the office
Step 3: GDPR and Legal Compliance
Meet UK legal requirements for workplace surveillance.
1
Signage and Notification
- Display clear, visible CCTV signage at ALL entrances to the monitored area
- Signs must include: That recording is taking place, your company name, contact details
- Signs should state the purpose of surveillance (e.g., crime prevention, safety)
- Use the ICO template for CCTV signage as a starting point
- Place signs at eye level where they cannot be missed
- Update signs whenever the scope or purpose of surveillance changes
2
Legal Documentation
- Register with the ICO if monitoring areas accessible to the public (fee: 40-60 pounds/year)
- Create a CCTV policy document covering: Purpose, retention period, access controls, rights
- Conduct a Data Protection Impact Assessment (DPIA) before installing cameras
- Include CCTV in your employee privacy notice and handbook
- Document the legal basis for surveillance (usually legitimate interests)
- Review your CCTV policy annually and update as needed
3
Data Subject Rights
- Respond to Subject Access Requests (SARs) within 30 calendar days
- Individuals can request footage of themselves — you must provide it
- Blur or redact other people in the footage before providing it
- Delete footage after your stated retention period — do not keep indefinitely
- Log all access to CCTV footage: who viewed what and when
- Train staff who access CCTV on data protection obligations
Warning:
Failure to comply with GDPR requirements for CCTV can result in enforcement action and fines from the ICO. Have signage and documentation in place before cameras go live.
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