GarrettCom wanted to expand its corporate security network by adding a series of video cameras in different locations of its headquarters, typically one pointed at each outside door. The video records would be saved and would be viewable from outside over the Internet in case of a security incident. Like a lot of companies seeking to install surveillance cameras, GarrettCom did not have AC power outlets in some of the desired camera locations.
Traditionally, cameras would require AC power in order to operate. GarrettCom found that many of the cameras now available have have a built-in Power over Ethernet (PoE) port that would eliminate the AC power requirement. GarrettCom knew that some vendors in the market were offering products known as midspan solutions-- a patch-panel sort of device that could be added and used with a standard Ethernet switch to add PoE power for the cameras.
GarrettCom always believed this would be a cumbersome approach.