Analogue CCTV still exists in older UAE buildings, but most new commercial projects standardise on IP. Understanding the differences helps you budget upgrades without ripping out usable infrastructure too early.
IP CCTV strengths
- Higher resolution and better digital zoom for identification
- PoE simplifies power and data on a single cable run
- Native analytics at the camera or NVR edge
- Easier multi-site remote monitoring over secure networks
- Clearer path to VMS, access control, and alarm integration
When analogue or hybrid still appears
Sites with heavy coax investment sometimes use HD-over-coax or hybrid recorders as a bridge. That can defer recabling costs, but analytics, resolution, and long-term parts availability usually lag pure IP. Treat hybrid as a transition, not a 10-year strategy.
Migration checklist
Audit existing cameras that still meet coverage needs, map switch and PoE capacity, reuse conduit where possible, and phase critical zones first (entrances, cash, perimeter). Document IP addressing, VLAN segmentation, and password policies before go-live.
VertiLinks designs IP and phased migration CCTV projects across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and the GCC — including structured cabling when the network backbone must be upgraded with the cameras.