Security Camera Upgrade for a Schaumburg Office Complex

Project Overview

A two-building office complex in Schaumburg, IL was operating with an analog CCTV system that had been installed over fifteen years ago. The property management firm responsible for the complex contacted Vidimost LLC after repeated complaints from tenants about poor image quality and unreliable recording. We replaced the entire system with Axis IP cameras and Eagle Eye Networks cloud-based video management, supported by a new PoE network backbone.

The Challenge

The existing system consisted of approximately 30 analog cameras connected to two standalone DVRs, one per building. The cameras produced low-resolution footage that was largely useless for identifying individuals or reading license plates. Several cameras had failed entirely and had not been replaced. The DVRs were recording on local hard drives that were nearing capacity, and the property manager had no remote access to live or recorded video. Reviewing footage required driving to the building and sitting at the DVR console.

The analog coaxial cabling was run through ceiling plenums and conduit throughout both buildings. While some of the cable runs were still intact, several had been damaged during tenant build-outs over the years.

The property management firm needed a system that would deliver clear, identifiable footage at all entry points and parking areas, provide remote access to live and recorded video from any device, and reduce the maintenance burden of managing on-premises recording hardware.

The Solution

Vidimost designed a system centered on Axis IP cameras paired with Eagle Eye Networks cloud VMS. We deployed 36 Axis cameras across both buildings, covering main entrances, rear exits, loading docks, hallway corridors on each floor, elevator lobbies, and the shared parking lot. Cameras at vehicle entry and exit points were specified with Axis Lightfinder technology for clear footage in low-light parking conditions.

All camera footage streams to Eagle Eye Networks’ cloud platform, eliminating the need for on-premises DVRs or NVRs. The property manager and building owners can view live feeds and search recorded footage from a web browser or mobile app. Eagle Eye’s intelligent bandwidth management sends full-resolution video to the cloud while minimizing bandwidth consumption through adaptive streaming.

For a deeper look at our camera system capabilities, visit our video surveillance services page.

Network Upgrade

The move from analog to IP required a proper network foundation. We installed managed PoE switches in each building’s telecom closet, with dedicated VLANs for camera traffic isolated from tenant networks. Where existing coaxial runs were intact, we replaced them with Cat6 cabling. Where runs had been damaged, we pulled new cable paths through available conduit and cable tray.

Each PoE switch was sized with adequate power budget to support all connected cameras plus a margin for future expansion. UPS battery backup units were installed at each switch location to maintain camera operation during short power interruptions.

Outcome

The office complex now operates a 36-camera IP surveillance system with cloud recording and remote access. The property manager can view any camera from their office or phone without traveling to the site. Image quality improved dramatically, with HD resolution that allows clear identification of individuals and vehicles. The cloud platform automatically manages storage retention, eliminating the maintenance burden of local hard drives.

Tenants have responded positively to the visible upgrade in security infrastructure, and the property management firm reported that the improved camera coverage contributed to a reduction in after-hours incidents in the parking lot during the first quarter after installation.

Contact Vidimost LLC at (872) 254-5015 or [email protected] to discuss a camera upgrade for your office building.