--- title: "VLANs Explained: Separating CCTV from the Office Network | Qyvea Kenya" url: https://qyvea.co.ke/vlans-for-cctv-networks-kenya description: "VLANs explained in plain language: why CCTV and access control should be separated from office and guest networks, how VLANs work on managed switches, and the security benefits." updated: 2026-10-17 --- > Markdown copy of https://qyvea.co.ke/vlans-for-cctv-networks-kenya for AI assistants. Prices and stock change; check the live page. We deliver products across Kenya · same-day dispatch · delivered within 24 hours[CCTV Installation](https://qyvea.co.ke/cctv)[Access Control](https://qyvea.co.ke/access-control-systems-kenya)[Biometrics & Attendance](https://qyvea.co.ke/biometrics)[Electric Fencing](https://qyvea.co.ke/electric-fence)[Automatic Gates](https://qyvea.co.ke/automatic-gates)[Fire Alarm Systems](https://qyvea.co.ke/fire-alarm-systems)[Security Guards & K9](https://qyvea.co.ke/security-guards)[Solar Installation](https://qyvea.co.ke/solar-installation)[Solar & Power Backup](https://qyvea.co.ke/solar-solutions)[Electrical Installation](https://qyvea.co.ke/electrical-installation)[Smart Home Automation](https://qyvea.co.ke/smart-home-automation)[Building Management (BMS)](https://qyvea.co.ke/bms)[Networking & Wi-Fi](https://qyvea.co.ke/networking)[IT Support](https://qyvea.co.ke/it-support)[Cyber Security](https://qyvea.co.ke/cybersecurity)[System Integration](https://qyvea.co.ke/system-integration)[Intercom Systems](https://qyvea.co.ke/intercom)[PA Systems](https://qyvea.co.ke/pa-systems)[POS Systems](https://qyvea.co.ke/pos-systems)[Queue Management](https://qyvea.co.ke/queue-management-systems)[Business Supply (B2B)](https://qyvea.co.ke/business-supply-kenya)[Maintenance & Repairs](https://qyvea.co.ke/maintenance) Networking & IT · Technology Explained # VLANs: Separating CCTV from the Office Network Why cameras, office PCs and guest Wi-Fi shouldn't all share one network, and how VLANs separate them on the same switches. Imagine something goes wrong at your gate tonight. Could you show exactly who, when and how? Read on: it takes a few minutes and could save you a lot more than that. **In this guide you will see:** - VLANs separate traffic on the same switches. - CCTV traffic stays off the office network. - Guests can't reach cameras or controllers. Quick answer A VLAN (virtual LAN) splits one physical network into separate logical networks. Putting CCTV, access control, office PCs and guest Wi-Fi in different VLANs stops heavy camera traffic slowing the office, and stops a compromised laptop or guest device reaching the cameras. [Photo: Alan J. Hendry / Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/photos/KNt4zd8HPb0) Why this matters now ## Every night without proper recording is a night you cannot prove anything. ### If you wait - A theft or a dispute becomes your word against theirs - You hear about it hours later, if at all - Police and insurers ask what you can show them ### What you get - Every entrance recorded day and night - Playback on your phone within minutes - A visible camera changes how people behave [Hikvision DS-2CD1023G0E-I 2MP Bullet](/products/hikvision-ds-2cd1023g0e-i-2mp-bullet-network-camera-132 "Hikvision DS-2CD1023G0E-I 2MP Bullet Network Camera")[Dahua HDCVI 2MP Dome](/products/dahua-hdcvi-2mp-dome-camera-14357 "Dahua HDCVI 2MP Dome Camera")[Hikvision DS-7616NI-Q2 16CH 4K](/products/hikvision-ds-7616ni-q2-16ch-4k-nvr-189 "Hikvision DS-7616NI-Q2 16CH 4K NVR") [Get my free quote on WhatsApp](https://wa.me/254113301244?text=Hi%20Qyvea%2C%20I%20read%20your%20guide%3A%20VLANs%3A%20Separating%20CCTV%20from%20the%20Office%20Network.%20I%20want%20CCTV%20sorted.%20Can%20you%20help%3F)Reply usually within 30 minutes. Free site survey in Nairobi and nearby counties. Real products, live prices, in stock now ## Key takeaways - VLANs separate traffic on the same switches. - CCTV traffic stays off the office network. - Guests can't reach cameras or controllers. - Needs managed switches and planning. - Alternative for small sites: physically separate switches. ## The idea One network, separated Managed switch VLAN 10Office PCs VLAN 20CCTV VLAN 30Access control VLAN 40Guest Wi-Fi Router / firewallcontrols what can talk to what ## Why it matters - Dozens of camera streams can saturate a shared network - Cameras and recorders often run older firmware: keep them away from guests - Faults are easier to isolate - Access rules decide who can view the recorder **Did you know?**: For small systems, a separate switch (or a recorder with built-in PoE ports that keeps cameras on their own network) achieves similar separation without VLANs. ## What's needed - Managed switches that support VLANs - A router or firewall to control traffic between VLANs - An addressing plan - Documentation, so the next technician understands it See [IP addressing basics](https://qyvea.co.ke/ip-addressing-basics-kenya). ## Frequently asked questions Do I need VLANs for CCTV? Not always. Small systems can use a separate switch or the NVR's own PoE ports. Larger or shared networks benefit from VLANs. Can I use VLANs on any switch? No, you need managed (or smart-managed) switches that support VLANs. Will VLANs stop me viewing CCTV on my phone? No. Remote viewing is set up through the router; VLANs just control what can reach the cameras internally. ## Why customers choose Qyvea **Genuine brands**: Manufacturer warranty on what we sell, so you are not gambling on the box. **One team, start to finish**: The people who advise you also install and support it. **Fast answers**: WhatsApp replies usually within 30 minutes, and delivery within 24 hours in Nairobi. **Easy to buy**: Pay by M-Pesa, bank transfer or card. Free delivery in Nairobi on orders over KES 5,000. **Risk taken off you**: 7-day returns and exchanges on products, and a workmanship warranty on installations. **Customers say so**: Rated 4.6/5 from 57 Google reviews. **Your next step takes one minute:** send us a photo of the place on WhatsApp and we will tell you what it needs. ## Related articles [Networking & IT · Technology Explained IP Addressing Basics IP addresses, subnets, DHCP vs static and gateways, explained for people who manage CCTV and office networks, not network engineers. 2 min read**READ FULL ARTICLE →**](https://qyvea.co.ke/ip-addressing-basics-kenya)[Networking & IT · Technology Explained Structured Cabling Explained Why a tidy, labelled, tested cabling system saves money for the life of a building, and what it consists of. 2 min read**READ FULL ARTICLE →**](https://qyvea.co.ke/structured-cabling-explained-kenya)[Networking & IT · Technology Explained PoE Explained: PoE Switch vs PoE Injector How one network cable powers an IP camera, the PoE standards and power levels, switch vs injector, and why power budgets matter. 2 min read**READ FULL ARTICLE →**](https://qyvea.co.ke/poe-explained-switch-vs-injector-kenya) ### Related services [Networking & Cabling](https://qyvea.co.ke/networking)[IT Support](https://qyvea.co.ke/it-support) ### Related products [Best switches & routers](https://qyvea.co.ke/best-network-switch-router-kenya) ### Related projects [Real Qyvea case studies](https://qyvea.co.ke/projects#case-studies) [← Previous**UPS for Network Equipment**](https://qyvea.co.ke/ups-for-network-equipment-routers-switches-kenya)[Next →**: VoIP and Business Phone Systems**](https://qyvea.co.ke/voip-and-business-phone-systems-kenya) ## Need this system installed? 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