When installing CCTV cameras, one of the most common questions technicians ask is:
“Can I connect two IP cameras using a single Cat6 cable?”
The short answer is: Yes, but only in very specific situations.
In most professional installations, one Cat6 = one IP camera is the recommended industry standard.
This blog explains when it is safe, when it is not, and why—so you can design a reliable and future-proof CCTV system.
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Why People Try to Use One Cat6 Cable for Two Cameras
The main reasons are:
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Only one cable route is available
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Reducing installation cost
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Difficult to pull extra cables
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Temporary CCTV setups
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Trying to save time on retrofitting
But incorrect methods can cause video loss, power issues, and network failures.
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When It Is Recommended to Use One Cat6 Cable for Two IP Cameras
You can share one Cat6 cable only when you use supported and safe methods.
1. When Using a Dual PoE Splitter Designed for 2 Cameras
Some specialized PoE splitters take one PoE input and provide two isolated PoE outputs.
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Safe for low-power cameras
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No DIY cable cutting
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Maintains data integrity
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Best for distances below 30–40m
✔ Recommended for temporary or limited-space installations.
2. When Both Cameras Are Low-Bandwidth (2MP or Below)
If both cameras use:
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H.265 codec
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Low bitrate (1.5–2 Mbps)
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Standard 1080p streams
Then one gigabit Cat6 cable can handle the data load.
✔ Works well for homes, small shops, warehouses.
3. For Temporary Events or Portable CCTV Installations
Events, exhibitions, festivals, or short-term monitoring setups can use one cable for two cameras.
✔ Good for quick installation
✘ Not suitable for long-term security systems
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When It Is Not Recommended to Use One Cat6 Cable for Two Cameras
1. Professional CCTV Installations (Home, Office, Shops, Apartments)
Industry-standard rule:
One Cable = One Camera
Why?
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Ensures consistent bandwidth
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Avoids packet loss during night vision
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Stable PoE power delivery
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Future upgrades become easy
❌ Splitting one cable is not recommended for permanent installations.
2. When Cameras Use PoE (Most Common Case)
PoE (802.3af / 802.3at) is designed for one device per cable.
Splitting cables manually causes:
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Power drop
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Heat build-up
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Possible device damage
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Unstable video stream
❌ Never use passive Y-splitters for PoE cameras.
3. When Distance Is Above 35–40 Meters
Long cables already suffer from:
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Voltage drop
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Resistance
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Noise and interference
Sharing one cable doubles the problem.
❌ Expect video freezing or complete dropout.
4. For 4MP / 8MP / 12MP Cameras and Future Upgrading
Higher megapixels need:
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More bandwidth
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More stable power
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Gigabit network support
If you split one Cat6, both cameras suffer.
❌ Not future-proof.
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Technical Explanation: Why Sharing Cable Causes Problems
A Cat6 cable has four twisted pairs.
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IP cameras use all 4 pairs for Gigabit connection.
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PoE uses the same pairs for power.
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Splitting removes isolation and halves the capacity.
This results in:
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Slower speeds
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Loss of gigabit capability
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High interference
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Poor power delivery
That’s why professional standards (TIA/EIA) recommend:
One dedicated Cat6 cable per device.
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Best Practice Recommendation
For a stable CCTV system:
🌟 Always run one Cat6 cable per IP camera.
Use dual-camera solutions only when:
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Temporary setup
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Short distance
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Low megapixel cameras
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Approved PoE splitters
This ensures high reliability and smooth video recording.