CCTV Rack in MDF & IDF

CCTV Rack in MDF & IDF

1️⃣ MDF (Main Distribution Frame) – Main CCTV Rack
• Purpose: Central control and distribution point for the entire building or project.
• Location: Usually in the main server/ELV room.
• Equipment in CCTV Rack (MDF):
• Fiber Patch Panel
• Core Switch / Fiber Switch
• Network Switches (for uplinks)
• CCTV NVR (64-channel or more)
• Patch Panels (CAT6)
• Cable Management Panels
• UPS & Battery Backup
• Function: Manages the whole CCTV network; connects to IDFs via fiber.

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2️⃣ IDF (Intermediate Distribution Frame) – Sub CCTV Rack
• Purpose: Local distribution point for specific floors/zones.
• Location: Each floor or area (closer to the cameras).
• Equipment in CCTV Rack (IDF):
• Fiber Patch Panel (link from MDF)
• Switches (PoE) for powering and connecting cameras
• Cable Management Panels
• (Usually no NVR here — recordings go to MDF NVR over network)
• Function: Connects nearby cameras to the network and sends data back to MDF.

Key Difference in One Line.
• MDF = Main control center (all IDFs connect here).
• IDF = Local distribution point (connects nearby cameras to MDF).

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Source: LinkedIn

Credits: Mr. Mohammed Dilawar