Creating Connections
Connections represent the physical or logical links between cameras and devices in your network design. Creating connections helps you visualize cable routing, network topology, and how devices communicate in your CCTV or low-voltage system. You can create simple point-to-point connections or use the Connection Manager for more complex multi-device connections.
When to use this
- When you need to visualize cable routing between cameras and network devices
- When designing network topology and device interconnections
- When planning cable runs and routing paths
- When you want to model realistic cable routes with multiple waypoints
- When connecting multiple devices efficiently using the Connection Manager
Starting a connection
The simplest way to create a connection is to right-click on a camera or device. A context menu will appear with two options:
- Connect – Create a connection to a single device
- Connect with multiple devices (Connection Manager) – Open the Connection Manager for connecting multiple devices at once
Selecting connection type
When you hover over Connect, a list of available connection types appears, such as:
- LAN – Local area network connection
- WIFI – Wireless connection
- WAN – Wide area network connection
- FIBER – Fiber optic connection
- And other connection types
Select the appropriate connection type for your design.
Creating the connection
After selecting a connection type, a semi-transparent overlay appears and you enter connection mode. Now you need to select the second device or camera you want to connect to.
TIP
If the target device is on a different floor, simply switch floors - connection mode will remain active.
TIP
Instead of searching for the device on the plan, you can use the Devices Panel to select the target device or camera directly.
Click on the second device or camera to create the connection. The connection line will appear between the two devices.
Editing connections
Once a connection is created, you can select it to enter connection editing mode. Similar to editing walls, you can add additional points to model realistic cable routing.
Adding points to connections
- Mini toolbar – Click the Add point button on the mini toolbar that appears when the connection is selected
- Right-click – Right-click directly on the connection line to add a point at that location
Moving connection points
After adding points, you can drag them to new positions to model the actual cable route. This allows you to create realistic routing paths that follow walls, ceilings, or other physical constraints.
Exiting connection editing mode
To exit connection editing mode:
- Press ESC on your keyboard
- Click on an empty area of the background
Deleting connections and points
You can delete connections or individual points:
- Delete key – Press the Delete key on your keyboard
- Mini toolbar – Click the Delete button on the mini toolbar
What gets deleted depends on what's selected:
- If a connection point is selected, only that point is deleted
- If the connection line is selected, the entire connection is removed
Connection Manager
For connecting multiple devices efficiently or creating complex network topologies, use the Connection Manager. This tool allows you to connect many devices at once and is faster than creating individual connections manually.
Access the Connection Manager by right-clicking on a device and selecting Connect with multiple devices (Connection Manager) from the context menu.
Tips
- Use the Devices Panel to quickly select target devices when creating connections, especially if they're not easily visible on the current view
- Connection mode stays active when switching floors, making it easy to connect devices across multiple levels
- Add multiple points to connections to accurately model cable routing around obstacles and through building structures
- Use the Connection Manager when you need to connect many devices to save time
- Right-click on a connection line to quickly add a point at that location
- Press ESC or click the background to exit connection editing mode when you're done