Hello Friends,
Today I would like to share the best practices for building video surveillance networks
The shift from analog to Internet Protocol (IP) surveillance cameras has changed the way that video surveillance systems are built. Instead of running lengths of coax cable from multiplexers out to cameras, an IP-based surveillance system involves plugging the cameras into an Ethernet Local Area Network (LAN). There are numerous benefits to using an IP-based system, including simplified cabling, power reticulation over the cabling, native digital video, and greater camera control. Taking full advantage of these benefits requires making the right choices in the configuration of the underlying Ethernet LAN. In addition, using an Ethernet LAN presents its own challenges, as it is a significantly more intelligent and dynamic environment than a collection of coax cables. In order to maximize system capabilities and avoid potential pitfalls, installers need to have an understanding of the best practices in configuring Ethernet network infrastructure within a video surveillance system.
The best practices fall into four broad areas. Each has a core motivation or goal:
· Goal 1: Minimize data loss
· Goal 2: Maintain security
· Goal 3: Maximize flexibility
· Goal 4: Future-proof the network
Goal 1: Minimize data loss
Excellent outcomes are achieved by getting the details right at every level. The goals and tips range across all aspects of network design, from where to locate switches, right down to the finer details of protocol configuration.
In a traditional IP network the loss of some data packets, or even a brief outage, are recoverable events. Certainly, an outage of an e-commerce website can be expensive in terms of lost sales, but a brief outage will typically result in just a small blip in the overall sales figures. However, for a video surveillance network, even a brief outage at the wrong moment can mean failing to record the vital evidence that catches a criminal, or failing to alert security personnel in time to prevent a criminal act. With real-time video capture, there is no second chance. Once a particular moment in time has passed, there is no going back to record it again. One of the prime motivations for installing video surveillance systems is that they provide 24/7 vigilance. So, lost data or network outages undermine a primary purpose of the system. The goal of minimizing data loss is therefore a driving principle in the design of video surveillance networks
Goal 2: Maintain security
An Ethernet network, unlike a collection of analog video cables, is an intelligent data network. This means it is a potential point of entry for those who wish to gain entry to an organization’s data network for malicious purposes. Video surveillance cameras are by necessity often installed in publically accessible locations. Therefore, their data connections present publically accessible opportunities for connecting into a data network. Unplugging a camera, and replacing it with a Wi-Fi access point, provides a criminal with the opportunity to steal data, or to launch Denial of Service (DoS) attacks to create a diversion or otherwise disrupt the surveillance network whilst a crime is being carried out. Therefore, the switch ports that cameras are attached to should be afforded the highest level of protection.
Goal 3: Maximize flexibility
Network needs change over time. Networks expands, organizations unite, services grow, facilities move to new locations. So the network design needs to be adaptable, and easy to rearrange.
Goal 4: Future-proof the network
Flexible design facilitates the simple rearrangement of physical topology, the dynamic re-routing of traffic, reconfiguration of existing technologies, and much more. Better still is to also have a network that is well positioned to take advantage of new technical advances. It is highly desirable to be able to take advantage of new camera capabilities as they arrive without needing to replace the Ethernet infrastructure.
Hope you enjoyed this, I will be sharing more topics soon. You can share feedback and suggestions in comments or leave a private message.
Thanks!
