Ask The Expert

By Jerry Robinson · August 2006

This month's expert defines the technology and uses behind IP cameras

THE next major advance in video surveillance has arrived, and it is likely to significantly change the way security video is viewed and recorded. That change is being driven by computer industry technology, which treats video as it would any data, reducing it to a digital format that allows it to be sent from computer to computer over the corporate network, locally or even worldwide.

Early in the next decade, most systems of size will employ IP (Internet Protocol) cameras and related DVRs, and analog cameras will become a thing of the past. Intermediately, we may convert current analog cameras to true digital IP topology using an application-based, server-based program for live viewing and data storage on the corporate network. Changing price points, system needs and network bandwidth availability will ultimately dictate feasibility.

IP video technology uses a corporation's LAN or WAN infrastructure to send digital video to a server for recording or live view at multiple locations. End users can then store, playback and share video from a standard PC using security-controlled log-on pass codes. This is done through the network, as each camera is given its own IP address -- the data address number by which data packets will be recognized on the network.

ISSUE: So what does this new technology mean to the end user?

SOLUTION: Since most corporations already have working networks, it theoretically means the infrastructure required to create an IP video solution can already be in place. In theory, placing cameras on the network is now not much different than adding a new PC or a printer with one significant difference -- the unfettered available bandwidth of the network. For example, a megapixel camera may stream at 3.4 MBps, streaming 24 hours a day.

These IP cameras hog too much bandwidth to be typically deployed effectively on corporate wireless Wi-Fi networks. Also, they take away too much bandwidth from operational uses of Wi-Fi -- since Wi-Fi is a shared set of frequencies with no assurances of preventing latency, video stuttering or drop outs within the current 802.11b/g standards. Other 802.11 standards are years off and may eventually offer wireless capacities for IP video.

The issue is to avoid any possible chokehold over the corporate network or to avoid causing security video stutter. For recording, one option is to have an edge hard-drive storage device -- at the end of its Ethernet cable in the local communications closet. This may allow a reduced bandwidth or stream video to trigger only on an alarm or call up requests. Those applications that require a live view or central recording of all or many cameras can be best handled as a private channel network set up exclusively for video.

Another evolution of the computer technology industry is Power over Ethernet (PoE), which can power a fixed camera. This requires a PoE-type Ethernet switch in a nearby communications closet. Pan-tilt and exterior cameras will generally require wiring with a completely separate power supply, as they do today with analog cameras. Later advancements in PoE may change this limitation.

IP cameras, software and servers are generally more expensive than a DVR solution. IP cameras cost about 50 percent or more than traditional CCTV cameras, a difference that is narrowing. Also, more cameras can be connected to a server than a DVR, and even labor savings can help keep an IP video solution competitive. There will be times the application itself will dictate its perfection for IP, such as live view, multi-point viewing and remote recall, or WAN remote viewing or remote investigation.

ISSUE: In what types of installations will IP camera systems hold the most value?

SOLUTION: Today, the most practical applications of IP camera systems are ones where efficiencies of remote viewing is a value, applications where cost efficiencies are gained using IP topology or where sharing video information is essential.

To ensure a successful installation of IP cameras, the proper human interface requires dealing with the corporate IT/IS department. IT people can be very protective of their network and bandwidth. The largest mistake is assuming that the availability of the company network will be available, will continue to remain available or that the network is stable enough. The fact is that it is imperative to involve the IT department with the security plan and integrator.

The biggest challenge with IP video is having a competent security integrator who is truly capable of ongoing data and IP support. On the flip side, one must be careful not to assume that the company internal IT departments can do it all just because they think it's easy. There is practical security application knowledge of how to place cameras for the security needs of video. Security integrators and IT think differently -- for good reasons -- but they need to work together. Another consideration is that alarms must be interfaced by a state-licensed security contractor. And most important, qualified security integrators must be able to offer well-written service level agreements, the cornerstone of the IT world.

This month's question from a reader asks:

ISSUE: One of the areas I oversee in my job as a director of security is a corporate data processing center that operates 24/7. There are more than 220 people that work in the facility, which have access to either of two doors. Due to the sensitive nature of the data, corporate officials want to add biometrics to the security system. And, of course, they don't want to spend much for the technology. Can you give me your recommendation on which type of device will do the job at the best price?

SOLUTION: With the need for biometric access for 220 people, a major issue could become a bottleneck as people enter. Fingerprint readers may need constant cleaning. I recommend the LG iris recognition system, which is fast and user friendly. It is for indoor use or an inner foyer door.



What's on your mind? Do you have a question or a topic that you'd like addressed in Ask The Expert? If so, please e-mail it to asktheexpert@stevenspublishing.com.

This article originally appeared in the August 2006 issue of Security Products, pg. 12.

About the author

Jerry Robinson
Jerry Robinson is the president of Chicago-based ABC Security Corp., serving the industry for more than three decades. He has served as a leader of more than a dozen professional security organizations and remains active in product development councils. Robinson also serves as an expert witness in specialized security matters.


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