IP Video Surveillance

In our Convergence Whitepaper Series we have been discussing a converged identity architecture, spanning physical and logical authentication. We speak of the importance of a common identity framework that centralizes management function on a unified identity medium (a smartcard). A parallel trend is exploding in physical security that of video surveillance on the Internet Protocol (IP) network. The word “convergence” has also been associated with this trend, converging traditionally siloed analog video onto the IP network, enabling a host of functions and advanced services. IP video surveillance is transforming physical security management, and the ability to integrate video into all facets of university and enterprise business intelligence.

In many universities and enterprises, physical security departments are making a notable transition: from traditional analog and proprietary systems for video surveillance to open, digital solutions based on IP networking technologies. This transition arises from the limitations of traditional systems and the opportunities offered by IP networks for reducing costs, improving surveillance capabilities, and treating video as data across the network.

The advantages of IP Video Surveillance include remote management, high image quality, real-time event response, ease of expansion and integration, scalability, cost effectiveness, and power over Ethernet:

Remote management

IP video surveillance cameras on the network allow multiple management options for universities and enterprises. Cameras can be accessed individually, at the recorder level, or centralized at a managed security station. 3rd party security companies can access on-premises devices to manage alarm conditions or provide remote monitoring of sites. Primary or second stream data can be sent remotely for management and long-term storage.

High image quality

In a video surveillance application, high image quality is essential to be able to clearly capture an incident in progress and identify persons or objects involved. With progressive scan and megapixel technologies, a network camera can deliver better image quality and higher resolution than an analog CCTV camera.

Real Time Event Response

IP based video cameras have built-in features such as video motion detection, audio detection alarm, active tampering alarm, I/O (input/output) connections, and alarm & event management functionalities. These features enable the network cameras and recorders to constantly analyze inputs to detect an event and to automatically respond to an event with actions such as video recording and sending alarm notifications. A 3rd party remote monitoring and alarm service can utilize these advanced camera features to drive a proactive monitoring regimen, using advanced networking to respond in real time to events.

Ease of expansion and integration

IP based video surveillance cameras are easily added to the network, possibly too easily added. Network bandwidth and on premises storage should be considered before any camera expansion. Video surveillance products based on open standards can be easily integrated with computer and Ethernet-based information systems, security systems and physical access control solutions.

Scalability and flexibility

An IP video surveillance system can grow with a university’s or enterprise’s needs. IP-based systems provide a means for many network cameras and recorders, as well as other types of applications, to share the same wired or wireless network for communicating data. Additional IP video surveillance products can be added to the system without significant or costly changes to the network infrastructure. Network video products can also be placed and networked from virtually any location, and the system can be as open or as closed as desired.

Cost-effectiveness

An IP video surveillance system typically has a lower total cost of ownership than a traditional analog CCTV system. An IP network infrastructure is often already in place and used for other applications within an organization, so a network video application can piggyback off the existing infrastructure. IP-based networks and wireless options are also much less expensive alternatives than traditional coaxial and fiber cabling for an analog CCTV system.

Management and equipment costs are also lower since back-end applications and storage run on industry standard, open systems-based servers, not on proprietary hardware systems.

Power over Ethernet

Power over Ethernet (PoE) technology enables networked devices to receive power from PoE-enabled devices. PoE provides substantial savings in installation costs and can increase the reliability of the system.

IP video surveillance enables security professionals to respond in an informed manner. Correlating the event to a place enables professionals to map devices and alarms to determine where activities are happening and to automate displaying the appropriate cameras. The relevant video information is then routed from any video source to any device, independent of hardware and without regard for whether it is live or recorded. A responder or security monitoring professional can properly assess the situation and understand the barriers, the obstacles and the requirements for an appropriate response. For a first responder in the field, this could save their life and the life of others.

When Physical Security and Logical Security data intersect in situation and policy management, the university or enterprise is able to leverage volumes of previously unused data to help the organization with internal governance and possible emergency response. Centralized security management is the definition of business ontology - the basic roles and relationships that define the existence of the enterprise and how it functions. Once an organization is able to define, enforce and evaluate these roles and policies, the organization can operate more efficiently, more effectively, more profitably, and of course more securely.