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FAQ- INTEGRATED IP SECURITY SYSTEMS

In recent years, the demand for fully integrated security solutions has grown dramatically. With the emergence of IP compatible security products, it is now possible for the specialist security installer to provide such solutions across existing LAN & WAN networks.

Frequently asked questions about Integrated IP Security Systems include:

FAQ's

What is IP-Surveillance?
What does IP mean?
What are the main benefits, from both cost and functionality perspectives, of IP-Surveillance compared to traditional analog systems?
Is it realistic to believe that the computer/IT equipment and the surveillance cameras can share the same IP network?
Can IP-Surveillance technology only be used in new installation, or can an existing analog system be upgraded?
Is IP-Surveillance the same thing as installing a digital video recorder (DVR)?
What is included in an IP-Surveillance system?
Is it safe to transmit images over a computer network and to use the Internet for remote access?
Is it complicated to install an IP-Surveillance system?
Do I get real time video out of an IP-Surveillance system?
How do I know if there is sufficient bandwidth on the computer network I will use for my IP-Surveillance installation?
How do I record images in an IP-Surveillance system?

Answers

What is IP-Surveillance?
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IP-Surveillance is the new way of running your CCTV on a computer network. The video stream is transferred in digital format.

What does IP mean?
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IP is an abbreviation of Internet Protocol, the common protocol for all communication over the Internet. 90% of all networks use IP.


What are the main benefits, from both cost and functionality perspectives, of IP-Surveillance compared to traditional analog systems?
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Advantages are listed below. The true cost, the TCO (Total cost of ownership) of the IP-Surveillance system, shows a cost advantage for the IP-Surveillance system compared to a traditional analog system:

  • Remote accessibility - The images and video streams are easily made available from remote locations, saving time and traveling costs. The images can also automatically be stored at remote locations for convenience and security.
  • High image quality - Using digital storage (hard disks) means that the picture quality will always be high. No degradation of image quality as when using tapes in analog systems.
  • Lower maintenance Eliminates tape handling. In IP-Surveillance systems computer hard disks are being used for storage.
  • Easier management - The playback and search capabilities offered are superior to those of an analog system
  • Future proof Ð An investment in IP-Surveillance ensures a long term investment. IP-Surveillance is built on a technology, which quickly is gaining recognition in the security industry. IP-Surveillance also uses open standard protocols and networks for communication, which means that equipment from several manufacturers can be integrated in the same system. It also makes it possible to implement a larger IP-Surveillance system step-by-step over time.
  • Multiple usage - A camera being used as a surveillance camera in a reception area at night, can be part of an automated reception system during work hours.

Is it realistic to believe that the computer/IT equipment and the surveillance cameras can share the same IP network?
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Yes, it is possible from a technology standpoint, as the systems run on the same basic technology. Trends show that also systems for access control, fire and building management are merging to IP networks.


Can IP-Surveillance technology only be used in new installation, or can an existing analog system be upgraded?
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Existing analog system can be upgraded. This means that an existing CCTV installation can be upgraded to an IP-Surveillance system by connecting to a video server, keeping the existing equipment, i.e. the cameras.


Is IP-Surveillance the same thing as installing a digital video recorder (DVR)?
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No as a digital video recorder only offers storage in a digital format, it only replaces a videocassette recorder (VCR). IP-Surveillance offers further functionality and greater access to images from any remote location.


What is included in an IP-Surveillance system?
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A system normally consists the following components:

  • Network cameras - Including all of the following components; a Camera, picture digitalization and compression, a server, and a network and phone modem connection. More advanced network cameras also include functions such as motion detection, alarm inputs/outputs, and email support.
  • Video servers - Includes one or several analog input, picture digitalization and compression, a server, and a network and phone modem connection. Basically converting an analog camera into a Network Camera.
  • PC with monitoring and recording software - Software installed on a standard PC used for monitoring of the images and video, storing of the video, and replay of video. The PC communicates with the Network Cameras and Video Servers for monitoring and storing of the images and video streams.
  • Transmission media Ðstandard computer networks, phone lines or wireless communication.

Is it safe to transmit images over a computer network and to use the Internet for remote access?
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Yes, it is in fact safer than a traditional CCTV system. Compare the banks usage of the Internet for money transactions.


Is it complicated to install an IP-Surveillance system?
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The installation is limited to setting IP addresses, and configuring the Surveillance software on a PC. To get the system up and running is quickly done with knowledge of computer networking.


Do I get real time video out of an IP-Surveillance system?
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Yes, you can get up to 30 frames per second (fps), which means full motion video. Of course the size of systems, available bandwidth, frame rate and image quality requirements, are all variables deciding the speed at which images are updated.


How do I know if there is sufficient bandwidth on the computer network I will use for my IP-Surveillance installation?
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The frame rate is flexible and the video images can be compressed to your bandwidth requirements.


How do I record images in an IP-Surveillance system?
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The video is recorded in digital format on hard discs connected to a PC or via the Internet to a remote server. The recording can be done continuously or triggered by an event, such as motion in the image.

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