Networked Video (Video Over IP) Benefits & Guide

Introduction
Networked video is today’s generation in video surveillance and can provide numerous advantages over analog and digital video recorder based systems. Networked video systems (NVS) are developed to utilize Internet Protocol (IP) enabled devices such as computers, network switches, IP cameras. Internet Protocols are a collection of standardized and globally accepted protocols for information transmission through a network. IP networks are safe and have been in use with other applications since 1974. A firewall, VPN (virtual private network) and password protection restrict access to data being stored and transferred. In addition, video camera manufacturers have encryption and IP filtering built into their cameras to help provide an added layer of protection.

Technology and Terminology:
Internet Protocol (IP) is a term used for any application or software program that is developed using a set of computing standards which allows data to be transferred over the Internet. In technical terms, the data is communicated over the Internet via a packet-switched internetwork using the Internet Protocol Suite, also referred to as TCP/IP.

Networked video is called the today’s generation of CCTV video surveillance because it uses both private (Ethernet, LAN) and public (Internet) networking to allow access to real-time video. By using proper security credentials, video feeds can be viewed by authorized viewers anywhere there is an Internet connection.

Networked Video Management Systems (NVMS) and Networked Video Recorders (NVR) can either serve the same function or different functions depending on the size of the video network. Enterprise systems may add an NVMS in order to provide a single graphical user interface (GUI) to monitor, record, and analyze functionality and therefore deliver the timely, accurate information required for effectively responding to any challenge. In smaller, more compact networked video systems, the NVR serves this function. Basically an NVR is similar to a networked video DVR but offers more robust functionality and other substantial advantages.

A traditional DVR system (coax connected) video surveillance system can have four major disadvantages:

1. Limitation on distance a DVR can be placed from cameras
2. New cameras require new coax cables
3. Cost and time involved in installing coax cable
4. Potential for loss of power (attenuation)

IP Video Benefits

By contrast, a networked video system can offer significant flexibility and may provide cost savings opportunities over DVR based systems. The benefits can be grouped into four main categories: Lower Cost of Ownership; IP Technology; Improved Management Capabilities and Reduced Bandwidth for Compression, Transmission and Storage

Lower Cost of Ownership:
Networked video systems can be smart business decisions for numerous reasons.

First, since coaxial cabling isn’t used for the connections, there may be less chance of attenuation (loss of power) due to conditions such as bending, moisture and age.
Second, a networked video system connects via Ethernet or LAN network which typically already exists in buildings with Internet access. It also means extra coax cable may not have to be installed whenever new hardware is added. In cases where additional Ethernet wiring is needed, it can be less expensive to install and uses newer technology.
Third, the modular design of a networked video system provides business benefits such as scalability and flexibility. The entire system is built on a modular grid which helps allow for multi-year security system expansions plans and budgetary flexibility.
Fourth, the use of IP technology may help minimize video network downtime by providing the option for purchasing COTS (commercial off the shelf) hardware such as computer hard drives, servers, and other components, from local computer retailers.

“Future-Proof” IP System Technology:
Purchasing a networked video system platform can be more “future-proof” than other platforms. An IP system can be more easily upgraded because IP technology is more than just a “black box”. The IP platform is unique in permitting both software and hardware upgrades to be completed without worrying about integration issues with older cameras. Of equal significance is the ability of the NVS to allow upgrades while the network is running and without the hassle of scheduling down-time for updates.

The ability to upgrade software and other applications when necessary, add new hardware when needed and to integrate legacy cameras can help provide the end-user with an opportunity to utilize their same video surveillance security system for many years.

Improved Management Capabilities:
The Network Video Recorder (NVR) operates like a command center for the entire system, providing more control and making modifications easier. The management capabilities of an NVR include the use of more consistent digital technology, the ability to efficiently redirect video feeds when a server goes down, the functionality to manage high traffic times and the flexibility to view video feeds from anywhere with an Internet connection.

A standard functionality of an NVR includes complete redundancy capabilities, which means when a server goes down security video feeds can be redirected to a new destination server.

The term “digital” is commonly used to describe functionality for both the DVR and NVR. However, it is how and where digitization is applied that is the key differentiator between the recording technologies.

An NVR receives digital video feeds from cameras via an Ethernet or LAN network and uses digital technology to compress and store them on a hard drive. In contrast, a DVR receives analog video feeds via a coax cable and then uses digital technology to compress and store them on a hard-drive. Therefore, on a DVR, digital technology is not used in the transmission of the images but rather only in the compression and storage of the images. In addition, because the DVR uses only its internal hard drive to compress and store video, it leaves the entire system vulnerable to a hard drive failure. This is referred to as a “single-point-of-failure” which is a common problem with single port encoder DVRs. In contrast, an IP video system is distributed across the network meaning the entire system isn’t vulnerable if something happens to the NVR.

A networked video system is also an efficient tool for managing network high-traffic times. Networked cameras can be viewed at one rate as on a matrix system and recorded at a different rate. Simply stated, cameras can be programmed to use less of the network’s bandwidth without altering the image quality needed for viewing.

In terms of security management, the Internet has dramatically changed the way owners and managers can coordinate security operational functions. The use of IP technology allows images to travel over the Internet and remain consistent, regardless of the distance traveled. This means a remote viewer can have the ability to see video of the same quality as they would is they were on-site. Networked video systems permit live video feeds, events, and analytics to be viewed anywhere with an Internet connection. In turn this provides management teams with the agility to respond faster and more effectively to security events and still have the flexibility to leave the premises.

Reduced Bandwidth for Compression, Transmission and Storage:
For all video systems, image compression, transmission and storage require the most bandwidth. Compressing images, especially before transmission, helps minimize network bandwidth requirements, lets transmissions travel faster over a network and can allow video feeds to be stored more efficiently. In addition, to accommodate network high-traffic times, networked video users have the flexibility to modify image compression specifications as well as size and frame rates without affecting image quality. Simply stated, when necessary, network cameras have the functionality to be viewed at one rate (30 fps NTSC/25 fps PAL) as on a matrix system, and recorded at a different rate (from 1-30 NTSC/1-25 PAL fps per camera).

Video over IP systems use a more effective compression protocol than traditional systems. Traditional systems video is converted to digital imagery at the DVR and then compressed for storage. This means the DVR hard drive has to handle all conversions, compressions and storage. Whereas, IP based systems distribute these functions throughout the network putting significantly less stress on the recorder. In addition, some newer network cameras have built-in functionality to compress images before video feeds are released to the network.

In terms of storage, IP video network storage can be more efficient than traditional systems. As part of the NVR functionality video feeds can automatically be moved to a storage area network (SAN) at pre-determined times or manually when space is needed. In contrast, a traditional DVR hard drive serves as the main storage component and typically has limited capacity. Video clips that are needed for extended periods of time must manually be moved to a SAN, external hard drive or burned to a DVD. Each of these latter storage options requires personnel to handle the data transfer and can be cumbersome, time-consuming and provides file corruption opportunities.

• At a Glance: Networked video versus traditional CCTV systems

	CCTV	Networked Video
Camera Distance from Recorder and Cost	Limited – Expensive to go long distances	Unlimited – inexpensive once video is “on the network”
Network Down-time	More: System has to be taken down for software upgrades and new hardware- Redundancy options require either additional components, or human intervention	Less: System can stay up and running during software upgrades and addition of new hardware (cameras, servers, PCs) – Redundancy and failover can be predetermined and automated.
Digital technology	Digital technology used only in DVR compression and storage functions.	Digital technology used throughout the system – cameras, NVR, image transfer.
Network Inter-connectivity	Coaxial cable network must be installed	Network may pre-exist in buildings with combination of: Ethernet; Internet and LAN (Local Area Network); WAN (Wide Area Network) or MAN (Managed Area Network)
Security System Integration	Coax and Ethernet/LAN	Ethernet, Internet and LAN and WAN/MAN
Server Repair	Network is taken “Down” – repairs may need to be completed while network is down.	Network can remain “Up” – NVR allows ability to redirect video feeds to another server while main server is repaired/rebooted
System Expandability	Complex – most expansions are complicated	Easy Scalable – system is flexible and modular in design so components can be added as needed.
Potential for Coax Attenuation (loss of power)	High	Low
Remote access to live and recorded video feeds	Limited	Extensive where an Internet connection is available
Compression Modification	DVR capability only	Network capability: modify image compression, size and frame rate as needed such as at high-traffic times.
Storage Functionality	Manual: operator can save to SAN, External hard-drive or DVD	Automatic: NVR can automatically move video feeds to SAN

• Choosing a Provider:

If the important decision has already been made to deploy a video over IP network, it is of equal importance to select the right video provider. Conversely, if the decision has not yet been made to convert to IP video, it is important to select the right provider to help properly scope the project.

There are many overall factors that go into choosing a video security services provider, whether or not the decision has been made to migrate to IP video–some are unique to individual companies and some are the same for everyone. A good provider should be reliable and offer proven video solutions. A good security provider also should have trained professionals to scope, install, maintain and repair their systems. And because IP video solutions have a modular design which can be expanded and upgraded over a period of time, it is important to select a provider that will be around for many years to come.

1. Experience and Knowledge: It is critical to select a provider that has experience in security integration and video system installation to help ensure security system expansion in the future. In addition, select a provider that can help determine unique needs by performing a security review. This review will help identify risks and inventory current system components. Once the review and inventory are complete, a knowledgeable security representative can help establish goals for scalability, flexibility and integration.
2. Reliability: It is important to choose a security provider that has an established track record in offering reliable video security products and lifecycle services, such as installation, repair and maintenance of the equipment. Over the years, service and maintenance plans may save companies time and money.
3. Scalability: Since network video systems are modular, a provider should be able to configure networked video systems that can be scaled as needed. A good provider should also have configuration and implementation capabilities to integrate other security technologies, such as intrusion, access control and fire.

Reference Source: http://www.adt.com/medium_large_business/reference_library/?wgc=ipvideosurveillance