IP or commonly known as Internet Protocol, the technology is perhaps a hot potato in the security industry today. With the power of the Internet and Intranet, IP based cameras have taken this video surveillance to the next level.
Like any new device or opportunity, this IP technology has also been very slow to implement. And it changed dramatically as the technology matured. Soon after, IP turned the corner and gained acceptance in the market.
Most of the IP-based projects we estimate represent between 8 and 10 percent of the companies’ video business. This rate was very low and almost insignificant when these cameras came out, but shortly after the technology gained recognition, a large increase in the proportion of IP camera sales was observed. Today, it can be guaranteed that half of the companies are based on IP.
The first implementers of this technology were the true innovators, the companies looking for the most technologically developed equipment installed. And gradually, more and more companies stood out for making the move to IP.
No matter the business, video surveillance is essential for any type of business. There are many organizations that use video surveillance to defend valuable assets, the safety of people, or even minimize risks related to criminal activity. Previously, only the largest companies could afford to have IP video surveillance. But now, the spread of IP networks and declining prices of IP video cameras are making these wonderful solutions a very attractive option for different sectors of the industry, including educational institutions, retail stores, governments and any company that needs security surveillance. . One of the key trends in surveillance is the increasing shift from analog to IP. It can be clearly stated that more than half of the companies that use video surveillance would be having IP technology today.
Well, it would not be wrong to say that it is the exclusive features and quality of this technology that have conquered the market. Therefore, there are countless reasons to support the claim that IP technology is taking video surveillance to the next level.
Best Content Distribution
It is the new functionality of these technologies that can provide protection against loss and security professionals. IP-based video better helps distribute content. With this, it becomes simple to send the video from some remote sites to a central operating station. Actually, this fits well with large corporations with distant operations in different countries or even across the globe.
Receive data in virtual real time
Mobile solutions can be enhanced through IP-based video. Video content can be delivered to mobile phones, PDAs and laptops, while allowing mobile workers such as roving guards to get the data in near real time.
However, for most potential users, IP technology is considered very expensive. This is primarily true for organizations with large legacy systems that rely on analog cameras, where the price of pulling Cat5 cabling is compared to continuing to use the analog BNC cabling infrastructure that is already in use. As the economics of IP deployments continue to improve and as new capabilities become available or highly beneficial in IP environments, the business case for moving to these environments is expected to be practical.
Flexible camera implementation
When it comes to cameras, they are limited in their deployment options as they must be connected directly to a DVR via cable. But with the IP network, when you want to include the longest ranges or outside coverage, it can be implemented while using the Ethernet cabling or some wireless access point. This scales the deployment options.
So POE (Power over Ethernet) is a function that is not available in analog video systems. Simplify the installation of network cameras/video encoders, reduce installation and maintenance costs, and increase the reliability of IP video surveillance systems. POE actually allows IP network devices to receive power from the POE-enabled switch or mid-span over the same standard cable, transmitting IP data. For you there is no need to hire a certified electrician and install separate power lines which are a great advantage for network cameras, specifically in hard to reach areas. It is important to decide what type of camera each surveillance area requires because different cameras have different power needs.
With IP networks, it’s easy to adjust surveillance coverage when needed. Whether you want to add, remove or move cameras, there is no need to disconnect any cameras or equipment. With this flexibility, you can be sure that there will be no blank spaces in the entire recording.
IP-based cameras send constant video streams through the corporate network. This uses video analytics to monitor each camera and transmits it only during an alarm situation. Analytics that have been inconsistently costly and dependent seem to show up at both extremes very clearly.
Schools, colleges and universities have made a huge investment in network infrastructure. Administrative/corporate installations with the largest number of cameras are expected to join the move to IP. And large enterprise systems, particularly in multinational corporations, are also expected to make a steady change. In fact, professionals or loss prevention directors in large stores find it more convenient to share video between different corporations and stores. And many transit sites such as train stations, airports and ports with large outdoor perimeters are expected to move quickly to IP-based systems, including the current generation of video analytics for personal protection.
The present and future of video surveillance and analytics are greatly expanding. Since cities, corporations, and larger organizations have already developed the surveillance platforms, they will surely set the example for small organizations and corporations to integrate, helping to grow the network of connected businesses that use surveillance and analytics to keep employees, consumers, students. or ultimately the entire population safe.