How to get the maximum effect from using IP cameras.
What is an effect? An effect is a result. In our case, we will try to understand how to get the maximum result from using IP cameras. IP video surveillance systems are becoming a fashionable trend in the security industry.
We will try to take into account all the advantages and disadvantages of IP surveillance systems.
Technical assignment
To build any effective system, it is necessary to set the task clearly and professionally. When setting the task, it is necessary to take into account all the conditions that directly affect the choice of the system and equipment.
Initially, we must determine the functionality of the system (for example, surveillance, recording, detection, notification, archive duration, recording conditions, etc.). These factors are decisive when choosing cameras and recording devices. Image quality and detail, various smart functions of the system, motion detection, data transmission to the Internet, recording to an SD card and other functions are also very important, they are key when choosing an IP system.
Next, it is necessary to proceed to the analysis of the type of object (cottage, office, warehouse, factory, business center, etc.), this can give an understanding of what communications we will use and what type of cameras will be optimal for this object. Temperature and physical conditions under which the system will operate, such as humidity, illumination, the presence of other possible factors that have an adverse effect on the equipment, will allow you to specify the type of equipment.
Analysis of existing cable networks will allow you to select and correctly place the cable infrastructure for the system.
In terms of efficiency, when creating and implementing any security system, it is more correct to proceed from the tasks. At the same time, one should not forget about the economic effect of the cost of using an IP system. I will immediately note that an IP video surveillance system will not be able to compete with analog equipment in price if it is intended only for recording from several video cameras located at a short distance from each other. If you need full control and access to video via the Internet or you want to remotely place the video recording server, if your cameras are located at a great distance from each other or you want to create a wireless surveillance system based on Wi-Fi, then in these cases an IP system will suit you completely.
Having considered the general questions that need to be answered before building an effective IP video surveillance system, we can move on to choosing the equipment.
The first thing you need to pay attention to when choosing IP cameras for an object is where the cameras will be installed.
Choosing Cameras
For indoor installations, four main types of cameras can be identified.
1. Miniature square cameras are the most budget option, with a number of interesting features, such as a PIR sensor, LED backlight, built-in microphone, built-in Wi-Fi, POE power supply, etc.
2. Dome cameras have a standard design, fit well into various interiors, there are vandal-proof models and with built-in IR illumination. It is necessary to pay attention to the fact that most dome IP cameras do not have Wi-Fi data transmission functions, built-in microphones and speakers, but they can be connected if necessary. There is a varifocal lens.
3. Box cameras are a classic option, although they require a bracket and the lens is not always included. This option is better suited for supermarkets, business centers and other premises with high ceilings or in other cases where dome cameras cannot be used.
4. PTZ cameras with a ZOOM lens are usually used as additional cameras to obtain a more detailed image in various surveillance areas or to accompany objects.
If analog cameras are already installed at the facility and there is a need to integrate them into your system, you can use IP servers — devices that convert analog signals into digital ones and supplement analog cameras with a minimum set of functions typical of IP video cameras. But you need to understand that this will not improve the image quality of analog cameras, they will simply be able to work in a single system with IP cameras.
For outdoor surveillance, we will also highlight several main types of cameras
The traditional option is a box IP camera with a varifocal lens or a zoom IP camera installed in a thermal housing.
A ready-made solution in the form of a camera with built-in IR illumination, built-in heater and POE technology. The advantage of this camera is that it does not need to be opened during installation, it will be enough to fix the bracket, install the camera on it and connect the cable through which data and power are transmitted simultaneously, which significantly simplifies the installation process and reduces the installation time.
High-speed PTZ IP video cameras can be used as single cameras or as an element for positioning or surveillance in combination with other stationary IP cameras.
I would like to draw your attention to the fact that a wireless system can be implemented using Wi-Fi technology on the basis of IP cameras. There are practically no restrictions when installing indoors. Installing a system outdoors is technically not difficult, but, unfortunately, there are a number of legal restrictions.
There is also the most optimal equipment for video surveillance systems in transport — these are specially designed vandal-proof cameras and vibration-resistant video recorders.
An IP camera is a complex product, so it is necessary to pay close attention to the choice of the manufacturer. It is important to pay attention to the warranty conditions and the compatibility of cameras with software products or digital recorders. Beware of manufacturers with a dubious image, their equipment may be more advantageous in price, but setting up IP systems has a large number of pitfalls that can be encountered when identifying devices on the network or when transmitting data.
We are smoothly moving on to the characteristics of IP cameras that need to be taken into account when choosing equipment. IP cameras have a number of features compared to conventional CCTV cameras.
The first and most significant difference is high resolution (1 megapixel — 1280 x 800 and more). Market trends are such that more and more 2, 3, 5 megapixel cameras appear in the range of leading manufacturers.
IP cameras are initially network devices, but networks are different everywhere, and the conditions for working with networks also vary. Therefore, when choosing, it is important to pay attention to the compatibility of the IP camera with the existing network.
Most IP cameras have a CMOS matrix. CMOS matrices have lower sensitivity and see worse in low light conditions than CCD, but in normal light conditions, the cameras have good color rendering. Therefore, it is necessary to adapt the system to work in low light. For this, you can use IR illumination or conventional light sources.
I would like to draw attention to the lenses used in box cameras. If the lens is of poor quality or does not match the camera, then even the best camera in the world will show poorly. In cameras with a day-night function and high resolution, it is recommended to use megapixel lenses with IR correction to obtain maximum image quality.
Another advantage of modern IP cameras is POE technology (Power over Ethernet). It simplifies camera installation, since only one cable is used to transmit video, power, and control.
An IP camera is not just a camera. It is a small system with huge functionality.
I would like to note that the functionality, capabilities and features directly depend on the cost of the cameras.
Building a system
We have defined the criteria for choosing a camera, now we move on to the issues of building the system as a whole. We need to correctly select the network equipment for building the network and the software and hardware complex that will control our cameras.
The simplest IP surveillance system can consist of a computer with special software and IP cameras installed. For such a system, only the compatibility of the camera with the software and the computer's performance are important. When building multi-channel systems, network equipment is added — switches. Since the switch is a direct participant in signal transmission, the device must be reliable and pass the required data flow.
To transmit data from one megapixel camera, a network bandwidth of up to 10 megabits per second is required. Accordingly, when using, for example, 16 cameras, the switch must support a flow of more than 160 megabits per second.
That is why it is not recommended to use existing networks to build large IP surveillance systems. Viruses, high network load and other factors can make the operation of the video surveillance system unstable. Also, when building a network, it is necessary to remember that the length of the cable connecting various network elements should not exceed 105 m and, if it is necessary to place cameras at a greater distance, the presence of additional switches must be taken into account in the project. For most installation organizations, it is more convenient to create a network from scratch or use a newly laid customer network. Installing pre-configured cameras on an already configured network will take very little time.
When building small systems for an apartment or house, you can use existing 220 V networks (within one phase). To transmit video over such a network, it is recommended to use special receivers-transmitters. You can also use telephone lines and coaxial (antenna) cable to transmit data.
IP System Management Software
We have come to one of the most important elements in an IP surveillance system. We will talk about the software or ready-made device on which the recording will be made and from which the system is controlled.
There are two main types of devices.
1. Ready-made devices — video recorders for IP cameras. They are easy to use and connect, but, unfortunately, it is not always rational to build large distributed systems on such devices, since there are limitations on the system's bandwidth and not all have a video output. It is important to consider that not all cameras are integrated into the ready-made devices you have chosen, so they may not work with the recorder at all or have incomplete functionality.
2. Software packages that require a personal computer. As a rule, such equipment has very rich functionality, allowing you to use all the possibilities of IP video surveillance. But in them, you need to pay attention to the compatibility of cameras and software, the capabilities of the program and the presence of a Russian-language interface, which is a very important parameter for setting up and operating the system. Unfortunately, few manufacturers still localize their equipment for Russia. It is worth paying attention to software products supplied free of charge with IP cameras — as a rule, such systems allow you to get the minimum necessary set of functions for working with IP video cameras (display on the screen, recording by events, archive search, remote access and camera control).
Staff training
In general, managing a surveillance system based on IP cameras differs little from systems based on analog cameras, so the transition to a new system will not cause major problems for service personnel. In the case of IP systems, the level of knowledge of security service specialists will be sufficient to manage and operate the system, but to identify problems or for servicing, it is recommended to involve specialists with experience in working with local networks.
Conclusions
To create an effective and efficient IP video surveillance system, we recommend:
Clearly clarify the design conditions of the systems.
Try to use an independent network for building surveillance systems.
Use high-quality equipment that meets your needs, from manufacturers that provide good service and warranties.
Use high-quality network equipment with characteristics that match the system.
Check the compatibility of cameras and video recording servers.
When installing, use the services of specialists in the field of building structured cabling networks.