Software for IP systems.
In previous reviews (TZ No. 5, 6 – 2007) we considered the IP system as a software and hardware complex, in which each device performs a strictly defined task, being a significant part of a single system. Of course, the unification and interaction of these devices is carried out by the control software. The reliability and operational characteristics of the system depend on how competently and thoughtfully the software is implemented.
The IP system software consists of three main services, which in the simplest systems can be combined within a single program running on a single personal computer. In professional systems, capable of combining not even tens, but hundreds of IP devices, each of the services is a separate software product and even a set of tools.
We are talking about:
- administration software;
- network video recorder software;
- workstation software.
Let's consider each of them in the context of the architecture of a professional IP system. The administration software of a professional network system is usually a set of network-based tools. This means that it can be used with a web browser on any computer connected to the system's network. The administrator enters the IP address of the central server and configures it, the topology of the system and its network, services, and services.
This principle of administration is used for the configuration of network equipment, and professional network video security systems follow this principle.
By creating the system network configuration (for professional video systems, creating a dedicated network is a mandatory requirement), the administrator defines the IP address of the central server and the time synchronization server. He also enables or disables the DHCP service (a network protocol that ensures automatic assignment of IP addresses by the server for all devices in the IP system), configures VLAN virtual networks and UPnP parameters (a protocol that enables dynamic connection of network devices to the network without the need for user intervention).
By creating the configuration of the system itself, the administrator activates or blocks the services for processing events, scripts, and the system log.
The event processing service determines the order of working with events in the system, including actions on alarm signals and motion detection.
The script processing service enables programming of sequences of actions, manual and automatic activation of these sequences on certain days and times, as well as in response to certain events.
The system log service automatically records device failures, system events, alarms and user operations, entering this information into the database.
In addition to the listed services, the central server also contains data encryption and authentication settings.
It is important to understand that in professional systems all services are launched and operate on the central server, while the creation of script programs and reactions to events is carried out by means of the workstation software. In the simplest systems, the concept of a central server is often absent, and any workstation or network video recorder is the control center of the system, which seriously reduces its reliability.
The central server is the most important element of the IP system. The possibility and correctness of interaction between devices depend on its performance. In professional IP systems, the central server runs on Linux OS and supports hot standby mode.
Programming a network video recorder can be done in the same way as configuring the central server: access to recording settings is carried out via a web browser. A relatively simple interface allows you to find IP image sources on the network, link them to the device, and create a recording schedule.
However, the most modern systems implement the NVR configuration method using the workstation software. This approach is more convenient, since the flow characteristics must be set for each IP camera (encoder) in the workstation program. Accordingly, it is advisable to configure the NVR from the same section of the workstation program menu.
As noted in the previous review, professional network recorders use the UPnP protocol to ensure a reliable recording process. Network video recorder software is usually licensed based on the number of recorded video streams. The most common devices for recording 16, 24, 32, 48 streams.
Finally, the workstation software includes all the functional capabilities of the IP system as a security system. Realizing the capabilities of monitoring a live broadcast («live video»), working with recorded video images, managing a system of devices, the workstation software is fundamental when choosing a system. It is impossible to list all the variety of algorithms and functions implemented by manufacturers in the workstation software. Let us dwell only on the basic principles and typical solutions characteristic of all professional IP systems.
Once again, it should be noted that the software of the professional IP system workstation in no way assumes the powers of the central server in terms of system administration. Consequently, the operability of other devices and the system as a whole does not depend on the operability of the operator's workstation computer. The workstation software is used only to create configurations for the operation of the IP system. These configurations are controlled by the server and run on it as a service. As a result, Windows with its «friendly and understandable interface» is used as the control operating system for the workstation, and the software itself can be supplied on a disk with the ability to be installed on any PC.
Configuration of all devices in a single interface is a characteristic feature of an integrated system, and a professional IP system is one. Moreover, in addition to IP cameras and video encoders, IP platform manufacturers integrate various IP controllers for building automation, access control and data collection. As a result, the workstation software supports work with facility plans, on which icons of logically related system devices are placed.
So, we have considered the main issues and definitions concerning IP systems. We hope that this review will be of interest not only to a potential customer of IP systems, but also to a specialist faced with the choice of one or another IP platform. Perhaps it will help to take into account a number of nuances, which were mentioned above, so that during subsequent installation and operation of the system you will not be disappointed in the result obtained.