IP or commonly known as Internet Protocol 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 seen a very slow implementation. And it changed dramatically as the technology reached maturity. Soon after, IP turned the corner and gained market acceptance.
Most of the IP-based projects we estimate account for 8 to 10 percent of the companies’ video business. This rate was very low and almost negligible when these cameras emerged, but soon after the technology gained recognition, a large increase in the proportion of sales of IP cameras 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, keep people safe, or even minimize risks related to criminal activity. Previously, only the largest companies could afford IP video surveillance. But now, the spread of IP networks and the 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 using IP technology today.
Well, it would not be wrong to say that it is the unique features and quality of this technology that have conquered the market. Therefore, there are countless reasons that 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 helps better distribute content. With this, it becomes simple to send the video from some remote sites to a central operating station. In reality, this fits well with large corporations with distant operations in different countries or even across the world.
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 are based on analog cameras, where the price of pulling Cat5 cabling is compared to continuing to use the analog BNC cabling infrastructure already in use. As the economics of IP installations continue to improve, and as new capabilities become available or highly beneficial in IP environments that have become more widespread, the business case for moving to these environments is obviously expected to be practical.
Flexible camera implementation
When it comes to cameras, these are limited in their deployment options as they must be connected directly to a DVR via a cable. But with IP network, when you want to include the longer ranges or outdoor coverage, it can be deployed while using wired Ethernet 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. You don’t need to hire a certified electrician and install separate power lines, which is a great advantage for network cameras, especially in hard-to-reach areas. It is important to decide the type of camera that 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 over the corporate network. This uses video analytics to monitor each camera and transmits it only during an alarm situation. Analyzes that have been costly and inconsistently reliant seem to show up at both extremes very clearly.
Schools, colleges and universities have made a huge investment in network infrastructure. Administrative/corporate facilities with the largest number of cameras are expected to join the move to IP. And the systems of large enterprises, particularly in multinational corporations, are also expected to make a steady change. In fact, it is more comfortable for professionals or loss prevention managers of large stores to share the 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 rapidly to IP-based systems, including the current generation of video analytics for people 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.