Video surveillance networks: A peek beyond the camera

David King

11월 28, 2023

A holistic video surveillance system strategy is essential. 测绘设备需求，数据需求，功能是关键.

视频监控系统的强度取决于其最薄弱的环节. It’s a bold statement to be sure. However, the reality is, 您看不到的组件对于系统的无缝运行至关重要, reliably and efficiently. For the most part, when the network hums along in the background, no one really gives it much thought. However, when it fails, it's not an overstatement to say, ‘it could be the difference between life and death’. 最大限度地提高视频监控网络的有效性是确保安全的关键, secure environment, whether you’re in a casino, parking garage or government facility.

阐明视频监控系统的重要性, and in particular, the network behind the cameras, ALE最近委托SecurityInformed的火狐体育手机专家拉里·安德森.网站，并由集成商Stone Security提供额外的见解 a report focused on understanding video surveillance IT needs. Following is a synopsis of the findings. 

Experts build trust

专业知识是设计基于ip的视频监控系统的基础. 培训和认证为系统集成商提供了参与IP范围和域名系统(DNS)对话的工具。. As well, 为安装人员提供识别和排除网络问题的技能，增强最终用户的信心.

To deliver optimum support, 专注于选定的技术范围并确保员工得到充分培训是至关重要的. 深入了解产品的广度，确保所有功能都得到优化，客户从系统的全部价值中受益.

Aaron H. Simpson, President and CTO of Stone Security says, “We pick the best technologies the industry has to offer, and every employee is an expert in those products.”

设备制造商也可以提供有关其产品的见解, 比如可能不被考虑的目标市场.

The network is critical

The video surveillance network should not be an afterthought. 在现有基础设施的限制下进行设计时，优化网络可能具有挑战性, 为工作选择最佳的网络组件非常重要. For example, 当今的以太网供电(PoE)摄像机比前几代摄像机需要更多的功率, 因此集成商需要知道一个拟议的交换机是否有能力操作连接到交换机的所有摄像机，并允许未来的增长.

Industrial hardened network switches that are ruggedised for extreme environments, with the required bandwidth capabilities and power budget, and are managed, can cost a little more upfront. However, 这些开关最终为集成商和客户节省了时间和金钱, and easily pay for themselves in the long run.

理解和管理流量是当今交换机的区别所在. 管理型交换机通过提供检测和诊断问题的信息来提供优势. 自定义和配置管理交换机的能力提供了一系列有关性能和操作的数据，从而可以更轻松地进行故障排除和问题识别. 在关键任务环境中，通过可靠的网络提前解决潜在问题可以确保安全并影响收入.

带宽和PoE需求以及视频服务器负载也是重要的考虑因素. 在实时提要期间，服务器处理所有数据，甚至包括未被记录的数据. 缓冲是确保在发生可能影响录制的警报事件时，即使只有几秒钟的视频重叠的关键. All of the data goes through the server, even though only a small portion of it may actually be stored.

Reliability, reliability, reliability

Lost data is never a good thing, but when it comes to video surveillance, even a few lost frames can have a big impact. 因为大多数视频监控系统都是关键任务，全天候运行, there is no good time to shut down for troubleshooting, maintenance, or repairs. Issues must be addressed in real-time. It’s kind of like fixing the plane while you’re flying.

To ensure uninterrupted 24/7 operation, redundancy is required. 当然，设计一个非冗余系统的成本会更低, the cost, risks and benefits must be considered.

其他可能出现的问题包括从单播切换到多播. 单播提供一对一的通信，其中单个发送者向单个接收者发送数据. 多播是一对多模型，其中单个发送方向多个接收方提供数据. 视频监控系统通常使用单个视频流进行单播, 摄像头被个人实时监控的地方. That said, some video surveillance applications employ multicast, where a single video stream may be viewed by multiple users. 如果系统的某些部分在应该是多播的情况下被设置为单播，就会出现问题, or the other way around. 确保整个系统的配置正确是至关重要的. 

Smart network advisor 功能可以帮助识别网络性能方面的“正常”以及识别“异常”活动. 系统会自动报告异常情况，允许人为干预来解决问题.

A video surveillance system for today and tomorrow

了解设备需求是设计IP视频监控系统的关键, based on data demands to address functionality requirements.

A comprehensive video surveillance system design includes, identifying the number of cameras, frame count, image quality, storage, applications and analytics. As well, 需要计算网络需求，包括系统运行所需的功率, server requirements, disk capacity, memory and storage, among others.

如今，视频监控系统可以在云中实施，也可以在本地实施. Whatever the requirements, 选择云解决方案还是本地解决方案应该根据客户需求逐个确定.

Learn more about Alcatel-Lucent Enterprise Video Surveillance Network solutions.