The best modern security cameras are high resolution with low storage demands, lower bandwidth, and lower light level capabilities. These cameras make it possible to push video surveillance to the very edge of a campus and that’s rather desirable. Though the cameras may be ready for the challenge, power and network connectivity may still be a barrier.
Challenges
Remote camera deployment is almost always limited by network connectivity. It’s also affected by power.
Power may be available at a remote building, light pole, or utility closet, but it needs to be close enough to the desired camera location. Also, not all power is turned on 24-7-365. Consider a light pole that is only on at night. During the day, the power is off. In this case, a simple battery pack may be enough to run the camera during the day. The battery will recharge overnight while the camera is run by the light’s power source.
With enough creativity, the power challenge conquerable. Even without a dedicated or night time power source, solar is another option.
Network
Once a power plan is devised, the next infrastructure consideration is the network connection. Cameras attached to a building are likely to access a wired network connection point, but not always. If the camera is going on a remote light pole or along the fence line, an existing network connection is unlikely.
For truly remote operations, the last resort is a wireless network connection. A wired connection is always the most reliable, and security demands reliability, but 100% reliability isn’t always possible.
Point to Point Ethernet
With a wireless network connection, the primary consideration is line-of-sight. Line-of-sight deployment indicates that the signal from the camera to the receiver antenna, usually mounted to a building, is unimpeded by a physical barrier. When it comes to wireless networking, this is called the Fresnel zone. The Fresnel zone is not a line. Rather, it’s a cylindrical ellipse that requires several meters of clear space between the two communicating devices. The primary issue is a physical barrier or temporary obstruction, such as tree branches. If obstructed, the wireless network connection will be degraded or lost. Remember that foliage will look different every season and may be a problem when plants bloom. Plus, you need to consider future tree growth and scheduled pruning.
Distance and bandwidth demands can be accommodated with a variety of different receivers and transmitters.
Cellular / LTE
If point-to-point line-of-sight wireless connectivity isn’t an option, consider an LTE connection. This type of connection will require a subscription with a cellular carrier. An external cell card is bundled with the camera to send data from the camera to the viewing and recording software. The challenge with this type of connection is almost always a bandwidth limitation, either in the amount of bandwidth available in the area, or the cost to purchase enough monthly bandwidth to transmit the camera feed 24-7-365. And, if 4G speeds aren’t available, 3G is unlikely to suffice for a video surveillance application.
The Right Partner
Remote security cameras, when properly deployed, protect your employees, visitors, and valuable property. A comprehensive site and infrastructure review, discovery, and rollout plan is critical to developing a scalable and operationally viable solution.
In addition to a solution that is tailored to your organization’s specific needs, Vision Security Technologies offers a customizable maintenance and service plan that keeps integrated systems running optimally. The Vision Investment Protection plan, like your system, can grow and change with your organization, uncovering potential problems before they arise. Additionally, Vision Investment Protection provides on-site and remote response, safeguarding your investment and securing your facility.
Vision has full-time, highly skilled electrical engineers and AutoCAD professionals on staff. Our team can provide planned drawings, riser diagrams, and as-built diagrams in both electronic and hard copy formats for every project. We provide complete network installations, maintenance, database conversions, software installations, and upgrades. Our engineers have both Cisco and Microsoft certifications.
Contact the Vision team now to discuss the benefits of properly and professionally securing your organization.
