Introduction To An Ip-Surveillance System - Axis IP-Surveillance system Design Manual

1.

Introduction to an IP-Surveillance system

This chapter provides an overview of what is involved in an IP-Surveillance system, the benefits of net-
work video, the importance of defining your surveillance application and legal considerations to take
into account when setting up an IP-Surveillance system in your area.
1.1.
What is IP-Surveillance?
IP-Surveillance is a term for a security system that gives users the ability to monitor and record video
and/or audio over an IP (Internet Protocol-based) computer network such as a local area network (LAN)
or the Internet. In a simple IP-Surveillance system, this involves the use of a network camera (or an ana-
log camera with a video encoder/video server), a network switch, a PC for viewing, managing and storing
video, and video management software. (More detailed discussions of the components are provided in
Chapter 2.)
LAN/Internet
LAN
PoE switch
Network cameras Computer with video
management software
Figure 1.1.a. An IP-Surveillance or network video system
Unlike analog video systems that use dedicated point-to-point analog cabling from the camera location
to the viewing/recording station, IP-Surveillance (or network video) uses the IP network technology as
the backbone for transporting information. In an IP-Surveillance application, digitized video and/or audio
streams can be sent to any location—even around the world if desired—via a wired and/or wireless IP
network, enabling video monitoring and recording from anywhere with network access.
Analog Coax
Analog
DVR
Monitor
Cabling
cameras
Figure 1.1.b. An analog video system that incorporates a DVR (digital video recorder)
While an analog video system is for the most part a one-directional signal carrier that ends at the re-
cording device, a network video system is bi-directional (allowing information to be sent and received)
and can be an integrated part of a larger, scalable system. A network camera, for instance, can send
video, audio and other data (e.g., SMS) to a user, as well as receive from the user audio and data instruc-
tions that could, for example, activate doors or external alarms. In addition, a network video system can
communicate with several applications in parallel and perform various tasks such as detecting motion or
sending different streams of video. Such a system provides for greater performance possibilities and
flexibility.
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