Data Networks

We attended our first conference and exhibition on IP CCTV Technology in 2003 at Stoneleigh in the UK. The buzz word was convergence, how all accounting, telephony and security services would share the same data network.

Perhaps at the time this was over optimistic.

Cost Savings !
The cost savings were going to be huge and this would drive the IP CCTV market.

Well theory and practice are often not quite as close as we would all like them to be.

CCTV systems require huge amount of bandwidth, especially with mega-pixel cameras even considering the new comprehension systems.
IT managers often find their networks are normally under considerable pressure without the inclusion of CCTV traffic and the budget just isn't there for full fibre cabling and layer 3 switches.

Separate networks are the answer, viewing cameras over the general network is normally not a problem as this uses limited bandwidth.

Wake Up Call
The big wake up call for the security industry was the data network companies would be invading our market.

In an already competitive market never a welcoming thought, adapt or die. So we have become conversant with designing and implementation data networks suitable for each application. Future proofing the networks as far as budgets will allow.

With careful thought and planning, especially in the early stages of a development cost savings can be affected.

Web Services
From the experience we have gained in IP, this led to the development of MeyCom Guardian and other RedZebra technologies based on on-line data server + cellphone technology + GPS service.

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