iFacility White Paper: Defining a Strategy for Migrating from Analogue to IP

WHITE PAPER

Defining a strategy for migrating fromanalogue to IP

Your Security Specialists

Executivesummary

With IP networked video security solutions becoming increasingly popularand set to dominate the market by 2014, we discuss the reasons behindthe migration from analogue to IP, the benefits migration can bring you,the migration options available and the considerations to be evaluatedbefore undertaking such a migration.

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Contents Introduction 3Influencing factors 3The benefits of migration 3Migration options 3Option 1: install an IP network and upgrade to IP cameras 4Option 2: install encoders 4Option 3: install hybrid recorder 4Option 4: install dual output cameras 4Option 5: install hybrid camera 4Benefits of each migration path 5Pre-migration considerations 6Planning for success 7About iFacility 8

I would be happy to recommend iFacility to any other company.TOM SHEPHERD, SALES DIRECTOR

Introduction For the first time ever, sales of HD/network cameras overtook the sales ofanalogue cameras in 2013. By 2014, we expect to see IP networkedsurveillance seriously outperforming analogue camera sales.

Migrationoptions

There are a number of migration paths available when looking to upgrade asite from analogue to IP. These should be considered as a guide per cameralocation, rather than per site. Some sites may benefit from adopting a combination of these options; indeed,the ability to mix and match IP products throughout is a major benefit.

Influencingfactors

There are a number of factors influencing the trend to IP migration:• analogue CCTV cameras have reached the peak of their technical abilities;which is still low resolution and clarity when compared to their HDnetwork camera counterparts

• HD network cameras are equipped with added technology, bringingbenefits including edge-based analytics, edge-based recording andsuperb clarity

• large enterprises and government projects are migrating over to networkedvideo surveillance to perform live monitoring in multiple locations

• the increasing price competitiveness of network cameras, coupled withthe ability to use fewer HD cameras to cover the same area undersurveillance, makes HD network cameras much more cost effective

The benefitsof migration

Every surveillance installation is different – everyone has different requirementsand can probably benefit from different features. Here are a few of the keyreasons for choosing IP over analogue:• wider areas of surveillance mean one HD network camera can cover thesame area as three or four analogue cameras, delivering significant savings

• better performance when strong backlighting is present enables moreoptions for camera location, so every key area can be covered

• higher resolution cameras deliver clearer images for more accurateidentification

• better sensitivity in low lighting means more flexible location options andclearer images

• remote or multi-site monitoring increases staffing efficiencies• edge-based recording enables intelligent and cost-effective monitoring,triggered only by activity defined by pre-set parameters

• flexibility• scalability• automated surveillance with edge-based analytics opens the door tobusiness planning and marketing applications as well as security

• integration of surveillance with access control, building managementand/or burglar alarm systems delivers a range of efficiency-drivers

This list is certainly not exhaustive; there are many more benefits specific toindividual circumstances. The important point here is the need to definewhat is required clearly and to choose the best migration paths based onthose requirements.

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Option 1:install an IP

network andupgrade toIP cameras

Analogue cameras are replaced with network cameras, an IPnetwork is installed and the recording solution is replaced.Whilst requiring the highest outlay and the most time, it enables a fullreview of the existing site, so the number of cameras needed when workingwith full HD resolutions can be rationalised. If the quality of the existinginstallation is poor, or the cabling has significantly degraded, this may wellbe the most practical route.

Option 2:install

encoders

By extending the life of existing analogue cameras alongwith most of the infrastructure, this route offers somefinancial benefit.Encoders can be installed where the analogue cameras currently terminate.These then get connected into an IP network, along with the new recordingsolution. This migration option allows for both the existing and newsolution to run in parallel using BNC 3 Way T-piece connectors whilst themigration is taking place.

Option 3:install hybrid

recorder

Another option with financial advantages, this routecontinues to use existing analogue cameras andinfrastructure.It is also probably the quickest migration path, as once the recordingsolution is installed and the cameras are connected, then only a minimalamount of configuration remains to be done. Further expansion of thesolution is also simple, as future camera purchases can be IP network itemswhich can be added to the same recorder (subject to capacity).

Option 4:install dual

outputcameras

The first step is to replace each camera by installing an IPcamera with a dual output.This is a two-phase rollout. The first step is to replace each camera byinstalling an IP camera with a dual output. The analogue output is set to‘on’ and when the BNC cable is connected, the existing recording solutionwill continue to record as it did before. The second step is to install an IPnetwork and an IP recording solution. As soon as the cameras areconfigured into the new solution, the analogue output can be disabled andthe old recording solution decommissioned.

Option 5:install hybrid

cameras

This migration path focuses on re-using the existinganalogue infrastructure to transmit HD/IP video.Focusing on re-using the existing analogue infrastructure to transmitHD/IP video, the analogue camera is simply replaced with a hybrid cameraand a hybrid receiver is installed. The IP network and new recordingsolution can then be installed.

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iFacility’s cutting-edge system has been key to our success.ANDY CALVERT, STADIA AND SUPPLIERS MANAGER AT PROZONE

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Benefits of each

migrationpath

As you can see, the combinations of key benefits associated with eachmigration path do differ; this table is a quick reference guide to help youidentify the most appropriate options for your circumstances.

* This depends upon the model of camera or encoder chosen

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Wider areas ofsurveillance YES NO NO YES YES

Work better when strongbacklighting is present

YES* NO NO YES NO

Higher resolution cameras YES NO NO YES YES

Better sensitivity in lowlighting

YES NO NO YES YES

Remote or multi-sitemonitoring

YES YES YES YES YES

Edge based recording YES* YES* NO YES* NO

Flexibility YES YES YES YES YES

Scalability YES YES YES YES YES

Automated surveillance withedge-based analytics

YES YES NO YES YES

Integrate surveillance withaccess control, buildingmanagement and/or burglaralarm systems

YES YES YES YES YES

We were confident that iFacility would be thebest partners to work with...

Pre-migrationconsiderations

Regardless of the migration path chosen, a detailed site evaluation needsto be undertaken and a number of key points considered.

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Key Points ConsiderationsSite history Before attempting to select any of the migration paths discussed, it is

worth assessing the age of the equipment and the cabling currentlyinstalled. If the remaining life expectancy of the analogue is only afew years, it may be more cost-effective to replace the cameras with IP or hybrid cameras. In addition, if the quality of the coax cablinghas degraded, this will also impact the migration choice.If some cameras are being replaced, it is worth assessing if oldercameras can be better re-deployed elsewhere. Alternatively, installingHD cameras can reduce the total number of cameras needed for a site.

Cabling With a hybrid solution, cost savings can be achieved by utilisingexisting good quality RG59 coax cabling up to a maximumtransmission distance of 300m. When working with Ethernet, the length of the network cable must notexceed 100m.

On-goingmaintenance

It is very common for a new installation / migration to come with asupport and maintenance package. This will ensure the site remainsoperational and the picture quality is maintained. Installing cameras with easy focus and easy zoom functionality willsignificantly streamline on-going maintenance. Focussing issueswhich arise over time can be corrected though the web interfacewithout the need to physically visit the camera. New IP camera installations feature support packages which offer anadvanced replacement service should a product fail. Installing IP cameras with built-in IR illuminators and outdoor heatersmay also save on power consumption, as only one device is poweredrather than three.

Edge-basedanalytics

Some cameras and encoders feature intelligent motion detection andadvanced analytics. These features can be used to reduce the cost ofstorage by recording only when something is happening, or tostreamline control room operations by drawing an end-user’sattention to a real incident.

Strategicplacement of cameras

Many older cameras can be seriously impacted when faced with strongbacklighting. Historically, the only solution was to position the cameraaway from the severe lighting conditions. This often impacted theend-user’s viewing angle and so limited the camera’s effectiveness. With technologies like View-DR and Visibility Enhancer, the cameracan be installed wherever there is a need for surveillance, irrespectiveof lighting conditions.

Wide viewingarea

Moving over to HD or Full HD resolution often means fewer camerasare needed to cover the same levels of surveillance.

Privacymasking

As the number of cameras installed goes up and the image resolutionincreases, the need to protect privacy becomes more and moreimportant. Many IP cameras and encoders can mask out between 8 and 32 sensitive areas by simply using the web interface.

Migrationplanning

Migrating a site can be a quick or a slow process, depending on the environment. If you’re in a fast-moving market vertical such as retail, you will expectthe install to be rapid and downtime to be kept to a minimum. Forlarger projects linked with public safety, such as city centre surveillance,downtime may not be acceptable under any circumstances; but aslower and staged migration strategy, with the assurance ofredundancy, can be employed. Understanding these requirementsand working to them effectively will insure a smooth rollout.

Planning forsuccess

Analysis and good planning are essential for deliveringsignificant cost savings.As the added value of IP surveillance continues to grow, the pace at whichthe industry migrates to IP is significantly increasing. The business case forupgrading and migrating existing analogue sites has never been so strong. Identifying and clarifying needs and priorities are essential to choosing anddesigning a successful migration strategy. Taking the time to understand thesite, working out what can be migrated, what needs to be replaced and whatchallenges the site presents will make all the difference to the final solution.Analysis and good planning also bring significant cost savings, not justthroughout the migration but going forward into the support andmaintenance contract.Coupled with improved picture quality and automation through edge-based analytics, IP surveillance can yield a scalable, tailored solution withthe flexibility to support the changing requirements and emergingtechnologies of the future.

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I would have no hesitation in recommendingiFacility to other schools and colleges andwould urge them to get in touch. ANDY CLARK, FACILITIES MANAGER

AboutiFacility

At iFacility we’re proud to be a world-class securitytechnology company.Our focus is to provide you with innovative and cost-effective securityCCTV systems and integrated solutions; whether you’re a small business ora large multi-site enterprise; whether you have single or multiple local,national or international offices.Headquartered in the South West of England with engineers strategicallyplaced around the United Kingdom, we offer you comprehensive solutiondesign, installation, support and maintenance services.With a highly skilled, equipped and trained operations team and adedicated customer support service, our exacting standards ensure yourprojects are completed efficiently, effectively and safely too. Ourestablished training programme ensures the team is up to date with thelatest health and safety, working practice legislation and technical productrequirements. We, in turn, pass this knowledge onto you, our customer,ensuring we become long term working partners. We’d love to hear from you!For more information or a free security survey and a no-obligation quotecall 01749 600 600 or email [email protected]

Your Security Specialists

iFacilityUnit 10A,Quarry Way Business Park,Quarry Way, Waterlip,Shepton Mallet,Somerset, BA4 4RN

Tel: 01749 600 600Fax: 01749 600 601Email: [email protected]