Power over Ethernet is a new technology that is bringing huge benefits to IP surveillance, Igal Rotem, CEO of PowerDsine explains. Power over Ethernet (also known as Power over LAN) is a revolutionary technology, which allows power and data to be sent over standard Ethernet cables.
It is the means to supply reliable, uninterrupted power to Internet Protocol (IP) telephones, wireless LAN access hubs, network cameras, access control devices and other Ethernet devices. Power over Ethernet technology saves the time and cost of installing separate electrical cabling and AC connections and eliminates the need for a dedicated UPS for individual devices.
The advent of Power over Ethernet is attracting attention amongst both users and vendors of IP surveillance equipment. Today, it is estimated that 70% of IP camera suppliers are incorporating Power over Ethernet technology into their new product releases. Vendors such as Axis, Sony, Panasonic and Canon are all incorporating the technology into their next generation solutions. Companies with IP surveillance equipment already installed can upgrade their solutions to be Power over Ethernet enabled with the addition of a midspan solution. This is a patch-panel like device, residing between an ordinary Ethernet switch and the terminals, often referred to as a 'power hub'.
CCTV
The revolution of Ethernet-based security systems only proves to be useful if they can communicate and control the environment they secure. The video streaming from the CCTV system is meant to be watched and/or recorded, otherwise it is useless. Access control devices enable access to authorised personnel, whilst restricting others and must have a central personnel database. As such, the use of the readily available and cost effective LAN infrastructure was an obvious choice.
As limiting factors of technology, such as quality and rates of video passing over Ethernet, have been solved, the arrival of professional CCTV systems, which are based on digital streaming of video over Ethernet, is a natural progression. Once end devices, such as a network camera or an access control terminal are up and connected to the LAN, they still require power to run.
Power
Power over Ethernet technology enables these devices to be powered over the network cabling infrastructure, thus avoiding the need for separate power and data cable infrastructure and costly AC outlets near cameras. Organisations also benefit from lower costs by eliminating the need for an independent engineer to attend the site and install a separate power cable.
Network cameras are traditionally installed in open high places, such as corridor ceilings, airport or lecture halls, etc. The adding of power infrastructure was a costly and long affair, requiring dedicated teams of electricians for pulling of power cables, changes of building plans and safety approvals. Once operating, each device was connected to a specific electric net, which if down, meant an appearance of unacceptable 'holes' in the security coverage. By allowing the network cameras to be installed where they are most effective and not where the AC sockets are, the actual number of cameras may also be reduced, further reducing the surveillance implementation costs.
Additional benefits
There are additional key benefits for Power over LAN in the security market:
* Resetting digital cameras becomes easier: digital CCD cameras are complicated devices, which tend to need resetting from time to time. A 'dark' camera, once discovered to require a reset, forces the IT manager to locate the network camera, reach it, and then reset it. By using Power over LAN, resetting becomes a trivial matter, enabling reset via the camera's respective Power over LAN port (instead of climbing up high ceiling installations).
* Easy changes to camera positions as needed: altering a camera position, no longer requires a new AC installation. It is even possible to experiment with the camera position to achieve ultimate coverage results.
* UPS backup for the security network: by backing up the Power over LAN Midspan in the communication room, the entire camera network can continue operation during a power outage. This is a real must for a high-end surveillance system.
* Assured safety with advanced line terminal detection: line detection is the technology which enables safe installation without worrying about high voltage damages to laptops, desktops and other non-power ready devices, due to a misplaced connection. A faulty camera or an access control terminal can be detected and shut down preventing damage to expensive switches and patch panels in the Ethernet network. The line detection is one of the reasons the Power over LAN midspan is much more than an intelligent power source.
* SNMP remote management: this additional feature allows the remote control of surveillance devices and the gathering of essential telemetry such as detection of a change in status of the camera.
These benefits combined with the imminent standardisation by the IEEE 802.3 committee of the Power over Ethernet standard ensures not only a dramatic increase in use of the technology but also guarantees its interoperability with other LAN powered devices.
For more information contact Igal Rotem, PowerDsine, www.powerdsine.com
PowerDsine is an exhibitor at IIPSEC (International IP in Security Exhibition & Conference) which takes place on 27-29 January 2004 at Stoneleigh Park near Coventry, UK. This innovative technology exhibition will be packed with all the latest cutting edge IP security technology, including networked surveillance products, DVRs, image software, access control, intruder detection, fire detection and intelligent building management solutions, all running over IP. To pre-register and get tickets for the show, please go to www.iipsec.com.
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