Security and surveillance technology is evolving at warp speed. Cameras and monitoring systems are becoming “smarter,” and security system cable configurations are becoming more powerful.
These advancements are making security systems increasingly compatible with powerful new IP cameras and cutting-edge monitoring equipment. Current trends in CCTV and surveillance are allowing businesses to monitor and secure their premises in ways unimaginable just a few years ago.
The Movement Toward IP Over Analog Systems
As businesses upgrade their security systems, many have made the move to Internet Protocol (IP) systems over traditional analog systems. This upgrade provides many benefits, including:
- Accommodation of multiple sensors
- Improved video quality
- Power over Ethernet cables that cut down on bulk by removing the need for separate wires for power and transmission
- Ease of integration into existing networks
This doesn’t mean that analog cameras are going to disappear any time soon; surveillance technology is now able to extract higher resolution images from analog cameras, and these systems are usually cheaper than their IP counterparts.
Analog systems are also easier to operate for businesses that don’t have tech-savvy security staff.
Edge Computing
One of the challenges facing businesses integrating CCTV and surveillance tech into their networks is the need to fill the increased demand for power and bandwidth. Improvements in security system cables alleviates the problem to a degree, but a move to process information at the point of collection, or “on the edge” is creating an increased need for newer, more sophisticated systems, particularly in commercial settings.
Devices such as sensors and cameras that operate on the edge can streamline systems by processing information themselves, or by sending information to edge devices instead of taking up available bandwidth on security system cables running to data repositories. This movement of data to the edge of the overall network also frees up storage space in central repositories, which can get bogged down with the images and data recorded by security systems.
Deep Learning & Artificial Intelligence
Along with their ability to operate on the edge, newer generation surveillance cameras are now able to not only record events, but also store information and, in some cases, analyze what they see.
“Smart cameras,” or cameras that can think for themselves, can go a long way to enhance security in commercial settings. For example, they can identify trends and use facial recognition at entry points and other important junctures. The detection of unusual entry times or patterns can be noted and instantly relayed to security personnel.
Deep learning can also aid in speech recognition and image interpretation. Not only is this technology able to enhance CCTV and camera applications, but it can also increase the effectiveness of motion detection systems. These systems can then use the intelligence they gather to analyze footage and set increased frames rates at key moments, so that video quality is higher during events of interest.
Improved Sensor Capabilities
Sensors are no longer limited to performing just one function, such as motion detection. Newer multipurpose sensors can also measure other important factors, such as changes in light or sound levels. Passive infrared (PIR) sensors can detect the IR radiation emitted by security threats and alert a central system, or trigger CCTV central monitoring stations to draw the attention of personnel to a specific screen.
In order to be optimally effective, these improvements need to be connected to the other devices in a given commercial security system. The challenge is doing this in a way that does not eat up valuable power and bandwidth, creating a drain on the overall network.
Going wireless is an option, but it has two downsides: it is not always a viable option for large spaces and situations where interference might diminish the quality of a video feed. It also creates vulnerability to hacking.
Advances in surveillance wiring allow businesses to install or update their CCTV and surveillance equipment and gain maximum security coverage without facing the potential pitfalls of a wireless system.
The Evolution of Power Over Ethernet (PoE) Cables
The basic technology behind PoE wiring is not new, but recent advances have greatly enhanced CCTV cable and surveillance wire applications. In the past, PoE only had the capability to provide 15.4W of power to a given device, while newer technology allows for 90-95W. This advance has changed the number of wire configuration options available to businesses.
A traditional unshielded twisted-pair (UTP) cabling system is limited in the power it can supply and the distance over which it can be run to a power source (100 ft – the limit of the data transmission). This is not a problem for smaller businesses that have successfully used this type of surveillance cable for decades. Traditional wiring in its more advanced form fits their requirements without the need to upgrade to different power or data transmission systems.
Surveillance systems in larger commercial settings may need more flexible designs to accommodate devices such as cameras with multiple functions or multiple pieces of surveillance equipment that are far away from power sources or storage areas.
One solution is to use a hybrid of fiber optic cabling and Class 2 power (copper) to get past the distance and bandwidth limitations of traditional UTP cables. A composite cable like this can be used in micro-zones that create a grid with the ability to handle higher power and bandwidth demands. Such a composite cable constructed with copper and fiber allows businesses to meet more of their current security demands, and it also leaves space for growth as technology continues to evolve.
About Remee Wire and Cable
Remee Wire & Cable is at the forefront of the move toward using advanced security system wiring to increase the level of protection available to businesses. At Remee Wire & Cable, we manufacture our cables under ISO 9001 certification. Our products also meet all ETL and CSA requirements.
We offer standard Vigilance™ alarm and security system cables, along with control, audio, and other cables made specifically to address our customers’ needs. We are also able to modify and customize standard cables with options for various types of conductors, insulation materials, shielding configurations, jacketing materials and armoring.
Not only were we the first company to manufacture hybrid cables with copper and fiber together under one jacket, but we were also the first to combine coaxial and premise cables under one jacket. We remain committed to this tradition of innovating and assisting businesses to protect themselves with superior technology.