CCTV INSTALLATION SYSTEM

 

 

The growing use of Information Technology (IT) equipment and methodology to exploit CCTV functions requires that the CCTV installer be able to recognise the impact of using this type of equipment. A CCTV system operating over Internet Protocol (IP) may require collaboration between the installer and other parties, such as IT specialists.

With the emergence of IP signalling technology, the benefits of remote CCTV monitoring are being realised as a cost effective and efficient alternative to conventional technology. Whilst references are made in this document to remote transmission capabilities of CCTV to Remote Video Response Centres (RVRCs), it is not designed to cover all aspects of remotely monitored CCTV systems as this is covered in BS8418 for detector-activated remotely monitored CCTV systems.

These guidelines have therefore been prepared to provide guidance on what a CCTV system will require from an IP perspective. It should be read in conjunction with other BSIA published documents from the IP suite (see section 13, Reference documents).

2.            Scope

These guidelines are designed to provide installers with an overview of the common considerations of systems combining CCTV functions within IP networks.

3.            Terms, definitions and abbreviations

      Bandwidth – the amount of digital data that can be transmitted between devices over the network in a fixed amount of time. Usually expressed in bits per second (bps), i.e. Kilo (K)bps, Megabits (M)bps.

      CCTV System – system consisting of camera equipment, monitoring and associated equipment for transmission and controlling purposes, which might be necessary for the surveillance of a protected area.

      Cloud Services – storing and accessing data and programs over the internet instead of local computers or local servers (hard drives).

      DVR – A digital video recording device for the recording of video data; DVRs may be network enabled such that they can be remotely accessed over an IP network.

      Hosts – Devices or appliances that make use of a network to send digital data.

      Hybrid – Common term used to describe a CCTV system or component making use of both IP and analogue parts.

      IP – Internet Protocol is the method or protocol by which data is sent from one computer (or other network device) to another on a network or the Internet.

      IP Address – IP address of a computer or other network device on a network using IP or TCP/IP. Each computer (or other network device) on the network/internet has at least one IP address that uniquely identifies it from other computers or other network devices on the network/internet.

      Infrastructure – for the purposes of this document taken to mean the basic network construction for transmission of digital data e.g. predominantly the cables and switches used to send data from host to host.

      IT – Information Technology, a broad term covering the various disciplines relating to communications and computer-based information systems.

      LAN – Local Area Network, a physical network sharing a common communications line or wireless link to a server covering a small geographical area e.g. office, school etc.

Note: A LAN may include wireless connections.

      Latency – The time delay between the moment an event is initiated, and the moment one of its effects begins or becomes detectable (i.e. end-to-end delay).

      Network – Common term used to describe a ‘computer’ network whereby devices are able to transmit digital data to each other using common communication protocols (e.g. IP).

      NVR – A form of DVR that records video data directly from IP video devices via network connection(s). This is the common term for recording devices used within IP-systems.

      Switch – networking device that connects computer devices together and passes data between them; a fundamental part of a LAN.

      WAN – Wide Area Network is a telecommunications and / or computer network that extends over a large geographical area.