The IP6820 Self-Healing Ring NTU is a useful networking device for security applications. Places that need video security vary from crowded shopping malls, government military installations, public transportation hubs, and even some private company offices.
Security cameras are used to identify suspicious activity that could result in theft or terrorism. If identified quickly enough, criminal activity can be prevented. Otherwise video tapes can be used in criminal investigations after the fact. Just the mere presence of a camera, working or not, can deter people from criminal activity.
Video surveillance can also be used outside of security, such as to monitor and respond to traffic flow on a busy highway or crowded train station. Or in combination with other instruments to monitor weather conditions outside. Inside buildings, video cameras are often seen side by side with fire alarms.
Regardless of the application, the video cameras always feed into a central location. This is where the IP6820 comes in. The IP6820 can act as a center point in a star topology, with up to 8 Ethernet links to local cameras. It can also act as a point in a ring topology to connect monitoring stations miles apart with fiber optical cables.
The IP6820 has many features that you can read about here. However, these specific features are particularly useful for video surveillance.
• PoE (Power over Ethernet) means that both the data packets and the electrical power for video cameras are sent over the same physical line. This reduces the amount of wiring necessary.
• Gigabit Ethernet Connections allow video cameras to record HD video and quickly send it, making it easier to identify suspects. The IP6820 can be connected directly to video cameras or to NAS (network attached storage) servers that hold the data.
• Dry Contacts and DTEs (RS232/RS422/RS485) monitor and control fire alarms, often side by side with surveillance. They can manage smoke detectors, warning sirens, and fire sprinklers.
Overall, the IP6820 is a great choice when planning a video surveillance network. Any device with an Ethernet connection can connect to the IP6820. From the user’s point of view, multiple gigabit Ethernet ports means fast, high quality video. From a network administrator’s point of view, the many protocols supported by the IP6820 make management easy.