PoE

Matrix COSEC ARGO is a performance, design and engineering wonder that brings a modern design to the access control and time-attendance applications. The device is equipped with an enhanced 3.5” IPS LCD touchscreen for optimising users’ visual experience. The door controller is designed to meet the aesthetics, technology and harsh environment application requirements of the large & multi-location enterprises, SME & SMB organisations. Matrix COSEC ARGO door controller: Enhanced 3.5’’ IPS Touchscreen LCD with Gorilla Glass 2x times Faster and Accurate User Verification Fingerprint – Optical & Multispectral, RF Card and PIN Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, PoE, Ethernet & GSM/VoLTE (Through Dongle) 50,000 Users and 500,000 Events Innovative Design - Wall and Flush Mount IP65, IK08, CE, BIS, FCC, RoHS Compliant

The provider of industrial lighting, Larson Electronics LLC, releases a solar-powered LED surveillance tower that features two IP security cameras, four 265-watt solar panels, a 1,000aH capacity battery bank with a battery charger, a solar generator and a telescoping mast that deploys eight LED light heads and the two security cameras up to 20 feet. The entire assembly is mounted on a single axle aluminium trailer for easy transportation, making this light tower ideal for remote and rugged locations. The SPLT-1.06K-LM20-8XWP50-2XPTZ.23X-2TB-AT-BC-W4G is a complete, portable solar-powered surveillance system for outdoor and remote locations. Providing high performance This solar security assembly comes with a 2TB, 8-channel network video recorder compatible with two-way audio streaming This powerful security system is equipped with two cutting-edge 1080p full HD high-resolution security cameras that provide operators with precise 20x optical zoom, integrated long-range IR LEDs with an 850nm wavelength, day/night capabilities, MP4 format, as well as H.264 and MJPEG video compression. These IP cameras are IP66 rated providing high performance in outdoor locations. These explosion proof cameras with Power over Ethernet (PoE) features enable data transfers and power to be passed through a single Ethernet cable. This solar security assembly comes with a 2TB, 8-channel network video recorder compatible with two-way audio streaming. Installation only takes minutes via plug-and-play, which automatically detects, displays and configures system components. Withstand demanding conditions When using the NVR, operators may access a 1080p monitor that is virtually borderless, for side-by-side screen setups that flow together almost seamlessly. This video recorder accepts USB mouse and keyboard inputs. The four included 265-watt solar panels generate a total maximum output of 1.06 KW and have a 45-degree tilt for optimised sunlight exposure The four included 265-watt solar panels generate a total maximum output of 1.06 KW and have a 45-degree tilt for optimised sunlight exposure. The tower is equipped with eight 50-watt LED lights. The light assemblies each consist of four 12.5-watt LEDs paired with high purity specular optics to produce a light output distance comparable to that of a 400-watt metal halide. The LED wall packs are housed in a waterproof aluminium housing that is powder coated for added durability and resistance to corrosion and designed to withstand demanding conditions of an outdoor environment. Effective monitoring system Each lamp can be powered on individually, allowing operators to power one lamp or all eight lamps at a single time. Rounding out this security solution is a NEMA 3R component control box with a component cooling system, and 1.06 kW solar generator. Connectivity features are facilitated by a 4G/LTE rugged router. Equipped with built-in security, the unit offers 600 Mbps internet speeds (minimum). The internal router can be utilised to monitor uptime and for real-time alerts. Customers must provide their own 4G service/plan for the router, as the system does not come with an internet plan. “The SPLT-1.06K-LM20-8XWP50-2XPTZ.23X-2TB-AT-BC-W4G is a total security package, ideal for live events, outdoor surveillance and other law/military applications,” said Rob Bresnahan, CEO of Larson Electronics LLC. “The IP camera, solar panels, high output LED lights, generator, battery bank and the tower/trailer assembly that pulls it all together provides operators with an effective monitoring system for temporary and outdoor jobs.”

Luxul, global innovator of IP networking solutions for AV integrators, has announced its technology line-up for the NAHB International Builders' Show (IBS), taking place February 19-21, 2019 in Las Vegas. In the Legrand booth SU614, the company will exhibit a wide range of solutions for home builders that deliver reliable, high-performance networks in smart homes, including Gigabit switches; the next generation of wireless controller technology; indoor and outdoor wireless access points (APs); wired and wireless routers; intelligent network power distribution units (PDU); and the Wi-Fi Assurance Program exclusively for builders. "Every aspect of the smart home is powered by the network, so rock-solid reliability and exceptional performance from all components — from routers and switches to wireless APs — are absolutely critical to delivering the seamless experience users expect," said Mike Grubb, vice president of marketing at Luxul. "At IBS 2019, we'll be showcasing a full line-up of solutions that not only meet these standards but offer advanced capabilities that simplify installations and allow integrators to remotely monitor and support their clients' systems to lower costs and increase customer satisfaction." PoE devices and wireless controllers Highlighted Luxul managed switches at IBS 2019 will include the 12-port/8 PoE+ XMS-1208P Highlighted Luxul managed switches at IBS 2019 will include the 12-port/8 PoE+ XMS-1208P, which features port Auto-Recovery and Power Scheduling to ensure system reliability and uptime. Auto-Recovery allows the switch to power cycle unresponsive PoE devices, and Power Scheduling allows switch PoE ports to be turned on or off on a schedule. Enabling simple network expansion, the XMS-1208P features two Gigabit RJ-45 uplink ports and two SFP ports. Luxul will also be showcasing its 8-port XGS-1008 and 5-port XGS-1005 Gigabit desktop switches. Luxul's XWC-1000 wireless controller will be on display, with support for up to 16 APs, allowing each AP to be configured for a designated wireless channel in addition to supporting individual wireless transmit power adjustment. Newly deployed APs are now automatically added for plug-and-play installation. Luxul's Roam Assist technology built into the wireless controller ensures that mobile devices are always connected to the best AP for the highest performance. Wireless AP solutions Featured indoor wireless AP solutions include the Apex line of access points: XAP-810, XAP-1510, and XAP-1610. For smaller networks, the cost-effective XAP-810 offers 802.11ac 2x2 dual-band technology and 5GHz beamforming for data rates up to 1200Mbps. The XAP-1510 features 802.11ac 3x3 dual-band technology and 2.4 and 5GHz beamforming for data rates up to 1900Mbps. The XAP-1610 AC3100 dual-band wireless AP features advanced 4x4 MU-MIMO (802.11ac Wave 2) technology and 2.4 and 5GHz beamforming for data rates up to 3167Mbps. The AP is designed to enhance transmission and reception performance, producing higher throughput when experiencing medium to weak signals within the effective range. For superior wireless coverage outside, Luxul's outdoor APs feature rugged IP-65-rated designs, pole or wall mounting options, and simple set-up and installation. On display at IBS 2019 will be the 300N XAP-1240 featuring multi-stream 802.11n wireless technology; the dual-band AC1200 XAP-1440 featuring multi-stream 802.11ac technology for data rates up to 1200Mbps; and the dual-band AC1200 XWO-BAP1 bridging AP to deliver connectivity to remote locations such as outbuildings and guest houses. Remote wireless security and management For ultra-fast streaming and bandwidth-intensive applications, Luxul's wired Gigabit dual-WAN Epic 5 router will be on display For ultra-fast streaming and bandwidth-intensive applications, Luxul's wired Gigabit dual-WAN Epic 5 router will be on display. The router combines Gigabit WAN-to-LAN speeds with built-in Domotz remote management and Router Limits content management technologies to lower operation costs and put homeowners in control of their internet experience. Highlighted wireless routers will include the XWR-1200 dual-band AC1200 Gigabit router, which features high performance 802.11ac 2x2 MIMO technology for data rates up to 1200Mbps. Fast and easy to set up, the Luxul PDU-2 on display allows for the local monitoring and rebooting of unresponsive devices, while its self-healing function performs reboots automatically to avoid costly truck rolls and service calls for integrators. Power management features for the PDU-2 include MOV surge and spike protection for connected equipment in addition to remote sequencing for controlled startup and shutdown. Wi-Fi Assurance Program Finally, Luxul will highlight its Wi-Fi Assurance Program for home builders. With the initiative, the company is providing dealers and builders with certified wired and wireless network designs — complete with tech support — that are guaranteed to meet their customers' reliability and performance requirements.

Matrix Comsec, a manufacturer and provider of security and telecom solutions, is participating in ISC WEST 2019, Las Vegas, USA on 10th April 2019. Matrix will be showcasing its comprehensive range of IP video surveillance, people mobility management - an innovative range of access control and time-attendance solutions at the event. Both these solutions are specifically designed for large and multi-location enterprises, SME and SMB organisations. Matrix is known for offering technology driven, innovative, futuristic solutions catering to diverse and complex deployments especially for the SMB, SME and Large Enterprises. Matrix Comsec is going to unveil COSEC ARGO – The Next Generation Door Controller with a blend of performance and aesthetics.  The new door controller is equipped with features like 3.5” IPS Touchscreen LCD with Gorilla Glass, Powerful Processor for Ultra-fast User identification, Intuitive User Experience, Vandal Resistant (IK08). Matrix SATATYA is an IP video surveillance solutions portfolio which includes NVRs, IP cameras and centralised video management system Cloud-based time-attendance solution In people mobility management - access control and time-attendance domain, they have launched COSEC VYOM – a scalable, cloud based time-attendance and access control solution. In addition, few more controllers and devices with new generation identification technologies are in the pipeline. The solution also includes COSEC ARC - a unique IP based access control panel having multiple benefits over conventional access control panel. Being PoE based, it eliminates complex wiring and local power requirements.   Matrix SATATYA is an IP video surveillance solutions portfolio which includes network video recorders (NVRs), IP cameras and centralised video management system. Matrix SATATYA is positioned as an enterprise grade solution. IP cameras with STARVIS sensors Matrix Comsec will showcase Professional Series IP cameras powered with SONY STARVIS series sensors and EXMOR technologyMatrix Comsec will showcase Professional Series IP cameras powered with SONY STARVIS series sensors and EXMOR technology. This technology provides the camera an edge over others in terms of exceptional low light performance, consistent image quality during varying light conditions (True WDR), better bandwidth optimisation and various other features. It is most suitable for enterprises demanding much more than just video capturing, viewing and recording. Matrix SATATYA offers centralised video surveillance with add-on applications such as Command & Control, Parking Management, Weighbridge Integration and Cognitive Response Engine. SATATYA’s flexible architecture and vast range of functions-features are designed to cater diverse industries including BFSI, retail, services, hospitality, manufacturing, transport, ports & logistics, research laboratories, data centres, defence and government. Talk to Matrix's solution experts to know more about these unique solutions by visiting Matrix at Booth No. 7038 on 10th April 2019, at ISC West 2019.

ComNet, Communication Networks of Danbury, Connecticut, a USA-based manufacturer of fiber optic transmission and networking equipment, announces the introduction of its Generation 3 line of NetWave wireless products that offer greater performance and increased stability in applications where interference is a challenge. The NW1 Gen 3 increases throughput up to 240 Mbps, adds a 10/100/1000Mbps port and pass-through PoE and is designed for applications of up to 2 miles. The wide range of channel spectrum widths available on the NW1 series of radios gives the user the option of narrowing channel bandwidths as the network grows increasing the number of non-overlapping channels while improving stability. The all-new NW1 throughput is far greater than the original 95Mbps the original NW1 offered. Unique connection procedure The NW1 is available in kit form, the NWK1 and consists of two MAC Address-locked radios and mounting hardware. Each NW1 unit is enclosed in a new more durable enclosure and is designed for extreme conditions and has an extended operating temperature range as well as being IP67 rated for resistance to water and dust intrusion. As with other ComNet NetWave products, the NWK1 is easy to set up and operate. It features a unique connection procedure using LEDs to assist in aiming the units for optimal performance. Our engineering team was challenged to increase performance in our next generation of NetWave products" According to Andrew Acquarulo Jr., ComNet CEO and President, “Our engineering team was challenged to increase performance in our next generation of NetWave products. We wanted to increase performance without increasing the cost to our customers.” “This new NW1 accomplished all our goals for this product line.” Acquarulo concluded. Increased performance “The increased performance of the NW1 allowed us to reduce our NetWave model offering and ultimately make selecting the right NetWave product very easy for our customers,” said Skip Haight, ComNet VP of Marketing. “We believe everybody is looking for that something extra and, in this case, we are giving ComNet customers increased performance at no additional cost,” Haight added. ComNet offers an extensive line of fiber optic, copper and wireless video and data transmission equipment that is uniquely designed to meet the needs of the Security, Intelligent Transportation System, Utility and Industrial markets.

Vigitron, Inc, the manufacturer of complete networking solutions designed for security applications announces major new product releases for ISC West 2019. These products cover areas of PoE Midspans, Network Health Monitoring, Testing and Installation Tools, Building Infrastructure and Network Switching. Reliable and cost-effective products “Vigitron continues to lead as a comprehensive source of networking solutions,” stated Neil Heller, Vigitron’s Vice President of Business Development. “Several years ago, we expanded our engineering team to include software and firmware developers in addition to our existing hardware engineers. We continue to work with major hardware providers in the areas of IP cameras, access control, and LED to develop products resulting in the most reliable and cost-effective performance. “In addition to our advanced engineering and product development, Vigitron continues to lead in the support areas with our Design Centre team providing dealers with complete bills of materials designed for their specific applications.” Vigitron’s new products will be on display at ISC West booth # 8130, April 10-12, at the Sands Convention Center, Las Vegas.

There’s almost no installation that goes 100-percent smoothly in the field of video surveillance. Unexpected issues routinely arise that can increase time on the job, cost of the project and frustration. Manufacturers work on the product side to help ensure their products are easy to install and – when troublesome situations do arise – are flexible enough for installers to quickly find a remedy. Importance of ease of installation Ease of installation is a very important part of the project to the system integrator because the cost of labour is variable  Ease of installation is a very important part of the project to the system integrator because the cost of labour is variable and can be very expensive. In some cases, the cost of labour to install a camera can be more than the cost of the camera! If labour costs are high – or are more expensive than a system integrator planned – they can lose a great deal of money on a project. If a cautious system integrator includes too high of an estimate for labour in a project bid, his overall bid will to high and it could cost him the project. The easier the camera is to install, the lower the labour cost, subsequently achieving higher savings for end-users. Hence it is essential that camera manufacturers develop products that are easy to install or are flexible in the field for system integrators and installers who know that time is money. Enterprise projects can involve thousands of cameras installed Simplifying installation of cameras Camera installation typically involves an electrician, the camera installer and the person who configures the VMS (Video Management Software). Of course, one person can play all three roles, and in many cases, does, but enterprise projects can involve dozens, hundreds or even thousands of cameras with teams of individuals involved in an installation. The electrician runs conduit with an electrical or PoE (Power over Ethernet) connection to the housing or the backplate of the camera; the installer then installs the camera at that location, hooking it up to power; and then a configurator adds cameras to the network and makes adjustments – renaming the camera, setting the frame rate, enabling WDR (Wide Dynamic Range), and the like. When it’s a project that involves different players for any of these functions, there is the potential for a bottleneck and delay in project completion. And if a system integrator is paying an electrician, installer and software configurator – and they are all three on site waiting for each other to finish – that’s a system integrator’s worst-case scenario. Enhancement through modular cameras Video surveillance camera manufacturers like Hanwha Techwin are producing products that take different roles Video surveillance camera manufacturers like Hanwha Techwin are producing products that take the different roles of electrician, installer and configurator into consideration, allowing them to complete their tasks independently. With a focus on modular design which includes a USB dongle, a device manager, magnetic module and included accessories, the Wisenet X series Plus is one of the fastest cameras to install, service and upgrade – saving installers time and money. Wisenet X series Plus cameras have a detachable camera module that utilise magnets to lock into the housing for instant configuration. Electricians can run conduit with a single PoE connection to the back plate/housing while the configurator is working on configuring the camera module, allowing security professionals to later snap the camera into place in just minutes. The VMS configurator can then come and add the cameras to the network and program their functionality. Modular cameras offer flexibility  In the past, an end user might determine after the camera is installed that there aren’t enough pixels on target, or they need certain different functions like video analytics for example, resulting in the time-consuming replacement of the entire camera. With modular-designed cameras, the camera module can be swapped with a new one without having to focus or replace the camera – even to change the resolution or field of view, also Wisenet X series Plus has optional PTRZ modules that can be remotely adjusted to the field of view and the position of the camera lens. Making camera adjustments in the field is also now easier and perhaps even safer. Installers have been known to climb a ladder and juggle a bulky laptop to access the network to be able to see video of how the camera is positioned. Or they’ve had to use analogue video output to view the video feed on a separate monitor which provides the field of view, but not megapixel quality. Using a smartphone, the installer can wirelessly see full and not cropped quality video directly from the camera Wisenet X series Plus cameras have a USB port that allows installers to connect it to a small dongle that converts the camera to a Wi-Fi device. Using a smartphone, the installer can wirelessly see full and not cropped quality video directly from the camera. It’s a much easier way to evaluate video while at the camera. Eliminating the second person looking at live view on a computer guiding through a cellphone to the installer to accurately point the camera to the proper position. If system integrators can do some of the legwork prior to even getting on site, it can reduce cost and improve efficiency. Imagine having 300 cameras ready to send to a project site. To configure those cameras, a system integrator has to take each camera out of the box, plug each into a switch, configure it, take it off of the switch and put it back in the box. To improve this process, camera manufacturers have now developed packaging that provides access to the camera port without even having to remove it from the box. It’s an innovative solution that saves time. Modular cameras have optional PTRZ modules that can be remotely adjusted to the field of view Software programs help in enhancing installation Whether it’s a one-man show or a team of electricians, installers and configurators, software programs can greatly enhance the installation process. Device managers are important tools in adding multiple cameras to a project. Using that 300-camera project, for example, it’s easier when a manufacturer has a device manager that allows the mass programming and configuration of cameras. Adding 300 cameras one by one is time consuming and leaves room for error when making so many multiple entries. A device manager should be able to scan the network and locate its devices, allowing them to be grouped, configured and much more. Every video surveillance camera project is going to have its ups and downs. But camera manufacturers can do their part in the production process to address the many issues known to slow down progress. It’s impressive that many are taking the lead in producing innovations like modular camera design, flexibility in the field and accessible packaging that can truly reduce installation cost and improve efficiency.

2017 was quite an interesting and eventful year for the physical security industry. The economy has been robust and technology has become progressively sophisticated—with interactive services, cloud computing and network-based solutions taking charge to provide new insights to installers and their end-user customers. The Internet of Things is creating increasingly integrated solutions, with a heightened emphasis on total connectivity. Changing security expectations World events have also put the spotlight on the need for comprehensive security at public events, tourist attractions and schools and campuses. Security is an expectation and systems integrators are becoming trusted advisors to their customers, who are looking to them to solve problems or issues. Residential systems are more robust and now, are migrating to the commercial side of the business. There’s a blurring of the lines of technology—many of the products that come to the security industry originate from the consumer side. This proposition is also changing expectations by both residential and commercial customers, who want common, easy operation from their smartphone or user interface. Unexpected was some of the biggest deals in the industry, including acquisitions by dominant companies who grew even larger and continued ongoing consolidation on the manufacturing side. Those who remain will need to be progressive and step up their game with the latest proven technologies. Selling hardware isn’t the end game any longer. It’s providing solutions that generate revenue for security dealers and offer a solid return on investment for the end-user. In addition, solutions need to be easier for the user, and integrate many different systems and components across the enterprise. Cybersecurity safeguards End users want to get the most out of their solutions—and they want to be able to have more than safety and security. They are looking for the types of products that yield insights into system performance and give them the data the need for greater control and to proactively address any challenges or problems before they occur. Downtime is not an option and therefore, there’s an increased emphasis on consistent power so solutions are always on and running reliably. For security dealers and integrators, physical security and cybersecurity services will be part of their offerings and no longer separate disciplines Cybersecurity is a dominant conversation in the security industry these days and that buzz will continue into 2018. Because solutions are increasingly network connected, they have vulnerabilities that will have to be addressed by service providers and manufacturers. Manufacturers will need to take the upper hand in providing hardened products—testing and certifying for cybersecurity safeguards. That is not an easy task and can be expensive, but it needs to be done. Because cybersecurity is in constant evolution, many will go the route of outsourcing this component of their manufacturing to third parties well-versed in threat detection and hardening. Hardened products will also need to evolve with new emerging attacks. For security dealers and integrators, physical security and cybersecurity services will be part of their offerings and no longer separate disciplines. Intelligent access control solutions Manufacturers no longer operate in silos. They are working with systems integrators to more fully understand their needs and those of the end-user. Manufacturers are also partnering with technology providers—bringing in the expertise of others so their solutions are comprehensive and holistic. We will continue to see integration of formerly disparate components, open systems and open APIs. There will also be strong migration to access control systems with edge intelligence and power over Ethernet, leveraging existing cabling for network connectivity. The winners will be those who take the lead in providing cyber secured and hardened products, as well as companies who partner with others to bring best of breed solutions to market. The losers will be those who continue to develop proprietary, closed systems and fail to recognise the importance of network connectivity for real-time, proactive reporting. Without networked power, the facility cannot yield the proper insights it needs to stay reliably connected 24/7 Ongoing partner success LifeSafety Power® has been working consistently and diligently on elevating the status of power from unintelligent hardware device to network-connected component that yields rich data for the user and allows the installer to provide remote monitoring and managed power services. We have changed the paradigm of power but there’s additional work to do to get people to understand the new, critical role power plays in comprehensive enterprise and campus security. Now, security installers can help the end user know what’s happening with locks, access control, gates or other connected solutions and fix problems before they happen. Without networked power, the facility cannot yield the proper insights it needs to stay reliably connected 24/7. We have also had continued, ongoing successes with our many partners in the access control community and that’s where we will further focus our efforts in 2018—working with leading security solution providers to present the best technologies and solutions that are reliable, certified and present the types of insights security dealers need to offer customers to provide the highest levels of service. This will also help security dealers and integrators differentiate themselves and compete more effectively in the crowded marketplace.

Recent developments in physical security systems have enabled us to expand access control using IT infrastructure. By eliminating the need for hard wiring to a central panel or controller, IP-based systems enable installations that are non-proprietary, flexible and scalable. This means not only a more versatile solution, but also a more cost-efficient one. A network-based system can be enlarged by one door, and one reader, at a time, unlike some traditional systems where controllers or panels often support multiple openings even if only one opening is required. This e-book was developed by ASSA ABLOY to take you from the early development of this game-changing technology to today’s latest offerings that enable the use of existing network infrastructure to more cost-effectively ensure the physical security of people, equipment, and data. Find out more about IP access control: The dawn of IT-enabled network security The move to IP access control How to choose your best IP access solution IP security success stories Challenges of IP access control The impact of IP-enabled access control on your network    

End users at ASIS 2017 in Dallas may feel overwhelmed by all the new technology on display, but often their integrator partners can offer a helping hand. Traffic continued through much of Day 2 of the ASIS exhibition, but the foot traffic appeared to slow considerably as the day wore on. Convergint seeks closer manufacturer relationship Integrators are prominent at ASIS and play an important role connecting end user customers with manufacturers' products that meet their need. "We are taking them by the hand and introducing them to our [manufacturer] partners and to the solutions," said Tony Varco, Vice President Security Division, Convergint Technologies. Convergint has a global presence and is one of several large integrators with booths at ASIS. "We want a closer relationship with the manufacturers we work with," Varco said. Previously manufacturers may have preferred to keep their distance from end users, but not anymore. "They want us to facilitate the relationship between manufacturers and customers at a very high level," says Varco. In addition to their booth presence, Convergint personnel are escorting their big clients through the exhibit hall, one-on-one, to view the latest products. "It's not about whiz-bang technology, but about the technology that can produce business results. We may spend half a day or several days, depending on the client. We map it out ahead of time, and talk with them weeks ahead about their objectives. They may not be looking to make an immediate investment, but more looking ahead three to five years: These are the things you need to start thinking about." Digitising building systems "It's not about whiz-bang technology, but about the technology that can produce business results" Varco sees a trend in the market to digitise more building systems, including power-over-Ethernet lighting (using low-voltage LEDs), occupancy sensors, HVAC, fire alarms/life safety and physical security. These technologies are being combined in the "digital ceiling," which refers literally to the space above the ceiling tiles of a building and the network and cabling infrastructure that accommodates all the digitised operations for various functions. As a large-scale integrator, Varco points to managing customer expectations as a challenge, both at ASIS and in general. "What the customer expects and what's being sold to them may be two different things," he said. "When solving problems and creating business outcomes, you have to control expectations so they understand what they're getting, and what they're not getting. If the customer doesn't believe they got what they were sold, it causes problems." ADT and cybersecurity Cybersecurity continues to be top-of-mind, both among attendees and exhibitors. Protection 1 (now ADT) is a company that has been talking about cybersecurity and other networking issues for several years now, dating back to before it was such as "hot" topic. "It's irresponsible to just provide physical security without addressing what that entails in your cyber environment," said Morgan Harris, ADT's Senior Director of Enterprise Solutions. Ironically, security systems are often the cause of vulnerabilities on a network, and ADT's cybersecurity and network management approach seeks to minimise the vulnerabilities.  Avigilon Blue is a subscription-based cloud service that enables integrators to manage more sites with fewer resources ADT's network operations center offers health management, network services and cybersecurity to business customers. Services that previously targeted national commercial accounts are now being brought downmarket to help smaller commercial customers, which can be even more vulnerable to cyber-attack. Meeting cybersecurity challenges The entire market -- manufacturers, integrators and end users -- all have a stake in meeting cybersecurity challenges, according to Harris. "Everyone has ownership in it," he said. "It starts with the products, but cybersecurity also has to be considered during installation, operation and maintenance." "We try to be out on the edge looking at vulnerabilities," Harris said. "If you are using our managed video recorders, we can push a patch out to the devices fairly quickly." He provided an example of a recent deployment of video systems at a national grocery store chain – more than 300 locations installed over 90 days. A couple of weeks into the deployment, a Windows vulnerability was discovered related to the NVR. Because ADT had a remediation plan in place, they were agile enough to solve the vulnerability problem and continue to deploy on schedule. Leveraging Protection 1's historically successful approach to customerservice has benefited both customers and employees Bringing back national commercial accounts to ADT (which gave up the business in a non-compete provision when the company separated from Tyco) is just one of the benefits of combining Protection 1 and ADT, which will use the more familiar ADT brand going forward. New national account business has also been added by recent acquisitions. Cloud service platforms for video Since the merger with Protection 1, ADT has been working to up its game by improving customer service, drastically lowering customer wait times, and replacing automated audio recordings with live people. Leveraging Protection 1's historically successful approach to customer service has benefited both customers and employees, who don't have to deal with as many angry and frustrated customers. Therefore, employee turnover is going down. "We are proud of the results we are seeing," said Bob Tucker, ADT Director, Corporate Affairs. Cloud services are another hot topic at ASIS 2017, and Avigilon is the latest company to introduce a cloud service platform for video. Avigilon Blue is a subscription-based cloud service that enables integrators to manage more sites with fewer resources, and to add recurring monthly revenue (RMR) based on site subscriptions. A twist is use of "self-monitoring”, in effect, self-learning video analytics, to provide alarm notifications to bring attention to events as triggered by analytics. The customer can also view live and/or archived video through a browser. The system is powered by Microsoft Azure.

With global events putting security at the forefront of everyone’s minds, IFSEC International 2017 was a chance for the industry to come out in force. Over 600 exhibitors and numerous seminars kept visitors informed on the latest innovations in security products, solutions and best practice. Despite the challenging heatwave, exhibitors were raring to go for the three mercifully air-conditioned days of the exhibition. SourceSecurity.com took to the show floor to check out what exhibitors were talking about. [Pictured: Nedap Security Management welcomes new Managing Director Fokko van der Zee] Increasing ROI in vertical markets Sustainable partnerships overtake integrations Power in the hands of the customer Adding value in vertical markets The big question for many exhibitors was how to stand out on a show floor (and in a market) dominated by larger commoditised brands. Manufacturers rose to the challenge by deliberately positioning themselves as solutions providers within specific vertical markets, rather than trying to compete on low cost products. For Vivotek, the Taiwanese IP surveillance specialists, the emphasis was on adding value in particular markets such as transport and retail. Alongside a lineup of 180° and 360° solutions, the manufacturer debuted its 12-megapixel fisheye camera, FE9391-EV, whose 360° lens technology makes it ideal for crowd detection and loitering-time analysis in the retail sector, in addition to traditional security applications. Vivotek’s vertical market focus was further reinforced by demonstrations of its integrations with SeeTec and Wavestore. This collaboration forms part of the company’s Solution Integration Alliance programme, which aims to create better end-user solutions through integration of Vivotek products with partner technologies. Collaborating on technology and customer support This was a theme which resonated across the show floor. The Promise Technology stand firmly emphasised collaboration, with presentations from the storage provider’s IP camera partners including IronYun and Axis Communications. Particular importance was given to education and training for partners and end users to get the most out of integrated solutions. The emphasis for Promise Technology was on education and training for partners and end users Similarly, for Nedap Security Management, the increasing demand for connected systems means that open platform solutions are essential to excel within the security industry. As well as welcoming new Managing Director Fokko van der Zee, Nedap used its presence at the show to inform visitors about new and ongoing partnerships with key players in the industry. These partnerships include ASSA ABLOY, Touchless Biometric Systems and Milestone Systems. According to Jeroen Harmsen, Nedap’s Director of Product Management, the ability to provide collaborative solutions is becoming a key differentiator in the security sector and beyond. While many companies pursue product integrations, what makes sustainable partnerships stand out is ongoing cooperation on issues such as customer support. This, according to Harmsen, is why the deep integration of Milestone’s XProtect VMS and Nedap’s AEOS access control system has been so successful. Making customers’ lives easier This insistence on customer service as a differentiating factor also extended to video surveillance manufacturers. However, not all exhibitors were aiming to achieve this through increased integration. Cisco Meraki, whose cloud-managed video system is relatively new to the security market, deliberately steers clear of the market trend for integration in favour of the ‘Apple’ approach, aiming to provide a comprehensive solution on one easy-to-use platform. The architecture is intended to make customers’ lives easier by removing the NVR from the equation - video is stored on the edge and managed via the cloud, eliminating the ongoing costs and maintenance associated with traditional hardware solutions. Eagle Eye Networks president Ken Francis was also hoping to highlight the benefits of customer-friendly cloud surveillance at the show. The acquisition of Panasonic's Cameramanager has allowed Eagle Eye Networks to cater to smaller businesses with cameras connected directly to the internet. The company’s cloud storage solution also includes Remote Power Cycling via an integrated PoE switch, allowing users to remotely repower cameras themselves with no training or expertise. Crucial to Eagle Eye Networks' customer-friendly outlook is the possession of its own local data centres worldwide, reducing cloud storage costs and allowing customers to choose where their video is stored. Making your security products stand out on a crowded show floor is no easy task, but IFSEC 2017 saw plenty of innovation from video surveillance, access control and intrusion providers alike. As competition increases, added value solutions, collaboration and ease-of-use are sure to help manufacturers make a splash at future shows!  

End users are looking to expand access control beyond its traditional role securing perimeter doors. Innovations such as wireless locks, wi-fi, power-over Ethernet (PoE) and panel-less IP architectures are yielding more flexible solutions for a larger range of locking needs both inside and at the perimeter of an enterprise. Donna Chapman, an ASSA ABLOY Integrated Solutions Specialist, notes that new technologies are increasing how many openings are secured in a building from the current 5 to 15 percent to as many as 25 to 40 percent of openings. Access control for data centres Openings don’t just mean doors – it could mean a lock for a prescription drug cabinet in a hospital or physical access to a server in a data centre. I caught up with ASSA ABLOY at AMAG’s Security Engineering Symposium (SES) 2016. AMAG and ASSA ABLOY are technology partners – AMAG’s Symmetry access control system is integrated with ASSA ABLOY’S IP-enabled locks. Our discussion covered changing locking trends – and new opportunities for consultants, integrators and end users. “It used to be enough to secure the perimeter of a data centre, for example” says Jim Crowley, ASSA ABLOY’s Electronic Access Control (EAC) OEM Business Development Manager. “But now customers want to be able to secure the actual rack the server blades are in. In a co-located data centre, you have data from various companies stored together at one facility, and you want to control who’s getting physical access to the data.” Regulations are driving some needs for new locking solutions. In the data centre scenario, protection of medical information required by HIPAA [the U.S. Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996] is driving the need to secure various openings – there are hefty fines for any violations of HIPAA rules. "It used to be enough to secure the perimeter of a data centre, but in a co-located data centre, you have data from various companies stored together at one facility, and you want to control who’s getting physical access to the data" “If you look at the regulatory environment we’re in today, NERC (for the electric utility market) and HIPAA and those types of regulations are requiring that openings have auditability,” says Crowley. “You need to know which people have access to openings both proactively and on a forensic basis. That’s driving access control further into the enterprise and onto openings that you historically didn’t see.” [NERC is the North American Electric Reliability Corp.] Wired vs wireless locks “There’s no one-size-fits-all solution,” adds Chapman. “You want to be able to offer a locking solution based on needs and budget, and you have a lot of options.” While every lock cannot be wired, it’s also true that many applications don’t lend themselves to wireless solutions. A strategic mixture is the best approach. “We are not trying to displace all hard-wired doors with wireless,” says Crowley. “There will always be a need for wired and wireless – they’re complementary, and not mutually exclusive.” He also notes that wireless locks use AES 128-bit encryption to ensure security. “We are always looking to improve the security of that wireless transmission, but some people have it in their head that wireless is not secure, which isn’t the case.” However, because concerns persist, ASSA ABLOY just came out with Wiegand wired versions of its cabinet locks and server cabinet locks. Some data centres just don’t want wireless locks in their facility. Adopting cloud security solutions Another development is cloud applications for the light commercial market, which offer an attractive price point that combines security and convenience. “When folks talk to me about being concerned about security in the cloud, I ask them: How do you do your banking? If you’re using your bank’s Web-based services, your entire financial life is in the cloud.” When developing its variety of locking solutions, ASSA ABLOY is always listening to the voice of the customer, says Chapman. “We want our solutions to be innovative and customer-centric, with everyone having a good user experience – including our OEM partners, channel partners, integrators and end users.” The company has teams of people who constantly call on integrators, security consultants and architects, as well as owners and users. “We are constantly evolving, and we want to take whatever necessary steps to make doing business with ASSA ABLOY easier.”

A 300-plus camera city centre video surveillance scheme in Lincoln has been installed and commissioned using cameras, monitors and switching equipment from Dahua Technology. The previous analogue-based CCTV system was more than 20 years old and had become expensive to maintain, so City of Lincoln Council decided to replace the analogue cameras and transmission equipment with HD digital equipment. The total cost of ownership has been reduced by the savings made on legacy fibre lease costs, as well as reduced energy consumption and the ability to configure and maintain the cameras remotely. Installation of IP full HD system The installation of the new IP full HD system and network is part of Lincoln’s smart city strategy – Vision 2020 The design of the new all-wireless encrypted system was based around delivering flexible technology, reducing the total cost of ownership, ease of installation, lower maintenance requirements, smart edge analytics and remote connectivity. Environmentally friendly aspects of the project included specifying lower-energy equipment, integrating remote support and recycling hardware wherever possible. The council employed independent consultants Lever Technology Group to help them ensure they had a robust and future-proof radio network design. The installation of the new IP full HD system and network is part of Lincoln’s smart city strategy – Vision 2020 – which seeks to drive innovation in the city and harness new technologies to improve the lives of citizens. One of the results is the provision of free Wi-Fi in the city, working alongside the Dahua cameras using the same IP wireless network. Bandwidth efficiency using H.265 compression A combination of fixed and PTZ cameras were installed over a new 1GB duplex network. These include cameras from the Dahua Pro series, which features high image quality, bandwidth efficiency using H.265 compression and excellent low-light performance. Bullet cameras from the Ultra series – with powerful optical zoom, IR distances of up to 50 metres and software which supports people-counting and heat-mapping – were also installed. The design of the scheme incorporated both camera and server-side analytics with legacy motion and audio detection The bandwidth efficiency of the cameras meant that multiple cameras could be installed in any given position, providing 360° coverage of locations and up to 20 Megapixels of video capacity per location – compared with less than 400,000 pixels with the previous analogue cameras. The design of the scheme incorporated both camera and server-side analytics, including video content analytics, facial recognition, ANPR, heat maps and pedestrian counting, as well as legacy motion and audio detection. The objective of the facial recognition aspect is to support operators in areas such as the search for missing and vulnerable individuals. PoE switches for providing power The superior image quality of the new system is borne out in figures which show an increase in ‘actionable’ images from 5% with the previous system to 60% successful reviews with the new one. Dahua PoE switches were also installed to provide power to the cameras, which are then connected to a layer-2 network. A new video wall comprising ten Dahua DHL49-4K LED backlit 49-inch 4K Ultra HD video wall display units featuring industrial level wide-viewing LCD panels, was fitted into a newly refurbished control room in City Hall and connected to i-Comply wonderwall video display drivers. This is a great collaboration of key project partners that have a tried-and-tested pedigree and working relationship with Videcom Security" Supplied through authorised distributor Mayflex, the entire system was installed by public space CCTV specialists Videcom Security, which worked with other partners to provide a high-performance, efficient and feature-rich system. Cost-effective and reliable equipment Bill Mead, Managing Director at Videcom Security, said that working largely with Dahua video equipment meant it was easier for engineers in terms of configuration, as well as being cost-effective and representing good value for money. “Working with the Dahua product range has been great. The products have proved to be reliable and we experienced very few problems, from the initial configuration through to installation and commissioning. “This is a great collaboration of key project partners that have a tried-and-tested pedigree and working relationship with Videcom Security. We broke new ground with the development of 4K H.265 decoding, the support through Luxriot for camera-side analytics and edge recording, and the development by Dahua of camera-to-camera communication, allowing for non-connected systems to communicate locally.” Infinet 5GHz and Siklu E and V band radios Videcom Security is a certified Dahua Integration Partner, training for which was delivered both by Dahua and the Mayflex Academy Dahua is a solution provider in the global video surveillance industry and associated technology and has a keen focus on innovation by investing heavily in research and development. For the Lincoln city scheme, its products were selected based on their performance and cost-effectiveness to meet project budgets. Videcom Security is a certified Dahua Integration Partner, training for which was delivered both by Dahua and the Mayflex Academy. This helped Videcom negotiate key firmware enhancements, which added to many of the analytical features available in each of the cameras. The wireless network is built with Infinet 5GHz and Siklu E and V band radios. Resilience and diverse routing has been built into the network design, which supports video surveillance as well as public Wi-Fi and capacity for smart city services. Luxriot have worked closely with Dahua, supplying their Evo Global video management system and supporting edge analytics integration through their ‘events and actions’ management, which has also been integrated through to i-Comply’s VTAS CRVMS software (now rebranded as Viewscape). Real-time control and video streaming The Dahua system implemented by Videcom Security provides the main elements of our tier-1 solution" The introduction of H.265 compression was ground-breaking for such a project, with the system capable of displaying 4MP and 6MP H.265 to the operator’s spot monitor with real-time control and video streaming. “The Dahua system implemented by Videcom Security provides the main elements of our tier-1 solution,” said Martin Byrne, CCTV Team leader at Lincoln City Council. “The police are extremely pleased with the system and we’ve had very positive feedback from them. “There is really no comparison from how we operated previously to how we can now. It revolutionises how we manage the CCTV systems and data. The potential for what we can achieve going forward is remarkable. We have now started to get real results from the investment in analytics; in particular vehicle and people-counting has been deployed and data is used to enhance other city projects.” Martin added: “Dahua has taken time out to visit and discuss with us our ambitions for smart city services. We have adopted Dahua as our brand of choice for CCTV cameras and have so far been very pleased and impressed with their reliability, low-light performance and overall image quality.”

A video surveillance system installed by Daemon Fire & Security, based on an AMG Systems-supplied Ethernet switch network, is helping to protect the UK’s first new inland rail freight hub for over a decade: iPort Rail. The iPort project near Doncaster, South Yorkshire, offers 6 million square feet of space across 337 acres. The massive park is already home to enormous distribution facilities for companies like Amazon, CEVA, Fellowes and Lidl, and its occupancy is set to expand in the coming years. The newly developed iPort Rail terminal, located on its own 30-acre site within iPort, is connected to the electrified East Coast Main Line via the South Yorkshire Joint Line. It offers integrated access to iPort, meaning occupiers can directly approach the rail terminal using their own specialist vehicles on the facility’s private roads. Implementing video surveillance system The cameras we are using are from Bosch, and they are monitored and recorded using the Bosch Video Management System"The terminal can handle up to six trains a day, operating 24-hours, six days a week. Each train can be the maximum UK length of 775m. iPort Rail has an 800m reception siding and two 400m handling sidings, with storage capacity for 1,500 shipping containers. With iPort Rail playing such a crucial role in developer Verdion’s iPort transportation strategy, there was a pressing need to ensure that the terminal has effective ongoing video monitoring. Buckingham Group Contracting Ltd was responsible for the work on iPort Rail, and they worked with CCTV specialist Daemon Fire & Security to implement the video surveillance system for the perimeter of the terminal. Chris Tattersall, Technical Director at Daemon, said the system runs on a redundant fibre optic network. “AMG Systems assisted us with the fibre optic network design.” Tattersall said. “The cameras we are using are from Bosch, and they are monitored and recorded using the Bosch Video Management System. The cameras are on towers from Altron, and the networking is from AMG.” Cameras for intrusion detection The cameras utilise Bosch analytics, monitoring the perimeter fence for people approaching and trying to climb over or cut through"There are 32 cameras mounted on 18 towers around the rail terminal site perimeter. Tattersall explained that the cameras are primarily used as detectors to monitor for trespass or intrusion. “The cameras utilise Bosch analytics, monitoring the perimeter fence for people approaching and trying to climb over or cut through,” he said. “The cameras are monitored live by the 24-hour security team in the site gatehouse. The system is networked using equipment and expertise from AMG Systems. Daemon and AMG designed a failsafe fibre optic ring system together,” Tattersall said. “From the gatehouse there’s a fibre optic cable which goes and loops around every camera tower and goes back to the gatehouse,” he said. “It’s a redundant ring, so if they get a fault or deliberate cut, everything will carry on working. We’re using industrial PoE Ethernet switches in the towers so they can withstand low temperatures, which is particularly important during cold winters in a relatively open site like this.” Operative in extreme temperatures The industrial managed switches are able to operate in temperatures ranging from -40 deg C to 75 deg CThe industrial managed switches, 20 of which were used in this project, are able to operate in temperatures ranging from -40 deg C to 75 deg C and are designed for medium to large network environments to strengthen network connections. AMG Business Development Director Sara Fisher said AMG was thrilled to be involved in this project. “We were delighted to be asked by Daemon to contribute our design and product expertise to help protect this important and growing freight hub,” she said. Daemon’s video surveillance project took around 10 weeks in total, including implementation and commissioning. It was handed over on time and installed on target. Tattersall said the smooth running of the project could be put down to Daemon’s good working relationship with contractor Buckingham, distributor Pro-Vision, networking and transmission expert AMG Systems, and product suppliers Bosch and Altron.

Raytec Hybrid IP PoE illuminators have been installed to protect a residential palace in Lebanon. The palace located in the Lebanese mountains outside Beirut lies at an altitude of 1,150 metres above the Lamartine Valley. The ornate design and treasured contents of the palace meant the client wanted an advanced security solution for the premises to protect both indoor and outdoor areas. The client approached local security company, Security Engineering, who specialise in complex integration between various systems, to provide an effective solution for their property. Combining CCTV surveillance with intrusion alarm Raytec’s Vario2 IP PoE Hybrid 8 units were selected for use on this project and would be used alongside Optex laser beam detectors and Bosch camerasThe client wanted to achieve high levels of security which they could control and activate remotely. Security Engineering recognised this would be best achieved using a range of different devices to provide a complete solution, combining CCTV surveillance with an intrusion alarm system. As well as the need for IR lighting to assist the CCTV system in the challenging low light conditions, the client also wanted to use White-Light as a deterrent to any potential intruders whenever an alarm was raised. Raytec’s Vario2 IP PoE Hybrid 8 units were selected for use on this project and would be used alongside Optex laser beam detectors and Bosch cameras (equipped with video analytics) and intrusion panel. All devices were linked to a Bosch Video Management System (BVMS), which would be used to control the system. Together, these devices would provide the client with the CCTV surveillance and intrusion alarm system they required and would be connected using TCP/IP technology in a unified communications protocol. High quality images for day/night surveillance The quality of illumination meant the camera analytics could clearly identify any intruders approaching the palace and boosted the accuracy of detectionAs the only IP enabled illuminator combining White-Light and Infra-Red into a single unit, Raytec’s Hybrid illuminators provided the client with the greatest level of functionality, flexibility and control. In Infra-Red mode, the illuminators provide high quality images for general night-time surveillance. The quality of illumination meant the camera analytics could clearly identify any intruders approaching the palace and boosted the accuracy of detection. Crucially for the client, Hybrid’s dual functionality also meant White-Light could be triggered as a deterrent (when an alarm was activated by the camera analytics or the Optex laser beam) to scare off any intruders. As well as being able to easily control the entire system remotely through the VMS, the entire system also linked to an indoor keypad or mobile app which had to be activated in order to arm the system. This ensured the deterrent lighting was only enabled when needed and couldn’t be triggered by false alarms. Using Infra-Red and White-Light together From the outset, Security Engineering identified the need to use both Infra-Red and White-Light illumination. Combining Infra-Red, White-Light and IP capability in a single illuminator, Hybrid represents the most advanced product of its type in today’s security market, providing the client with a more dynamic security response and tight integration with the other devices being used as part of the solution. Hybrid achieves the same power and distance as two dedicated illuminators; an important factor for the challenging low light conditions Thanks to Hybrid’s IP capability, all elements of the solution could work together seamlessly. As an open platform, all Raytec IP illuminators can easily integrate with a wide range of security devices; in this instance, Optex detectors and Bosch cameras. This gave Security Engineering greater flexibility when specifying their solution. Same power as two dedicated illuminators Hybrid’s dual use also helped to reduce the number of illuminators used on-site (previously the client would have had to install separate, dedicated White-Light and Infra-Red illuminators), reducing outlay on infrastructure and cabling by half. With no compromise on performance, Hybrid achieves the same power and distance as two dedicated illuminators; an important factor for the challenging low light conditions. Khaled Jaber, Security Engineering Managing Director comments: “Due to low light challenging conditions, and in order to maintain quality and efficiency of our Bosch cameras, we decided to use Raytec product for the advanced features it offered in enhancing the overall night image and delivering optimised end result of the camera under the given circumstances.”

A county water resources department (DWR), which services the water and sewage needs of almost a million residents in the county and neighbouring communities, was looking to install several hundreds of surveillance cameras at the large water treatment plant, as well as several remote locations/plants under their management.  Although they already had an existing solution, it involved complex integration of multiple hardware and software solutions for storage and networking in conjunction with OnSSI VMS and multiple cameras, the DWR was looking for a cost-e­ffective replacement solution that would simplify the management of the existing system, and since the number of cameras at each treatment plant is expected to grow exponentially, the scalability of the new solution was also a very important consideration. VSkyCube Hyperconverged Infrastructure Solution Initial deployment of VSkyCube consists of a 3 x s200 cluster, supporting 40 IP cameras and 40TB of storagePromise, in conjunction with their partner ComTech, who took responsibility for management, setup and maintenance of the solution, o­ffered the DWR their VSkyCube Hyperconverged Infrastructure Solution as a replacement and enhancement for their existing security storage infrastructure. Initial deployment of VSkyCube consists of a 3 x s200 cluster, supporting 40 IP cameras and 40TB of storage. The DWR’s high-end surveillance solution provides: Pre-integrated nodes that can be rapidly deployed and scaled for future deployments. VSkyCube software-defined approach allows ComTech to deploy and launch surveillance services with just a few clicks. A cost-e­ffective, fully redundant platform for running their existing OnSSI video management, as well as secure storage for sensitive security video. Simple, powerful, centralised management with VSkyView allows the DWR personnel to manage, monitor, scale and adjust compute, storage and networking resources from a single pane-of-glass interface. Ability to scale and evolve to handle higher resolutions and additional cameras by simply adding additional VSky nodes for more storage or processing power. A crucial element, given the department’s expansion goals of more than 700 cameras in the near future. Vess A3340 with 16-port PoE solutions Easily scalable and flexible solution provides the capability to expand to add additional cameras, upgrade cameras to higher resolutionsVSkyCube pre-integrates computing, storage, and networking into hyperconverged nodes, specifically optimised for video surveillance workloads and brings the benefits of the hyper-scale datacentre to the county. All these advantages allowed the DWR to focus on the security, not the infrastructure. The partnership with ComTech also resulted in installation of Vess A3340 with integrated 16-port PoE solutions, perfect for ‘all-in-one’ surveillance needs at smaller-scale sites, providing an aff­ordable solution while still being capable of expanding as the number of cameras grows. Other departments within the county had diff­erent surveillance requirements that were met by the Vess A6120. Results and benefits of the solution Cost-efficient solution eliminated the need for expensive discrete storage and networking. Replacement with hyperconverged node means Promise can provide high-quality support across the full scope of installations. Easily scalable and flexible solution provides the capability to expand to add additional cameras, upgrade cameras to higher resolutions, or increase retention times. The solution is anticipated to scale to 700+ cameras in the near future. High resilience and high availability features increased security of county surveillance operations, ensuring important video footage is captured and retained. Simple management and monitoring solution reduces overhead while enhancing operations and increasing flexibility. Solution can be readily applied by ComTech to future surveillance installations.

Having one of the world’s top predators take up residence in the middle of your town may not seem like a welcome surprise. But, when that predator is the world’s fastest bird and provides the chance to capture its behaviour at its nest site, courtesy of a top 4K camera from Hikvision, it proved to be too good an opportunity for the people of Taunton and UK peregrine experts to miss. The Peregrine Falcon is a large, powerful, and breathtakingly fast bird – the fastest animal on the planet. In normal flight it cruises at 40 mph and can reach 65 mph in a chase. But, on the hunt, it can dive towards its prey at more than 200 mph. The peregrine has little to fear except man, being driven close to extinction in the 1960s due to human persecution and the impact of pesticides in the food chain Taunton Peregrine Project A top predator, the peregrine has little to fear except man, being driven close to extinction in the 1960s due to human persecution and the impact of pesticides in the food chain. With the benefit of stronger legislation and listed species protection, these birds have recovered in their natural strongholds and have now expanded into many urban areas. Just like the urban fox, the peregrine has found our built environment a perfect place to call home, lifelong pairs nesting in their eyries on tall structures and high-rise buildings and feeding predominantly on feral pigeons. St Mary Magdalene Church in Taunton, Somerset, found itself with a pair of peregrine falcons at the top of its 163-foot church tower earlier this year and quickly turned to naturalist and ecologist, Michael Leigh-Mallory, to lead the Taunton Peregrine Project. Monitor Birds behaviour Working with Coomber Security Systems, a total of five Hikvision cameras were installed to monitor the bird’s behaviour, with all the video feeds wirelessly transmitted to a Hikvision NVR and 4K monitor within the church. Located in the heart of Somerset’s county town, St Mary Magdalene can trace its history to the early eighth century when Christianity was established in Taunton. Since the 12th century, the church has been built mainly of sandstone and this ancient structure provided the first challenge for the installation team as no drilling or permanent fixing to the listed building’s structure is now allowed. The second challenge to the team: placing all five cameras at a height of more than 160 feet within the confines of the church tower Highest point possible Naturally, the birds chose the highest point possible to establish their perch, providing the second challenge to the team: placing all five cameras at a height of more than 160 feet within the confines of the church tower and in positions that would allow the Peregrine Project to observe the widest possible range of behaviours, including in-flight as they arrived and departed the site. Finally, the ornithologists were determined that the monitoring activities should not disturb the birds. This meant locating the NVR and 4K monitor at ground level at the opposite end of the church. Comprehensive coverage Coomber Security Systems took on the task of designing and installing the bespoke surveillance system, using Hikvision PoE Switches to provide power and data handling for all five IR-equipped cameras that were sited on the tower. The three 4K Vari-focal bullet cameras were mounted on wooden poles and then strapped to the tower to overcome the prohibition on making any permanent change to the church structure. Between the three feeds, the project team can see the birds in the air arriving at and departing from the tower, together with comprehensive coverage of the nest box that they installed in the hope that the birds would be encouraged to breed in the future. A Ubiquiti AC Nano wireless bridge was used to create a secure connection between the top of the tower and the far end of the church Impacting natural behaviour The Project’s observation team also capture video and sound from a 4MP Mini Dome IP camera mounted within the nest box and a small 2MP PTZ camera mounted at the top of the tower to capture all round views, and to ensure the birds are not disturbed, a Ubiquiti AC Nano wireless bridge was used to create a secure connection between the top of the tower and the far end of the church. This means the video and sound from the cameras can be recorded and monitored 24/7 without impacting the natural behaviour of the falcons. Providing valuable information According to Michael Leigh-Mallory, Project Leader of the Taunton Peregrine Project, “With two months of operation under its belt, the new system has been providing 24-hour coverage of the falcon pair, including highly-resolved images of the peregrines flying in to the perch with their prey.” “Despite the difficult and potentially hazardous installation on the ancient building, and the use of an unorthodox mounting system that puts the cameras in very exposed positions, the 4K video from the IP bullet cameras is of amazing quality both day and night. The Hikvision equipment has recorded ground-breaking images of a wide range of behaviours, including nocturnal hunting, and all in incredible definition. These 4K images are most probably a first for peregrine observation in the UK. What’s more, this unique 4K footage has been providing valuable information to external Peregrine experts, like Ed Drewitt, naturalist, broadcaster and writer of the book Urban Peregrines.” The team plan to raise more money so the views of the birds can be live streamed to the Internet via their web-site Ground-breaking images An Open Day was held at the end of March to allow the local community to see for themselves the result of their donations that fund the entire project. In addition, Somerset Ornithological Society and the BBC Springwatch team have shown great interest in the communities’ efforts and a large following is emerging on social media. Now, the team plan to raise more money so the views of the birds can be live streamed to the Internet via their web-site, which is currently under construction. Michael Leigh-Mallory, Project Leader of the Taunton Peregrine Project, said, “The Hikvision cameras have provided images of incredible definition! We have been able to record ground-breaking images of nocturnal hunting and a wide range of behaviour. The 4K images are probably a first for peregrine observation in the UK and this unique 4K footage has been providing valuable information to Peregrine experts like Ed Drewitt, naturalist, broadcaster and writer of the book Urban Peregrines.” Results Ground-breaking 4K images of nocturnal hunting and a wide range of behaviour for the first time. 2 months of uninterrupted operation with cameras operating in very exposed positions. Difficult and potentially hazardous installation on ancient building. Very satisfied End User. HIKVISION Equipment DS-2CD2685FWD-IZS - 8 MP WDR Vari-focal Network Bullet Camera 8MP Ultra HD high resolution 1/2.5" Progressive Scan CMOS Triple stream - Max. 3840 × 2160@20fps 2.8-12mm motorized vari-focal lens Up to 50m IR distance H.265+ compression IP67 weatherproof 120dB Wide Dynamic Range 3D Digital Noise Reduction Supports on board storage (up to 128GB)  DS-2CD2542FWD-IS - 4MP WDR Mini Dome Network Camera 4MP high resolution Full HD1080p video Dual stream 2.8mm/4mm/6mm fixed lens 120dB Wide Dynamic Range 3D Digital Noise Reduction 3-axis adjustment Up to 10m IR range H.264+ compression IP67 weather-proof protection DS-2DE4A220IW-DE - 2MP Network IR mini PTZ Camera 1/2.8" Progressive Scan CMOS 1920 x 1080 20X Optical Zoom WDR 3D intelligent positioning function Up to 50m IR range DS-7616NI-K2/16P NVR –Embedded Plug & Play 4K NVR Third-party network cameras supported Up to 8 Megapixels resolution recording Support 1-ch HDMI, 1-ch VGA, HMDI at up to 4K(3840x2160) resolution 8/16-ch network cameras can be connected with 80M/160M incoming bandwidth Up to 2 SATA interfaces Plug & Play with up to 16 independent PoE network interfaces Support dual-OS to ensure high reliability of system running Support various VCA detection alarm and VCA search Support H.265/H.264/MPEG4 video formats 4K Monitor

Located in Moscow, the International Investment Bank (IIB) is an inter-state organisation which promotes economic and social development among members, including Hungary, the Republic of Bulgaria, the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, the Republic of Cuba, Mongolia, the Russian Federation, Romania, the Slovak Republic and the Czech Republic. Following a review of security in 2015 the bank’s senior management identified a need to rationalise and expand their video surveillance capability. A staged solution was sought that would allow them to manage the process in easy steps. AVIX recommended a seamless, integrated solution using IDIS technology, including cameras, peripheral switching devices and recorders. The IDIS solution would be easy and cost effective to install and would allow efficient, staged replacement of all existing video infrastructure. Corresponding passwords At the heart of the new system is IDIS DirectIP which makes set-up and launch incredibly simple by utilising zero configuration technology for the implicit pairing of devices. This eliminates the need for installers to manage multiple IP addresses that can often lead to human factors leading to weaknesses in network security, such as saved IP device names and corresponding passwords in spreadsheets. Robust network security is also assured through embedded IDIS proprietary protocols not familiar to hackers Robust network security is also assured through embedded IDIS proprietary protocols not familiar to hackers. IDIS NVRs also force installers to implement an encrypted password as well as recommending two-factor authentication. Importantly, for IIB at no point thereafter can IDIS access any NVR, dispelling the bank’s concern of any ‘back doors’ that could present a potential network security breach. Various bank premises A range of specialist IDIS cameras now protects the various bank premises, including DC-T1833WHR 8MP external bullet cameras and full HD DC-T3233HRX units giving crisp real-time views of immediate street surroundings. These cameras come with built in IR LEDs, making them ideal for covering extensive perimeter areas in all lighting conditions. The external cameras feature IDIS Intelligent Codec, which can save up to 90% of disk space and network bandwidth. Crucially, they are also fitted with a 2TB memory card so that should a camera be disconnected from its NVR, the camera’s SD card instantly begins recording and automatically transfers the data to the NVR after recovery, leaving no incident unrecorded. The bank’s existing video system had been built up gradually over time and now included equipment and software from various manufacturers. Integrated solution This piecemeal approach had resulted in problems of compatibility, which hampered further expansion, and had also brought with it the disadvantage of costly licence update requirements with different suppliers. To solve this problem, Russian security solutions distributor AVIX, was asked to deliver a robust, high quality integrated solution using IP technology from a single manufacturer than would allow the bank to scale and adapt the system to meet its future security needs. Internal areas are fitted with a range of IDIS 2MP motorised IR dome cameras connected to an DR-6232P NVR In addition, for efficient operation in winter weather conditions, these vandal proof units incorporate energy-saving heaters that do not require an additional external power supply. Internal areas are fitted with a range of IDIS 2MP motorised IR dome cameras connected to an DR-6232P NVR that allows the connection of up to 32 12MP cameras to perform simultaneous recording and play back. Trouble free operation The system also utilises IDIS rack mounted eSATA storage and PoE switches to ensure real-time monitoring from remote sites during peak loads across the network. The International Development Bank’s new surveillance system is now less complex, less costly and much more powerful than the old technology it replaces. The system is managed through the cost and license free IDIS Center video management software providing a simple and effective interface for operators. “It was definitely the right decision to move away from a complex system, based on equipment from multiple manufacturers. Our security operation now benefits from the latest advances in video technology and the assurance of affordable, trouble free operation into the future as well as robust network security that is absolutely paramount in the banking sector.” Aleksandr Funk, Head of Technical Protection Department, The Investment Development Bank. Now, as the bank’s security needs change, the surveillance system will be easy to adapt and expand, taking advantage of continual video advances from IDIS.

IP network dependability matters in physical security and safety applications, given that a company’s assets and people are at risk. There have been strides in the areas of network dependability, fault-tolerance, reliability, and survivability. However, networks (or affordable ones, at any rate) still cannot ensure near-100 percent uptime, which is why system designers acknowledge and plan for the possibility of a network outage. We asked this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable: How can/should an IP networked system adapt when network connectivity is lost?

Software drives video solutions in the IP environment, but often that software is a pre-installed component of a purpose-built network video recorder (NVR). In other cases, software solutions are sold separately and then installed (usually by the integrator) on a commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) server. But how can an integrator or end user decide which approach is best for them? We asked this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable: What are the advantages and disadvantages of using a pre-configured video appliance (such as a purpose-built NVR with preinstalled software) versus software running on an off-the-shelf server?

Environmentalism is a universal consideration in most business sectors in 2016. Whether seeking to provide greener products, or looking for new ways to minimise waste of manufacturing processes, most companies are involved to some degree with environmental concerns. Green has not traditionally been a big driver in the security industry, but there are indications the profile of environmentalism is increasing. We asked this week's Expert Panel: How green (environmentally friendly) is the security industry? How should the industry as a whole (integrators and manufacturers) work to improve the industry’s environmental record?