How Media Conversion Can Ease the Transition to Fiber Fiber optic cabling provides numerous benefits for transporting the video signaling in a security and surveillance network and you can read more about those benefits in my previous post here. Once the need for fiber optic cabling has been identified or the need to transport the video signal on an existing fiber optic backbone exists, the next problem to solve is how to accomplish this task while protecting your investment in existing copper-based video equipment. Before we discuss how media conversion can ease this transition to fiber optic cabling, let’s first review the common components and architectures of today’s copper-based video security and surveillance systems. Whether the video surveillance is analog-based or IP-based, there are a number of common components to most video systems including cameras, cabling infrastructure, monitors and a means of recording the video for future use and playback. Let’s take a quick look at the two main technologies for video systems in use today. Analog Video Systems Closed-circuit television (CCTV) systems have been in use for more than twenty years and comprise the vast majority of video security systems in use today. In a typical CCTV system analog cameras are connected via coaxial cabling back to a central management room where the coax is connected to a monitor(s) and a video cassette recorder (VCR) or digital video recorder (DVR). An additional component called a controller is used if the cameras have PTZ capability and is generally centrally located. All components are dedicated to this CCTV system and the system is “closed” to external access. Analog Video Security System with fixed and PTZ cameras Fig. 1: Analog Video Security System with fixed and PTZ cameras IP Video Systems In a typical IP-based video surveillance system, network (IP) cameras are connected directly to the Local Area Network (LAN) and transport digital video across the IP network via UTP cabling and switches, recording video to any PC or server on the network. Since the cameras are IP addressable, they are able to be accessed from anywhere in the world, provided the user has the sufficient network access and security privileges. IP Video Security System Fig. 2: IP Video Security System Media Conversion For those not familiar with the technology, media conversion products transparently connect one type of media, or cabling, to another – typically copper to fiber. Bridging the gap between legacy copper infrastructures and fiber growth, media conversion products provide an economical path towards extending the distance of an existing network, extending the life of non-fiber based equipment, or extending the distance between two like devices. Whether distance extension or simply utilizing existing fiber optic infrastructure, media conversion can be a cost-effective way to integrate fiber optic cabling into an existing copper-based video security system. In addition, the video media converters can be designed to actually perform many other functions in addition to transporting the video signal over fiber optics such as transporting the serial information necessary for control of PTZ cameras or even providing a means to transport the video over the Ethernet-based LAN. Below is a list of commonly found media conversion products listed from the most basic features to more complex products: Analog video conversion Analog Video Media Converters – powered devices that convert an analog video signal on coax over to a fiber optic medium Analog Video + Data Media Converters – powered devices that convert an analog video signal on coax over to a fiber optic medium plus provide transport of serial data for remote control of PTZ cameras Video Servers or Encoders/Decoders (Codec) – powered devices that convert an analog video signal on coax over to an IP formatted signal that can be transmitted onto an Ethernet compliant cabling medium IP video conversion Ethernet Media Converters – powered devices that convert an IP-based video signal on UTP over to a fiber optic medium Power over Ethernet (PoE) Media Converters – powered devices that convert an IP-based video signal UTP over to a fiber optic medium, as well as inject the power onto the UTP necessary to power remote IP cameras Media converters come in a variety of form factors and sizes ranging from miniature, stand-alone devices that attach directly to a camera to managed, chassis-based devices allowing for full SNMP monitoring and management of the media converters. Fig. 3: Video to Fiber Media Converters In addition to providing a means for transparently connecting one type of media to another, media conversion can provide a cost-effective method for integrating a hybrid video security and surveillance system into one, seamless and manageable entity. Imagine the cost savings that can be realized by utilizing an existing, analog-based CCTV infrastructure, while implementing the latest technology of IP-based cameras for specialized video capture, storage or analysis as well as additional surveillance locations. Hybrid Video Security System with Media Conversion Fig. 4: Hybrid Video Security System with Media Conversion (see larger view) I am not debating the merits of analog vs. IP-based video security systems or even making the claim that a hybrid solution is best, but would rather like to draw your attention to what often times can be the weakest link in many video applications – cabling infrastructure. While coaxial, UTP and fiber-optic cabling each have definite benefits making them the optimum choice for a given installation, designing the cabling infrastructure does not need to be limited to the connector available on the output of a camera or input to a monitor or storage device. Media conversion can provide an economical and effective means to convert to the cabling medium of choice for the best performance, highest bandwidth or greatest transmission distance needed to provide for an optimal video security and surveillance system.
Posted on: Sun, 14 Dec 2014 12:35:07 +0000
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