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Intelligent Infrastructure: Security and Surveillance

Aug 1, 2008 12:00 PM, By James Carlini, Certified Infrastructure Consultant

Impact on network performance

How do you integrate the cameras into your overall enterprise? Is there network management software available? Is it free? Can you run the network management software on a PC? Most information technology (IT) experts say you can save money by running the software on an existing PC. However, this is wrong.

A PC is optimized to run data applications, not video applications. Do they know how to tweak everything inside, including the motherboard for video applications? There are many technical questions that include understanding the maximum speed of the internal PC bus architecture (133Mbps). Don't let the techies sell you on their ability to convert a PC to process video network management. Buy the network video recorder (NVR) that integrates with the cameras. That way, you're guaranteed the equipment was designed specifically to mesh together, and all you have to call is one vendor instead of two or three when something goes wrong.

Best practices are a moving target

Don't fall for any vendor or system integrator that trumpets the tired phrase, “We have best practices in our design approach.” When it comes to technology, what was a great guideline last year could be totally obsolete this year. Beware of getting last year's solution to handle this year's problems.

When all is said and done, there is no cookie-cutter approach to implementations. In fact, many become a custom integration that needs to fit your requirements. Too many vendors and solution integrators try to sell you on fitting your business into their standard package instead of fitting their package into your unique business. Remember, this when a vendor tries to sell you a one-size-fits-all solution. Also remember the phrase, “You get what you pay for.” If you want quality, you won't find it at fire sale prices.

A certified infrastructure consultant and expert witness on major network infrastructures, Carlini, MBA, is president of CARLINI & ASSOCIATES, INC., based in East Dundee, Ill. He can be reached at james.carlini@sbcglobal.net.

Broadband Connectivity (Sub-Layers)
Life/safety
Security/surveillance
Video applications
Data applications
Voice applications

Sub-layers of the framework of critical infrastructure.

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