Security of people, premises, and resources has been one of the main concerns for businesses across the world. Among various things, today, this is achieved using video security and surveillance networks. Video security systems are installed throughout business premises to gather information on incidents and allow business owners to improve their security measures. Although these cameras look like simple devices, their requirements have changed. They have new requirements for bandwidth, quality, and distance beyond copper cables. This post analyzes the use of fiber optic cables with IP video and CCTV analog video systems.
Types of Video Surveillance and Network Security Systems
A video surveillance system comprises recorders, network cameras, and monitors/display units. CCTV analog and IP video systems are commonly used network cameras. Let’s analyze these systems in detail.
- Analog Video Systems: These comprise the majority of video systems that we use today. The analog cameras are connected to digital video recorders or video cassette recorders via coaxial cables. The digital video recorders or video cassette recorders are known as central management systems. A controller is used for the camera with PTZ capability, where PTZ stands for pan-tilt-zoom. This controller is managed centrally.
- IP Video Systems: The video systems are connected to the local area network or LAN via switches and UTP cables. These systems can receive and send data via a computer network. Unlike analog systems where the video is recorded by a digital video recorder (DVR), videos are recorded on a server or PC in the system. An IP video surveillance system may comprise several cameras. Every camera in this network possesses an individual IP, which helps users identify it quickly from others. This very property of IP video systems makes them accessible and users can access them from different locations.
Why Fiber Optics Have Gained Popularity Over Copper Cables
Fiber optics have been around for a while and have been an integral part of several fast-expanding networks. The following reasons make them popular over copper cables.
- These cables can support high bandwidths.
- They support high data transmission
- There is minimal power loss across long distances.
- Fiber optic cables are immune to electromagnetic interference and their security cannot be compromised easily.
- They remain unaffected by electrical noise.
- Fiber optic cables comprise no metallic conductors, which makes them more corrosion-resistant than copper cables.
- They have longer lifespans than copper cables.
Why Use Fiber Media Converter in IP Video and CCTV Analog Video Systems
CCTV analog video systems and IP video systems use UTP cables for connections. Analog video systems use Cat3 cables, while IP video systems use Cat5 cables for connections. Cat3 cables are used in token ring networks, where these cables are used to transmit data at 10 Mbps. However, Cat5 cables are a much enhanced category of cables that can transmit data up to speeds of 1000 Mbs. Although these cables have been used for several years, their performance may be affected by electromagnetic interference, low bandwidth, compromised security, and so on. This is where fiber optic cables can make a difference. These cables are known for their performance during long-distance transmissions. Unlike regular UTP cables, the security of fiber optic cables cannot be jeopardized easily and are not affected by environmental elements or technical abnormalities like electromagnetic interference.
The benefits of fiber optic cables have made them extremely popular. Many networks still use UTP cables as they are cheaper than fiber optic ones. Although fiber optic cables are pricey, they assure long-term performance, making them more cost effective in the long run. If your network currently faces any performance issues, it is not easy to replace it with fiber optic cables. This replacement may incur high costs and technical challenges.
- The devices used for connection may not support fiber optic cables.
- The cables that are fixed beneath the ground cannot be replaced quickly and may require expert intervention.
In this scenario, a hybrid network can be made by incorporating fiber optic and UTP cables. To achieve this, fiber optic media converters can be used. Let’s analyze how media converters help in extending the distance in CCTV video and IP video systems using hybrid networks.
Utilization of Fiber Media Converter in CCTV Analog Camera Systems and IP Video Systems
Media converters can be availed in different forms, including multimode to single mode converters, gigabit fiber media converters, single fiber media converters, Industrial Media Converters, PoE media converters, 10/100 fast Ethernet converters, and so on. Let’s analyze the utilization of gigabit fiber media converters and PoE media converters in CCTV analog camera systems and IP video systems.
- Analog Camera Systems:A facility may use multiple CCTV analog cameras, which may be connected to a single central system using various fiber optic cables. In this, a pair of gigabit fiber media converters may be added between the cameras and DVRs. If cameras with PTZ capabilities are used, two signal conversions happen – one for data and one for signal. Hence, two media converters must be installed for these dual functions. Fiber optic media converters must always be in pairs. One converter will be placed near the camera and the other will be placed near the DVR. These converters are installed on the converter rack chassis for better management.
- IP Cameras:If PoE IP cameras are used,PoE media converters are the best choice. They must be installed at the ends of the cable to ensure optimum conversion. Gigabit Ethernet media converters must be used near the computer where the videos will be recorded.
Conclusion
CCTV analog systems and IP video systems are now being connected using fiber optic cables. These cables assure high image quality, distance, and bandwidths, which makes them desirable. If your video security and surveillance network uses copper cables or traditional coaxial and UTP cables, perhaps, you can consider extending it with fiber optic cables. You can use fiber optic cables to facilitate this extension. These media converters facilitate electronic to optical signal conversion required for transmission in hybrid networks. This conversion helps extend signal transmission over long distances while ensuring the quality of images and network speed. In short, you can rely on media converters to improve the reliability of your networks while saving money and resources.
