Components of a Security System
Elements to Consider When Implementing a Security System
Because there are multiple elements to each type of security system, managers have to ask questions about each element as well as how the system works as a whole. You will need to consider the following components when designing a security system.
Web servers -- Managers should know how many cameras a server can support, and at what zoom ratios. A major consideration for the server is the amount of storage purchased. This decision should be a function of the number of cameras used and other features included in the system, such as motion-based recording. Speed and internal RAM or memory are also important factors to keep in mind depending on the number of cameras configured with the system.
Control options -- With higher-end security systems, users can control camera operation or access information from PCs, laptops or even PDAs. There are many different ways to control DVRs and cameras remotely. Two of the popular remote capabilities include using a joystick, or a Web browser using an IP address. The joystick has to be within a limited range of the DVR and can fully control all PTZ cameras if necessary. The future of DVRs revolve around IP. Currently, most systems have this functionality, and can be controlled through software or a Web browser. Through these methods, a user can control the camera's viewing position and zoom in or out with focus capabilities as well.
Cameras -- cameras are available with an enormous variety of features. Options include black, white or color, wired or wireless, pan/tilt, night vision and others. There are a variety of cameras to choose from. Most commercial and residential installations will choose a standard fixed camera or a PTZ camera with remote control capabilities. Some additional cameras that can be used are hidden, where they are disguised as objects, such as clocks or radios. Gyro cameras are another up and coming item in the industry. These offer a 360-degree recording angle, which in certain environments is necessary to track objects or people continuously.
Recorders -- Recorders also include multiple features, such as time lapse, motion activation, simultaneous recording by multiple cameras, multi-screen or spot monitoring, etc. As with web servers, storage capacity is an important feature and should be aligned with how long surveillance period images must be retained.
Multiplexers -- Multiplexers are similar to network routers, cameras attached to them and the multiplexer feeds the recorder. A recorder will basically take the signal and store it locally. Usually multiplexers and recorders are built in together to create DVRs. If more than two weeks storage is necessary, additional recorders can be purchased.
Keycards -- Even the humble keycard comes with a wide variety of options: mag stripe, smart card and other varieties. Smart cards are becoming increasingly prevalent since managers can change authentication information quickly and remotely, adding a higher level of security. Because administration of keycards is becoming very easy and widely available to manage, even smaller businesses are taking advantage of this solution. Many of the systems are also on the network, so remote capability is a huge break for this technology. Key cards are becoming a commodity, like a personal identification card. If lost, they can be disabled immediately.