FAQ

What is IPVS? 

Introduction to IPVS

IP video surveillance means a system including network cameras, a data network, a computer server with software, and disk storage that operates in a building, campus or site to provide continuous video monitoring of activities in key locations.

"IP" means Internet Protocol. This is a fancy term that refers to the data that flows over both your familiar Ethernet wiring (same as in your home and office) and flows over the Ethernet. What this means to you is that your IP-based Video Surveillance system (IPVS) uses the same type of cabling, switches and computers that are already in use everywhere in the world.

An IPVS system can either run on dedicated cabling, meaning the network handles only digital video data, or it can on your existing data network, sharing wires and switches. Either way, your IPVS system will get its own computer server, its own software, and its own disk drives for storage.

One major advantage of running on a shared network is that there is no or little cost for additional cabling. It also means that your existing IT department can easily administer the system. Some of the regular IT tools they use now, such as an authentication server, are used unaltered for the same purpose in the IPVS system.

System Components

All IPVS systems share the following six major components:

  • Networked cameras
  • The Ethernet network, including fiber or cable, and switches
  • The PC-based server computer(s)
  • Software that runs on the server so make it operate as a "Network Video Recorder," or NVR
  • Standard disks, organized as a RAID array for increased reliability
  • Standards PCs to control the system and access the stored video

Optional capabilities are considerable, including:

  • Wireless PDAs to view video and control cameras in the field
  • Wireless cameras, wireless links, and multiple campuses
  • Private or public access to video and camera control via the Internet
  • Integration with other IT systems, such as access control
  • Sophisticated software analytics to detect potential problems, record statistics, and generate rule-based alerts
  • Alerts may be sent via email, IM, paging or phone

Please see BENEFITS and WHITE PAPERS for more information on advanced technology options.

All IPVS systems provide automatic motion-based selective recording. All systems provide the ability to view real time video from any number of cameras, from any location, using standard PCs and hand-held wireless PDA devices.