PoE IP cameras, special requirements and trouble-free operation - bringing it all together

Building a video surveillance system only at first glance looks simple

task.

During its implementation, it is required to solve a fairly wide range of issues. Besides

organization of data transmission channels, collection, storage and retrieval of the necessary information

it is necessary to provide power to the cameras, as well as control and diagnostics.

Benefits of IP Camera Solutions

There are a lot of technical means: from traditional analogue

camcorders to small USB web-cameras and miniature DVRs.

A fairly convenient and affordable solution is the use of IP cameras for

receiving images.

Cameras of this type transmit an image in digital form over an IP network. it

gives a number of advantages: the picture from the camera comes immediately in digital form,

that is, it does not require special converters, the collected information is easier

process, organize, provide archive search and so on.

If it is possible to conduct a network cable, and the distance between the switch and

cameras does not exceed the permissible values, they usually use an Ethernet network on

twisted pair base and cameras working through cable connection. Such a decision

provides stable communication and is practically independent of external factors,

such as the choice of the frequency range, the presence of air interference and other nuances.

Using a wired connection also allows you to use the same

cable (twisted pair) and for powering video cameras - Power Over Ethernet, PoE.

Note Less commonly used are other types of network connections,

for example, via Wi-Fi or GSM. Despite all the benefits of wireless,

the issue of powering such cameras must be resolved for each case separately.

For example, powered by a lighting network, a solar panel, and so on. AT

in general, this is not quite the direction that can be recommended as

A simple and universal solution for most tasks.

Features of CCTV systems in comparison with other distributed IP-systems

In the case of video surveillance, you cannot directly transmit the experience of building other

networks. Take for comparison voice communication based on IP-telephony. Despite

completely different applications both there and there uses an IP network, in both

In cases, PoE power can be applied.

But if we consider the features of operation, with a similar general approach

some things are decided very differently. Here are a few features:

1. The IP camera needs to be constantly monitored. People, animals or material
   
   objects under surveillance are unlikely to contact themselves
   
   with the technical support department to report a broken camera.

   
   
   
   
   
   
   

   But next to a corporate IP phone, usually a user sits with
   
   by computer. If he has a telephone problem, he can report
   
   by creating a task in the application system, send a request by mail by calling
   
   personal mobile phone (if corporate policy allows) and so on.

   
   
   
   
   
   
   

2. IP cameras are usually located in hard-to-reach places: under the ceiling, on
   
   pillar and the like. Something quickly “take and do” is quite
   
   problematic. If the twisted pair connection is tucked into the wall to
   
   check the status of the cable - first you need to somehow try to get it.
   
   Replacing a camera also looks a bit more complicated than just
   
   disconnect and pick up the idle phone from the table and give it to the user
   
   instead, a working device.

   
   
   
   
   
   
   

Important notice. IP cameras are often at a decent distance from

the switch, for example, video surveillance in squares, recreation areas and so on. If a

using PoE, it is necessary to maintain a sufficiently high level

power, which decreases with increasing distance from the source.

The requirement for stability of the entire video surveillance system is very high. From

the quality and completeness of the picture may depend quite a lot: on the reduction

waiting time for extracting a pass up to the identification of the offender in the system

face recognition. Therefore, stable operation is very important. Respectively,

to the switch, as to the central connecting link, high

requirements. Due to frequent failures of the PoE switch, video surveillance will work

unstable (if at all). Therefore, buying a PoE switch is

certainly not the case when you should try to save and take the first one

the cheapest option.

Similar questions arise not only when using IP cameras, but also other

video surveillance solutions. Of course, all these problems are solvable, otherwise

IP cameras, and a video surveillance system as a whole, would be difficult to use on

practice. But is it possible to somehow simplify your life and not spend extra

resources: time, money, human efforts for simple operations?

Specialized switches for connecting IP cameras

Summing up all of the above, we can say that working with systems based on

IP cameras are easier if you use equipment specifically designed for

work with them. And since IP cameras are connected to the switch, then below

will focus on specialized devices of this type.

The following tasks are looming for such a switch:

1. ensuring stable communication;
2. PoE power supply
3. monitoring and management of IP cameras;
4. protection against power surges and electrostatic discharge.

One of the fundamental factors is the permissible cable length over which

The device is powered up. The second extremely useful condition is

the ability to control, for example, using the LLDP protocol. Special

remote reboot IP-powered camera looks useful

by PoE.

Note Link Layer Discovery Protocol (LLDP) is a channel protocol

level that defines the standard method for devices on an Ethernet network, in

in our case - for switches and IP cameras. Thanks to the use of LLDP devices

can distribute information about themselves among other nodes on the network and save

received data.

Recently, Zyxel introduced new PoE switches with

unique design and software.

In order to better understand the essence of useful innovations, we will consider the line

GS1300 Unmanaged Switches, and the GS1350 Series of New Managed Models

Extended Range Essentials.

All switches from these ranges are specifically designed for systems

video surveillance. In total, 7 modern models are at the disposal of users.

switches, of which 3 are unmanaged and 4 are managed

Zyxel G1300 Series Unmanaged Switches

In this line, the following hardware features that are useful

specifically for video surveillance systems:

• high PoE budget - allows you to maintain the required power even at
  
  significant distance;
• maximum PoE LED;
• camera connection at a distance of up to 250 m;
• extended temperature range from -20 to + 50 ℃ (especially it can be
  
  useful when working in "field conditions", for example, when the switch
  
  located at a temporary facility).

ESD / Surge Protection Value:

• ESD - 8 kV / 6 kV (Air / Contact);
• Surge - 4 kV (Ethernet Port).

Note ESD - ESD protection, Surge -

surge protection. If there is a static discharge in air up to 8

kilovolt, or 6 kV electrostatics with close contact, or a temporary jump

voltages up to 4 kilovolts - the switch has a good chance of surviving such

troubles.

Figure 1. Indication for PoE monitoring.

Important notice. Using the DIP switches, you can set the ports for

which will be increased range - up to 250m. The remaining ports will work in

normal mode.

Zyxel has prepared several switch models with different numbers

ports from 8 to 24. This approach allows you to flexibly adapt to the needs

consumers.

Differences in the characteristics of controlled models are shown in table 1.

Table 1. Unmanaged Zyxel GS1300 Series Switch Models

Zyxel G1350 Series Managed Switches

The switches in this line have more control and

maintaining the operation of the video surveillance system. Built-in security features and

performance assurance will come in handy in a wide variety of situations.

Some interesting hardware features:

• advanced protection against voltage surges 4 kV and against
  
  8 kV electrostatic discharge (GS1350 series);
• LEDs for PoE control;
• Last good button (FW recovery);
• connecting cameras at a distance of up to 250m with a bandwidth of 10
  
  Mbps, which complies with the standard;
• extended temperature range (from -20 to + 50 ℃).

ESD / Surge Protection values ​​themselves remain the same as unmanaged

models:

• ESD - 8 kV / 6 kV (Air / Contact);
• Surge - 4 kV (Ethernet Port).

Figure 2. PoE usage LED bar and Restore button.

Speaking about the new line, one cannot but note the new functions of the firmware,

eg:

• advanced PoE management for video surveillance;
• IEEE 802.3bt support - 60W per port (GS1350-6HP);
• Basic L2, Web support, CLI management.

As for the support of NebulaFlex, then for the models of the GS1350 series it is expected

in 2020.

Speaking about the G1350 equipment line, it is worth noting the appearance of a younger model on

4 PoE ports. Such a “baby” is especially useful in organizing systems

CCTV for small facilities and SMB sector enterprises.

Table 2. Managed Models of the Zyxel GS1350 Series Switches .

Advanced management for video surveillance

To achieve the most complete, continuous monitoring, as well as for

usability Zyxel added new useful features:

• Information about IP cameras on the Neighbors page
• checking the status of the camera;
• uninterrupted power to the camera (when updating or rebooting the switch);
• remote reboot of IP cameras;
• granular PoE settings to support non-compliant IP cameras
  
  PoE standard
• Scheduled PoE
• Priorities for PoE ports.

Below we will focus on the three most popular features that have appeared in the new

models.

Neighbors Web Interface Page - Neighbors

On this page you can see the status of the camera, IP, by which

interaction (provided that the camera is connected and working), as well as “buttons”

to reboot and reset to factory settings.

Figure 3. A fragment of the Neighbors web-interface page - “Neighbors”.

Auto PD Recovery

This function automatically detects a hung IP camera and reboots it.

This luxury is now available for any camera of all manufacturers. I.e

bought a Zyxel switch and you can work with existing cameras or those

required by the Security Service.

It is possible to determine the status of the camera through the LLDP protocol, as well as through

sending ICMP packets, simply put, through regular Ping.

It is possible to prevent a permanent reboot of a faulty camera on

which is powered by PoE.

Figure 4. A fragment of the Neighbors interface page - “Neighbors”.

Continuous PoE

This feature ensures continuous power to cameras and other sensors.

during maintenance of the switch.

In addition to working in normal mode, there are times when it is necessary to produce

certain actions with the switch, for example:

• Perform firmware update.
• upload a new configuration file, or, conversely, return the current
  
  settings to the previous ones from the backup;
• reset to factory settings.

Also, sometimes there is a need for additional reboot of the switch,

for example, to verify the correctness of the settings.

Of course, the power of the cameras all this time should not disappear properly.

Why does this need arise? It would seem if the switch

reboots, why do I need continuous power for cameras?

The fact is that rebooting the cameras themselves and entering the operating mode takes

some time. In addition, video surveillance software should

have time to "pick up" the newly loaded cameras. In practice, for this too

It takes some time. As a result, from the moment the switch is restored,

and until the recording is fully restored by the surveillance system,

pause unacceptable in terms of safety regulations.

That is why it is necessary to minimize any likelihood of downtime, including

number and the fault of regular maintenance.

Conclusion

The G1300 Series of Unmanaged Switches has already implemented several very

useful features. However, the capabilities of the G1350 are much higher both in terms of management

network (managed switch vs unmanaged), and to ensure

specific needs of video surveillance.

Particularly pleased with the ability to control cameras from other manufacturers, as well as

a balanced approach while ensuring the continuity of the surveillance system.

We answer questions and support system administrators in our telegram chat . Welcome!

Sources

GS1300 Unmanaged switch for video surveillance systems. Official site

Zyxel

By the way, Zyxel recently turned 30 years old!

In honor of this event, we announced a generous action: