|
|
 | P-Tech Web Cast Courses from Panasonic
Security professionals can tune in to one of
many web casts hosted by Steve Surfaro, group manager and strategic technical
liaison at Panasonic System Solutions Company. Participants may gain from
Surfaro’s tremendous experience and expertise, as he brings it to bear on a
wide range of topics relating to all aspects of video surveillance.
by David Engebretson
|
|
 | Clean Your Machines or Else Free Programs Can Speed Your Computer
After literally weeks of work, we have finally
seen the end of contractors working on our new home. Our primary go-to guy for
wallpaper, painting and general “fix-that” duties is a fellow named Jim, who
has worked on many projects for us over the years.
by David Engebretson
|
|
 | NETWORK TESTING TOOLS
What Could Possibly Go Wrong?
When my daughter and I watch television, one of our favorite programs is “Jimmy Neutron, Boy Genius” on the Nickelodeon cable channel. Jimmy’s common refrain when launching one of his ill-conceived inventions is, “What could possibly go wrong?” Just as unexpected things happen when Jimmy Neutron powers up one of his gizmos, sometimes IP-enabled devices don’t work correctly when connected to a network.
by David Engebretson
|
|
 | Network Retrofitting Options in Existing Homes
You Can’t Always Get What You Want
Road trips can be dangerous, as I learned during a recent trip to Boston where I provided network training for American Alarm. While relaxing in my hotel room, I was informed by my wife, Joan Engebretson (who is a contributing writer to SDM) that she had located a new house she wanted, and that we were going to move from our home of 14+ years. Although I was initially resistant, a combination of Joan’s determination and my prevalent marriage philosophy (“Happy wife, happy life”) caused me to go along with her plans.
by David Engebretson
|
|
 | Fiber Optic Cable is Superior to Copper
Overcome Your Fear of Fiber
When surveying a potential installation, some security dealers/integrators seem to shy away from using fiber optics. When asked why, many state that fiber is too tricky to work with and that their technicians have neither the training nor the correct tools and testers to authoritatively handle fiber connections.
by David Engebretson
|
|
 | PUTTING THE SQUEEZE ON H.264
H.264 Compression... Patented or Not?
IP networking is a brand new world for security integration companies, with new products coming to market and new issues for dealers to confront. As a technical trainer and author, I witness firsthand the equipment and applications that are transforming the physical security industry. In this Security NetWorkings column, I provide networking tips, new product reviews, and my opinions of how security systems can best utilize the power of networking and the Internet.
by David Engebretson
|
|
 | Product recommendation
Netgear Produces Practical Ethernet Switch
IP networking is a brand new world for security integration companies, with new products coming to market and new issues for dealers to confront. As a technical trainer and author, I witness firsthand the equipment and applications that are transforming the physical security industry. In this Security NetWorkings column, I provide networking tips, new product reviews, and my opinions of how security systems can best utilize the power of networking and the Internet.
by David Engebretson
|
|
 | Analog/IP NVR Integrates Successfully
This NVR Gets it Right
Most video surveillance systems use a boxed device or appliance to perform the tasks of video recording, playback and other user interfacing functions. These DVRs and NVRs often are limited in terms of how many cameras can be connected, and if they record IP video streams, which types of network cameras are supported.
by David Engebretson
|
|
 | NETWORKING TIP
Blackjack and Higher Education
Outside of looking at new products and greeting old friends, trade shows like ISC West provide an excellent opportunity for physical security industry personnel to gain detailed, up-to-the-minute information on the new technologies and opportunities that are flooding our business. I highly recommend that security professionals who want to stay “on their game” in our changing environment make plans now to attend next year’s ISC West or the ISC East that will be held later this year in New York. Don’t forget to sign up for one of the training program packages available.
by David Engebretson
|
|
 | Networking Tip
Handling Static About IP Addresses
IP networking is a brand new world for security integration companies, with new products coming to market and new issues for dealers to confront. In this Security NetWorkings column, I provide networking tips, new product reviews, and my opinions of how security systems can best utilize the power of networking and the Internet.
by David Engebretson
|
|
 | Secure Your Network
Strong Passwords Equal Greater Security
IP networking is a brand new world for security integration
companies, with new products coming to market and new issues for dealers to
confront. In this Security NetWorkings column, I provide networking tips, new
product reviews, and my opinions of how security systems can best utilize the
power of networking and the Internet.
by David Engebretson
|
|
 | Are Your Doors Locked?
IP networking is a brand new world for security integration companies, with new products coming to market and new issues for dealers to confront. As a technical trainer and author I witness firsthand the equipment and applications that are transforming the physical security industry. In this Security NetWorkings column, I provide networking tips, new product reviews, and my opinions of how security systems can best utilize the power of networking and the Internet.
by David Engebretson
|
|
 | Why Security Must Protect from DDoS Attacks
As the electronic security industry is propelled into the world of Internet transmission of alarm signals, the specter of DDoS attacks should be of great concern. DDoS stands for Distributed Denial of Service.
by David Engebretson
|
|
IP Alarm Transmitters
As networks proliferate, security equipment manufacturers have developed IP alarm transmitters.
by David Engebretson
|
|
 | A ‘Guided Tour’ of Ethernet Cameras
Many of today’s electronic security systems are designed to operate on a communications/computer network. SDM NetWorkings can help you understand both the intricacies of communication networks, as well as how security systems fit into the networked world.
by David Engebretson
|
|
 | A ‘Guided Tour’ of Wi-Fi Routers
Many of today’s electronic security systems are designed to operate on a communications/computer network. SDM NetWorkings can help you understand both the intricacies of communication networks, as well as how security systems fit into the networked world. It features excerpts from the “Technician’s Guide to Networking for Security Systems,” a book written by SDM’s contributing technology writer, David Engebretson.
by David Engebretson
|
|
 | Powering Network Devices
Many of today’s electronic security systems are designed to operate on a communications/computer network. SDM NetWorkings can help you understand both the intricacies of communication networks, as well as how security systems fit into the networked world.
by David Engebretson
|
|
 | Video Control & Recording Options, Part I
When considering the installation of an IP-enabled camera or video server, issues regarding how the image can be controlled and recorded must be addressed. Typical IP addressed cameras and video servers offer the ability to control the brightness, saturation, and other aspects of the image quality itself.
by David Engebretson
|
|
Video Bandwidth Controls for Shared Networks
When connecting video transmission equipment to existing data networks, a detailed knowledge of bandwidth and how to control it will help the security installation company best work with IT personnel, who are justifiably concerned that the introduction of video signals will degrade their enterprise network performance.
by David Engebretson
|
|
Video Compression Technologies
In the planning and installation of a networked video system, compression technologies play a critical part in reducing the size of files for transmission over the network and storage.
by David Engebretson
|
|
Planning a Network Video System Installation
When considering a network video application, the installing company can face a wide variety of options in terms of equipment and software that can be used. This installment highlights potential choices of devices, and explains some general benefits or detriments of particular types of equipment.
by David Engebretson
|
|
Serial Communications and Ethernet
Many installations call for the inclusion or integration of access control communications and other monitoring and control functions, along with video and alarm monitoring. As the connection of access control equipment to Ethernet networks mirrors, in many ways, the technologies used to connect serial-based industrial processing and control systems, the following information is generally applicable to both types of installations.
by David Engebretson
|
|
Using a Parallel Network for a Video Camera
Last month’s installment of “Security NetWorkings” reviewed a typical cabling system. The next step is to plan an installation. In this case, the cabling options for installing a network camera will be detailed. This camera will be installed in the work area, and viewed on a computer in the main cross-connect, with optional viewing over the Internet.
by David Engebretson
|
|
Tips for Working with IT Managers
Many applications of network-enabled electronic security systems will occur at commercial or “enterprise” locations. As one of the key benefits to networked security systems is the ability to use the existing network infrastructure and equipment, an understanding of the IT (Information Technology) manager’s desires and motives is critical to the alarm dealer’s success in smoothly integrating the video and/or security transmissions into the greater mix of enterprise communications.
by David Engebretson
|
|
Security Networkings: Internet WAN Connections & Services
Many of today’s electronic security systems are designed to operate on a communications/computer network. SDM NetWorkings can help you understand both the intricacies of communication networks, as well as how security systems fit into the networked world. It features excerpts from the “Technician’s Guide to Networking for Security Systems,” a forthcoming book written by SDM’s contributing technology editor, Dave Engebretson. Visit www.SecurityNetworkingInstitute.com for ordering information.
by David Engebretson
|
|
IP Addressing Technologies
Because there are many different types of equipment and networks, there are a variety of different technologies used to provide IP addressing for network devices. This month’s column will explain these addressing options and also the terms and concepts related to IP and Internet addressing.
by David Engebretson
|
|
| |
Click the Subscribe button below to subscribe to the SDM Weekly eNewsletter.
Click the Subscribe button below to subscribe to the Security eNewsletter.
Click the Subscribe button below to subscribe to the Today's Systems Integrator eNewsletter.
|
