A very efficient way to satisfy the client in this type of situation is to use fiber optic links that are already in place in the client’s data and/or telephone cabling system. Most organizations’ computer rooms are connected together with some type of fiber optic cabling. Usually, when a data/voice cabling system is planned, extra fiber optic strands are installed to allow for future expansion. These “dark†fibers may be perfect for your video surveillance or access control application. By using existing fiber optic strands, you can save your customer the costs and disruptions of installing new outdoor cables, and deliver a more competitive price for your system. You also can substantially extend the distances between cameras and monitors.
Fiber optic strands are specially manufactured pieces of glass, which act as a waveguide to carry light signals from one end to the other. Think of them as a conduit for the light signals, which can be either LEDs or lasers.