As electronic security industry professionals it is easy to become overwhelmed with the advances in hardware and software being provided by our manufacturers.

When it comes to network connectivity devices, reliability is an absolute must.

From salespeople to technicians, the blizzard of IP devices and options can create confusion and uncertainty, which will likely result in lost sales, lost profit and customer dissatisfaction with the systems that they have obtained.

I will admit it; I work in a pretty sloppy fashion. While the “bills to be paid” and the “bills to be sent” always get top priority, other items in my business and personal life seem to get magically piled up around my desk and workspace, only to be addressed when desperation occurs.

Back in 1980, Mr. Alan Higgins (now sales manager for ADI – Florida and points south) and I were a two-man operation running an alarm equipment distribution outlet in beautiful Cincinnati, Ohio.

“Have you ever been…experienced?” — Jimi Hendrix, legendary musician

As I approach my 40th year in the electronic security business, sometimes I reflect on things I was involved with that didn’t work out so well.

For coax cable connections to analog cameras, our industry long ago standardized on the BNC style of connector. The BNC (Bayonet Neill–Concelman) was patented in 1951; consequently, it has been heavily used in analog CCTV, other video and 10BASE2 coax-connected Ethernet networks for decades. These connectors were and are manufactured by a wide variety of companies.

The bunker in Bucktown is becoming inundated with Wi-Fi devices. As I attempt to count up the number of devices competing for my wireless connectivity, I believe I have about 11 devices that are banging through my airwaves most of the day.