8
Figure 1.1a A network video system comprises many different components, such as network cameras, video
encoders and video management software. The other components including the network, storage and servers are all
standard IT equipment.
The core components of a network video system consist of the network camera, the video
encoder (used to connect to analog cameras), the network, the server and storage, and video
management software. As the network camera and the video encoder are computer-based
equipment, they have capabilities that cannot be matched by an analog CCTV camera. The
network camera, the video encoder and the video management software are considered the
cornerstones of an IP-Surveillance solution.
The network, the server and storage components are all standard IT equipment. The ability to use
common off-the-shelf equipment is one of the main benefits of network video. Other compo-
nents of a network video system include accessories, such as camera housings and PoE midspans
and active splitters. Each network video component is covered in more detail in other chapters.
1.2
Benefits
The digital, network video surveillance system provides a host of benefits and advanced func-
tionalities that cannot be provided by an analog video surveillance system. The advantages
include remote accessibility, high image quality, event management and intelligent video capa-
bilities, easy integration possibilities and better scalability, flexibility and cost-effectiveness.
>
Remote accessibility:
Network cameras and video encoders can be configured and accessed
remotely, enabling multiple, authorized users to view live and recorded video at any time and
from virtually any networked location in the world. This is advantageous if users would like
a third-party company, such as a security firm, to also gain access to the video. In a
traditional analog CCTV system, users would need to be at a specific, on-site monitoring
CHAPTER 1 - NETWORk VIDEO: OVERVIEW, BENEFITS AND APPLICATIONS
AXIS Q7406
Video Encoder Blade
AXIS Q7406
Video Encoder Blade
0
-
0
-
AXIS Q7900 Rack
100-240
50-50 Hz
4-2 A
FNP 30
P
ower-one
AC
ACTIVITY
LOOP
NETWORK
1 2 3 4
PS1
PS2
FANS
POWER
POWER
100-240 AC
50-50 Hz
4-2 A
FNP 30
P
ower-one
AC
Computer with
video management
software
Axis network cameras
Axis video encoders
Computer
with web
browser
Web
browser
Office
Home
Analog
cameras
IP NETWORK
INTERNET
AUD
IO
I/O
IN
OU
T
1
2
3
4
5
6
