Solutions driving emerging security system tech deployments

ISJ hears exclusively from Ronnie Pennington, Director of Sales for the Americas, Altronix Corp.

There is a lot of buzz in the cyber-physical security industry about AI and the emergence of more intelligent edge devices that deliver enhanced security and safety to better protect people, property and assets.

This includes a broad range of products offering intelligence at the edge, from smart cameras and access controllers and electronic locks to environmental and occupancy sensors, and an array of mobile and wireless solutions dependent on Wi-Fi repeaters.

Generally speaking, this next generation of AI embedded devices is intrinsically more intelligent, versatile, efficient and effective than legacy solutions, providing security system designers with a bigger and better toolbox of solutions.

The one thing all these devices have in common is their need for power, and in most instances, the infrastructure to transmit and receive data.

As a result, there continues to be a great deal of product research and development to design and manufacture new foundational power and data solutions to drive these devices, which we can classify into the following categories: Hardened PoE switches; Ethernet to fibre media converters; long range Ethernet solutions; PoE driven power supply/chargers; Ethernet over coax media converters and network power management platforms.

Making the fibre connection

Hardened PoE switches and Ethernet to fibre media converters take fibre and power transmission to the next level, accommodating deployment of integrated edge solutions at great distances and/or in remote locations.

Available in a range of product models and configurations, new fibre media converters can be deployed with conventional single or multi-mode fibre for data transmission or with composite cable that combines fibre with power.

This enables the deployment of cameras and accessories like LED lighting, with or without local power, reducing installation costs by utilising local power to transmit bi-directional data over long distances or by distributing power over distances.

Hardened Ethernet to fibre media converters designed to withstand the elements can also be equipped with integral rapid battery chargers.

These solutions can charge 32AH batteries in under eight hours – ideal for remote deployments with intermittent power.

A perfect example of where and how this solution is a game changer is for parking lot surveillance and monitoring.

At night, when AC power is supplied to lights mounted on parking lot light poles, cameras and other devices mounted on the poles can access the same power source used for the pole lighting.

When the power goes off at sunrise, the batteries, now charged overnight, can power the devices.

The re-emergence of Single Pair Ethernet (SPE)

SPE has been available for years, providing a cost-efficient means to upgrade facilities wired with legacy two-wire field buses. Applications for SPE include cameras, door controllers, sensors, intercoms and more.

However, today’s sophisticated devices demand more than can be practically provided by two wire field buses which are relatively limited for bidirectional data transmission.

The new SPE network standard – simply referred to as T1L – resolves this issue and adds measurable advantages, including: Lower cost of repurposed SPE infrastructure vs. ripping and replacing or installing new CAT5e cabling; approximately 10x greater transmission distance (1000m) vs. conventional Ethernet (100m) without the need for repeaters; power delivery over SPE, eliminating the need and cost for a remote power supply; accommodates 802.3af (15W), 802.3at (30W).

Advanced SPE long range Ethernet solutions allow security system installers to effectively repurpose the existing installed two wire UTP cabling, even for lengths that greatly exceed 100m.

As a result, next generation of SPE media converters are a trending solution for efficient IP system upgrades using legacy two wire buses and as a low cost solution where long length cabling is required.

Localising power, remotely

Recently developed PoE driven power supply/chargers with Lithium Iron Phosphate battery back-up allows the new generation of 12VDC and 24VDC smart edge devices to be powered simultaneously via 802.3bt PoE input.

Unlike Hi-PoE (60W), IEEE 802.3bt (also known as 4PPoE or 4-Pair PoE), uses all four pairs of wire in a structured cable to evenly distribute power.

This accommodates a range of devices such as cameras with IR illuminators heaters/blowers and electronic locks, which typically require power supplies that take 115VAC / 220VAC input and reduce it to 12VDC or 24VDC output.

Most jurisdictions require that this power input be hardwired with a dedicated circuit, requiring installation by a certified electrician.

Using this low voltage installation solution to power security system devices reduces the need for an electrician and associated costs such as permits, electrical cabling and dedicated conduit.

For service and maintenance, the lack of high voltage inside the enclosure eliminates the need for regulatory safety precautions.

A key feature of the IEEE standard is that there is no voltage present on the cable from the power supply until it is plugged into a powered device and a handshake occurs.

Unplugging the Ethernet cable from the PoE driven power supply is safe. Once the cable is plugged back in the handshake is performed with the power source and PoE is delivered to a powered device.

PoE driven power supply/chargers provide installers with another cost efficient and effective foundational power solution to accelerate the deployment of smart edge devices.

Coax lives on

EoC media converters have had a tremendous impact on security system deployments, which continue today. These devices allow users to upgrade their existing coax infrastructure to IP providing power.

Adding EoC transceivers to existing coax infrastructure allows IP devices to be deployed at distances up to 500m – all while reducing labour and equipment costs.

Making the network connection

Many surveillance and access systems installed today are networked on forms of infrastructure, providing myriad performance advantages and economic benefits.

Although many of these systems are designed and installed using similar models, each has its own nuances. This holds true even with systems that are “blueprinted” for identical facilities.

The ability to replicate systems, even for small local businesses, is a cost-effective strategy for integrators looking to scale operations efficiently.

Yet even replicated systems, and those with unique system architecture, all share a requirement – the need for consistent and reliable power.

And, with the continued prevalence of advanced PoE switches and media converters providing the foundation for security system power and data transmission, the need for network power management to remotely control devices, monitor status and report system power diagnostics is key to keeping systems up and running, without interruption. 

From an operations perspective, end users can benefit by taking advantage of the ability to remotely control and communicate with mission critical system components.

The sustained integrity and operation of systems results in higher security, while reducing liabilities associated with system downtime.

In addition, the ability to network, control and monitor core power and transmission devices completes the IP network communications chain resulting in truly networked functionality.

From a maintenance and service perspective, real time data from core power and transmission components allows system admins to quickly diagnose and resolve problems which could otherwise take hours or days to isolate.

In instances where a device needs to be rebooted, remote access allows installers to perform this procedure without sending a technician into the field.

Remote control, monitoring and diagnostics also make system setup, service and maintenance more efficient relative to managing technicians’ time, costs and customer service.

With APIs available for customisation with partnered suppliers, advanced network power management solutions enable single platform control, opening up new possibilities related to design and implementation.

Remote power management also helps prevent financial losses resulting from system downtime by detecting potential issues before they escalate.

This is especially true in industries and business classifications regulated by strict compliance mandates.

The ability to detect and inform admins of an impending or active device or system failure via email or text alerts saves time and money.

Considering how important data communication is to a networked system’s integration and overall reliability, it’s important to research and compare feature sets and capabilities offered by various communications solutions to best integrate power supply or transmission devices.

Ultimately, even the smartest AI edge devices are of no value without the infrastructure they need to operate.