Existing networks

Local Area Networks

Using existing LAN with little upgrade to capacity 
When there is enough capacity on the network, when your application requires little security, simply add network video equipment onto the existing network. You can further optimize your network using technologies such as VLAN or Quality of Service. 
 

Good technologies to use in a LAN 

VLAN or virtual local area network is a "logical" way to separate the surveillance network from the general-purpose network. The router/switch can be configured to provide a range of IP addresses with assigned features. In the example above, the router/switch manages the IP addresses, bandwidth and security allocated to those on VLAN A (with access to video) and VLAN B (general purpose traffic). No matter where users might be physically located, all those in VLAN A will have access to the video while those on VLAN B will not.

Quality of Service (QoS) ensures available bandwidth for surveillance equipment on the general-purpose network. You can set the level of priority for specific ports on a switch. Connections to network cameras and storage servers should be set at high priority while desktops can be set for low priority to ensure that bandwidth is always available for critical surveillance video when needed. 

Using existing Wide Area Networks

Use VPNs or virtual private networks, which enable data to be sent in encrypted form. They are ideal for surveillance systems. 

Distributed storage: You can set local storage sites to record at higher frame rates, while the monitoring center at headquarters need only record at lower frame rates.

Nightly transfers of recorded material is possible.

Other alternatives:

• A combination of a new, dedicated IP-Surveillance network, together with the general purpose network
• Dedicated IP-Surveillance network