A major trend in the security integration channel has been the evolution of IP security surveillance cameras and Network Video Recorders (NVRs). Instead of using their own dedicated cabling, the devices are sharing the existing IP-based computer network infrastructure. The popularity and affordability of IP networking has driven security integrators to utilize existing Ethernet networks more and more. However, by sharing the IP network, a new set of problems can arise that in a worst-case scenario can make the entire network unusable. Gone are the days of analog security video which had its own dedicated cabling and nothing to interfere with its use.
Having spent countless hours supporting dealers and installers, we’ve encountered a common problemthat is caused by sharing the IP-based network. What we have found is that a newer generation of IP devices, such as video-streaming devices and home controls, send out multitudes of broadcasts that can clog up bandwidth and thus affect the performance of other devices on the network, especially security cameras and the associated NVRs.