09 04 24 Get The Picture
09 04 24 Get The Picture
09 04 24 Get The Picture
Todays surveillance and broadband video applications are getting downright smart.
Consider that:
- Surveillance equipment boasting IP-addressable interfaces and remote control features offer
significantly more security and flexibility than fixed analog devices
- IP-based systems record images in digital format onto servers or hard drives rendering the use of
cumbersome tapes and cassettes for video storage obsolete
- CATV (community antenna television) migrated to virtually interference-free, 100% digital broadcasting
in June of 2009
These applications are no longer suitably supported by generic coaxial cabling; they require smart cabling, too.
The number of design professionals and building owners choosing to support surveillance, broadcast, and other video
applications with their telecommunications cabling infrastructure is climbing rapidly. For example, according to a report
from Multimedia Intelligence1, the market for IP/networked video surveillance cameras grew nearly 50% in 2007 (to
approach $500 million worldwide) and this market segment is growing at over four times the rate of the overall surveil-
lance market!
In addition to replacing bulky coaxial cables with slimmer and more flexible balanced twisted-pair cables, the
benefits provided by utilizing a structured telecommunications cabling network to support video applications include:
IP-enabled video devices, such as surveillance cameras, are pre-configured to accept the
RJ-45 modular plug interface and offer plug-and-play capability with structured
telecommunications cabling. Generic analog devices, such as CCTV (closed circuit tele- Figure 2:
vision) cameras, monitors, and television sets, are typically configured with coaxial BNC 1-Pair Category 7/7A
or Type F connectors and require the use of video baluns to enable transmission over TERATM to Type F Video Balun Cord
twisted-pair cabling. Examples of BNC and Type F connector interfaces are shown in
figure 1.
Video baluns are used in pairs to convert a 75 unbalanced (or coaxial) signal at the
video equipment interface to a 100 balanced (or twisted-pair) signal and then back to
a 75 unbalanced signal at the Telecommunications Room (TR) or Floor Distributor (FD).
Video baluns are application specific (e.g. CCTV or CATV) and they may be configured
as single port converters for use at the device interface, as single port converters located
in breakout boxes for use at the work area, or in 8- and 16-port video distribution hubs Type F Connector
for use in the TR. Video baluns may also be integrated into high performance
category 7/7A patch cords as shown in figure 2.
Historically, CCTV systems were static and deployed as analog systems supported by coaxial cabling.
Enhancements, such as the availability of cost-effective baluns and IP-addressable devices, now make
surveillance solutions the perfect application for operation over twisted-pair cabling. IP-based surveillance
systems have the added advantage that they are significantly more flexible and intelligent than traditional
analog CCTV systems. As shown in table 1, a wide range of structured cabling solutions supports video
surveillance applications.
transmit both video and PTZ commands. Because these Patch Cord
solutions operate over only one pair of a 4-pair cable,
Power Cord
they represent an excellent opportunity to take advantage
of the cable sharing capability6 of the Siemon category DVR
Typical structured cabling implementation topologies for analog balun-based and PVD video transceiver CCTV surveil-
lance systems are shown in figure 3 (see page 5). In these scenarios, the video distribution hub or PVD video integrator
is located in the TR and a coaxial cabling backbone is provided. For maximum infrastructure flexibility and to facilitate
adds, moves, and changes, it is recommended that an interconnect patch panel be used in the TR.
CCTV over structured cabling offers a distinct advantage over traditional coaxial cabling
implementations in that scalability and flexibility are introduced into the surveillance infrastructure. With structured solu-
tions, cameras can easily be added or moved as the system grows and needs change. However, this technology is not
intelligent, meaning that, while substantial data is recorded, it is unlikely that the video is being actively monitored.
Events can be missed and suspicious behavior can go unnoticed when monitoring personnel are
distracted or otherwise occupied. It is also important to remember that images collected over analog surveillance cam-
era systems are recorded on bulky cassettes or tapes that must be periodically changed and will wear out over time.
Image quality can also be impacted by the limitations of the recording device. IP-addressable surveillance solutions over-
come these hurdles.
IP-Based Surveillance Systems: IP-cameras and IP-based systems represent the future of video
surveillance. These solutions deliver superior image quality, intelligent monitoring capability, remote accessibility, and
infrastructure scalability. Todays fixed IP-cameras are all remotely powered and the use of an IEEE 802.3af8 enabled
PoE switch is required. IP-cameras may be fixed or PTZ-enabled. Further enhancements, such as more powerful PTZ
capability, when the IEEE 802.3at enabled PoE Plus switches become commercially 5 available
The advantage of an IP-based surveillance system is that the camera acts like any other device on the IT local area
network (LAN). Images are transmitted via Ethernet or wireless networks and can even be accessed through the Internet.
This means that video feeds from multiple areas at multiple locations can be monitored from one supervisory site.
Furthermore, because transmission is digital, the picture quality of an IP-camera is superior to that of an analog camera.
Audio transmission is also supported. These capabilities result in IP-based surveillance solutions being increasingly
integrated into the structured cabling network by companies with geographically dispersed locations, building access
control systems, and point-of-sale applications.
Network intelligence can also be built into the IP-based surveillance system. Events can be monitored and alerts can be
delivered to report suspicious behavior that would otherwise go unnoticed. For example, the activation of a motion
detector, audio sensor, or anti-tampering mechanism could automatically result in an SMS text or e-mail being sent to
the securit operator.
Instead of relying on external recording devices, IP-camera images are recorded in digital format directly onto servers
or hard drives, thus eliminating the need for bulky and unreliable tapes and cassettes. Video data can be stored indef-
initely locally or transported to a remote location via the LAN or the Internet. Real-time video
transmission is highly compressed and several compression options are available to maximize the trade-off between
image quality, bandwidth, and storage capacity. Commonly used compression techniques include MJPEG, MPEG-4,
and the emerging H.264 format. See Table 2 (see page 7) for a comparison of the features and benefits of these
different compression schemes.
The typical structured cabling implementation topology for an IP-based surveillance system is shown in figure 4.
For maximum infrastructure flexibility and to facilitate adds, moves, and changes, it is recommended that a full
cross-connect be provided in the TR. A side benefit of IP-based surveillance technology operating over structured cabling:
cameras can receive centralized backup power from the server room, so they will continue to operate in the event of a power
failure.
Figure 4:
Broadband Video Applications: Broadband video
Typical IP-addressable CCTV Surveilance Topology
refers to a class of applications that transmit a wide range
of RF (radio frequency) frequencies (typically up to 900
Telecommunications
MHz) or channels over 75 coaxial cabling. Examples of Outlet or MuTOA
Camera Recording,
broadband video services include cable television (also Playback and optional
Controller Software
Interconnect Panel
(Optional) Horizontal Cable
known as antenna broadcasting or CATV), satellite video
signals (whose transmission frequency is the microwave
range) that are QAM (Quadrature Amplitude Modulation) Patch Panel
Broadband video applications are optimally suited for transmission over twisted-pair cabling and require a pair of video baluns for
conversion of the coaxial input signal. The video baluns convert balanced twisted-pair signals to 75 broadband video signals
utilizing common video interfaces such as Type F and PAL connectors. Amazingly, both analog and digital video and audio
(including 480i/p SDTV and 720p and 1080 i/p HDTV) can be transmitted over one pair (the pair terminated on pins 7-8) of a
twisted-pair cable! Naturally, broadband video applications also represent an excellent opportunity to take advantage of the cable
sharing capability of the Siemon category 7/7A TERA solution.
As shown in Table 1 (see page 4), a wide range of structured cabling supports broadband video applications. While broadband video
is acceptable for operation over category 5e cabling, experimental results9 published by Nordx/CDT, demonstrate that cabling with
lower insertion loss and higher signal-to-noise margins, such as category 6 and higher, deliver improved picture quality when
signal levels are weak.
With broadband video applications, no external powering is required for the passive balun devices. Baluns permit bi-directional oper-
ation for features such as video-on-demand and are extremely reliable. However, as with coaxial video distribution systems, signal
amplification may be required depending upon the incoming signal strength, length of each run, and the highest and lowest channel
being distributed, sidebar 2 (see page 11). Amplification is usually provided before the video distribution hub and one amplifier can
serve up to 24 drops in each TR. It is recommended to refer to signal charts provided by the balun manufacturer for detailed design
guidance. Some manufacturers of video distribution hubs (e.g. Z-Band Video Inc.) offer integrated signal amplification in their devices
for hassle-free deployment.
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WP_Get_the_Picture_RevB_RevA 5/18/11 4:44 PM Page 8
Figure 6:
IPTV: The intelligent advan-
Centrally Managed, In-house IPTV Distribution Topology
tage of IP-based technology
may soon be capturing a share
Cable Box
of the CATV market in the form
of IPTV. In this high-definition
Interconnect Panel
(Optional)
Horizontal Cable
video application, IPTV signals
are transmitted via IP packets
and a set-top box at the cus-
tomer location decodes the
Patch Panel
packets and sends the image to
the television. This emerging
technology offers viewers an
on-demand experience and
Televison
limited (for now) Internet access
capability to sites providing
Switch
Video Server information such as local
weather forecasts, personalized
stock quotes, and streaming
videos.
IPTV is a secure, closed system with content that is managed by a service provider, such as AT&T or Verizon, or by an
end-user that centrally manages in-house IPTV equipment and delivers content to specific on-site and off-site locations.
Because of the flexibility to manage content, IPTV is a growing trend in the hospitality and hospital industry, as well in
as the residential community. According to Kurt Scherf, vice president and principal analyst for Parks Associates,
In terms of the percentage growth in IPTV, the U.S. is actually near the top of the market. There were only 300,000
subscribers at the end of 2006, and now there are 1.2 million, which is significant growth.
IPTV operates over a range of data cabling as shown in table 1 (see page 10). Today, the main challenges associated
with IPTV include maximizing the video compression format to ensure that bandwidth requirements are not exceeded
(bandwidth needs to increase as the number of televisions in a single facility increases), picture quality is not disrupted
(e.g. no small digitized squares appear on the screen) due to congestion and errors on the service line, and delays
associated with changing channels (i.e. channel-zapping) are minimized. IPTV performance will improve significantly
once infrastructures become capable of supporting faster Ethernet speeds (1000BASE-T and 10GBASE-T capability is
expected to eliminate all bottlenecks, while supporting superior content transmission) and migration to these faster
transmission rates takes place.
The typical structured cabling implementation topology for a centrally managed, in-house IPTV distribution system is
shown in figure 6. IPTV services distributed by a central office provider are delivered to the building entrance facility
via a DSL (digital subscriber line) access multiplexer.
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WP_Get_the_Picture_RevB_RevA 5/18/11 4:44 PM Page 9
Picture This: Surveillance and broadband video technology is becoming more capable every day. The end-result is
that advanced video systems now deliver the highest-levels of system performance, image quality, flexibility, and
intelligence; capabilities that can only be realized with the implementation of IP-based technology and a structured
cabling infrastructure.
Does it make sense to plan for the support of video applications using your IT infrastructure? Absolutely.
Now, youre getting the picture!
APPLICATION NOTE 1.
Juxtaposing Surveillance Equipment and Wireless
Access Point Coverage:
Identifying the exact location of surveillance cameras at any time during the
cabling design phase, as well as developing a flexible surveillance infrastruc-
Wireless
Access Point
ture that can accommodate device moves and upgrades, can be challenging. Coverage Area
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APPLICATION NOTE 2.
Video Amplification Techniques:
In some broadband video applications, signal amplification is required depending upon the incoming signal
strength, length of each run, and the highest and lowest channel being distributed. It is generally accepted that
video signals must fall in the range of -10 dBmV to +15 dBmV in order to be properly displayed by televisions and
monitors. An RF signal strength meter is used to collect these measurements. Note that bi-directional amplifiers are
required to support digital broadband video applications to ensure that sufficient signal strength is delivered on the
return path to the service provider.
Video amplifiers are available for as little as $10. More expensive amplifiers offer greater gain, more features,
cleaner signal output, cooler operation, and longer life. Optional amplifier tilt and gain adjustments can be bene-
ficial in ensuring that one end of the video signal spectrum (e.g. the low frequency range) is not over-amplified when
signals at the opposite end of the spectrum (e.g. the high range) are boosted.
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Definitions:
Analog: Audio or video signals translated into electronic pulses; analog transmission has size limitations regarding
how much information can be carried and errors are unrecoverable, although true audiophiles claim that
analog transmission has richer sound quality.
Combiner: A device that converts video signals from two or more separate sources into one common, synchronized
output format.
dBmV: A power measurement of x dBmV indicates that a particular signal is x dB greater than 1 mV in a
75 coaxial cabling system: A negative dBmV value indicates that the signal is x dB less than 1 mV.
The following equation is used to convert x mV to dBmV: dBmV = 20 log (x mV). Using this formula, 0
dBmV is equal to 1 mV in a 75 coaxial cabling system.
Digital: Audio or video signals translated into binary code (e.g. 0 or 1); digital transmission has significantly more
capacity and error-correction capability for better audio and visual clarity.
Modulator: A device which changes the characteristics of a source or carrier signal (typically, high frequency
microwave sinusoid carriers are modulated into lower frequency RF signals).
Multiplexer: A device that selects one of many analog and/or digital input signals and outputs that one signal.
Splitter: A device that separates one incoming video signal into two or more outgoing signals of the same source
format.
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Acronyms:
References:
1. Multimedia Intelligence, Internet Protocol (IP)/Networked Video Surveillance Market: Equipment,
Technology & Semiconductors, April 2008
2. RNCOS Industry Research Solutions (www.rncos.com), Global CCTV Market Analysis (2008-2012), August 2008
3. Axis Communications (www.axis,com), Total Cost of Ownership Comparison of IP-Based and Analog-Based
Surveillance Systems, Fredrik Nilsson (Axis Communications), 2008
4. ANSI/TIA-568-C.0, Generic Customer-Owned Telecommunications Networks, 2009
5. ISO/IEC 11801, 2nd Edition, Information Technology Generic cabling for customer premises, 2002
6. The Siemon Company (www.siemon.com), Cable Sharing in Commercial Building Environments: Reducing Cost,
Simplifying Cable Management and Converging Applications Onto Twisted-Pair Media, 2007
7. IEEE 802.3at, IEEE Standard for Information technology - Telecommunications and information exchange between
systems - Local and metropolitan area networks - Specific requirements Part 3: Carrier Sense Multiple Access with
Collision Detection (CSMA/CD) Access Method and Physical Layer Specifications Amendment: Data Terminal
Equipment (DTE) Power via Media Dependent Interface (MDI) Enhancements, pending publication
8. IEEE 802.3-2005, IEEE Standard for Information technology - Telecommunications and information exchange
between systems - Local and metropolitan area networks - Specific requirements Part 3: Carrier sense multiple
access with collision detection (CSMA/CD) access method and physical layer specifications, Section Two,
Clause 33 (incorporates the content of IEEE Std 802.3af-2003), December 2005
9. P. Kish, and M. Bohbot, Nordx/CDT, Broadband Video over Category 6 Cabling, 2003
10. TIA TSB-162, Telecommunications Cabling Guidelines for Wireless Access Points, March 2006
11. ISO/IEC TR 24704, Information Technology Premises Cabling for Wireless Access Points, 2004
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