Wide-Ranging Wireless Video Surveillance Opportunities on Tap
Fluidmesh Networks executive Cosimo Malesci dishes on wireless video surveillance with SSI‘s “Tech Talk” columnist Bob Dolph.
Let’s talk about some of the larger opportunities presenting themselves in the widening world of wireless video. We have seen a considerable amount of activity in wireless video in the residential sector. However, let’s take a moment and look at wireless video on the macro level. In other words let’s hop in my imaginary helicopter and look down at larger wireless video installations such as campuses, utilities, corporate headquarters, military bases, and … entire cities.
Everybody today expects wireless connectivity whether it be on a micro level in a home or business, or on a macro level as one travels throughout a city or going hundreds of miles per hour in a plane or train. You’ve heard the term Internet of Things or IoT? Knowing how to deliver demanding HD video to the IoT world can be a real boost to security dealer markets in many ways. In 2012 it was estimated that there was a $6 billion market in IoT devices; latest research forecasts that this will increase to $28 billion by 2020. One reason for this is that bandwidth cost has decreased dramatically, from $1,245 per 1,000Mbps in 1999 to $16 per 1,000Mbps in 2013.
Overcoming Typical Wireless Performance Pitfalls
The problem with wireless delivery of high-definition video in the IoT world is congestion, which many have already experienced while receiving video over the Internet – freeze frames from transmission delay, video quality degradation from such things as packet loss, and more.
For those that develop the right skillsets commercial wireless video systems can be a great opportunity. To help further frame the state of today’s wireless video picture, I posed a few questions to Cosimo Malesci, co-founder and vice president of sales & marketing, Fluidmesh Networks.
What are the most common design mistakes companies make when implementing a wireless video system? How can they be corrected?
Malesci: Normally, companies don’t take into account the evolution of their video surveillance system, so they purchase solutions that have to be fully replaced when they upgrade their cameras. They should look instead to a wireless solution that is future-proof. That way, the end user can upgrade the bandwidth and the configuration of their system (from point-to-point to point-to-multi-point, for example) without having to change the hardware.
Tech Talk Tool Tip
One of the biggest concerns of wireless networks is whether they have solid security tools. Fluke Networks (flukenet-works.com) has stepped up to bat with its AirMagnet Enterprise system, which provides a 24/7 WIDS/WIPS Wi-Fi network and cellular security solution. Among AirMagnet Enterprise’s features are dynamic threat update technology for immediate wireless intrusion prevention of new threats, and forensic analysis and event triangulation for rapid response, according to the company. Additionally, make sure to consider other Fluke Air-Magnet survey tools that are valuable for site surveys of potential wireless video network systems.
Using features such as our FluidThrottle technology one can limit the cost of ownership by paying only for the amount of throughput required. More throughput can be easily achieved by upgrading the system with software plug-ins when traffic requirements increase.
What are a few of the most common installation mistakes companies make when implementing a wireless video system? How can they be corrected?
Malesci: One common issue is not aligning the radios and not providing line of sight between them. To correct this, we provide an embedded aligning tool and an easy Web-based configuration software to facilitate the installation.
Anything just over the horizon that dealers should be on the lookout for?
Malesci: Mobile video surveillance is a reality. Drones, perimeter control, and air-to-ground surveillance are just the beginning of the wireless security applications for the Internet of Things.
Find Manufacturer Options & More Online
There are a handful of wireless video system manufacturers that have made a good name for themselves in the industry. Some that you might want to investigate are: AvaLAN Wireless, Madison, Ala.; Firetide ( a division of UNICOM Global), Campbell, Calif.; Fluidmesh Networks, Buffalo Grove, Ill.; and Ubiquiti Networks, San Jose, Calif.
Don’t forget to check out Part 2 of this month’s Tech Talk column online for more goodies on wireless video systems, including recommendations for valuable free resources that are just a click away.
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About the Author
Bob Dolph, SSI Contributor
Bob is currently a Security Sales & Integration "Tech Talk" columnist and a contributing technical writer. Bob installed his first DIY home intercom system at the age of 13, and formally started his technology career as a Navy communication electronics technician during the Vietnam War. He then attended the Milwaukee School of Engineering and went on to complete a Security Management program at Milwaukee Area Technical College. Since 1976, Bob has served in a variety of technical, training and project management positions with organizations such ADT, Rollins, National Guardian, Lockheed Martin, American Alarm Supply, Sonitrol and Ingersoll Rand. Early in his career, Bob started and operated his own alarm dealership. He has also served as treasurer of the Wisconsin Burglar and Fire Alarm Association and on Security Industry Association (SIA) standards committees. Bob also provides media and training consulting to the security industry.
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