Testing IP Surveillance Cameras

It’s important for electronic security installers to put IP video cameras to some real-world tests before installing the devices.

When dealing with camera settings, you may want to set the camera index midrange and adjust the quality setting accordingly. Testing on H.264H camera showed the group of pictures (GOP) settings at 20fps made a large difference in bandwidth if there was no motion in the scene, while constant motion made little difference in various camera GOP settings. This would appear to be the opposite of what one might expect. Also take into account whether your motion recording detection is being processed at the system edge or the network video recorder (NVR). The edge option will save on transmission bandwidth. 

In order to track network bandwidth usage by your megapixel cameras, you will need to implement some software tools. This can be as basic as using Microsoft Task Manager. One tool that IP professionals use is the PRTG Network Monitor. Make sure to check the freeware versions to get you started. Plotting IP video bandwidth performance can help show your customer and IT personnel what to expect in a system (see graph).

Overall, telling customers what the expected bandwidth will be is not an easy task. Make sure you and your techs know how to adjust camera performance settings such as I-Frame rate, quality, compression ratio, percent of motion and light levels. The last thing you want to do is just plug in your cameras and walk away.

 

If you enjoyed this article and want to receive more valuable industry content like this, click here to sign up for our FREE digital newsletters!

About the Author

Contact:

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.

Security Is Our Business, Too

For professionals who recommend, buy and install all types of electronic security equipment, a free subscription to Commercial Integrator + Security Sales & Integration is like having a consultant on call. You’ll find an ideal balance of technology and business coverage, with installation tips and techniques for products and updates on how to add to your bottom line.

A FREE subscription to the top resource for security and integration industry will prove to be invaluable.

Subscribe Today!

Get Our Newsletters