Top2011 Spring EditionInscape Data Corporation
Inscape Data eNewsletter
Spring 2011
IN THIS ISSUE...
coverCOVER STORY

Outdoor PoE Switch is Ready to Deliver

LPS 

The evolution of Power over Ethernet (PoE) continues to expand the functionality of Ethernet technology to outdoor PoE device market by supplying reliable DC power over the same twisted pair cables that currently carry Ethernet data.  PoE, modeled after the technology used by the telecommunications industry, offers quality outdoor power for demanding utility, physical security, and wireless infrastructure equipment as well as many low power Ethernet network devices, such as wireless smart meters and scientific monitoring stations.  Inscape Data Corporation is the first to deliver the patent protected weatherproof rugged multi-voltage PoE switch and the latest in weatherproof rugged multiport PoE powering and power management device.   

 

Benefits of Outdoor PoE

Power over Ethernet industry has facilitated the development of technology that allows a broad range of devices to supply or draw power over common Category 5 or 6 twisted pair cables and provides these advantages:

 

� Eliminates the need to run dedicated A/C power wires to each outdoor power device.

� Permits most efficient and convenient installation and maximizes outdoor mounting  real-estate regardless of where AC outlets are located.

� Allows for use of UPS backup to one powering device, the outdoor PoE switch, to guarantee power to the network appliance even during a main power failure.

� Permits remote monitoring and control of devices over wireless or wired network.

 

Challenges and Opportunities

The industry is still offering vast amount of pre-standard and passive PoE devices due to the power limitation driven by the past PoE standards.  Before the availability of multi-voltage PoE technology, the system integrators used smorgasbord of PoE injectors, switches, and power supplies to interconnect outdoor PoE enabled devices to meet application needs.  PoE solutions are designed to simplify and increase reliable deployment not to complicate and introduce multiple points of failure.  A common integration result using bits and pieces of powering components is shown in Figure 1.  Can we guess what may go wrong with this wireless IP video 'box'?  

Figure 1
figure. 1

Needless to say, for mission critical outdoor applications, it further complicates the powering requirement needed to support the demand of the application.

 

Another key consideration for outdoor deployments are costly surge-protection unit installed alongside it, to prevent direct or nearby lightning strikes from damaging or destroying both the PoE power device and their network switch. Individual professional surge and lightning protection units can cost up to $500 or more.  An upgrade to an industrial switch alone can cost over $500.

 

Because of this expense, a high percentage of outdoor PoE installations, especially in the professional market, do not implement surge protection. Unfortunately, nearby lightning strikes are much more common than most people think, and strike as far as a mile away can induce a voltage level that can damage outdoor devices. Without lightning protection, surges also can move quickly along the Ethernet cable to damage expensive network components.

 

By incorporating surge protection directly into the PoE switch, it reduces surge-protection costs and installation cost by reducing time to deployment.

 

First Generation Outdoor PoE Switch

PoE Switch 

In late 2009, Inscape Data corporation offered first of its kind, LinkPower LPS1000 five port adjustable all weather PoE switch.  Since its offering, many industry segments have benefited from all in one outdoor power center to uniquely power multi-vendor PoE devices from a single outdoor PoE switch.  The per-port remote power control feature lowered maintenance and support cost while improving reliability and uptime.

 

The telecom and internet service provider market capitalized the use of LPS1000 for its ability to safely power multiple base stations and wireless backhauls.  Due to the voltage demands of backhauls, it varies dramatically compare to base stations and access points.  Backhaul products draws more power, have higher processing requirements, and demands more throughputs compared to base stations.  The 30 watts power forwarding capability of the first generation outdoor PoE switches was historic in delivering power beyond the 15.4 watts of the IEEE 802.3af PoE standard and supported the power hungry wireless backhauls well. 

 

The outdoor physical security market also benefited from the tight integration of PoE video, access control, and wireless IP video bridges.  Many pre IEEE 802.3at standard high power devices was able to take immediate advantage of the 30 watts power forwarding capability to drive the pan tilt zoom cameras and many high power access control equipment.

 

Second Generation Outdoor PoE switch

LPS Series 

In second quarter of 2010, Inscape Data Corporation offered the next generation PoE switches with smaller foot print, intelligent power management, and AC power control.  The LinkPower LPS600, LPS700, and LPS800 series product offers unique targeted applications for high reliability environments where high equipment uptime is required.

 

The smaller foot print accommodates up to two PoE ports for back to back PoE or network device applications.   The lack of outdoor remote control AC ports availability in the industry highlights the LPS 600, LPS700, and LPS800 offering.  The ability to forward 150 watts of AC power to any AC power device is critical.  Being able to remote control the attached AC device automatically based on preset condition is another highlight of the next generation Link Power LPS products to accommodate the diverse outdoor network device market.

 

A major advantage of integrated rugged outdoor PoE switch is more apparent the more complicated or mission critical the application gets.  The ability to remotely manage the connected PoE and AC devices automatically increases uptime and dramatically lowers maintenance cost during the lifetime of the deployment.  For mission critical wireless infrastructure deployments, link availability of 99.99% is common.  In situations where environmental factors deliver unexpected force beyond the outdoor digital device's capability to absorb the blow, lock-up or "freeze" can occur.  In these common outdoor situations, soft reset by internal watchdog timers or added reliability subsystem will not restore the system.  Only a hard power cycle may remedy the situation.  For mission critical applications a 10 second down time versus 10 hour down time dramatically influence the numbers of significant digits after the 99.9%. for availability.

 

Going Forward

There are already many wireless bridges, point to point high capacity network backhauls, PTZ cameras, access control systems and other power devices that consume up to 30 watts, and a growing array of other systems need 45 watts and higher, including IP cameras that feature a heater or access control systems that include a controller, a reader and multiple door locks. The main concern is the availability of the PSE solution. The next generation of high-power PoE outdoor switches solves the power-sourcing challenge, remote power management capabilities, battery backup solutions, and enhanced outdoor environmental protection.

 

With the ratification of the IEEE802.3at standard in September 2009, Power over Ethernet is ready to deliver 30 to 60 watts of safe power over a single Ethernet cable to a broad range of wireless and security products, including wireless backhaul, access points, access control systems, PTZ cameras, outdoor cameras and even full outdoor solutions that include a heater.  With improvement in power supply efficiency and lowering cost of IEEE 802.3at IC chip components, the next generation wireless, physical security, and outdoor network appliance industry will support IEEE 802.3at standards. 

 

Power over Ethernet

 

Outdoor single and multi-voltage PoE switches are available now and bridges the power and voltage gap of prior, current, and future outdoor PoE power device market.  For more information on about Inscape Data outdoor single or multi-voltage PoE powering solutions, please visit our LinkPower LPS PoE website at www.inscapedata.com/lps.htm or contact an Inscape Data sales representative.

 

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welcomeWELCOME

Inscape Data Corporation 

Welcomes New Premier Partners 

 

premier partner 

Inscape Data Corporation is pleased to welcome new premiere partners to a network of professional companies whom operates, service, support, and resell Inscape Data's outdoor network appliance products.

 

Inscape Data Corporation invites all resellers and system integrators to enjoy the wide range of benefits offered in our Premier Partner Program. 

 

Premier Partner Benefits

The Inscape Data Premier Partner Program includes a range of benefits designed specifically for the reseller community, such as priority technical support, dedicated account representatives, special pricing on demo units, a wealth of sales and marketing resources and regular monthly communication updates.

 

Sales Leads, Volume Discount, and Annual Rebate

The program provides you with sales leads referred by distributors and Inscape Data directly. In addition to the reseller discount of 15% to 20%, you will be able to access  any seasonal or special promotional programs. You can also earn up to a 2% annual rebate directly from Inscape Data when you meet annual commitment and quarterly volume standards. 

 

Special Pricing on Demo Equipment

In an effort to familiarize our partners with our products, Inscape Data Corporation offers a 5 percent rebate on demo equipment. Purchasing demo equipment provides partners an opportunity to build confidence in the recommendation and installation process. The discount can be applied to one demo product per model.

 

Pre-Sales and Post-Sales Support

Reach our dedicated account representatives through a toll-free telephone number for useful marketing support and RMA Support. Our account representatives serve as your point of contact at Inscape Data.

 

Free Training & Certification

Based on each premier program level, Inscape Data provides a complete certified professional wireless and video security product training program. Our training ensures that partners are competent in services related to our products. Training is held regionally, based on an arrangement between the partners and Inscape Data. Master program training covers two days, while the wireless premier program and video premier program consist of one-day sessions.

 

Technical Support with Toll-Free Access

A Toll-Free priority technical support telephone number is provided to our reseller partners. along with a security identification number that allows for extremely fast response times and a quick resolution to support issues.

 

Sales and Marketing Resources

Inscape Data provides  partners with a wealth of resources, including easy access to detailed product information, downloadable spec sheets, product images, installation guides, and technical support Exclusively accessible by Premier Partners. The Premier Partner will be authorized to post a special Premier Partner logo on their website or on display at their office.

 

 For more information on Inscape Data premiere partner program, please visit our website at http://www.inscapedata.com/premierpartnerguidelines.htm

 

 



technologycornerTECHNOLOGY CORNER

H.264 and MJPEG 

Megapixel H.264 Video Security Unwired

 

 

 

As an integral component of numerous organizations' safety and security priorities, video surveillance has demonstrated its value and benefits numerous times by providing real-time monitoring of assets, property, environment and people.

 

As security risks increase, the need to visually monitor and record events in the most remote areas becomes even greater. Moreover, the value of video surveillance has grown significantly with the advancement of high resolution megapixel video recording and video analytics.  High quality megapixel H.264 video recording, combined with video analytics & intelligent sensors, bring forth the newest generation of powerful digital security systems for the 21st century. Integrated megapixel H.264 video, analytics, and sensors help authorities make better decisions and drastically improve response times.

 

As security equipment moves away from closed standard resolution analog systems to open digital high resolution systems using IP, the network that connects all aspects of the system becomes critical. A network-based security system is only as good as the network that connects it, to share and relay time-sensitive security information between each functional component.

 

As the video & IP standard develops, security professionals face many choices in cost-effective reliable transmission medium & video performance for their video security system. Fiber optics, Ethernet cabling and wireless methods are among the most widely used as transmission medium and megapixel or high-definition as the video resolution.  High resolution security video wireless networks was overlooked in the past because of a reputation for poor performance and reliability, have become accepted as an option. In many remote security applications, it is the only option.

 

The Economic Case

IP video, also known as networked video, over a wireless medium is not a new concept. With the industry boom in unlicensed WiFi and fixed wireless broadband, economies of scale in these 802.11-based hardware has led to less expensive, more rugged outdoor and long-range radios. Saving money and lowering project cost is perhaps the largest benefit of deploying a license-free wireless video network. Lower cost barriers allow security professionals to place cameras in areas that are difficult or impossible to hardwire. Faster deployment is another benefit. Security professionals can tackle large outdoor video surveillance projects in shorter project lifecycles, creating a faster return on investment and a more satisfied customer.

 

Wireless IP networks provide more flexibility and scale compared to other video surveillance network transport media. They make temporary surveillance applications possible because they easily can be uninstalled from one location and reinstalled at a new site. From construction sites to public safety at seasonal city events, wireless video surveillance networks have demonstrated value by lowering crime.

 

The flexibility of wireless networks for security applications opens more remote security and many other applications once too costly to even consider.

 

MIMO & H.264 Technology

802.11n technology's breakthrough speed is possible due in part to the contribution MIMO (multiple-in, multiple-out) technology.  MIMO antenna systems are used in the most current 802.11n wireless standards and other popular standards, including 3GPP LTE, and mobile WiMAX systems. The technique supports enhanced data throughput even under conditions of interference, signal fading, and multipath. The demand for higher data rates over longer distances has been one of the primary motivations behind the development of MIMO communications systems.

 

MIMO communications channels provide an interesting solution to the multipath challenge by requiring multiple signal paths. In effect, MIMO systems use a combination of multiple antennas and multiple signal paths to gain knowledge of the communications channel. By using the spatial dimension of a communications link, MIMO systems can achieve significantly higher data rates than traditional single-input, single-output (SISO) channels like 802.11a/b/g.  A receiver can recover independent streams from each of the transmitter's antennas. A 2 x 2 MIMO system produces two spatial streams to effectively double the maximum data rate of what might be achieved in a traditional 1 x 1 SISO communications channel.  MIMO enables the video capacity in 802.11n transmission to accommodate high resolution security video cameras.

 

Megapixel also known as high definition or high resolution video security over network or IP was not popular among security professionals due to inefficiency with old video technology like MPEG-2.  High resolution streaming requirements using old video technology can easily exceed hardwire network capacity requirements for a single camera.  With the advances in video compression standard, 2.0 megapixel Inscape Data security video IP camera can stream 1920 x 1280 live video streams over a network at 3 mbps with high quality results.

 

Without compromising image quality, an Inscape Data H.264 encoder can reduce the size of a digital video stream by more than 80% compared with the Motion JPEG format and 50% more than MPEG-4 Part 2 standard. This means that much less network bandwidth and storage space are required for a video stream of equal or greater picture quality.  It also means much higher video quality can be achieved for a given bit rate than Motion JPEG or MPEG-4.  In the video surveillance industry, H.264 is the video compression of choice for applications where demands for high frame rates and resolution, such as in traffic surveillance, homeland security, public transits, manufacturing, airports, casinos, and more.  This is where the economies of reduced bandwidth and storage needs will deliver the biggest savings.  Megapixel cameras are also benefiting from the adoption of the H.264 compression technology.  There are tradeoffs, however. While H.264 provides savings in network bandwidth and storage costs, it will require higher performance network cameras and monitoring stations due to the increase in CPU processing demands.  But thanks to the low cost high performance PC & server market, it is now very cost effective to implement video security systems using the latest H.264 video technology.

 

Wireless Reliability and Capacity

There remain a number of myths about wireless communication, fueled in part by experience with analog systems. The first myth is that wireless is unreliable and complicated. The truth is, digital wireless video links, when deployed correctly, can offer reliability equivalent to or exceeding wired installations. Wired installations are prone to cable or interface corrosion and disturbances and are costly to replace. Wireless video links have the added feature of link redundancy, base station failover and testing, and experience has demonstrated reliability of 99.9999 percent.

 

Radio transceivers operate in point-to-multipoint mode, allowing a single base station to communicate with multiple wireless transceivers. That makes adding new camera nodes to a wireless surveillance network as simple as adding a new wireless transceiver and video camera system. 

 

Many current wireless deployments are based on WiFi technology, the common term for wireless services meeting the 802.11 standards.  Up to now, the best available data speeds leveraging 802.11a, -b, or -g standards reach raw data rates of 54 mbps.  It was adequate to transmit standard definition security videos but hardly meet the capacity requirement to transmit high definition megapixel security video streams.  With the latest wireless video bridge from Inscape Data Corporation, high capacity wireless video networks are possible using the most advance 802.11n technology with capacity of 300 mbps of raw data rate.  With the Inscape Data next generation 802.11n wireless video transmission link, a wireless video network can scale to accommodate large high resolution megapixel outdoor camera systems reliably. With advancement in 802.11n wireless technology, 600 mbps raw data rate is the next target for wireless performance and is a cost-effective alternative to hardware wiring. Table 1 compares open IP standard and its video camera capacity.

Transport Medium

Technology

Maximum Data Rate/Speed

Max No. of Megapixel IP Camera

Wireless

802.11

2 Mb/s

0

802.11b

11 Mb/s

1

802.11g

54 Mb/s

4

802.11a 20MHz

54 Mb/s

4

802.11a 40MHz

108 Mb/s

8

802.11n 2x2

300 Mb/s

30

802.11n 4x4

600 Mb/s

60

Hard Wire

Fast Ethernet

100 Mb/s

14

Gigabit Ethernet

1000 Mb/s

140

Table 1 Network speeds based on Network Technology


Top-level Wireless Encryption

Another myth is that wireless is insecure. True, the wireless encryption protocol used on the first-generation digital wireless LAN networks was easily defeated. But that was more than 10 years ago. The latest software tools and wireless sniffers are able to derive the network key within just minutes of sampling a communication link.

 

The latest generation Inscape Data outdoor wireless video transceivers use chipset technology with strengthened security measures. Advance Encryption System (AES) is a standard feature on all digital transceivers from Inscape Data. AES is a standard recognized by the government for transmittal of classified information.

 

AES is the highest level of wireless encryption available to the public. The most significant advantage of AES is that every time data is sent it is encrypted with a unique key. Breaking AES encryption is almost impossible, but according to industry experts, the time required to break WEP is less than 10 minutes. Table 2 compares three of the most common wireless encryption method based on worldwide installed user base.

 

 

Wireless Security

Analog Scrambling

WEP

TKIP

AES

Key Length

Weak

40 or 128 Bit

128 Bit

256 Bit

Time needed to break encryption

Several Minutes

10 minutes

4 x 1020 years

More than 4 x 1020 years

Table 2. Encryption Comparison


Wireless encryption based on AES is secure not only for video applications but also for corporate and government use. AES accommodates 128-bit, 192-bit or 256-bit keys.

 

Wireless Challenges

To obtain the most benefit out of wireless video deployment, end users must understand the challenges that come with a successful deployment. Equipped with wireless fundamentals, overcoming wireless obstacles and maximizing available bandwidth are keys to a successful deployment. Wireless signals are invisible. Making them visible enough to manipulate requires learning and practice.

 

Wireless signals spread out and get weaker as they leave the antenna. They lose significant strength when they encounter with an obstacle or reflect off the ground, bodies of water or a building. A wireless signal operates optimally line of sight on the same channel between two base stations. This configuration, however, lowers overall wireless network capacity, which means it accommodates fewer cameras.

 

One of the common mistakes of outdoor wireless video network deployment is the default use of omni-directional antennas. Omni-directional antennae radiate wireless signals in all directions and are ideal for maximizing a coverage area. However, since antennas also function as a receiver, they will pick up noise and potential interference from all directions as well. Care should be taken when selecting the type of antenna. Many systems are designed with a mix of directional and omni-directional antennas; each affects the signal. Radio engineers work with "link budgets," which measure both the capacity and strength of a radio link and the amount of degradation it can sustain before complete loss of signal.

 

Remote wireless video surveillance for distances beyond a few miles is also possible with unlicensed wireless. Long-range remote wireless video surveillance makes it possible to centralize video surveillance from several remote areas. In parts of the world, base stations can use solar power. This allows deployment of video surveillance cameras almost anywhere.

 

Armed with wireless fundamental knowledge and deployment confidence, numerous application possibilities are brought fourth by long-range digital wireless transceivers. The commercial parking lot video surveillance project once thought too costly may be revisited. Border and port protection projects become more manageable.

 

Going Forward

Not every wireless transceiver can do a good job at delivering video.  Low power radios like the ones used for indoor networks are limited to 80mWatts compared to Inscape Data outdoor wireless video transmitters at up to 600mW and even 1000mWatts for some models.  Higher power radio enables stronger wireless video links, which results in more consistent and faster data speeds.  Wireless video transmitter with lower power provides inferior links and more prone to outdoor interference and link drop issues.  Inscape Data high power wireless IP video system provides high quality rugged solution for demanding video security application.

 

High resolution wireless video surveillance will continue to evolve. Remote surveillance applications will become more integral to an organization's video surveillance roadmap. As digital IP-based security technology advances, the use of reliable high speed high resolution wireless IP video products will continue to increase, shifting from a functional role of few standard resolution systems to full multi-megapixel remote video surveillance for campus and city wide projects.  For more information on this article or high resolution wireless IP video surveillance systems from Inscape Data, please contact sales@inscapedata.com.
helpdesk1HELP DESK #1

 

802.11 2G & 5G Non-Overlapping Channels

 

The channels that the BR54 and SB54 wireless bridges operate on are one important detail to consider during initial deployment or troubleshooting of a unit. Neighboring electronic devices can sometimes cause interference that will compromise the integrity of the wireless link and cause a noticeable drop in performance. In both the 2.4 and 5GHz frequencies, there are channels available that have the least amount of interference from other channels in their frequency, known as Non-Overlapping Channels. By default, Inscape Data's units are set to a non-overlapping channel, but at times, a single channel can become crowded when there are too many units occupying it. By using the sight survey tool made available to units operating in the client mode, one can observe the number of devices occupying each channel and choose the least crowded channel accordingly.

 

Non-Overlapping 2.4GHz Channels
2.4GHz non-overlapping channels
Non-Overlapping 5GHz Channels

5GHz non-overlapping channels

helpdesk2HELP DESK #2

 

Preventing Wireless Network IP Conflict

 

Inscape Data's BR54 and SB54 wireless bridges possess the ability to have two separate IP addresses for a single unit. However, if only one IP address is needed for an application, it is recommended that the second IP address, or IP Alias, be disabled. If the IP Alias of a unit is enabled and happens to share the same address as another unit on the network, an IP conflict could occur in which neither unit is able to operate or function correctly. To prevent this, disable the IP Alias by logging into the user interface of the unit via the IP address assigned to it (Default IP: 192.168.1.20), locate the "Network" drop-down menu, and select "IP Settings". On the Network IP Settings page, the "Device IP" button will be selected by default. Click on the "IP Alias" button and check the box to "Disable IP Alias." Afterwards, be sure to click "Apply" as the settings will not be in effect until having done so. By disabling the IP Alias, IP conflicts within a network can be avoided. Units with Firmware 1.29 have the IP Alias disabled by default, but have the option of having it re-enabled at the discretion of the user.



successSUCCESS STORY

 

Access Control for the University of New Orleans 

Student Housing

 

Since 1980, H&R Operator Services, Inc. has been providing their customers in the access control industry with unmatched service, and peerless knowledge and experience in perimeter access control, including gate operators, electronic locks, IP cameras, RFID, and asset tracking. With over 10,000 gate operators installed throughout the southeastern United States, their hard-earned reputation has been garnered through the quality of their work, as well as word-of-mouth from countless satisfied customers.   

 

One of the University of New Orleans' goals is to provide resident students with the highest quality of living and learning environment at a reasonable cost. The housing areas boast state-of-the-art residence facilities, as well as video surveillance and secure card access to ensure safety. H&R Operators used Inscape Data's wireless bridges and Outdoor PoE Switches to replace and upgrade aging access control equipment at the edges of the housing facilities. Each of these locations had no network infrastructure, and the only power available was at each of the doors or gates.

 

The flexibility of Inscape Data's equipment allowed H&R Operators to conform to the unique challenges provided by each job site. The rugged, 1P-67 and IP-68 weather-proofing allowed these units to be used in a gulf coast environment full of humidity, corrosion, extreme heat, lightning, and vandalism- normally very challenging elements for outdoor electronic equipment. Using the existing wired infrastructure network was impossible without a large capital outlay for conduit runs, but Inscape Data's products allowed connectivity to be had at a price that enabled the upgrade of a greater number of access control systems at one time. Future expansion is also made possible by the wireless infrastructure now in place, and IP video cameras can be easily added at a later date.

student housing
Student Housing Wireless Video Surveillance, University of New Orleans


Thank you for reading Inscape Data Corporation eNewsletter 2011 Spring Edition
Inscape Data - The Leading Outdoor Network Appliance Company
Inscape Data Corporation

1620 Oakland Road, Suite D101, San Jose, California 95131, USA
Phone 408-392-9800 | Fax 408-392-9812 | www.inscapedata.com
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