Thursday, July 24, 2014

Port Forwarding the Prolink H9200 Router for HTTP

Port Forwarding the Prolink H9200 Router for HTTP

Before Forwarding a Port Setup a Static IP Address
To setup port forwarding on the Prolink H9200 router your computer needs to have a static IP address.
Now that you have setup a Static IP Address on your computer, please enter the IP address that you assigned to your computer here: 192.168.1.1

Login to the Prolink H9200 Router
Now we need to know your routers IP address. You can find it a variety of ways.

Login To The Prolink H9200 Router Using Your Web Browser
Open a web browser like Internet Explorer or Firefox. Enter the internal IP address of your router in the address bar of your browser.

Enter your username and password now.

The Default Prolink H9200 Router Username is: admin

The Default Prolink H9200 Router Password is: password


Click the Ok button to log in to your Prolink H9200 router.
How to Port Forward HTTP on the Prolink H9200
If you are having trouble with this guide, then perhaps PFConfig may be your solution. PFConfig is a software tool that will automatically forward ports for your Prolink H9200 router to save you time and hassle.
Now that you are logged in to your Prolink H9200 router you should see the following:
Click the Services button near the top of the page.
Select NAT Rule Entry from the NAT Options drop down box.
Click the Add button near the bottom of the page.
Forward Ports 80 on the Prolink H9200
We will list a series of lines here that will show you exactly how to forward the ports you need to forward. HTTP requires you to forward the 80 ports. Go ahead and enter the settings shown above into the NAT Rule - Add menu and then click Submit.
Click the Close button near the bottom of the page.
Click the IP Filter link near the top of the page.
Select Low from the Security Level drop down box.
Select Accept from the Public Default ActionPrivate Default Action and DMZ Default Actiondrop down box.
Click the Submit button near the bottom of the page.
Click the Admin button near the top of the page.
You should now see a new menu. In this new menu, click Commit & Reboot.
Click the Commit button near the bottom of the page.
Click the Reboot button near the bottom of the page.
And that is it! You are done!

Tuesday, July 22, 2014

Choosing Video Surveillance for SMB Owner

5 Top Points for Choosing Video Surveillance for SMB Owner
Video surveillance innovations have changed the landscape for users in the SMB (Small, Medium-sized Businesses) market in India. Improved security, reduced liability and peace of mind, along with useable video for real-time monitoring, Mobile Surveillance and forensic investigations, are some of the benefits now available to the SMB.

Following are top 5 points every SMB owner should be aware of when upgrading or implementing new video surveillance systems / CCTV surveillance systems.

Quality – One key to a successful system is the quality of the image. New high definition (HD/AHD) and megapixel IP cameras capture images in great detail, enabling the SMB owner to more effectively protect people and assets. Improvements in camera technology such as wide dynamic range (WDR), digital signal processing (DSP), and increased signal to noise ratios have helped create cleaner images with stable operation, allowing their use over a wide range of environmental conditions. State of the art technology enables low-light operation, outstanding 30 FPS quality and high standards with minimal maintenance.

Wide Selection / Functionality – CCTV cameras come in all shapes and sizes, in all price ranges with a multitude of features. It’s important that you know what you want to accomplish with the camera and not be influenced by bells and whistles. Cameras are available for indoor and outdoor applications, in dome or box configurations, and with or without audio capability. Network cameras can be accessed remotely, moved anywhere on an IP network and conveniently powered via Power over Ethernet (PoE). Digital technology has also enhanced the feature set of cameras with new and exciting capabilities. Advanced features include motion detection that can analyze video and respond automatically with actions such as tripping an alarm or initiating recording, freeing personnel from the need for constant monitoring. Image processing digitally removes ambient fog, haze or smoke to create the clearest picture. Other features include on-board recording to SD card, network failure detection, privacy mask and a variety of built-in video analytics features including active tampering detection and audio detect.

System Integration – One of the most compelling reasons for SMBs to consider new video surveillance technologies is the improved system integration capability. Open architecture and industry standards such as ONVIF, PSIA and H.264 have helped eliminate challenges once faced in designing a system. Now, best of breed designs can be put together to minimize financial impact while meeting security requirements with best available technology. Hybrid solutions further help preserve investments in infrastructure by deferring or eliminating the need to rip and replace systems that are still useful and functional. Additionally, the growing availability of integrated solutions like recorders with built-in software control and management capabilities enables the implementation of high performance, multi-camera HD systems with exceptional functionality, cost-efficiency and scalability.

Multi-Purpose Uses– New systems can offer the SMB options beyond video surveillance for improving business operations. For instance, video can be used to monitor daily operations and employee productivity. Not only can weaknesses or non-conformance issues be identified but the video system can be used to instruct the proper procedures. In retail environments, cameras can be integrated with point of sale (POS) systems to help with loss prevention. Video images can also be used to review consumer traffic patterns to assist the SMB owner in realizing optimum store layouts. The quality and reliability of the system makes the possibilities endless.

Technology Partners– SMBs may not have the staff or specific expertise and experience necessary to determine the kinds of products that will solve their particular issues, or to evaluate those products in order to choose the right one for the organization. By partnering with a trusted integrator who has knowledge and understanding of the systems, the SMB owner can better protect the value of the investment and help to ensure on-going satisfaction with the system.


The video surveillance playbook for SMBs has changed by becoming both more complex and more compelling. Taking the time to research and understand will help to make the decision process easier. 

Saturday, July 12, 2014

Mobile vs. Remote Monitoring: Pros and Cons

Mobile vs. Remote Monitoring: Pros and Cons
Remote video surveillance is one of the luxuries of owning an IP security camera system. What matters is most is that you have access to your IP cameras when you’re physically away from the home or office. Mobile and remote video surveillance offer several advantages, but what are the key differences between the two?  VideoSurveillance.com has laid out the pros and cons of remote video surveillance and mobile monitoring so you can decide which solution is best for you.
Mobile Video Surveillance – Pros
Access Wherever You Go - Many people use their smartphone as they would a PC or laptop. What can be more advantageous about this method is that you can check up on your IP camera system from places where it wouldn’t be possible with a PC or laptop such as the grocery store, gym, the mall, and in the car (not while driving, of course!).
Ease of Use - In just a couple of clicks, you can monitor and manage all of your IP cameras. Once installed, most mobile surveillance apps make it incredibly easy to view your live video feed and even search and scroll through previously recorded video. By simply touching your screen, you can easily slide through multiple camera views and configure them in different display modes for utmost convenience.
No PC or Laptop Needed - As mentioned above, you don’t need an actual PC or laptop to access your video in real-time. So, forget about stopping by the office, driving to your library, logging on to your computer at home, or bringing your laptop to your hotel. You can do all your monitoring from a device that fits in the palm of your hand.
Mobile Video Surveillance – Cons
Limited Number of Features - Mobile video surveillance apps typically provide fewer features than PC web interfaces. The features available on some of today’s advanced video management software (VMS) platforms far exceed what you can do on a smartphone. VMS for PCs usually offer more configuration controls and flexibility when it comes to operating your IP camera system. Playback features tend to be much greater in scale, and give you the ability to carefully scrutinize recorded video. When you log into a cloud service or video management platform from a PC, you can do much more with recorded video such as send it in an email if you need to.
Screen Size - Even if you’re using the same IP camera resolution as you would on a PC, it’s still difficult to discern important details, which includes people and objects. This is due to the size of a smartphone, as the screen size is significantly smaller than a PC. A security camera app can be harder to decipher on smartphones because of the screen size.
Data Usage - Few mobile phone carriers offer unlimited data plans. One should monitor their data usage, as streaming can use more bandwidth than static images. Thus, it’s good to keep an eye on your data usage each time you view live video.
Remote Video Surveillance – Pros
More Features, Better Control - On a smartphone device, users typically rely on an app to access their IP camera system, whereas on a PC or Mac you can log into a web interface and/or cloud service, which tend to offer a much more comprehensive selection of features than an iPhone security camera app does. There are several advantages to using remote monitoring, such as being able to export video, continuous and scheduled recording, faster download times, and higher frames per second.
Higher Resolution, Larger Screen - You’re not going to get the same quality of video on a handheld device as you would on a PC, plain and simple. It can be more challenging to depict the video on a smartphone, and thus easier to miss something incredibly important because of the size of your screen. Depending on the app, one can digitally zoom on an image to see a close-up view.
Remote Video Surveillance – Cons
You Can’t Take a Computer Wherever You Go - Despite the many advantages of using a remote monitoring web browser interface over a smartphone, the fact is that you can’t lug around a computer everywhere, especially when you’re out and about, running errands, or relaxing in a park on your day off. This is where a smartphone becomes handy and convenient.

Browser Support - Some cloud services and VMS platforms do not support every browser, including Safari and Internet Explorer, which would make it incompatible with a Mac device. While there are some that do support Safari, it’s not offered by every IP camera and NVR manufacturer. Make sure to confirm compatibility with your desired computer platform and browser before purchasing a new IP camera system with video management software or a NVR.

Wednesday, July 2, 2014

What’s New in SQL Server 2014 since SQL Server 2008 R2

Whats New in SQL Server 2014 since SQL Server 2008 R2
PERFORMANCE & SCALE
o        In-Memory OLTP
o        Enhanced In-Memory ColumnStore for DW
o        Support for 640 logical proc. & 4 TB memory
o        Support to 15,000 partitions
o        Resource Governor IO governance
o        Buffer Pool Extension to SSDs
o        Query optimization enhancements
o        SysPrep at cluster level
o        Predictable performance with tiering of compute, network, and storage with Windows Server 2012 R2

HIGH AVAILABILITY
o        SQL Server AlwaysOn
o        Delayed Durability
o        Recovery Advisor
o        Windows Server Core
o        Live Migration
o        Online Operations enhancements
o        Clustered Shared Volume support, VHDX support (Windows Server 2012 R2)
o        Manage on-premises and cloud apps (System Center 2012 R2)

SECURITY
o        User-Defined Server Roles
o        Default Schema for Groups
o        SQL Server Audit
o        SQL Server Fine-grained Auditing
o        Enhanced separation of duty
o        CC certification at High Assurance Level
o        Backup encryption support

PROGRAMMABILITY
o        SQL Server Data Tools
o        Local DB runtime (Express)
o        Data-tier Application Component project template
o        Data-Tier Application Framework (DAC Fx)
o        Query optimization enhancements
o        Interoperability support (ADO.NET, ODBC, JDBC, PDO, ADO APIs and .NET C/C++, Java, Linux, and PHP platforms)

T-SQL ENHANCEMENTS
o        Enhanced support for ANSI SQL standards
o        Transact-SQL Static Code Analysis tools
o        Transact-SQL code snippets
o        Intellisense
o        Unstructured & Complex Data Support
o        FileTable built on FILESTREAM
o        Remote Blob Storage with SharePoint 2010
o        Statistical Semantic Search
o        Spatial features, including Full Globe & arcs
o        Large user-defined data types

MANAGEABILITY
o        Distributed Replay
o        Contained Database Authentication
o        System Center Management Pack for SQL Server 2012
o        Windows PowerShell 2.0 support
o        Multi-server Management with SQL Server Utility Control Point
o        Data-Tier Application Component

ACCESS ANY DATA
o        Power Query
o        Windows Azure HDInsight Service
o        Analytics Platform System (PDW V2)
o        Mash up data from different sources, such as Oracle & Hadoop

INSIGHTS WITH FAMILIAR TOOLS
o        Power BI in Office 365
o        Power Map for Excel
o        Mobile interfaces for Power BI

COMPLETE BI SOLUTION
o        SQL Server BI Edition
o        HA for StreamInsight, complex event processing
o        BI Semantic Model
o        SQL Server Data Tools support for BI
o        Change Data Capture for Oracle

ANALYSIS SERVICES
o        Import PowerPivot models into Analysis Services
o        Enhancements on productivity, performance

REPORTING SERVICES
o        Power View
o        Configurable reporting alerts
o        Reporting as SharePoint Shared Service
o        Report Builder 3.0

DATA QUALITY SERVICES
o        Build organizational knowledge base
o        Connect to 3rd party data cleansing providers

MASTER DATA SERVICES
o        Master Data Hub
o        Master Data Services Add-in for Microsoft Excel

INTEGRATION SERVICES
o        Graphical tools in SSIS
o        Extensible object model
o        SSIS as a Server
o        Broader data integration with more sources; DB vendors, cloud, Hadoop
o        Pipeline improvements

HYBRID CLOUD SOLUTIONS
o        Simplified backup to Windows Azure
o        Support for backup of previous versions of SQL Server to Windows Azure
o        Cloud back-up encryption support
o        Simplified cloud Disaster Recovery with AlwaysOn replicas in Windows Azure VMs

EASY ON-RAMP TO THE CLOUD
o        New Windows Azure Deployment UI for SQL Server
o        Larger SQL Server VMs and memory sizes now available in Windows Azure
o        DAC enhancements: Import/export with Windows Azure SQL Database

COMPLETE AND CONSISTENT FROM ON-PREM TO CLOUD
o        SQL Server Data Tools
o        License Mobility (with SA)
o        Resource Governor enhancements
o        Snapshot backups to Windows Azure via SQL Server Management Studio

Friday, June 27, 2014

Twisted Pair Cabling Connection Tips

Twisted Pair Cabling Connection Tips

 1. Recommend to use UY connectors for cable connection or soldering by parallel (as Picture.) Do not bent it for 90° (as Picture) to avoid any impendence not matching problem (Interference).

2. After cable connection, the cable joint point must be twisted back for same pair; the untwisted length must be less 10mm to avoid any interference.

3. After finish the joint cable, must be do “waterproof work” to avoid any oxidation after long time use, affect any picture quality.

4. Do not bend CAT 5 twisted pair during the cabling. To make angle less than 90° to avoid any impendence not matching problem. (Interference).

5. If your budget acceptable, then not use all 4 pairs for transmission. Leave one pairs as spare cable for any future added camera or help to resolve interference cable.

6. Do not put the remaining cable like a circle (as Picture) and not near any power box, transformers, motor, Fluorescent Lights. This way could avoid any interference caused.

Saturday, June 21, 2014

Fiber media converters For Video Surveillance Cameras

As a kind of Media Converter, Fiber media converters this known as fiber transceivers or Ethernet media converters, are quite obvious networking devices those make it possible for connecting two dissimilar media types such as twisted pair Cat-5 or Cat-6 cable with fiber optic cabling. They may be essential in interconnecting fiber optic cabling-based systems with existing copper-based, structured cabling systems. Fiber ethernet media converters support many different communication protocols including Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet, as well as multiple cabling types such as twisted pair, multi-mode and single-mode fiber optics. Fiber media converters can connect different Local area network (LAN) media, modifying duplex and speed settings.

For video security and surveillance professionals, analog video-based CCTV systems have been the tried-and-true technology for many years. However, these same professionals are the first to recognize the migration of Ethernet into new applications beyond the typical office LAN and how Ethernet is playing a role and introducing new challenges to video security networking.

For years, Transition Networks has been talking about the benefit of fiber optic cabling and how media converters can provide a cost effective method of deploying fiber in local area networks and overcome the limitations and drawbacks of copper UTP cabling. These same benefits can be realized by security and surveillance professionals when they integrate fiber into their video networks.

For example, switching media converters can connect legacy 10BASE-T network segments to more modern 100BASE-TX or 100BASE-FX Fast Ethernet infrastructure. For instance, existing Half-Duplex hubs may be attached to 100BASE-TX Fast Ethernet network segments over 100BASE-FX fiber. When expanding the reach with the LAN to span multiple locations, fiber transceivers are useful in connecting multiple LANs to form one large campus area network that spans more than a wide geographic area.

Fiber media converters support a variety of data communication protocols including Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet, T1/E1/J1, DS3/E3, as well as multiple cabling types for example coax, twisted pair, multi-mode and single-mode fiber optics. Media Converter types range from small standalone devices and PC card converters to high port-density chassis systems offering many advanced features for network management.

On some devices, Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) enables proactive management of link status, monitoring chassis environmental statistics and sending traps to network managers in case of a fiber break or perhaps link loss on the copper port.
 
Fiber media converters can connect different Local area network (LAN) media, modifying duplex and speed settings. Switching media converters can connect legacy 10BASE-T network segments to more recent 100BASE-TX or 100BASE-FX Fast Ethernet infrastructure. For instance, existing Half-Duplex hubs can be linked to 100BASE-TX Fast Ethernet network segments over 100BASE-FX fiber.

When expanding the reach of the LAN to span multiple locations, media converters are of help in connecting multiple LANs to make one large campus area network that spans more than a limited geographic area. As premises networks are primarily copper-based, media converters can extend the reach from the LAN over single-mode fiber approximately 130 kilometers with 1550 nm optics.
The coaxial cabling utilized in analog CCTV networks suffers from transmission distance issues. The accepted distance for coax is 185 meters. While this has worked well in the past, the demands for increasing the surveillance coverage have pushed camera locations beyond the standard distances.
As for Ethernet and IP cameras, this distance is even more restrictive at 100 meters. Offering transmission over greater distances, fiber cabling is starting to play a signifigant role in surveillance networks. Fiber cabling supports transmission distances up to 2km on multimode fiber without the need for repeaters or signal boosters - with even greater distances available on single mode fiber.

Indoor applications with florescent lights, electric motors, and other sources of electromagnetic interference (EMI) along with sources of radio frequency interference (RFI) can cause disruptions and poor picture quality issues for video over Coax and UTP cabling. The transmission from cameras located outdoors is susceptible to these same conditions as well as the effect from electrical/lightening storms. Due to the nature of how data is transmitted over fiber optic cabling, it does an excellent job of blocking
this electrical interference and protecting the quality of the data.

Wavelength-division multiplexing (WDM) technology in the LAN is very beneficial in situations where fiber is at limited supply or expensive for provision. In addition to conventional dual strand fiber converters, with separate receive and transmit ports, there are also single strand fiber converters, which can extend full-duplex data transmission approximately 70 kilometers more than one optical fiber.

Other benefits of media conversion include providing a gentle migration path from copper to fiber. Fiber connections can help to eliminate electromagnetic interference. Also fiber media converters pose being a cheap solution for many who need it switches for use with fiber along with have enough money to pay for them, they can buy ordinary switches and make use of fiber media converters to make use of making use of their fiber network.

As a fiber optic media converter, you can use it anywhere in the network to integrate newer technology with existing equipment to support new applications, technologies and future growth. Fiber Converters are key aspects of Optical Networking because its long distance operation, high bandwidth capacity and reliablity make fiber optics probably the most desired channel for data communications. Instead of costly, across-the-board upgrades, media converters can extend the productive lifetime of the existing cabling along with the active equipment. FiberStore offers a wide variety of professional fiber optic media converters for Fast Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet, Serial Datacom interfaces and E1 or T1 voice/data communications.
  

To aid in the deployment of fiber in these security and surveillance networks, Transition Networks has specifically designed a copper to fiber media converter for analog video applications. These converters are available to support both fixed-focus cameras as well as pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) cameras. As IP cameras begin to replace analog cameras, traditional Ethernet media converters can be used for the fiber integration. Most IP cameras also support power-over-Ethernet (PoE) technology which makes installation of the cameras easier since the camera can be powered over the UTP Ethernet cable. PoE switches, PoE injectors, and PoE media converters are all available to create the functional network needed in today’s hybrid video security and surveillance applications.

Friday, June 20, 2014

Dynamic DNS in Wireless CCTV Systems (For Beginners)

Wireless internet CCTV, also known as IP CCTV, communicates through your broadband line and onwards to the internet.  This can cause problems if your home broadband has a dynamic IP address, because when you want to connect to your cameras from outside, you won’t know what that address is.  This article shows you how to overcome the problem by using Dynamic DNS.

Most home ADSL packages still give you a dynamic or changing IP address, which is simply the address of your home’s network on the internet.  These addresses are allocated from a pool of available addresses and allow the internet provider to have fewer addresses than customers, saving money. 

This used to work well because early broadband modems “dialled” a connection when the attached computer requested it, rather like the old dial-up modems.  Nowadays, though, modern wireless modem/routers tend to remain connected permanently, so we are reaching the point where the internet provider is having to allow one IP address per customer, and may as well allocate a static or unchanging one.  However, as of today most people have dynamic addresses and this is an obstacle to contacting your wireless internet camera from the outside world, as I will explain in the next section.

Just as your broadband line has an IP address, so your camera has its own address or port.  For example, if your home IP address is 91.103.218.59 and the camera’s port is 8765, assuming your router is set up with port forwarding (outside the scope of this article) you can contact your camera by typing “http:// 91.103.218.59:8765” into a browser window.  This may work today, but by tomorrow that  91.103.218.59 IP address could have been allocated to someone else, and you will not find your camera on the end of it any more.  This is where Dynamic DNS or just “DDNS” comes in.
DDNS allows you to contact your wireless internet CCTV camera using an address that never changes, even when your broadband’s IP address changes.  It requires two things in order to work: a DDNS service provider and a router or camera that offers DDNS support.

Most modern wireless routers offer DDNS support, but few internet CCTV cameras do.  As long as either the camera or the router offers this feature, all is well.  First, you visit the website of the DDNS service provider and sign up for an account.  The most popular provider is dyndns.com and it’s free.  You choose your own unique internet address such as “mywirelesscamera.dyndns.org” and you will also have a user name and password.  (Incidentally, the purpose of this service is simply to make that link between your IP address, whatever it happens to be at the time, and a fixed address or domain name.)  Having registered a DDNS account, next you log into your router’s administration pages and find the DDNS section.

Here you simply key in the DDNS provider name, your account details and the address that you chose.  Now, whenever your broadband provider changes your home IP address, your router will tell dyndns.com, and this means you can always contact your camera from wherever you happen to be, by keying the same unchanging address into a browser window, in our example: “http://mywirelesscamera.dyndns.org:8765”.

Wednesday, June 18, 2014

Biometricization of systems in India

Heading towards “Biometricization” of systems in India

Biometrics Technologies are searching new ways to spread its limbs in recent technology driven era. Every system within the public domain is proposed to be made transparent, secure and safe in its operation. Looking at these demands, Government of India is trying to implement Biometrics Technology in their system under Digital India program. This initiative from Government is really appreciable and needs an applaud. This will really help to curb corruption, larceny, and truancy. Also, the implementation of biometric technology will help layman gain the services in more effective ways. 
We all know biometrics technology is one of the most secure, safe and reliable way of human identification. So, it is quite necessary to implement this technology in every process under Government of India. This will bring a fruitful result in comparison to other conventional methods. Through this blog, I would like to throw some light on a few sectors where Biometrics Technology has been implemented or are proposed to be implemented in the coming days.

Attendance System: As the new Govt took the charge at the center, they firstly implemented Biometric Attendance System in Government offices. Also, they launched an attendance portal www.attendance.gov.in where the attendance of every employee is monitored. Its implementation has really proved fruitful and now they are showing up at offices right in time. As a result, Govt. Officials are found in their workplace.

E-PDS Scheme: Slowly and steadily, every state governments are implementing biometrics technology in the Public Distribution System at different levels. This will show a drastic change in the whole process of ration distribution. The poor people who usually are kept aside from govt. aides now will be directly benefited. The mediators will vanish and e-ration card holder can enjoy their right to the food.

Skill Development: Under the skill development program, the implementation of Biometric technology is really an effective state. Each and every student's attendance is marked in biometric devices with its location and uploaded to the central server. This has reduced larceny and made the process more transparent and effective.

Passport system: Also, the government has proposed to make biometric characteristic a mandatory  verification during passport issue. This step has been taken to reduce the crime and illegal immigration. Effective implementation will lower down, the rate of crimes under different circumstances.

For Criminal Records: National Crime Record Bureau (NCRB) has decided to launch a software which will identify the criminals. The implementation of Biometrics will help officials to know whether the criminal had ever been previously prosecuted for any other crime. This will help in the faster procedure of judgments and other trials.

National ID for Fishermen: The major setback of fishermen is their identification. This also leads to prosecutions of fishermen and they are sent behind the bars without any charge. So to resolve this issue, the government has decided to issue National ID cards with biometric for fishermen.

The rapid implementation of Biometrics Technology in different fields is definitely going to solve major common issue every citizen faces into their day-to-day life. Biometrics Technology has a tendency to change the approach of Government officials towards safe, secure and transparent systems. So, Star Link India, being the largest Indian manufacturer of Biometric Attendance Systems, endorses the step of Govt. and promises full support from their side.