Mobile & Remote Video Surveillance

Mobile & Remote Video Surveillance Camera Systems

Customers often ask how to access a live view of their remote security cameras when they’re away from their home or business. After all, people lead busy lives, come in and out of work, go on vacations, and run errands so investing in a remote video surveillance system is crucial to the well-being and safety of your home or business. Thus, much of the time you’re not actually able to be onsite where your cameras are installed. One of the primary benefits of IP video is that you’re not limited to viewing your remote video surveillance system on site. The advancements in video surveillance technology have made it possible to view your remote security camera from any internet-enabled PC or smartphone. arindamcctvaccesscontrol.blogspot.com has outlined the key components of remote security camera system and video surveillance app, everything you need to know in order to start viewing your security cameras off-site.

What is Remote Video Surveillance?

Remote video surveillance enables users to view live video on a PC or laptop from just about anywhere in the world with internet access. To facilitate remote viewing, you simply type in the IP address of your network security camera in your internet browser like you would a website. This is done through DDNS and port-forwarding, which is discussed in greater detail further below. Once you’ve configured DDNS and port-forwarding and have obtained an IP address to view online, you can then begin to experience what it’s like to view your security camera system from a remote location. Remote security cameras are typically compatible with a wide range of web browsers. It is worth noting that specific web browser support varies by manufacturer.

What is Mobile Monitoring?

Remote mobile video surveillance takes remote monitoring to a whole new level. Several IP camera manufacturers offer complimentary mobile surveillance apps that give you the ability to view and manage your security cameras from a smartphone or tablet such as the iPhone, iPad, or Android. Many of these security camera apps allow you to view multiple cameras simultaneously, control PTZ settings, view recorded images, search through archived footage, play back events, and much more. Just like you would view your security camera(s) on a remote PC/laptop, you will need to have an internet data plan and IP address to do so. Remote video surveillance is perfect for users who are often off-site, and therefore not able to be on the local computer system where their IP cameras are connected.

What’s the Difference between Remote and Mobile Video Surveillance?

The common denominator of remote monitoring and a security camera app is online viewing. The main differences between the two are usability features. Remote monitoring tends to give you greater control over your camera system when it comes to managing settings and recording video. If you’re checking up on your business cameras from your home or hotel on a PC or Mac, you usually have a more reliable and secure internet connection.

A mobile security camera app requires a smartphone data plan, and may lose connection from time to time in no-coverage zones. It’s also a matter of personal preference – if you use the internet primarily on your smartphone, then mobile surveillance may be the right choice for you.

How can Remote Video Surveillance and Mobile Monitoring Help You?

Remote security camera monitoring and mobile surveillance do not require you to be “on location” in order to view and manage each of your security cameras. You’re not limited to monitoring just one camera remotely; most video surveillance apps provide simultaneous viewing and multi-site options so you can check up on all of your remote security cameras in your business or home. Monitoring off-site is also extremely convenient for users as it gives them the freedom to come and go as they please without having to worry about their property. For example, mobile and remote monitoring is great to have when you’re on vacation. If you’ve got two or three IP cameras installed at your home, and decide to take a trip somewhere, you can still monitor your property and receive email notifications if your cameras detect motion or tampering. Essentially, remote video surveillance makes it so you don’t have to be at the exact location of your security cameras to keep a watchful eye on your property. In addition, remote monitoring works wonderfully with pet cams, nanny cams, and pool cams. You’re not limited to what you can view. Surveillance on the go has never been easier.

Features:

View Live Stream - Real-time video display is a primary selling point for remote and mobile monitoring. Having direct access to your live camera feed gives you the power to monitor your property without actually being there.

View NVR Live Stream - Some NVR manufacturers offer remote web interfaces and video surveillance apps that provide remote access to your IP camera system. These Internet-based platforms give you instant access to live camera displays and recorded video footage that work on PCs, and some smartphones. You simply log on to the NVR’s web interface or app to facilitate real-time monitoring.

View Recorded Video from your camera/NVR - Another benefit of remote monitoring and mobile surveillance is with some mobile apps and NVR web interfaces, you can view recorded video. This is especially helpful when you’re on vacation; you can review recorded video and decide if it’s relevant or not, or notify law enforcement if you come across something suspicious that was captured on video.

Images are sent to your phone, on motion or schedule - You can configure your IP camera so that images are sent directly to your email account or smartphone via message MMS if motion, tampering, or vandalism is detected. Images can also be sent on a schedule to keep you abreast of what your video monitors.

Send images to email account - With video management software, you can configure your security cameras to send email alerts to your smartphone, iphone or email account for evidentiary purposes and as a way to archive footage deemed important.

Administer VS System remotely - You can do a lot more with mobile and remote monitoring than just viewing live video. A number of IP camera and NVR brands offer web interfaces and cloud services that can be accessed from remote locations. These online platforms allow you to control the settings and configure your IP camera system like you would onsite.

How Do You View Your Video Surveillance Cameras Remotely?

In order to monitor your video surveillance cameras from a remote device like a PC or smartphone, you will typically need to set up DDNS and port forwarding.

DDNS - With video management software, you can configure your security cameras to send email alerts to your smartphone, iphone or email account for evidentiary purposes and as a way to archive footage deemed important.

Port-Forwarding - When you purchase your IP camera system, you’re at first limited to viewing your cameras locally, meaning you can only access them in a local area network. To view your cameras remotely, you must configure port-forwarding. Port-forwarding sends network ports used by your IP camera(s) onto the World Wide Web so that you can monitor your cameras remotely. Network ports are typically forwarded through your network’s router, which tech support specialist at VideoSurveillance.com can help you with. Port-forwarding can only be set up by obtaining the IP address of your router that connects to your video surveillance cameras. It should be noted your IP cameras and NVRs are still secure when accessed via the Internet because of password protection.

Special Plug-and-Play Solutions - Some NVR manufacturers such as Smartvue offer online cloud services that allow you to access your video surveillance system from a remote location by simply logging into your cloud account. Once logged in, you can view your live video feed, manage settings, and search recorded video as needed.

Benefits Of Remote Surveillance Monitoring

24/7 Protection

One of the more popular benefits of a modern surveillance system is the ability to monitor footage remotely with a mobile app. There's a wide array of apps that allow a user to log into your system from anywhere with just a touch of your smart phone. Upon logging in, you will have the ability to view live and recorded video, control PTZ settings, search through past footage and manage alerts. To set up the app properly, you'll need to work closely with a security company and have an internet data plan as well as an IP address.

The best aspect of this feature is that you don’t have to be on location to view and manage your security cameras, thus offering you and/or your security staff the ability to monitor and respond to issues whenever they may occur, even after hours or while you are on vacation. The added peace of mind that comes with remote monitoring can be the greatest benefit of all.

Monitor Multiple Feeds Across Multiple Locations

Also, you don’t have to be limited to monitoring only one security camera remotely. If your building requires multiple cameras in seperate locations, you're in luck as you can monitor multiple camera feeds from across multiple locations. This is a popular feature for property managers who need to monitor multiple buildings.

This is incredibly useful when combined with a motion alert camera system-- you can be alerted if any of your cameras detect motion while your business is closed. In addition, you will get an email and/or text alert notifying you that one of your cameras detected motion.

Less False Alarms

The overriding advantage associated with a remote monitored system is the fact that it provides visual confirmation to an operator regarding the cause of anyone specific activation. In turn, this lessens the likelihood of false alarms and allows the operator to orchestrate the fastest possible and most appropriate action.

When an alarm is triggered, the process begins and the images are transmitted to a central control room where the operator consults site plans to determine whether to issue audio warnings or alert the relevant emergency services. Audio warnings have been proven to act as a successful deterrent for a majority of cases, in terms of contacting the emergency services, the visual confirmation provided by the operator allows them to give the activation a priority response and increases the likelihood of the culprit of any trespass or theft committed on the property in question.

Monitored Alarm System Provides Peace Of Mind

Remote access can also assist business owners in detecting threats  such as fires, high carbon dioxide levels or intrusion that could otherwise be detrimental to their employees and valuable assets.

Business owners can use remote access with their monitored alarm system to:

·        Schedule notifications in case of an emergency.

·        Arm or disarm security systems remotely.

·        Lock or unlock doors remotely

Controlling these security features with remote access creates peace of mind for business owners who can stay connected with their business, even when they are away.

Conclusion

What makes remote video surveillance and mobile monitoring so favorable is that they both fit within your busy schedule. Remote monitoring and mobile surveillance give you on-the-go, real-time access to your live camera view so you can check up on your property anytime, day or night. The remote solutions made available by IP camera, NVR manufacturers, and even third-party mobile app developers are manifold; it is up to you to decide which one best aligns with your day-to-day routine.

Bandwidth Basics for IP CCTV Design

Bandwidth Basics for IP CCTV Design

When using IP cameras, Megapixel cameras, NVRs or even DVRs, understanding the basics about how much bandwidth is available and how much is needed is critical in planning, designing and deploying IP video surveillance systems. Copper Ethernet wiring (typically Cat-5, Cat-5e, Cat-6 or Cat-7) have a practical length limitation of 100 meters (or about 300 feet) between devices. To accommodate longer-length wired network connections, fiber can be used. 

This article is focused for a non-IT audience such as security managers, electronic technicians, sales and marketing folks.

How Much Bandwidth is Available?

To figure out how much bandwidth is available, you first need to determine what locations you are communicating between. Much like driving, you will have a starting point and destination. For example, from your branch office to your headquarters. However, unlike driving, the amount of bandwidth available can range dramatically depending on where you are going.

The most important factor in determining how much bandwidth is available is whether or not you need connectivity between two different buildings.

For instance:

In the Same Building: 70Mb/s to 700 Mb/s of bandwidth is generally available

In Different Buildings: .5 Mb/s to 5 Mb/s of bandwidth is generally available

The amount of bandwidth available going from your office to a co-worker's office in the same building can be 200 times more than the bandwidth from your office to a branch office down the block.

This is true in 90% or more cases. Note the following exceptions:

If these are different buildings but on the same campus, more bandwidth may be available.

If you are in a central business district of a major city, more bandwidth may be available.

If you are a telecommunications or research company, more bandwidth may be available.

Different Buildings

The key driver in bandwidth availability is the cost increase of deploying networks between buildings. Generally referred to as the Wide Area Network or WAN, this type of bandwidth is usually provided by telecommunications companies. One common example is cable modem or DSL, which can provide anywhere from 0.5 Mb/s to 5 Mb/s at Rs. 3000 to Rs. 5000 per month. Another example is a T1, which provides 1.5Mb/s for about Rs. 8000 to Rs. 16000 per month. Above this level, bandwidth generally becomes very expensive.

Many talk about fiber but fiber to the building is not and will not be widely available for years. Fiber to the home or to the business promises to reduce the cost of bandwidth significantly. It is very expensive to deploy and despite excited discussions for the last decade or more, progress remains slow.

Same Buildings

By contrast, bandwidth inside of buildings (or campuses) is quite high because the costs of deploying it are quite low. Non technical users can easily set up a 1000Mb/s networks inside a building (aka Local Area Networks or LANs) for low installation cost with no monthly costs. The cost of deploying networks in buildings are low because there are minimal to no construction expenses. When you are building a network across a city, you need to get rights of ways, trench, install on telephone poles, etc. These are massive projects that can easily demand millions or billions of dollars in up front expenses. By contrast, inside a building, the cables can often by quickly and simply fished through ceilings (not the professional way to do it but the way many people do it in deployments).

A lot of discussion about wireless (WiMax, WiFi, 3G, 4G etc) exists but wireless will not provide significantly greater bandwidth nor significantly better costs than DSL or cable modem. As such, wireless will not solve the expense and limitations of bandwidth between buildings. That being said, wireless absolutely has benefits for mobility purposes and connecting to remote locations that DSL or cable modem cannot cost effectively serve. The point here is simply that it will not solve the problem of bandwidth between buildings being much more expensive than bandwidth inside of buildings.

How Much Bandwidth Do IP Cameras Consume?

For the bandwidth consumption of an IP camera, use 1 Mb/s as a rough rule of thumb. Now, there are many factors that affect total bandwidth consumption. You can certainly stream an IP camera as low as 0.2 Mb/s (or 200 Kb/s) and others as high as 6 Mb/s. The more resolution and greater frame rate you want, the more bandwidth will be used. The more efficient the CODEC you use, the less bandwidth will be used.

For the bandwidth consumption of a Megapixel camera, use 5 Mb/s to 10 Mb/s as a rough rule of thumb. Again, there are a number of factors that affect total bandwidth consumption. A 1.3MP camera at 1FPS can consume as little as 0.8 Mb/s (or 800 Kb/s) yet a 5 megapixel camera can consume as much as 45 Mb/s.

What Does this Mean for my IP Video System?

Just like dealing with personal finance, we can now figure out what we can 'afford':

Between Buildings: We have 0.5 Mb/s to 5 Mb/s to 'spend'

Inside Buildings: We have 70 Mb/s to 700 Mb/s to 'spend'

IP cameras: Cost us 1 Mb/s each

Megapixel cameras: Cost us 5 Mb/s to 10 Mb/s each

Using these points, we can quickly see what combination of IP and megapixel cameras we can use between buildings or inside of buildings.

Inside of buildings, it is easy to stream numerous IP and megapixel cameras.

Between buildings, it is almost impossible to stream numerous IP and megapixel cameras.

Because of this situation, the standard configuration one sees in IP Video systems is:

A local recorder at each building/remote site. The local recorder receives the streams from the building and stores them.

The local recorder only forwards the streams (live or recorded) off-site when a user specifically wants to view video. Rather than overloading the WAN network with unrealistic bandwidth demands all day long, bandwidth is only consumed when a user wants to watch. Generally, remote viewing is sporadic and IP video coexists nicely with the expensive Wide Area Network.

The local recorder has built-in features to reduce the bandwidth needed to stream video to remote clients. Most systems have the ability to reduce the frame rate of the live video stream or to dynamically reduce the video quality to ensure that the video system does not overload the network and that remote viewers can actually see what is going on the other side. Generally, the live video stream is sufficient to identify the basic threat. In any event, bandwidth is generally so costly, especially the upstream bandwidth needed to send to a remote viewer, that this is the best financial decision.