Wednesday 29 March 2017

Wise Upgrade for IP Surveillance Networks



If you are looking for a POE camera, you need to research the camera before you actually purchase it. There are many IP surveillance network designers that have turned to POE technology. Using POE cameras and switches is going to eliminate the need for separate power and data cables. This is going to enable integrators to use more cameras, making sure there is a more comprehensive solution for customers.

POE camera
Basics
POE cameras can be powered using the same LAN cable. A POE switch is a traditional Ethernet switch with the additional capability of injecting POE power. A POE switch commonly has 4, 8, 16, 24 or 48 ports which are going to provide power and data to the IP camera on each port. POE switches fall into three categories:

  • Unmanaged
  • Smart
  • Managed

Unmanaged
Unmanaged switches are going to provide basic connectivity between networked devices at a low cost. They are easy to use but only for simple connectivity.

Smart
Smart switches have graphical user interface with easy-to-understand controls. They are managed via a web browser. They are ideal for people who have no advanced network training.

Managed
Managed switches have a GUI and a more technical command line interface. Fully managed switches have a full suite of capabilities that are often beyond the needs of a basic IP surveillance network.

Budget
Many network designers use unmanaged POE switches because they are simple and the low cost that is involved. A POE switch can net a big value. The cost increase is minimal.
Easier Administration
Smart POE switches are easy to use, have a browser-based user interface and have straightforward communication. 

Remote Reboots and Power Control
Smart switches allow you to remotely turn on and off the POE to each camera via the GUI. The POE camera can be manually controlled from anywhere. Some smart POE switches allow you to set a time window that determines when each camera is powered on and off. 

Real-Time Power Statistics and Saving Features
A smart POE switch can provide power consumption statistics in real time:

  • Power use per port
  • Overall system power

Smart POE switches support power-saving features that are not found in unmanaged PoE switches. When reducing signal power consumption, less heat is going to be produced, resulting in extended product life and lower operating costs.

Smarter Management
As networks grow and additional cameras are added, a POE switch will be asked to supply more power. A smart POE switch allows you to manage increased power demands in a much more controlled manner.

Better Cable Diagnostics
With the use of smart POE switches, you are able to examine the quality of the copper cables connected to each switch port. 

Automatic Loop Detection
Smart POE switches also feature a loop detection function. If a loop is detected, the switch automatically shuts down the port and will alert you. Without such protection, undetected loops can wreak major havoc and cause serious traffic flow disruptions.

The Bottom Line
Unmanaged POE switches are low-cost, easy-to-use and good for simple connectivity. There are quit a few benefits gained by upgrading to smart or managed POE switches.

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Tuesday 14 March 2017

Tips on Keeping Home Safe While on Vacation


If you are looking for a wireless IP camera, you are going to have many different ones to choose from. The first step in looking for a camera is to make a list of the things that you want the camera to accomplish. The following article will give you some tips to do to keep your home safe while you are on vacation.

We all like to go on vacation from time to time. Before going on vacation, there are a few simple precautions that you yourself can make in order to make your home less attractive to burglars or would be thieves.



  • You need to make sure that your outdoor lighting illuminates all entrances to your home
  • Make sure you have a wireless IP camera in your home and monitor it
  • You need to cut back all shrubbery in order to discourage burglars or would be thieves from hiding near window and doors
  • You need to keep windows and doors locked at all times
  • You need to make sure that the garage door is closed and locked
  • You should install a peephole in your front door
  • All windows in the home should be secured with auxiliary locks
  • Sliding glass doors should be secured with auxiliary locks, which are available at all local home improvement stores, which can prevent your sliding glass doors from being lifted from their tracks during a burglary attempt
  • Deadbolt locks should be used on all exterior doors
  • Do not hide or store keys or tools outside, thinking that they are going to be hidden from would be burglars
  • Make sure to let trusted friends and neighbors know that would are going to be away on vacation
  • Do not post on different social media outlets to the world that you are going on vacation; wait until you get back to post your photos of your family vacation trip
  • Make it look like your home is being occupied when it is not
  • Attach timers to lights and television sets and set them to turn on and off at different times of the day and night
  • When on vacation, you need to have your newspaper and mail held or picked up by a friend or neighbor (you do not want to have an overloaded mailbox or lots of newspapers or miscellaneous shipments piling up on the front door step)
  • Disconnect automatic garage door openers when on vacation
  • Open some of the drapes and blinds on your windows when on vacation because during daytime hours it will give the appearance that someone is home and during the evening hours, the lights inside the house are going to be more visible
  • Mention to your local police department that you are going on vacation and ask if they will periodically drive by (many will do this) – also make sure to let them when you are planning on returning and give them an emergency contact telephone number

It is very important that you and your family go on vacation from time to time, just in order to refresh.  Before you go, always make sure you follow the above tips, such as installing a wirelessIP camera.

Source: Click Here