A centralized IP CCTV system is the exact opposite of a distributed system, wherein, the storage of all cameras in put in a single common location (in one or more recorder devices). It comprises IP camera, Network, recording & viewing sub-systems. This is the traditional PoE based IP CCTV design, very similar to Analog CCTV. It is especially suitable for scenarios where one or more of the following requirements apply:
(1) Need live monitoring 24x7
(2) Cannot guarantee safety of surveillance storage on camera and nearby locations (like multiple buildings in a multiple building setup)
(3) large number of cameras
(4) Need special smart camera like High-end PTZ, Number/License Plate recognition, Thermal, People Counting, etc.
(4) Need special smart camera like High-end PTZ, Number/License Plate recognition, Thermal, People Counting, etc.
It requires a network to function which may be wired ethernet, WiFi or even 4G-LTE/5G cellular. And this network design and performance is very critical to ensure security and performance. And just as Distributed system vandal resistance can be *augmented by having centralized cloud storage, a distributed system's weak point (the network availability) can be overcome by implementing an onboard storage cache (flash or SD-Card) to temporarily store footage if network goes down and send all data to central location once network becomes available again.
Needless to say installers love the on-premise installation of this architecture. They require extensive investments in installations (cameras, cabling, switches, recorders, TVs and monitors) and operations (maintenance, live monitoring) which is big $$$. Our own apartment network is of this type, and costs nearly INR Rs. 20,000/- per camera to build and usually has 50% cost distribution in IP cameras, Recorders & Storage, 10% in networking gear, 20% in cabling(passive) parts, and ~20% labor. A huge effort & time (90% plus) is spent in creating the supporting cabling and networking infrastructure, while the actual camera installation and configuration effort is minimal. It also needs 2% to 5% (depending on how well you bargain and who is doing it) of per camera cost annually in India for non-comprehensive maintenance & upkeep (add 10-15% annual wage inflation overhead on maintenance costs). Non-comprehensive maintenance covers labor only, while comprehensive maintenance includes parts and will be billed at a much higher rate (its more like insurance).
They are extremely stable, of high quality, highly capable in terms of features and reliable. They will run for 5 years atleast if maintained routinely and actively. If maintained well, the lifetime could even be 7-10 years. But some replacement costs of cameras, mechanical storage (HDD), switches, recorders, etc. should be expected after 5 years.
On the flip side, wired PoE installations are not easy to retrofit and need professional labor. If not done well they become eyesores and definitely not a great choice in all situation indoors (unless you have a comprehensive false ceiling running all through the home to hide the cabling & conduit/raceways). Even outdoors, their may be discoloration, paint mismatch, wear & tear as time goes by.
With the latest developments in wireless and wirefree camera design with cloud storage is becoming really popular. The ideal camera for home is wirefree, DIY installable/retrofit-friendly, runs for 6 months on battery, supports both onboard (for many months) and cloud storage (a few weeks atleast or subscription based) as well as cheaper with acceptable quality. We recommend such cameras for small home installations and personal use.
- Suman Kumar Luthra @ APRC-P3 Telecom Sub-Committee
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