Structured Technology Services Ltd was invited to create a centralised and proactive IP surveillance solution to replace an inadequate and ageing CCTV system at the college.
Prior to the new system being installed, the college had suffered an increase in vandalism and anti-social behaviour. Several ‘black spots’ had been identified including two car parks, specific corridors and a locker room inside the college’s buildings.
The installation followed completion of an upgrade of the network infrastructure of the college by STS in October 2007. This enabled the college to look seriously at what other applications could be moved onto the IP network, and the surveillance system became an obvious choice as the existing CCTV system was already at capacity and required expansion.
On the network
Thirty-two Axis cameras were installed by STS: 21 Axis 216FD-V (vandal resistant) fixed dome network cameras cover previous blind spots in corridors inside the college’s buildings. Two Axis 212 PTZ network cameras monitor the locker room.
In the car parks a further five Axis 225FD and four Axis 232D+ network cameras were deployed to deter vandalism.
Six of the original analogue CCTV cameras transmit images through single-channel Axis 241 vVideo encoders to make them IP-compatible. Images from all 38 cameras are now stored and managed by Soratek Systems’ video management system, which provides three Terabytes of storage capacity. This system currently holds seven days of images collected on motion detection.
STS designed the solution so that power can be transmitted to all Axis network cameras through the Ethernet network itself, using the CAT 6 network cabling which was installed as part of the upgrade of the college’s infrastructure.
PoE advantages
Power over Ethernet proved a significant advantage for the college, cutting installation costs per camera by as much as GB pound 40. PoE also eliminated the inherent security hazard of having a fuse box close to the camera, which offers an obvious route to disabling specific electrical devices. The additional advantage is that the IP surveillance system is protected in cases of power outages as it can be powered by uninterruptible power supply units (UPSs).
Marc Charles, IT manager at Landau Forte College said: “We now have an IP surveillance system which is much more comprehensive, robust and scalable than the proprietary CCTV system that we had before. The use of an open, Linux-based system appeals because it reduces ongoing maintenance costs considerably and enables us to easily integrate new applications into the system as our security requirements change.”
Richard Shelley, account manager at STS, said: “Axis network cameras were our first choice for this install because of the quality of image they produce and the fact that they have models for all situations – inside and out, confined and open. We know that the Axis system has contributed to a marked reduction in anti-social behaviour and vandalism at the college.”
