Nov 16, 2015

Video surveillance has proven its worth time and again as a security tool and as a means of keeping public spaces and services operating efficiently. Strategic placement of video cameras provides personnel such as law enforcement, facility security guards and public transit employees with the ability to oversee day-to-day operations in frenetic environments – such as airports – and especially in areas that are well-known trouble spots. 

That said, there are situations where installing and deploying hardwire surveillance is not the most efficient solution available. For example, deploying a city-wide surveillance solution would require significant time, effort and resources since the physical network has to be wired. This is also true for large-scale, temporary events such as sporting competitions, visits from high-profile politicians or public figures and large entertainment festivals. 

Wireless topology as a differentiator

The principal advantage of wireless video surveillance is in the strategy used for deployment. Rather than creating a hardwired network, wireless surveillance relies on the use of strategically placed nodes that can send and receive wireless signals. This significantly reduces the amount of time, resources and expenses needed to successfully lay the groundwork for a surveillance system.

When wireless video surveillance is deployed via a mesh topology, it essentially supplies a self-healing network. That way, real-time surveillance remains unaffected by hiccups in the signal along one possible route. Traffic is redirected as needed, so that wireless video surveillance stays up and running.

Mesh topology is relevant in a variety of use cases. For example, construction companies must oversee the management of large projects and ensure the safety of workers. Because construction sites are temporary and surveillance may be required in unusual locations – such as the bottom of an elevator shaft in progress – the surveillance solution must be relatively mobile. Having a strong mesh network in place makes it easier to install new cameras as needed, for example, as more floors are built or as new constructs are erected that might create surveillance obstacles. Ultimately, this saves money that would otherwise be needed to create a physical surveillance network- one that is far more rigid than mesh networks.    

The most flexible option 

For many applications, wireless mesh networks are the most reliable temporary solution for flexible, wireless video surveillance. Browse Firetide's online resources to learn more about how wireless mesh networks provide flexibility and reliability for those who need both.