Apr 22, 2015

In the first part of this two-part series, we looked at why reliability is such a critical factor for wireless video surveillance, in addition to the importance of getting accurate figures for return on investment and a system’s total cost of ownership. We also looked at how back-end infrastructure affects a solution’s overall functionality.

While these are all critical factors to remember, they are far from the only variables to remember and prioritize. In addition to the three points already mentioned, other things organizations should keep in mind in regard to wireless video surveillance include the following:

4) Ensure proper data storage and transfer

Video is a data hog. An hour of standard streaming video consumes 240 Megabytes of bandwidth and 900 MB is needed for an hour of HD video streaming, according to AT&T. Consider that this is just talking about one video over one central network connection. A wireless video surveillance network is dealing with multiple data streams over multiple connections, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. In addition, in comparison to the average YouTube video, the submission here needs to be of the highest quality possible in order to be usable.

Not only does all of this video need a high quality and reliable connection to be transferred over,  but it also has to be stored somewhere secure yet easily accessible by the proper authorities. The kind of connections and the amount of storage necessary will vary depending on the type of installation, but no matter what a wireless video surveillance network is dealing with, a lot of data needs to be efficiently transmitted and stored in order for the entire solution to be truly effective.

5) Perform oversight and upkeep on a continual basis

A wireless video surveillance system is not a set-it-and-forget-it kind of solution, as some level of oversight and maintenance is needed if an adopting organization expects to see years of good results from its investments. According to Global News, a video network should be inspected on a semi-annual basis. This designated maintenance should be used to do everything from cleaning the cameras and clearing away items that might obstruct views to reconfiguring equipment and potentially replacing anything that has been damaged beyond repair. Constant and consistent oversight helps to ensure a solution’s effectiveness over the long term, and organizations can partner with a trusted third-party provider to assist them with these semi-annual inspections.

6) Plan for the future

No matter how much planning, oversight and foresight went into a wireless video system’s initial rollout, odds are very good that needs to will change over time. By creating a solution from the get go with elasticity and flexibility in mind, an adopting organization can be ready to adapt when needs shift on the ground, according to SecurityInfoWatch contributor Scott Dennison. In particular, by opting for a wireless network as opposed to a wired one, agencies will find it easy to add and subtract cameras and reach as necessary, ensuring that the overall video system is ready to change as needs shift on the ground.

“As communities grow and crime hot spots change, municipalities need to consider a long-term security strategy; thus, the design of the surveillance network should allow for future expansion,” Dennison wrote. “Scalable solutions provide an easy method to add cameras and expand the security system as the population demographics change.”

By keeping all six of these tips in mind, organizations can put themselves in the best possible position to get the most of their wireless video surveillance network now and for years to come. To learn more about what options are available and how to get started, contact Firetide today.