Category Archives: About Technology

How to Integrate Door Access and IP Camera Systems

The best way to integrate IP Video and IP door access systems

IP door access and camera integration

Door Access Control and IP Camera Systems provide security by themselves. When the two systems are integrated, they provide a higher level of security and safety.

 

There are some different ways to integrate cameras and door control systems. There are proprietary systems that only support specific hardware, and there are non-proprietary system solutions that can use more general hardware. This article provides the pros and cons of the different methods for integrating these security systems.

Continue reading →

How to Install IP Door Readers

Installing IP Door ReadersIP Door Access Control Systems are easy to install and provide excellent flexibility. There are RFID proximity IP readers and biometric door readers such as fingerprint or facial recognition readers, that connect to the network. In many cases, you can use PoE to power the reader and the electric lock.

 

An IP door access control reader is different from the older Wiegand door readers. Instead of connecting to a control panel, the door reader attaches to the network. All the intelligence is inside the reader. It maintains the rules and holds the database of users who can access the door. This means that even if the network is down, the reader will still operate (if it has power). The door access software is used to manage and edit the information that’s stored in the readers. It only communicates with the readers when there is a change in the information.

 

This article takes the mystery out of network attached door access control systems and describes how to install them.

Continue reading →

IP Paging Systems for Schools

How to select the right speakers and determine the number required

IP paging system conceptIP paging speaker placement and sound volume settings are key to providing clear sound. Whether there is a general announcement or an emergency message, it’s important that the instructions can be heard and understood by everyone.

 

Network attached IP speakers are easy to install, but they must be placed in the right location, and the sound volume must be correct so that all locations are covered with clear sound.

 

This article provides guidelines for selecting the right IP paging speakers for your school. The article also helps you determine the number of speakers you need, and the amplification required.

Continue reading →

Thermal versus Optical IP Cameras

Applications for Thermal and Optical IP Camera Systems

Thermal and optical IP cameras use different technologies to capture video. Each type of camera system provides a unique role in an IP video surveillance system. Systems that combine thermal and optical cameras provide a synergistic solution for long-range surveillance.

Long-range PTZ camera system

Thermal cameras are better for night viewing since they don’t require any light. The optical IP cameras require daylight or illumination at night and are best for identifying details such as a person’s face or a license plate number. This article describes when to use these camera systems.

Continue reading →

How Face Recognition Works in a Crowd

Facial Recognition in a Crowd

face recognition systemsThere are different methods used for matching facial biometrics. The simplest method measures various features of a person’s face, such as the distance between the eyes, or the position of the mouth to the nose.  These geometric measurements or vectors are then coded and stored in a database for later comparison. This type of system is usually used in biometric door access control readers. 

Continue reading →

IP Cameras Price Versus Performance

Selecting the Right IP CameraHow much should you expect to pay for your IP camera?  IP cameras range in price from under $200 to over $1000.

 

Since the price depends on what you need, you should always make sure you understand your objectives. For help in defining your requirements, take a look at our article, Defining Your Objectives.

 

Price varies with performance. The least expensive cameras have fixed lenses. Do you need a camera for a small room or an outdoor camera that can recognize a person over 300 ft. away? The more expensive cameras include variable lenses that you can adjust from your computer. Some high-performance very low-light outdoor cameras can see things by starlight.

 

Continue reading →

Automated Emergency Notifications and Response

How to Create a One-Button Emergency Response System

 

Automated Emergency ResponseWhen seconds count, a single-button alert system is essential for your organization’s safety. Whether you need to establish a lockdown or let everyone know about a fire, the rapid notification capability is important.

 

Emergency alert buttons can be placed at various parts of the facility and connected to your IP security system. This means you can provide different responses depending on the location. You can also have unique buttons for specific emergencies. For example, you can respond to a fire or establish a lockdown depending on the button pushed.  Here’s how it works:

Continue reading →

Real-Time IP Camera Systems

How to create a real-time IP camera system

Video Security SystemsIt was a dark and threatening day. Thunder could be heard in the distance. Fog blanketed the building, weakening the remaining daylight. Strange sounds were heard in the basement, and the security center was called to investigate.

 

The guard walks anxiously along a dark and long hallway. As he turns the corner, he is suddenly confronted by …    

Continue reading →

Advanced Door Access Control

The Intelligent Access Control System

This is certainly not your father’s door control systems.

 

Wouldn’t it be nice to be able to push a button to initiate campus-wide lockdown? What about integrating IP door access with your IP surveillance system, or controlling what floor a person can go to in the elevator? Or, maybe you would like to use the access system as a visitor management system? Well, the latest network-attached access control systems provide these advanced features as well as many others that can make it easier to control security.

 

Continue reading →