Reduce the Cost and Increase the Benefits of Security System Upgrades and Additions

Introduction

Many properties are equipped with security or other building systems that are outdated and in need of upgrading or replacement. However, the cost of network infrastructure often renders such projects unaffordable, especially when traditional office LAN technology is used for sizable installations or upgrades, where the network infrastructure cost can exceed the cost of the connected devices. Fortunately, this no longer needs to be the case.

Recent technological advancements present a unique opportunity for medium and large organizations to upgrade or expand their physical security or other building systems while enhancing their facilities’ sustainability. By utilizing modern networking technologies, these organizations can achieve high-performance networking with reduced energy consumption and cable e-waste, all at a deployment project total cost savings of 50% to 80% compared to traditional technology deployments.

This paper primarily focuses on electronic physical security systems and includes examples of improvements and cost savings in other systems. Although some technical information is provided, the main purposes of this paper are to make the business case that Modern LAN technology should be considered for how it could contribute to existing or future system deployments and to provide a document you can share with the appropriate strategic, tactical and operational stakeholders involved in the network design and implementations for your building systems.

What is Different Now?

The current landscape differs from the past due to the emergence of standards-based networking technology developed to meet Industrial IoT needs, including those of building systems. However, business IT network designers, who are familiar with general-purpose office systems, often lack expertise in Modern LAN network technologies designed for purpose-built control systems, communications systems, and their IoT devices.

Two key cost factors are involved. Firstly, Modern LAN technology is designed to reuse existing cabling, such as coax and UTP wiring, used in earlier generations of analog cameras and telephone systems. This reuse is a major factor in making modern office LAN equipment more cost-effective, eliminating the need to rip-and-replace cabling. Secondly, Modern LAN technology can extend Power over Ethernet connections up to 6,000 ft, far exceeding the 328 ft limit of office LAN technology. This extended range significantly reduces the amount of network equipment, power, and air-conditioned wiring closet (IDF room) space required.

Technology Environmental Impacts

Modern LAN technology operates on a fraction of the electrical power required for office LAN technology due to the reduced equipment needs. Reducing electrical energy use and eliminating e-waste, including reusing copper cables, are key sustainability objectives for today’s organizations. An organization’s sustainability profile is increasingly important, influencing annual public financial reports, business financing, investor decisions, partnerships, and customer purchasing decisions.

LEED & BREEAM

LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) and BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) sustainability standards and certifications are crucial. LEED sustainability categories related to their certifications include, Energy Efficiency, Materials and Resources purchasing, Sustainability Innovation. Similarly, BREEAM categories include Energy, Materials, and Waste. The larger the networking deployment, whether new or upgraded, the greater the impact on LEED or BREEAM certification ratings.

Example Cost and Environmental Impacts

To those unfamiliar with large-scale Modern LAN networking projects, the size of the cost savings and environmental impacts can be quite surprising.

Cruise Line Security Camera Upgrade

A recent cruise line eight-ship upgrade from analog security cameras to IP cameras saved $4 million in network infrastructure costs and prevented 120 tons of rip-and-replace e-waste. They increased the number of IP cameras in all public areas using an adapter that supports up to four IP cameras over a single coax cable run. The installation process took two weeks per ship, as opposed to the original plan to run CAT6a cable throughout that would have taken two months per ship and curtailed the number of cruise trips.

Customs and Border Patrol 10,000 Camera Upgrade

A government agency modernized its outdated analog surveillance system by replacing 10,000 analog cameras with intelligent IP cameras across 360 customs offices and border crossings. Reusing the existing camera cable saved over $3 million, prevented over 60 tons of cable e-waste (electronic waste), and reduced planned deployment time by 80%.

Global Credit Rating Organization

The organization upgraded 1,500 desk phone users to a new IP voice system to access advanced features like call recording, call accounting, mobility, unified communications, and call center capabilities. The original plan involved replacing existing CAT3 cabling with CAT6a cables, and installing PoE switches and new backup power systems all estimated at $1.8 million. An 18-month disruptive deployment plan involved moving sets of employees between workstations. Opting to reuse the existing CAT3 cabling and installing long-range PoE switches at a cost of $300,000 eliminated the need for extensive building remodeling and the associated business disruption.

Leading Global Jewelry Chain

This retailer planned to upgrade low-resolution analog cameras to high-resolution IP cameras across all facilities. By leveraging the existing coax cable, the first 30 locations were recently upgraded at less than half the original cost – $195,000 instead of $500,000. The planned cable e-waste was eliminated.

Multinational Food Company

A large multinational food company with 4,000 analog phone across 47 locations upgraded is analog phone system with an IP voice solution, reusing the existing CAT3 phone system cable, eliminating the originally planned CAT3 replacement with CAT6a cable, preventing over 12 tons or e-waste. No new IDF rooms were needed, and the infrastructure costs were reduced by more than $1.2 million. The upgrade was performed in four months compared to the original 18-month forecast.

Large Power Station

A large power station wanted to upgrade its outdated analog cameras with IP cameras. The power station’s camera coaxial cabling was cemented underground. Ripping and replacing the existing cabling would cause structural damage, significant cost increases, and require months of additional work. Reuse of the existing cabling avoided 300 pounds of cabling e-waste. The significantly reduced infrastructure costs allowed the station to allocate more budget to high-quality cameras.

Ethernet Extenders

Ethernet extender products first emerged several decades ago to address the need for Ethernet connections exceeding the standard 328 ft. limit without the necessity of additional network closets and their associated HVAC and power requirements. Initially designed for a few connections, these extenders catered to slower network speeds at that time.

As network speeds and demand for more connections increased, newer Ethernet extenders evolved to support higher speeds and greater traffic volumes. Some support PoE. However, many early extenders struggled with high-volume traffic and maintaining the quality of service essential for voice or video systems. Most couldn’t provide enterprise-grade networking capabilities, often introducing latency and errors, complicating network troubleshooting due to their lack of network protocol-level functionality and visibility in network monitoring tools. A few vendors make switches supporting PoE over long range Ethernet, but for the most part most such switches lack the enterprise grade switch functionality.

Networks for medium- and large-scale security systems, VOIP phone systems, public address (PA) systems, and other building infrastructures necessitate fully manageable networks. This includes the need for extended Ethernet segments that are manageable and compatible with the connected network layers. To meet these demands, enterprise-grade long-range PoE products are essential, similar to those that facilitated the Modern LAN deployments highlighted on the previous page.

Enterprise Grade Long range Ethernet

There are several reasons why many network designers in large enterprise organizations might not consider long-range Ethernet products for new network designs or expansions:

• Previous Bad Experiences: Some have had negative experiences with earlier Ethernet extender products.
• Lack of Awareness of Standards-Based Enterprise-Grade Products: Others may not have evaluated IEEE standards-based products independently certified for performance capabilities required by enterprise networks, leading to a misconception that suitable long-range Ethernet technology does not exist.
• Manufacturer Limitations: In some cases, manufacturers lacked:
  • Product line that could satisfy all the long range Ethernet requirements.
  • An advanced in-house network testing and compatibility laboratory.
  • Documented results of performance testing and product comparisons.
  • Support personnel with enterprise-grade networking experience.
  • Similar existing customer deployments to reference.
  • Offers cost-free proof of concept deployments.
  • Detailed product documentation on networking capabilities and compatibilities.
  • Commitment to innovation and thought leadership (including helping customers overcome networking challenges and barriers).
  • Professional services capability for design and implementation support.
• Geographical and Regulatory Constraints:
  • Products were not manufactured in North America.
  • Products lacked approval for use in U.S. government facilities.
• Misrepresentation: Instances of manufacturers making false claims on their websites.

Consequently, network designers who have had a bad experience or could not find previously acceptable technology are often reluctant to consider newer technologies, dismissing them automatically without further evaluation.

Vendor and Product Evaluation

When evaluating long-range PoE solutions, consider the following key factors:

1. Company Commitment and Offering: Assess whether Long Range PoE is a core or complementary offering for the provider. Evaluate their range of solutions, from basic unmanaged units to sophisticated managed systems.
2. Features & Capabilities: Examine the feature set, paying particular attention to the power strategy, including aspects like redundancy and hot-swappable power supplies, which are essential for minimizing downtime. Network
3. Core Technology: The underlying technology, such as HomePlug, MOCA, VDSL, ADSL, or Straight Ethernet, greatly impacts performance. Consider the bandwidth (symmetrical or asymmetrical) and its suitability for the deployment environment and endpoint requirements.
4. Technology and Performance:

• Bandwidth: Assess the implications of duplex (full or half) and bandwidth type (symmetrical vs. asymmetrical) on network performance and reliability.
• Latency: Evaluate the impact of latency, particularly for real-time applications like voice or video, where low latency is crucial.
• Noise/Crosstalk: Be mindful of noise production, especially in large deployments, as it can cause interference, device slowdown, and packet loss.

Selecting the appropriate long-range PoE solution requires a thorough evaluation of the provider’s commitment, features and capabilities, core technology, and overall performance, including bandwidth, latency, and noise considerations.

Modern LAN Technology

In the past, the capabilities and value of physical security systems were often constrained by the technological limits of the time. Fortunately, we have moved beyond that era. Today, we are entering an age where our knowledge and design thinking are the primary limitations, thanks to the increasingly rapid pace of technological advancement.

Despite such growth, many physical security system communication infrastructures are still being designed using network models that are 40 years old. Recognizing this, in 2018, the global analyst firm Frost & Sullivan studied the contemporary networking landscape for IoT systems, including building control and physical security systems. They concluded that traditional office LAN network design practices are unsuitable for high device-count systems like security systems, which often require PoE network connections extending up to 2000 feet or more.

In response, Frost & Sullivan developed the Modern LAN design principles. These principles guide deploying new standards-based long-range PoE networking technology, now delivering impressive results across various business sectors. These sectors include education, hospitality, healthcare, government, manufacturing, retail, transportation, building design and construction, and property management.

There is an opportunity for organizations that have previously deployed many IDF rooms, unaware of or without access to long-range PoE technologies, during future network expansions. Consider how long-range PoE technology could enable the repurposing of some existing network equipment. By replacing shorter Ethernet runs with longer ones, existing equipment can be freed up for use in network expansion projects, potentially leading to considerable savings.

For more in-depth information download the eBook titled, “Future-Ready Network Design for Physical Security Systems: How to avoid under-designing and overspending on your physical security system networking.”

Learn more about NVT Phybridge PoE innovations.

If you have an upcoming IP/IoT modernization project, we would love to help! Click below to book a one-on-one meeting with one of our Digital Transformation Consultants.

Follow Us on Social Media!

What is an Edge Network?

An edge network is the outer layer of a network infrastructure. Edge networks connect end-users, and the devices they use, to the core network. The edge network enables IP devices and provides access to applications. The edge network includes various components, such as routers, switches, access points, and servers.

What is a Core Network?

The core network is the backbone of a network infrastructure. It is responsible for transporting large volumes of data quickly and reliably between different network components. The core network typically comprises high-speed routers and switches that handle large traffic volumes. Core networks also connect various networks, such as connecting a local network to the internet.

What is Edge Computing?

While closely related, edge computing and edge networks are two different concepts. Edge computing is processing data near the generated source rather than sending it to a centralized location for processing. Edge computing brings computing resources closer to the devices that create and use the data, enabling faster data processing, reduced latency, and improved application performance.

In networking, two frequently used terms are core network and edge network. Although these terms may seem similar, they represent different network components. Understanding the differences between core networks and edge networks is vital in building and maintaining an efficient network infrastructure. Edge computing and edge networks are closely related since edge computing devices often rely on edge networks to transmit data. Edge networks provide the connectivity needed for edge devices to communicate with each other and the core network.

Edge Networks vs. Core Networks

• Function: The core network is responsible for transporting large volumes of data between different network components, while the edge network connects directly to IP devices and provides access to applications.
• Location: The core network is located at the central part of the network infrastructure, while the edge network is at the outer layer.
• Components: The core network is composed of high-speed routers and switches, while the edge network is composed of routers, PoE switches, access points, and servers.
• Traffic: The core network handles large volumes of traffic. The edge network enables IP devices and real-time applications, which are often latency sensitive.

How Does a Power over Ethernet (PoE) Switch Improve Edge Networks?

Power over Ethernet (PoE) switches are a crucial component of modern edge networks. They provide several benefits that improve an edge network’s functionality and efficiency.

• Simplified Network Design: PoE switches eliminate the need for separate power sources for network devices such as IP cameras, wireless access points, and VoIP phones. PoE switches simplify network design and reduce cabling costs by transmitting power and data over a single copper cable.
• Flexible Deployment: PoE switches offer flexible deployment options, allowing devices to be placed in locations where power outlets are not readily available. This provides greater flexibility in network design, as devices can be installed in previously impossible areas.
• Enhanced Efficiency: PoE switches enable efficient power management, providing power only when required. This means that devices can be turned off when not in use, reducing energy costs and the overall environmental impact of the business.
• Centralized Management: IT administrators can monitor and manage network devices from a single location, reducing the need for manual device configuration and software updates.
• Improved Reliability: PoE switches provide a reliable power supply to network devices, reducing the risk of power outages and downtime. This ensures that network devices remain operational and critical services are not disrupted.
• Cost-Effective: PoE switches are more cost-effective than traditional switches and power sources, especially PoE switches with long-reach capabilities. These devices eliminate the need for separate power sources, reducing installation and maintenance costs.

Improve your Core and Edge Networks with NVT Phybridge

NVT Phybridge has various switches to enhance core and edge networks. For example, the FLEX24-10G switch is a versatile network switch well suited for core networking with its 1-gigabit downlink ports and 10-gigabit uplink ports. However, organizations can also use the FLEX24-10G switch for its edge network to enable IP devices at extended distances. When paired with a FLEX adapter and operating in long-range Ethernet (LRE) mode, the FLEX24-10G switch can provide a 100-megabit connection and PoE + with up to 2,000 feet (610 meters) reach, which is six times farther than traditional switches.

Additionally, the NVT Phybridge CLEER24-10G Ethernet over Coax (EoC) switch is designed for edge networking, delivering a 100-megabit connection with up to 3,000ft (915m) reach or a 10-megabit connection with up to 6,000ft (1,830m) reach. Using an EC adapter, both modes deliver PoE+ over a single long-run coax cable.

Not All PoE Innovations Are Created Equal

NVT Phybridge PoE switches and extenders provide several benefits that improve the functionality and efficiency of edge networks and are a valuable investment for organizations looking to deploy IP devices.

Thousands of organizations trust the performance of NVT Phybridge Power over Ethernet technology to improve IP migration projects and support IP devices. See the performance results for yourself! Select and compare our PoE technology against the industry-leading Cisco Catalyst switch and the competition.

If you have an upcoming IP migration project, we would love to help! Click below to book a one-on-one meeting with one of our Digital Transformation Consultants.

Follow Us on Social Media

Understanding the Differences Between MoCA (Multimedia Over Coax Alliance) and BroadR-Reach Technology for Ethernet over Coax Applications

What is MoCA (Multimedia over Coax Alliance)?

Multimedia Over Coax Alliance (MoCA), founded in 2004, was developed by the Multimedia over Coax Alliance as a standard for networking over coaxial cable. The technology was originally developed for residential applications to distribute IP television in homes using the existing coax cabling. Today, MoCA devices are also used as an Ethernet link using a coax cable.

What are the Limitations of MoCA Devices?

The maximum transmission distance for a MoCA device depends on the version of MoCA being used and the quality of the existing coaxial cable infrastructure. It’s worth noting that the actual transmission distance can be affected by various factors, such as the quality of the coaxial cable. The greater the distance, the lower the available bandwidth. Additionally, the presence of splitters or other devices, the type of MoCA adapter used, and the level of interference from other electronic devices will also affect the transmission quality.

The transmission speeds will also differ between the varying products available on the market. The MoCA transmission provides a shared half-duplex link between all directly connected devices. Therefore, the number and type of MoCA devices and endpoints will affect the overall available bandwidth and speed.

MoCA Technology Standards

• MoCA 1.0 has a maximum distance of around 300 meters (984 feet) and supports transmission speeds of up to 135Mbps.
• MoCA 2.0 has a maximum distance of around 185 meters (607 feet) and supports transmission speeds of up to 1Gbps.
• MoCA 2.5, the third version of MoCA, has a maximum distance of around 500 meters (1,640 feet) and can support transmission speeds of up to 2.5Gbps.

What is BroadR-Reach?

Developed by Broadcom, BroadR-Reach technology is an Ethernet physical layer that was originally designed for Ethernet over twisted-pair wiring in automotive applications. NVT Phybridge leveraged BroadR-Reach technology to develop a product set that builds on the BroadR-Reach signal format to allow for fast Ethernet transmission over single-pair UTP, multi-pair UTP, and coax cable at extended distances.

The NVT Phybridge CLEER24-10G switch extends Ethernet over new or existing coax wiring infrastructure, providing Fast Ethernet (100Mbps) connectivity over distances of up to 915 meters (3,000 feet) and 10Mbps up to 1,820 meters (6,000 feet).

Is BroadR-Reach Better than MoCA?

The short answer is yes, especially for commercial, industrial, and enterprise applications.

Unlike MoCA, the CLEER24-10G switch (using BroadR-Reach technology) provides a dedicated 100Mbps full-duplex transmission per downlink port. Therefore, there is no bandwidth sharing or degradation. Additionally, the CLEER24-10G switch offers a longer range than MoCA devices.

Both the CLEER24-10G switch and MoCA technologies are designed to provide high-speed data transfer, but they are intended for different types of use cases and employ different transmission technologies. The CLEER24-10G managed switch is an enterprise-grade solution delivering PoE+ with layer 3 functionality, while most MoCA devices are single-channel, unmanaged devices.

While MoCA is traditionally a home networking solution that uses existing coaxial cable, the CLEER24-10G switch provides robust and secure Ethernet over Coax at extreme distances, perfect for industrial, commercial, and enterprise network applications. Unlike MoCA devices that do not scale well due to their signaling format and crosstalk issues, the CLEER24-10G switch (using BroadR-Reach technology) provides industry-leading scalability and performance, even at extended distances.

If you have an upcoming IP/IoT modernization project, we would love to help! Click below to book a one-on-one meeting with one of our Digital Transformation Consultants.

Follow NVT Phybridge on Social Media

Power over Ethernet Standards, History, and Evolution

What is the difference between 802.3af (PoE) vs. 802.3at (PoE+)?

The difference between 802.3af vs. 802.3at (PoE vs. PoE+, respectively) is the amount of power delivered. The 802.3af PoE standard delivers 15.4 Watts to endpoint devices, while the more recent 802.3at PoE standard delivers 25.5 Watts to endpoint devices.

Power Over Ethernet History

802.3af (PoE)

The 802.3af Power over Ethernet standard was introduced in 2003 and would eventually support the initial explosion of IoT devices. 802.3af allowed installers to deliver power and data using one networking solution. It caused a significant increase in the deployment of powered devices (PDs) as there was no need to hire an electrician and a cabling specialist to deploy. Installers used Power over Ethernet networking solutions to provide power and data over a single cable to all manner of PDs.

802.3at (PoE+)

As time went on, device manufacturers created better solutions that required more power to operate. The 15.4 Watts that 802.3af provided was no longer acceptable, which led to a new Power over Ethernet standard. 802.3at was developed, providing up to 25.5 Watts of power to the PD. The increase in power was now able to support more intricate devices, such as cameras with movement motors and wireless access points with increased range.

After the 802.3at Power over Ethernet standard was introduced, organizations and device manufacturers were pushing the limits of technology. Quickly, there was a  need for even more power as devices became increasingly complex with additional features and mechanical capabilities. However, the industry and standards development was moving slower than the demand for better standards.

Users continually pushed the limits of existing technology and required additional power to support these systems and devices. We call this period the “wild-wild west” as six competing technologies looked to fill the void. Unfortunately, with no set standards to build upon, these separate technologies did not interoperate with one another.

802.3bt (PoE++)

Eventually, the industry developed the 802.3bt standard, also known as PoE++. An 802.3bt device delivers 60 Watts of power from the PSE (power sourcing equipment) to ensure 51 Watts to the PD. Industry adoption of 802.3bt was slow as several device manufacturers developed their own technologies during the “wild-wild west” period. Industry players are slowly moving towards the 802.bt standard as it is backward compatible with 802.af and 802.3at, but not all the competing standards developed during this time.

NVT Phybridge & 802.3bt

As with several networking manufacturers, NVT Phybridge started developing high-wattage PoE technology during the “wild-wild west” period when there was no standard to adhere to. Our goal was to support the highest number of endpoint devices from the six competing methodologies as possible. However, with little cooperation and interoperability available at the time, not all devices were interoperable. Thankfully, the industry has agreed that 802.3bt is the future, and all players, including NVT Phybridge, are working towards its adoption.

Looking for more detailed information? Click here to see our Complete Guide to Power over Ethernet!

Communication Standards Used in NVT Phybridge Technology

For over ten years, NVT Phybridge has led the industry in long-reach Ethernet innovation. Today, our large portfolio of solutions allows customers to leverage new or existing cabling to support Ethernet and PoE requirements. Our solutions are built upon two underlying technologies, HomePlug and BroadR-Reach, which allow us to offer the best long-reach protocols available on the market.

Standardization of technology allows industries to scale and grow without worrying about the compatibility of their devices. The IEEE 802.3 Ethernet standard has allowed the market to propel the adoption of Ethernet networks all over the world. All NVT Phybridge products, regardless of the underlying technology, are fully compliant with IEEE 802.3 Ethernet standards.

What is ETSI TS 105 176-2 HomePlug

We are actively pursuing the standardization of core technologies used in the long-reach Ethernet space. HomePlug is currently being standardized (ETSI TS 105 176-2) across the industry using the PowerEOC Alliance. We are an active member of this group and have achieved standardization certification for our solutions running HomePlug technology. We’ve earned this certification, and our products using this technology are fully compatible.

What is IEEE 802.3cg

Ethernet Alliance has introduced the IEEE 802.3cg-2019 standard (also known as 10Base-T1L). NVT Phybridge was one of the first to adopt and use Broadcom BroadR-Reach technology in its products. As a result, we have helped develop this new standard based on this technology. We are currently testing IEEE 802.3cg to make sure it meets our customers’ needs and will look to adopt this technology ourselves in the future.

If you have an upcoming IP/IoT modernization project, we would love to help! Click below to book a one-on-one meeting with one of our Digital Transformation Consultants.

Follow NVT Phybridge on Social Media