Cisco Cisco Physical Access Reader Module White Paper
White Paper
© 2008 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. This document is Cisco Public Information.
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Extend Video Surveillance to Branch Offices Using
Your IP Network
Your IP Network
What You Will Learn
In many enterprises, physical security departments are making a notable transition: from traditional
analog and proprietary systems for video surveillance to open, digital solutions based on IP
networking technologies. This transition arises from the limitations of traditional systems and the
opportunities offered by IP networks for reducing costs, improving surveillance capabilities, and
gaining new value from physical security operations.
In this white paper, both network and physical security managers can discover:
●
Limitations of traditional video surveillance solutions, due to isolated, disparate systems
that are not integrated with other network resources
●
How network-based capabilities improve the efficiency and flexibility of physical
security operations across an enterprise, as well as how video can be linked with other
branch applications
●
The Cisco
®
Integrated Video Surveillance Solution for the Cisco 3800 and 2800 Series
Integrated Services Routers, which deliver multiple network services in branch offices and
other remote sites; and the Cisco Empowered Branch framework, which unifies services at
the branch office to reduce operational complexity
Challenge
Traditional video surveillance systems require their own equipment, cable plant, proprietary
communications protocols, and management platforms. The closed and isolated nature of these
systems presents several challenges for the enterprise:
●
Barriers to increasing value: Proprietary video surveillance systems cannot be easily
aligned with business goals, hindering the value that can be gained from the network and
video infrastructure.
●
Limited opportunity to improve operational efficiency: Physical security departments
often must maintain their own IT resources to manage and troubleshoot the proprietary
video surveillance systems. The enterprise cannot benefit from the efficiency and expertise
of its overall IT and network operations.
●
Lack of interoperability with other systems: The demands of more camera installations,
increasing needs for video retention, and integration with access control, environmental,
and other business applications require flexibility that is not typically offered by standalone
video surveillance systems.
●
A single-vendor solution: Proprietary video surveillance systems increase equipment
costs while limiting the choice of components for specific sites or business needs. The
results for an enterprise are higher capital and operational costs as well as limited return on
system investments.