Myth No.3 ~ ‘IP CCTV systems are unreliable’

In fact, modern networks are extremely reliable.

Modern networks can include multiple IP routes connecting to the network switches. This provides back-up paths in the event of a failure of either equipment or a cable. So it is possible to build a network that can continue working even in extreme conditions – much more so than with analogue.

A more proactive approach to system management is possible with IP-based systems. For example, environmental monitoring devices can warn users if there are problems on site (flood, fire, temperature rise etc.), meaning that systems can be better protected from damage and down-time. Similarly, the overall health and performance of the network can be continually monitored, making IP more reliable than older un-checked analogue systems.
By their very nature, networked systems feature more built-in redundancy and resilience than the older, less flexible analogue set-ups. It’s also worth remembering that proprietory operating systems are less vulnerable to attack by hackers and virus writers, unlike PC-based systems that require regular patching for security vulnerabilities.

IP-based NVR recording offers key benefits over PC-based solutions. With purpose- built hardware, it is reliable, scaleable, easy to use and can be located anywhere on the network. IP CCTV can either be recorded onto a PC with video recording software or a network video recorder (NVR). Where necessary, analogue cameras can also be recorded onto a digital video recorder (DVR) connected to the network. NVRs are more network efficient than DVRs and offer better image quality, a key requisite of any CCTV system.

What's your experience? Are NVRs really more reliable than PC-based solutions?

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