Boosting Legacy Infrastructure

Boosting Legacy Infrastructure

Networking will enhance capabilities for communication and monitoring functions

Boosting Legacy Infrastructure
The transition of existing physical security systems, such as fire and burglar alarm or video surveillance systems, to the next generation of technology has never been easier or more affordable than it is today. Using relatively inexpensive devices that act as transparent bridges, legacy systems can be network connected to provide enhanced capabilities for communication and monitoring functions to create an improved security and safety environment.

A typical security system is doing its job when it generates an alarm. The alarm and accompanying serial data stream is routed to auxiliary relays and eventually the information is acted upon. For example, a burglar alarm triggers a phone call to a central station, resulting a call to the local police and a call list of management staff. Going through the various protocols can often take between 20 to 30 minutes before a manager is informed of the situation.

By upgrading the system with network connectivity devices, the alarm and data stream is passed through a high-speed Ethernet network for faster communication and response. The alarms can be programmed to instantly trigger emails and text messages to mobile devices and, with authorized access to Internet routing, the information can be sent anywhere in the world in seconds.

The need for affordable network connectivity solutions for legacy security systems has led to the development of products like American Fibertek’s Net I/O series. The company’s portfolio of Net I/O products was designed specifically to optimize performance and capability of legacy systems with cost-effective network technology upgrades. The Net I/O series provides network connectivity for alarm contact in, auxiliary relay out and a full duplex serial-data channel. Alarm contacts generated at one location can trigger auxiliary outputs anywhere on the network. For the first time, physical contacts no longer have any distance limitations.

Devices are easily configured through their own Web server using any common Web browser. Four user-programmable data ports for RS-232 or RS-485 serial communication are designed to carry information from remotely located point of sale (POS), access-control systems and alarm panels. Three set-up pages are available, including network alarm and auxiliary set-up pages. Configurations can be set for normally open or closed alarms, and for text messaging and email address notifications upon alarm triggers. User entry fields for a name and location allow multiple devices to be easily identified.

Data also can be transmitted to NVRs and servers located anywhere on the network. However, without a router to the Internet, the signals would all be limited to the local area network (LAN). With Internet access via routers,' these signals could be sent anywhere across the country or the world.

A serial data channel from a legacy system connected to the Net I/O allows that stream to be transmitted in standard Internet protocol RFC2217. There are shareware software packages that can add RFC2217 serial ports to personal or work computers, connecting this data stream to anyplace with network access. Many software packages for IP video contain drivers for this type of network data stream, allowing further integration into modern systems.

Today, there is no reason why tight budgets and limited funding could or should prevent legacy-type systems from taking advantage of information-age connectivity. With minimal investment, there are ways to bring these systems onto the network and access the speed of the modern information age.

This article originally appeared in the May 2013 issue of Security Today.

About the Author

Jim McLaughlin is the vice president of product development at American Fibertek Inc.

Featured

  • Just as Expected

    GSX produced a wonderful tradeshow earlier this week. Monday was surprisingly strong in the morning, and the afternoon wasn’t bad at all. That’s Monday’s results and asking attendees to travel on Sunday. Just a quick hint, no one wants to give up their weekend to travel and set up an exhibit booth. I’m just saying. Read Now

    • Industry Events
    • GSX
  • NOLA: The Crescent City

    Twenty years later we finds ourselves in New Orleans. Twenty years ago the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina forced exhibitors and attendees to look elsewhere for tradeshow floor space. Read Now

    • Industry Events
    • GSX
  • Nothing Artificial About this Intelligence

    I have been looking forward to this year’s GSX show in New Orleans, the Cresent City, or if you prefer The Big Easy. It seems like quite a while since we’ve been here. Twenty years ago, ASIS, as it was known then was literally washed out of the city by someone known as Katrina. It is a good thing to come back to NOLA. Read Now

  • From Monitors to Mission Control

    Security Operations Centers (SOC) were once defined by rows of static monitors, each displaying a single feed with operators quietly watching for issues. That model has become obsolete. Incidents evolve too quickly, data comes from multiple locations, and decisions must be made in seconds—not minutes. Read Now

  • New Gas Monkey Garage Venue Uses AI-Enhanced Video Technology

    Gas Monkey Garage, the automotive custom shop and entertainment brand founded by Richard Rawlings of Fast N’ Loud TV fame, has opened a vibrant new restaurant and bar in South Dakota, equipped with advanced, AI-enhanced video tech from IDIS Americas. Read Now

New Products

  • QCS7230 System-on-Chip (SoC)

    QCS7230 System-on-Chip (SoC)

    The latest Qualcomm® Vision Intelligence Platform offers next-generation smart camera IoT solutions to improve safety and security across enterprises, cities and spaces. The Vision Intelligence Platform was expanded in March 2022 with the introduction of the QCS7230 System-on-Chip (SoC), which delivers superior artificial intelligence (AI) inferencing at the edge.

  • Unified VMS

    AxxonSoft introduces version 2.0 of the Axxon One VMS. The new release features integrations with various physical security systems, making Axxon One a unified VMS. Other enhancements include new AI video analytics and intelligent search functions, hardened cybersecurity, usability and performance improvements, and expanded cloud capabilities

  • FEP GameChanger

    FEP GameChanger

    Paige Datacom Solutions Introduces Important and Innovative Cabling Products GameChanger Cable, a proven and patented solution that significantly exceeds the reach of traditional category cable will now have a FEP/FEP construction.