Yesterday’s Network was a Challenge

Fiber optics makes delivering data much easier, and the network that this information rides on is able to do the job.

Our cover story by James Marcella, director of technical services, Axis Communications, talks about giving your network a workout. His explanation about light passing through fiber makes all the sense in the world. There are many out there who would have you believe that copper wiring is the way to go. I’m sorry, it just isn’t.

Marcella puts it this way, “Copper...needs multiple amplifications to function over long lengths; the light that passes through fiber optic cable doesn’t diminish, even over many miles.”

Marcella talks about the network workout in several different ways, such as supplanting 1080p with 4K, for instance. Yes, 4K technology will surely be gaining momentum during 2015. The 4K experience is highly anticipated, and it will provide unprecedented detail. The workout also includes adding more intelligence to the edge (software) and introducing smart hardware advancements, such as auto rotation and level assistant.

Gaby Friedlander, CTO, ObserveIT, picks up inside the issue with reasons why video surveillance is not enough. The fact is that the real threat lies with users who have access to data. They are the trusted insider. More than 67 percent of data breaches involve stolen credentials in internal sources, remote vendors and other third-party contractors.

He writes that a new breed of security technology has arrived on scene, particularly that of user activity monitoring. This enables companies to track users and understand what they have done on the computer. The key: The solution starts with the user, rather than the infrastructure.

I think you will enjoy this issue of Networking Security, and as always, if you have an idea or would like to contribute your thoughts, please feel free to reach out to me.

This article originally appeared in the November 2014 issue of Security Today.

About the Author

Ralph C. Jensen is the Publisher/Editor in chief of Security Today magazine.

Featured

  • Security Today Announces 2025 CyberSecured Award Winners

    Security Today is pleased to announce the 2025 CyberSecured Awards winners. Sixteen companies are being recognized this year for their network products and other cybersecurity initiatives that secure our world today. Read Now

  • Empowering and Securing a Mobile Workforce

    What happens when technology lets you work anywhere – but exposes you to security threats everywhere? This is the reality of modern work. No longer tethered to desks, work happens everywhere – in the office, from home, on the road, and in countless locations in between. Read Now

  • TSA Introduces New $45 Fee Option for Travelers Without REAL ID Starting February 1

    The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced today that it will refer all passengers who do not present an acceptable form of ID and still want to fly an option to pay a $45 fee to use a modernized alternative identity verification system, TSA Confirm.ID, to establish identity at security checkpoints beginning on February 1, 2026. Read Now

  • The Evolution of IP Camera Intelligence

    As the 30th anniversary of the IP camera approaches in 2026, it is worth reflecting on how far we have come. The first network camera, launched in 1996, delivered one frame every 17 seconds—not impressive by today’s standards, but groundbreaking at the time. It did something that no analog system could: transmit video over a standard IP network. Read Now

  • From Surveillance to Intelligence

    Years ago, it would have been significantly more expensive to run an analytic like that — requiring a custom-built solution with burdensome infrastructure demands — but modern edge devices have made it accessible to everyone. It also saves time, which is a critical factor if a missing child is involved. Video compression technology has played a critical role as well. Over the years, significant advancements have been made in video coding standards — including H.263, MPEG formats, and H.264—alongside compression optimization technologies developed by IP video manufacturers to improve efficiency without sacrificing quality. The open-source AV1 codec developed by the Alliance for Open Media—a consortium including Google, Netflix, Microsoft, Amazon and others — is already the preferred decoder for cloud-based applications, and is quickly becoming the standard for video compression of all types. Read Now

New Products

  • Automatic Systems V07

    Automatic Systems V07

    Automatic Systems, an industry-leading manufacturer of pedestrian and vehicle secure entrance control access systems, is pleased to announce the release of its groundbreaking V07 software. The V07 software update is designed specifically to address cybersecurity concerns and will ensure the integrity and confidentiality of Automatic Systems applications. With the new V07 software, updates will be delivered by means of an encrypted file.

  • AC Nio

    AC Nio

    Aiphone, a leading international manufacturer of intercom, access control, and emergency communication products, has introduced the AC Nio, its access control management software, an important addition to its new line of access control solutions.

  • Camden CM-221 Series Switches

    Camden CM-221 Series Switches

    Camden Door Controls is pleased to announce that, in response to soaring customer demand, it has expanded its range of ValueWave™ no-touch switches to include a narrow (slimline) version with manual override. This override button is designed to provide additional assurance that the request to exit switch will open a door, even if the no-touch sensor fails to operate. This new slimline switch also features a heavy gauge stainless steel faceplate, a red/green illuminated light ring, and is IP65 rated, making it ideal for indoor or outdoor use as part of an automatic door or access control system. ValueWave™ no-touch switches are designed for easy installation and trouble-free service in high traffic applications. In addition to this narrow version, the CM-221 & CM-222 Series switches are available in a range of other models with single and double gang heavy-gauge stainless steel faceplates and include illuminated light rings.