Building the Intelligent Edge

Building the Intelligent Edge

Transition from simple devices to intelligent edge functionality almost complete

Building the Intelligent EdgePhilosophical and physical shifts in intelligence and management at the edge are remaking corporate networks. A move toward decentralization and the pushing of intelligence to the edges are changing how companies handle security, data and storage.

In the beginning, there was the network core, and at the heart of the core was heavy iron, otherwise known as the “blade chassis.” The concept was centralized management and wiring at the inception of network switching and the dawn of hubs. IT would invest significant resources in the core, and then sprinkle the occasional edge switch or router on the fringe to get to those hardto- reach desktops and printers. It was a reasonable strategy in its day.

However, more than a decade ago, even the staunchest, heavyiron manufacturers were looking at more intelligent edge switching as a means of freeing up core fabric memory and CPU cycles. The goal was to have the edge take on the role of a data super highway. Early on, the barrier to the release and deployment of more distributed network topology was the disruptive effect it would have on the vendors’ then-popular products and the investments IT had already made.

The Early Edge

The first widely-adopted, intelligent edge devices showed up in service-provider markets; these were home routers. It is interesting that even now there are not many noticeable changes to home-router features. They are a little bit more secure, and there are more configuration options, but basic NATing and firewall functionality has not really changed.

It was not too long ago that network hardware manufacturers made a shift to widespread adoption of off-the-shelf processors to build their offerings. The processors contained the gamut of Layer II and Layer III to VII functionality, and came with basic reference codes that could be used by the vendors. The same chipsets were used by low-cost, basic switch and router providers and the big-league, “my-OS-is-the-only- OS” manufacturers.

The real difference was found in the ability of coders to make the chips dance. Even within the same manufacturer, the chipset would be used across multiple product families, offering a varied level of functionality. The real difference in the products was the firmware and the features it enabled.

Stage 2: Advanced Features

The chipset’s capabilities set the stage for the next round of edge technology. Due to economies of scale, the Basic Layer II edge switch supported features like SNMP, discover protocols, data-flow sampling statistics and more advanced discovery protocols, like LLDP.

The significance of this is that administrators could have greater control of network traffic at the port level of their edge switches and routers. In addition, the edge switch could also discover edge devices, such as IP-based video cameras, access control devices, audio and video devices, and so on.

While convergence is exploding as the industry moves from traditional analog technology to IP, the ability to discover a device, make network policy based on template rules and better manage the numerous add-on elements is making this process less disruptive and easier to maintain. Auto discovery and auto policy also helps busy administrators manage constant moves and changes. Switch, router and Wi-Fi manufacturers are refining this intelligence at an unprecedented scale. One could even consider these features as a subset or precursor to Software Defined Networks (SDN).

True-edge Intelligence

While this level of intelligence takes us near the edge, exciting advances are taking place at the actual end node, or customer premise equipment (CPE). We are now seeing capabilities, such as IP to MPLS, residing directly in an end access point. This simplifies both deployment and maintenance concerns. We are also seeing prebuilt, complex policies scripted into easy-to-follow, one-click steps such as a Voice over IP circuit or establishing a service level for Internet access.

From a physical security perspective, the really exciting and pertinent advances are coming in the form of onboard storage capabilities in IP video cameras: the ability to upload resident programs for video analytics; advance event triggers and traps; and optimization agents, such as video over Wi-Fi, that can identify itself to the network infrastructure and allow for automated Quality of Service settings for the camera output.

IP video cameras are an interesting case as they essentially become miniature PCs with lenses and sensors. Axis cameras, for instance, employ a Linux OS, an Apache Web server and a user interface that is not unlike that of a home router. This allows for wide support of critical network requirements, including advanced cybersecurity protocols ranging from basic 802.1x to RAS, and PKI and HTTPS to SLL.

The real system value that comes from this next generation of intelligent edge technology is the ability for IT to operate and support a specific network OS strategy while extending the system’s capabilities to third-party network elements in a secure and manageable fashion. We are now seeing previously unparalleled cooperation between technology partners, who are working toward optimized and validated solutions to provide the best in end-customer satisfaction and experience.

IT departments looking to provide reliable and scalable services to their organizations in a manageable service model need only look to vendor websites to find a list of hardware and software technology partnerships including servers, storage, IP cameras, access controls, IP audio, intelligent building automation and so on.

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

Featured

  • Allegion, Comfort Technologies Implement Mobile Credentials at the Artisan Apartment Homes in Florida

    Artisan Apartment Homes, a luxury apartment complex in Dunedin, Florida, recently transitioned from mechanical keys to electronic locks and centralized system software with support from Allegion US, a leading provider of security solutions, technology and services, and Florida-based Comfort Technologies, which specializes in deploying multifamily access control, IoT devices and software management solutions. Read Now

  • Mall of America Deploys AI-Powered Analytics to Enhance Parking Intelligence

    Mall of America®, the largest shopping and entertainment complex in North America, announced an expansion of its ongoing partnership with Axis Communications to deploy cutting-edge car-counting video analytics across more than a dozen locations. With this expansion, Mall of America (MOA) has boosted operational efficiency, improved safety and security, and enabled more informed decision-making around employee scheduling and streamlining transportation for large events. Read Now

  • Security Industry Association Launches New “askSIA” AI Tool

    The Security Industry Association (SIA) has unveiled a brand-new SIA member benefit – askSIA, a conversational AI agent designed to help users get the most out of their SIA membership, easily access SIA resources and find the latest information on SIA’s training and courses, reports and publications, events, certification offerings and more. SIA members can easily find askSIA by visiting the SIA homepage or looking for the askSIA icon in the top left of webpages. Read Now

    • Industry Events
  • Industry Embraces Mobile Access, Biometrics and AI

    A combination of evolving workplace dynamics, technology innovation and new user expectations is changing how people enter and interact with physical spaces. Access control is at the heart of these changes. Combined with biometrics and AI, mobile access control has become increasingly crucial for deploying entry solutions that are seamless, secure and adaptive to user needs. Read Now

  • Sustainable Video Solution Delivered for Landmark City of London Office Development

    An advanced, end-to-end video solution from IDIS, with a focus on reducing waste and costs, has helped a major office development in the City of London align its security with sustainability objectives. Read Now

New Products

  • 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.

  • ResponderLink

    ResponderLink

    Shooter Detection Systems (SDS), an Alarm.com company and a global leader in gunshot detection solutions, has introduced ResponderLink, a groundbreaking new 911 notification service for gunshot events. ResponderLink completes the circle from detection to 911 notification to first responder awareness, giving law enforcement enhanced situational intelligence they urgently need to save lives. Integrating SDS’s proven gunshot detection system with Noonlight’s SendPolice platform, ResponderLink is the first solution to automatically deliver real-time gunshot detection data to 911 call centers and first responders. When shots are detected, the 911 dispatching center, also known as the Public Safety Answering Point or PSAP, is contacted based on the gunfire location, enabling faster initiation of life-saving emergency protocols.

  • PE80 Series

    PE80 Series by SARGENT / ED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin

    ASSA ABLOY, a global leader in access solutions, has announced the launch of two next generation exit devices from long-standing leaders in the premium exit device market: the PE80 Series by SARGENT and the PED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin. These new exit devices boast industry-first features that are specifically designed to provide enhanced safety, security and convenience, setting new standards for exit solutions. The SARGENT PE80 and Corbin Russwin PED4000/PED5000 Series exit devices are engineered to meet the ever-evolving needs of modern buildings. Featuring the high strength, security and durability that ASSA ABLOY is known for, the new exit devices deliver several innovative, industry-first features in addition to elegant design finishes for every opening.