Author: Adrian

By Iris Fambro Carter

Closed Circuit Television (CCTV), is a security and surveillance measure that uses video cameras to transmit signals from specific areas that are monitored. CCTV is different from broadcast television because it is not openly transmitted. Some versions of CCTV may use point-to-point (P2P), point-to-multipoint (P2MP), mesh wired, or wireless connections. What distinguishes CCTV from other forms of video camera usage is the intentionality of surveillance for security. CCTV has proven to be a useful tool for security and monitoring. The technology can be found at traffic stops, ATMs, stores, and other areas where security is needed. The installation of CCTV could bring some peace of mind.

The earliest version of CCTV developed in 1927 by Russian physicist Léon Theremin, was a manually-operated scanning and transmitting camera with wireless shortwave transmitter capabilities. Although the receiver projected 100 lines resolution, which was grainy, it provided security because it was able to capture activity that crossed the path of the video camera. The technology was used by several European countries for a few decades before the technology made its way to the United States in 1949 via the development of a CCTV system by Veracon. Pitching CCTV to the American public posed a challenge because of FCC regulations enacted the same year. But Veracon coined it as a surveillance system that did not require a government permit. 

Veracon pointed out that a surveillance camera did not broadcast a signal because it was a closed-circuit, and therefore, did not need to be approved by the government. This was a key point to mention because the same year Veracon was marketing their surveillance video the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) introduced a policy that required holders of broadcast licenses to report controversial issues of public importance in a timely manner. The FCC eliminated the policy in 1987 and removed the rule that implemented the policy from the Federal Register in 2011. Although there are no longer FCC requirements that need to be adhered to when Veracon began marketing their surveillance system, being able to provide security that did not need government approval may have helped the growth of CCTV in America. 

Today, businesses use CCTV to observe areas within the company, such as a control room, warehouse, or lobby. CCTV has evolved to use other means of recordings such as the use of digital video recorders (DVRs) that could be used for multiple years. Some systems use motion detection and email alerts. Decentralized IP cameras can be used to support recordings that are attached to storage devices, or an internal flash drive that is an independent stand-alone unit. CCTV systems range from simple installations that include one camera that possibly covers a small area to complex installations that may include multiple video cameras, monitors, alarms sensors, and virtual monitoring via a smartphone app.

Businesses employ the use of a CCTV system to monitor inventory and worker activity. CCTV is designed to record information as blocks with subtitles that explain the operation. This could be a means to track how workers perform their duties. Employee performance monitoring could reveal work processes that could be revised to provide more efficient and safer ways of performing tasks. Some business actions that could be monitored through CCTV for tracking and analysis include:

• Scanning goods for warehousing, logistics, and inventory;
• Business password protection
• Monitoring and modifying documents
• Monitoring areas for security
• Could be programmed to implement operations
• Other operations that are could be captured through the use of CCTV

Operations that are performed using CCTV are labeled with detailed monitoring. Some CCTV systems allow the user to search for specific events based on the time an occurrence happened. CCTV could also perform statistical evaluations of the behavior of the operator. With the utility of CCTV, businesses could help their business perform at the optimal height possibly resulting in higher returns and job satisfaction.

CCTV provides a sense of security because of the recording capabilities. A study shows that surveillance cameras could result in a crime rate reduction of 50% or more. Also, the added benefit to having a properly installed surveillance system is that you may have clear evidence if a crime is committed. The upfront costs of a properly installed CCTV system pays for itself by the cost-saving measures provided. Since budgets and security needs vary it is best to consult a licensed CCTV installer for surveillance equipment, packages, and pricing.

By Iris Fambro Carter

Want to make sure that your business runs smoothly including how properly your business communicates? Contact Firmament Solutions to install structured cabling, an essential and valuable component of a business. Structured cabling design and installation is a group of wiring that operates voice communications via fiber optics and modular connections. Properly installed, it keeps communications succinct internally and externally. Structured cabling is a reliable ad versatile telecommunications concept that pares PCs, laptops, land-phones, and other devices used within the business together. 

Having a format in place that works seamlessly behind the scenes allows business personnel to work on assigned tasks without the burden of poor or slow telecommunication. Structured cabling includes tangible and intangible components that, when synched with each other, provide reliable and trustworthy communications interfacing. Structured cabling combines a combination of smaller elements referred to as subsystems that include twisted-pair, optical cabling, patch panels, and patch cables, that, when working together, the four smaller elements can support telecommunications devices within the confines of a building. Properly installed, structured cabling could support multiple hardware and last well into the future. Today, the installation of structured cabling requires the inclusion of parameters for additional cables in the future. Structured cabling combines telephone and computer wires eliminating the need to have separate cables for each. In short, structured cabling entails hardware that, when communicating properly, can be a company’s most valuable asset.

A business is dependent upon a fluid and succinct cable communication. This is why Structured cabling is a key component of a business. Properly working internal communications cabling could help a business work more efficiently. There are six key areas addressed that are considered when installing structured cabling to include:

• Entrance Facility – this is the area where the phone company’s network ends and is routed to the customer’s on-site wiring.
• Equipment Rooms – this is the area that houses internal equipment and wiring points.
• Telecommunications Rooms – this process connects helps backbone cabling and horizontal cabling interface.
• Backbone Cabling – consists of a combination of inter-structural and intra-structural cable that connects all of the communications sites including entrance facility, equipment rooms, and telecommunications rooms. It is a data center that consists of transmission media to include cross-connects and termination sites.
• Horizontal Cabling – there are two types of cabling including standard inside wiring, also referred to as plenum cabling, and connects telecommunications rooms that are routed through wireways, conduits, and ceilings. It bears its name because of the horizontal cross-connect that is paired with a patch panel. This unit is then connected by backbone cabling to the main distribution facility.
• Work-Area Components – pairs end-user equipment to horizontal cabling systems outlets.

Employing a company that is skilled at installing structured cabling is essential due to the governance of standards that specifies voice communications wiring data centers, offices, and apartment buildings. The standards are used to determine how the cabling should be installed based on the topology. Color-coded wiring is required for the demarcation wall field. Although color-coding is not required for the other areas wiring differentiation is made easier. The installation of structured cabling is unique to each project because it is designed to match the needs of the business. The Electronic Industries Alliance/Telecommunication Industries Association (EIA/TIA) sets the standards for how to design, build, and manage a structured cabling system. EIA/TIA defines structured cabling as a system of blocks with specific and defined performance characteristics. The blocks are used in a hierarchy to create a unified communication system.

The decision to have structured cabling installed may pose some challenges. Here are the five things to remember to aid decision making:

• Cost-Effective – Structured cabling allows for a smooth interface between connected devices, which aids in your business running smoothly. The stress-free telecommunications infrastructure could result in increased productivity. Also, structured cabling is more cost-effective because of the eliminated need for power and maintenance times.
• Enhanced Flexibility – Structured cabling is pliable because it can easily adapt to telecommunications changes within the infrastructure, including deconstruction and reinstallation to another facility while maintaining all components.  
• Future Proof Investment – High bandwidth makes it a reliable cabling choice, which allows for the growth and expansion of the structured cabling system and the business. 
• Reduced Risk of Downtime – Structured cabling eliminates the need to decipher disorganized wiring by using baling that provides multiple uses. This could help with downtime and workflow disruptions. 
• Simplicity – Structured cabling is a simple straightforward method that performs multiple functions within its confines. It eliminates the need for multiple types of cabling and wiring.

The benefits of structured cabling are numerous. It is a simple design that allows for the telecommunications interface to be more succinct and reliable. It is a proven cabling method that is designed with room for expansion and adaptation. Structured cabling solutions enable easier updates with minimal risk to the infrastructure while aiding in cost-effectiveness through its simple and straightforward design.

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