The decision to modernize the data transmission network is greatly influenced by the belief that this migration is very expensive.
By: Antonio Pérez*
Traditionally, the process of migrating to IP involves costs that have become a barrier for companies that want to take this step. Undoubtedly, cameras, recording and storage equipment represent expenses for the company, which must also assume the costs related to the cabling infrastructure, this being the most relevant expense for those who undertake the migration to IP.
Traditional knowledge tells us that if a coaxial cable base already exists, it is necessary to remove and replace with structured cabling, which implies planning costs, professional services and labor, among others. In addition, if the distances exceed 100 meters it is necessary to add intermediate IDF cabinets, additional intermediate repetition equipment and intermediate power and cooling backup... And all this repeated every 100 meters. For all the above, the accumulation of these expenses can make this migration unthinkable for many.
To this must be added the myth that exists regarding that existing cabling cannot be used for IP technology. This ignorance is due to the fact that the original means of transmission of analog systems was coaxial cable and although in recent years UTP transmission systems have gained a lot of strength, most analogous installations are still coaxial. Hence the mental association of people: coaxial cable = analog, ignoring that the first Ethernet networks were through coaxial, so there is no real impediment to using this kind of cables.
Now, how can you reduce costs and migrate to IP with existing infrastructure? The most suitable option is to take advantage of the current coaxial wiring; this is a very simple measure, since it is only necessary to use a technology called EoC (Ethernet over Coax) that simply eliminates additional costs and allows a migration system to IP to be implemented in a short time.
EoC technology covers several solutions, from simple individual extenders to much more sophisticated equipment, since they are true Layer 2 Ethernet and PoE (Power over Ethernet) switches at the enterprise level, manageable, capable of transmitting 100 Mbps full-duplex, with the possibility of delivering 30W of PoE per port and with a range of distances greater than 600 meters.
For those who doubt the performance of this alternative, it is important to emphasize that coaxial cable is totally reliable. In fact, due to its larger caliber, it offers additional advantages such as its ability to send more compact video streams, achieve extended distances in the transmission of Ethernet and PoE, and greater resistance and durability in applications in extreme conditions.
Is investing little investing twice? Not in this case! The use of the existing wiring not only does not imply a double expense, but will allow – thanks to the savings it generates – to dedicate part of the budget to the optimization of the system: better cameras, better software, more applications, among others. In addition, it is always possible to do a simple field test to ensure that the installed cable is fit for use.
In this same sense, it should be noted that there are comparative calculations regarding the savings that a company achieves when using the existing coaxial cabling infrastructure, instead of investing in new wiring. Logically, this depends on factors such as the cost of labor in the country, number of cameras, distances to be covered, among others. TCO (Total Cost of Ownership) is something that few take into account to implement a solution, reusing the existing infrastructure.
Undoubtedly, the limitation of the budget is a determining factor within the migration to IP. That's why in cases where there aren't many resources to convert the entire system by re-wiring the entire infrastructure at once, there's no problem! Taking advantage of the existing wiring can be migrated staggered, as you have a budget. Obviously, making a migration more agile and avoiding any change of infrastructure is a unique opportunity for everyone, because it allows you to do a lot in less time and represents a greater return on investment.
*Antonio Pérez is NVT's Sales Director for Latin America and the Caribbean. You can be reached at: [email protected]
