City Surveillance

If you’ve been paying attention over the last twelve months, you will have noticed that deep learning techniques and artificial intelligence (AI) are making waves in the physical security market, with manufacturers eagerly adopting these buzzwords at the industry's biggest trade shows. With all the hype, security professionals are curious to know what these terms really mean, and how these technologies can boost real-world security system performance. The growing number of applications of deep learning technology and AI in physical security is a clear indication that these are more than a passing fad. This review of some of our most comprehensive articles on these topics shows that AI is an all-pervasive trend that the physical security industry will do well to embrace quickly. Here, we examine the opportunities that artificial intelligence presents for smart security applications, and look back at how some of the leading security companies are adapting to respond to rapidly-changing expectations: What Is Deep Learning Technology? Machine Learning involves collecting large amounts of data related to a problem, training a model using this data and employing this model to process new data. Recently, there have been huge advances in a branch of Machine Learning called Deep Learning. This describes a family of algorithms based on neural networks. These algorithms are able to learn efficiently from example, and subsequently apply this learning to new data. Here, Zvika Ashani explains how deep learning technology can boost video surveillance systems. Relationship Between Deep Learning And Artificial Intelligence With deep learning, you can show a computer many different images and it will "learn" to distinguish the differences. This is the "training" phase. After the neural network learns about the data, it can then use "inference" to interpret new data based on what it has learned. For example, if it has seen enough cats before, the system will know when a new image is a cat. In effect, the system “learns” by looking at lots of data to achieve artificial intelligence (AI). Larry Anderson explores how new computer hardware - the Graphic Processing Unit (GPU) – is making artificial intelligence accessible to the security industry. Improving Surveillance Efficiency And Accuracy With AI Larry Anderson explains how the latest technologies from Neurala and Motorola will enable the addition of AI to existing products, changing an existing solution from a passive sensor to a device that is “active in its thinking.” The technology is already being added to existing Motorola body-worn-cameras to enable police officers to more efficiently search for objects or persons of interest. In surveillance applications, AI could eliminate the need for humans to do repetitive or boring work, such as look at hours of video footage. Intelligent Security Systems Overcome Smart City Surveillance Challenges AI technology is expected to answer the pressing industry questions of how to use Big Data effectively and make a return on the investment in expensive storage, while maintaining (or even lowering) human capital costs. However, until recently, these expectations have been limited by factors such as a limited ability to learn, and high ongoing costs. Zvika Ashani examines how these challenges are being met and overcome, making artificial intelligence the standard in Smart City surveillance deployments. Combining AI And Robotics To Enhance Security Operations With the abilities afforded by AI, robots can navigate any designated area autonomously to keep an eye out for suspicious behavior or alert first responders to those who may need aid. This also means that fewer law enforcement and/or security personnel will have be pulled from surrounding areas. While drones still require a human operator to chart their flight paths, the evolution of artificial intelligence (AI) is increasing the capabilities of these machines to work autonomously, says Steve Reinharz. Future Of Artificial Intelligence In The Security Industry Contributors to SourceSecurity.com have been eager to embrace artificial intelligence and its ability to make video analytics more accurate and effective. Manufacturers predicted that deep learning technology could provide unprecedented insight into human behaviour, allowing video systems to more accurately monitor and predict crime. They also noted how cloud-based systems hold an advantage for deep learning video analytics. All in all, manufacturers are hoping that AI will provide scalable solutions across a range of vertical markets. 

Quantum Corp. announced Michael Dodson as its Chief Financial Officer and interim CEO effective 31 May 2018. Dodson replaces current CFO Fuad Ahmad and will serve as interim CEO replacing Patrick Dennis, who has resigned his position to focus on pressing family matters. The Board is conducting an active search to select a permanent CEO.  In his new role, Dodson will lead Quantum’s ongoing business transformation and cost savings initiatives and will drive the company to complete its highest priority of achieving sustained profitability while continuing to deliver top storage solutions and services to its customers. Background And Track Record As CFO “I wish to thank Patrick and Fuad for their service and welcome Michael to Quantum,” said Raghu Rau, Chairman of Quantum. “Michael brings a solid foundation in accounting, financial reporting and internal control procedures, and has had a very successful track record as the CFO of several public technology companies. We believe he possesses the right skill sets to significantly improve Quantum’s financial performance for the benefit of all shareholders.” A seasoned finance professional, Dodson brings a broad range of expertise to Quantum, including strong accounting credentials, a proven record of improving profitability and cash generation, and deep experience with capital markets. Dodson began his career with Ernst & Young in San Jose, California office, where he served a number of global public technology companies, including several companies in the data storage space. He has also served as CFO for five public global technology companies including Mattson Technology, DDi, and ESI.

Avigilon Corporation, a Motorola Solutions company, announced it has been awarded ISO 9001:2015 certification for its Quality Management System (QMS). ISO 9001:2015 is a globally recognized quality standard that defines QMS requirements and performance. The standard assists companies to align quality with their wider business strategy, helping to improve communications, efficiency, and implementation of continuous improvement. As part of the ISO 9001:2015 certification process, Avigilon engaged in a rigorous audit of its business processes and manufacturing facilities and has successfully demonstrated its ability to consistently provide high quality service and products to its customers. Manufacturing at state-of-the-art facilities provides strong quality control and access to an experienced local workforce Delivering Superior Quality Products “Achieving this level of certification again demonstrates our commitment to delivering the highest levels of quality and efficiency,” said Manny Gill, Avigilon’s Vice President, Global Manufacturing & Supply Chain. “Thanks to the hard work of our manufacturing team at our state-of-the-art facilities in North America, we continue to ensure quality control and create efficiencies in our production to best meet the needs of our customers.” Avigilon is proud to be a North American manufacturer of trusted security solutions, with manufacturing facilities in Richmond, B.C, and Plano, Texas. Manufacturing at state-of-the-art facilities in North America provides strong quality control, access to an experienced local workforce and helps ensure Avigilon can accelerate the speed at which it goes from innovation to a final product and delivery.

The Internet of Things (IoT) is having a significant and ever-changing impact on the way we view video security. Today, cameras are expected to be so much more than devices with which to simply capture images; they need to be far smarter than that. These future-facing cameras are becoming an integral part of the vast digital connectivity infrastructure, delivering a parallel performance as intelligent sensors with the ability to extract the kind of invaluable data that helps businesses make improvements in the area of video security, and beyond. However, as the list of possibilities grows, so too does the risk of unauthorized access by cybercriminals. We should all be aware that a single weak link in a communications infrastructure can give hackers access to sensitive data. That’s the bad news. Safeguarding Data And Utilizing Deep Learning The good news is cybercrime can be avoided by employing a data security system that’s completely effective from end-to-end. One technological advancement that the trend-spotters are predicting will become part of the video security vocabulary is ‘deep learning’ Once this level of safeguarding is in place you can begin to confidently explore the technologies and trends happening now, and those on the horizon. So, what will be having an influence on surveillance in 2018? Well, according to IHS Markit, one technological advancement that the trend-spotters are predicting will become part of the video security vocabulary is ‘deep learning’, which uses algorithms to produce multiple layers of information from the same piece of data, therefore emulating the way the human brain absorbs innumerable details every second. In Europe, GDPR compliance will also be a big talking point as new principles for video surveillance data collection, use limitation, security safeguards, individual participation and accountability are introduced. And, as the popularity – and misuse – of drones continues to rise, the recent developments in drone detection technology will be particularly welcomed by those whose primary concern relates to large areas, such as airport perimeter security. The Future Of 'Smart' Video Analytics An important feature of today’s intelligent cameras is the ability to provide smart video analytics. The Bosch ‘i’ series, for example, offers a choice of formats – Essential Video Analytics and Intelligent Video Analytics. Essential Video Analytics is geared toward regular applications such as small and medium businesses looking to support business intelligence (e.g. inter-network data transfer), large retail stores and commercial buildings for advanced intrusion detection, enforcing health and safety regulations (no-parking zones or detecting blocked emergency exits) and analyzing consumer behavior. The camera-based, real-time processing can also be used to detect discarded objects, issue loitering alarms and detect people or objects entering a pre-defined field. Intelligent Video Analytics provides additional capabilities. It is designed for demanding environments and mission-critical applications, such as the perimeter protection of airports, critical infrastructures and government buildings, border patrol, ship-tracking and traffic-monitoring (e.g. wrong-way detection, traffic-counts and monitoring roadsides for parked cars: all vital video security solutions). An important feature of today’s intelligent cameras is the ability to provide smart video analytics Intelligent Video Analytics can also differentiate between genuine security events and known false triggers, such as challenging environments created by snow, wind (moving trees), rain, hail, and water reflections. For more expansive areas, like an airport perimeter fence, the system has the range and capability to provide analysis over large distances. And, if a moving camera is employed, it is also possible to capture data on objects in transit when used in conjunction with the Intelligent Tracking feature. For roadside use, Intelligent Video Analytics systems, such as the Bosch MIC IP range, are resistant to vibrations and can still operate in extreme weather conditions, continuing to detect objects in heavy rain or snow.  Evolving Cameras Past Surveillance It’s becoming ever clearer that the IoT is transforming the security camera from a device that simply captures images, into an intelligent sensor that plays an integral role in gathering the kind of vital business data that can be used to improve commercial operations in areas beyond security. For example, cities are transitioning into smart cities. The capabilities of an intelligent camera extend to the interaction and sharing of information with other devices (only those you have appointed) With intelligent video security cameras at the core of an urban infrastructure smart data can be collected to optimize energy consumption via smart city lighting that responds to crowd detection and movement. Cameras can also be used to improve public transport by monitoring punctuality and traffic flow based on queue lengths, with the ability to control traffic lights an option should a situation require it. As the urban sprawl continues and this infrastructure grows, the need for more knowledge of its use becomes more essential, necessitating the monitoring technology developed for use by human operators to evolve into smart sensing technology, that no longer just provides video feeds, but also uses intelligent analytics and sophisticated support systems. These systems filter out irrelevant sensor data and present only meaningful events, complete with all relevant contextual data to operators to aid their decision-making. Expanding The Video Security Camera Network Today, video analytics technology has tangible benefits for human operator surveillance, and delivers KPIs that are highly relevant to transport operators, planners and city authorities. As an existing infrastructure, a video security camera network can be improved and expanded by installing additional applications rather than replaced. From a business perspective, that means greater value from a limited investment. Thereafter, the capabilities of an intelligent camera extend to the interaction and sharing of information with other devices (only those you have appointed), image and data interpretation, and the ability to perform a variety of tasks independently to optimize both your safety and business requirements. The fact is, cameras see more than sensors. Sounds obvious, but a conventional sensor will only trigger an alarm when movement is detected, whereas a camera can also provide the associated image and information like object direction, size, color, speed or type, and use time stamps to provide historical information regarding a specific location or event. Based on this evidence, the video security camera of today is more than ready for the challenges of tomorrow.

Friday marked the closing day of ISC West 2018. ISC West, sponsored by the Security Industry Association (SIA), the largest converged security event of the year, experienced its biggest and most successful year to date. On the heels of ISC West being named to Trade Show Executive’s Next 50 List for Attendance Growth in 2017, this year included a larger show floor with more exhibits than ever before (an additional 4K square feet from last year), growth in featured areas (Unmanned Security & Safety Expo sponsored by Knightscope, Connected Security Expo, Public Security & Safety Expo, and Connected Home sponsored by Alarm.com, plus the addition of the brand new Emerging Technology Zone that had 40 companies participate), 120+ new products displayed in SIA’s New Products Showcase, six percent growth in overall attendees and 10 percent growth of the coveted ISC Executive’s Club.   Security Education Program This year, ISC West had the pleasure of offering over 85 sessions throughout the SIA Education@ISC program, spanning a range of topics that impact security professionals across physical, IT and IoT security – from biometrics to drones to leadership skills.The enthusiasm of our attendees, loyal returning exhibiting companies and the 250 new exhibiting companies inspire us to put on the best show" Some of the most highly-attended sessions were Access Control and Video in the Cloud, The Evolution of Credentials and their Use in the IT, OT, and Physical Security Environment, Connected Home – The Future is Now, and The Future of Physical Security: The Decade Ahead. Providing comprehensive education is one of the cornerstones of ISC West, and more attendees are leveraging these offerings each year, learning from one another and networking with their peers. “Another successful year in the books,” said Sherida Sessa, Industry Vice President of ISC Security Events at Reed Exhibitions. “The enthusiasm of our attendees, loyal returning exhibiting companies and the 250 new exhibiting companies continue to inspire us to put on the best show we can. We’re so pleased with the turnout and want to formally thank everyone – attendees, exhibitors, speakers, our media partners and sponsors, and most importantly, SIA, for helping to make this year the biggest and best show we’ve had yet.” Re-Inventing Cybersecurity This year’s keynotes were unparalleled. Each one had a packed house, with Dr. Douglas Maughan of the Department of Homeland Security explaining how the DHS Science and Technology (S&T) is re-inventing cybersecurity, and Jeff Crume, Distinguished Engineer and Master Inventor, IT Security Architect at IBM talking about the dark side of the IoT.ISC West 2018 featured the SIA Women in Security Forum to mentor and empower other females to enter the industry ISC West 2018 also had several special events on the agenda, including the 23rd SAMMY Awards hosted by Security Sales & Integration, honouring dealers and integrators for their sales, marketing, business and installation excellence; tours of the new Emerging Technology Zone to showcase next-generation products on the market; SIA’s New Products Showcase awards ceremony, where over 120 product entries were pitched to leading industry experts and winners were selected in nearly 30 categories; the Security 5K Run/2K Walk, where all proceeds were donated to Mission 500, a non-profit charitable organization focused on the security industry and dedicated to serving children and families in need across the U.S.; the SIA RISE Happy Hour and SIA Autonomous Security Robotics Reception where security industry professionals had the chance to network with each other; and the inaugural committee meeting of the SIA Women in Security Forum, a place for women to engage, mentor and empower other females to enter the industry.  Business Impact “There’s nothing better than hearing someone on the show floor say, ‘ISC West is like the Super Bowl of security events',” said Will Wise, group vice president of the ISC security portfolio. “At the end of the day, it’s so rewarding knowing that exhibitors and attendees – from end-users to integrators to dealers/installers to consultants and engineers – feel that ISC West made a measurable business impact for them. We’re looking forward to the Cyber: Secured Forum in Denver in June and are already setting our sights on ISC East in New York City in November!”

Boon Edam Inc., a provider of security entrances and architectural revolving doors, is demonstrating significant growth and momentum in both their product offering and their business operations this year at ISC West 2018 (booth #8037). With the expansion of their Enterprise Customer Group, a range of new integrations, and the growing adoption of anti-tailgating and piggybacking entrance tech by Fortune 50 Global companies, the company is advancing its position as the market leader in the Americas in security entrance solutions. “While we have held the lion’s share of the Americas market for security entrances since 2012, according to IHS Markit reports, we are moving ahead now on a number of business fronts,” said Mark Borto, President and CEO, Boon Edam, Inc. “Enterprise sales have become a major market for us as a result of our expanded focus on global standardization and deployment. At the same time, we are integrating the most advanced technologies with the combination of biometrics and anti-piggybacking solutions, addressing some of the most pressing challenges for risk mitigation.”All of these solutions can operate without manned supervision as they incorporate Boon Edam’s proprietary StereoVision 2 Integrated Biometric Technologies Products on display in Boon Edam’s booth will showcase ease-of-use, speed and accuracy via integrated biometric technologies that enable multi-factor authentication combined with piggybacking prevention. Show attendees can experience the Circlelock security portal, a turnkey mantrap solution offering the highest security available in an entrance. It’s newly launched cousin, the Circlelock Combi ‘half portal’ saves both space and costs by transforming any fire-rated swinging door into a high-security mantrap entrance that prevents piggybacking. Boon Edam’s Tourlock 180+90, the industry’s best-selling security revolving door, delivers high, bi-directional throughput while preventing tailgating and piggybacking. All of these solutions can operate without manned supervision as they incorporate Boon Edam’s proprietary StereoVision 2, which prevents piggybacking using near infrared and optical sensors to determine if someone is entering the door alone, ensuring a level of reliability. Remote Access Control In addition, the super-slim Lifeline Speedlane Swing stylishly combines high throughput with high security via biometric identification. Technology on display from Boon Edam this year enables remote access and control of security entrances.  This includes BoonConnect software, which provides diagnostic and configuration tools for the Tourlock and Circlelock via smart device, and BoonTouch, enabling management of multiple Boon Edam security entrances through a desktop control panel.We have put significant support behind the Enterprise Group initiative so that we are positioned to provide the best entrance solutions" Enterprise Customer Group An additional focus at ISC West this year is the expansion of Boon Edam’s Enterprise Customer Group. Originally launched in 2013 and now numbering at 11 employees, this sales and service team delivers exceptional entrance solution consulting, logistics planning and customer service to large national and global companies through every stage of the sales process. “Our Enterprise Group of dedicated specialists is bringing an unprecedented level of consultative expertise to the world’s biggest organizations,” said Mr. Borto. “We have put significant support behind this initiative so that we are correctly positioned to provide the best possible entrance solutions for this fast-growing segment of business.” Increasing Risk Recognition As recognition of risks and liabilities grows, it has also driven the need for users to focus on hardening entrances and perimeters. Some of the risks include active shooters, cyber-threats, workplace violence, protests in urban areas and more.Boon Edam is the official turnstile sponsor for ISC West with 2018 marking the 11th year of exhibitors and attendees walking through their turnstiles Boon Edam has seen market growth for their ability to stop a range of threats including tailgating and piggybacking. Other factors driving the company’s growth include the ability of their security entrances to facilitate identity verification, along with integrations between lobby turnstiles, elevator dispatch and visitor management systems. Consultation For Identity Verification Solutions “We’re now seeing more security entrances being deployed in the upper elevator lobbies in multi-tenant properties as well,” said Mr. Borto. “Every organization has its own varied needs for identity verification and security at differing entrances, and we provide consultative support in helping them determine the right mix of products for their needs.” Boon Edam is the official turnstile sponsor for ISC West and 2018 marks the 11th year that exhibitors and attendees will walk through Boon Edam turnstiles as they enter the exhibit halls, making the turnstiles a familiar site at the show. This year the company unveils 34 lanes of the sleek Speedlane Open, a new, barrier-free optical turnstile designed for deterring casual intrusion attempts.

One of the UK’s largest video surveillance projects in recent years involving the deployment of 845 Wisenet cameras manufactured by Hanwha Techwin, is nearing completion. The video surveillance system, which is designed to play an important role in helping ensure the safe and reliable delivery of public transport across the West Midlands, is being used to monitor activity at over 50 railway stations, 11 bus stations, 3 Midland Metro park and ride sites, as well as the main Number 11 bus route around the City of Birmingham. Live and recorded images from all cameras are being monitored at an advanced control room, located in central Birmingham Wisenet HD IP camera integration The project which is targeted for completion in July 2018 has so far seen approximately 845 Wisenet cameras installed by Total Integrated Solutions Ltd. (TIS) on behalf of Transport for West Midlands which was set up by the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) to co-ordinate investment needed to improve the region’s transport infrastructure. The remaining work includes the deployment of the latest generation of Wisenet high definition IP cameras at a number of car parks, together with significant camera upgrades in Walsall and Solihull, two of four Local Authority public space CCTV systems are already monitored by WMCA. Live and recorded images from all the cameras are being monitored at a £1.2M state-of-the-art control room located in central Birmingham. “Our approach to this very large, complex project was not simply one of agreeing to meet exacting KPI’s from a performance perspective,” said Eamonn Murphy, Coleshill based TIS’s key account manager. “We felt the route to success would be to adopt a more partnership type approach, where we were not only the provider of technical solutions but were also involved at a strategic level in identifying with Transport for West Midlands a pathway of system upgrade, improved efficiency, cost reduction, innovation and utilising latest technology such as video analytics to the best advantage.” TIS is assured seamless integration between Wisenet cameras and Veracity Coldstore ‘direct to storage’ solution Wisenet cameras & Veracity Coldstore solutions Transport for West Midlands evaluated cameras available from 9 different manufacturers. The subsequent decision to source all the cameras from Hanwha Techwin, (previously known as Samsung Techwin), was partly due to the price/performance ratio of its cameras, but there were two other important factors which were taken into consideration. Firstly, Hanwha Techwin has a close working relationship with its technology partner, Veracity. This meant TIS could be assured that there would be seamless integration between Wisenet cameras and the Veracity Coldstore ‘direct to storage’ solution. This negates the need for Network Video Recorders (NVRs) and thereby substantially reduces capital costs, as well as minimising setup and maintenance requirements. Open Platform cameras The Veracity Coldstore recording solution is unique in the linear way that data is written to the hard drives. Only 2 hard drives are spinning at any one time, meaning a significant reduction in power consumption, lower heat generation and greater longevity of the hard drives, reducing the overall cost of ownership. When drive failures do occur, the faulty drive can be swapped with a new drive allowing uninterrupted use. The second important factor was the capability of the Wisenet open platform cameras to accommodate a variety of edge-based analytics such as ANPR and heat mapping, should Transport for West Midlands wish to deploy these at some point in the future. Trials of the Wisenet People Counting application are currently being carried out. This utilises the analytics software developed by Facit Data Systems, another Hanwha Techwin technology partner. Wisenet SNP-6320H cameras are configured for the transmission of 25 images per second (ips) at 1080p resolution Intelligent Day/Night cameras A large percentage of the cameras installed are Wisenet SNP-6320H 2 Megapixel Full HD network PTZ dome cameras. In addition to being a true Day/Night camera which is able to capture high quality images in low light, the SNP-6320H’s powerful 32 x zoom capability enables operators to observe the close-up detail of any activity. Trials were conducted where the cameras were capped at 2 Mbps and configured for the transmission of 25 images per second (ips) at 1080p resolution. The performance at this low bandwidth level was impressive and further contributed to the selection of the Wisenet SNP-6320H, which are also equipped with intelligent auto-tracking capability to ensure a greater level of detail can be captured when no operator is present. Other Wisenet cameras deployed as part of the project include the SNV-6084R vandal-resistant IR dome and the SNB-6004 fixed camera, both of which are able to capture Full HD 2 Megapixel images. Video Surveillance Technology “Working on rail, Metro and bus station sites spread across the wider West Midlands area is a complex and challenging operation and the TIS team deserve recognition for its expertise and diligence,” said Mark Babington, Safety & Security Manager for Transport for West Midlands. Suppliers such as Hanwha Techwin and Veracity have also worked extremely well in partnership with us to ensure we could achieve maximum benefit from this substantial investment" “TIS’s engineers were qualified to the highest degree to support the latest video surveillance technology, as well as being experienced to cope with older legacy systems. Both were needed within the unique environment of a busy integrated transportation network which brings its own exceptional requirements of compliance with bespoke health and safety legislation.” “Suppliers such as Hanwha Techwin and Veracity have also worked extremely well in partnership with us to ensure we could achieve maximum benefit from this substantial investment in the West Midlands transport infrastructure.” Commenting on the success of the project, Bob (H.Y.) Hwang Ph.D., Managing Director, Hanwha Techwin Europe, said: “We greatly value the opportunity to have been involved in this project. It is a excellent example of the benefit of all stakeholders interacting with each other in partnership at an early stage of a project to ensure the most suitable products are specified and subsequently installed to the client’s satisfaction.”

With a number of terrorist attacks having taken place around the world in the past days, city surveillance has become a crucial issue with top priority for the local and central governments. Surveon city solutions provide product lines including high reliability cameras with excellent image quality, feature-rich VMS with video analytics function, and RAID NVR with large storage capacity for 365+ days non-stopping recording. These comprehensive solutions help governments to build good foundations to improve social order, crack down on crimes, and protect citizens from horrible attacks. High Reliability Cameras Generally speaking, the governments might encounter some major challenges when designing a suitable surveillance system, such as heat, humidity, and temperature changes in outdoor environment. Under such circumstances, Surveon provides cameras with excellent image quality and lowest RMA rate to handle all kinds of outdoor condition. "Surveon’s industrial designed and 100% own manufactured cameras have made us feel confident about this project. The cameras are now being used for a few years with an average failure rate of less than 0.03% which is really impressive." said Chan, the surveillance project manager of Kaohsiung. Surveon NVRs provide large capacities for 365+ days non-stopping recording, extended IP storage, and RAID function for zero video loss RAID NVRs The data retention of recorded video is particularly important to the planning and acceptance of city projects. Surveon NVRs provide large capacities for 365+ days non-stopping recording, extended IP storage, and RAID function for zero video loss. Enterprise VMS In addition, Surveon intuitive VMS offers features such as video analytics, offering police units powerful yet easy to use solutions for city surveillance. By paired with Surveon enterprise VMS, the solutions provide robust prevention, preparedness, detection, and quick response measures. Surveon city solutions have been successfully applied in some major cities in Taiwan and Mongolia. “With Surveon’s E2E solutions, from 3-megapixel IP66 cameras, hardware RAID NVR, clustered storage, to enterprise VMS, we are now better equipped to monitor the entire district and protect the community against illegal activities.” said the Sükhbaatar district police officer in Mongolia.

Siklu Inc., a supplier of mmWave solutions, has announced that its radios have been selected by Israel Police as their main wireless fiber solution. These systems were selected for nationwide deployments as well as temporary events for the purpose of backhauling HD video surveillance systems and advanced sensors.  The Israel Police, similar to police forces all over the world, face a considerable challenge when it comes to deploying a camera array at a city’s main centers within a short timeframe. Adding to the difficulties in securing these parades, is the legacy communication infrastructure in the old rock-based, mountainous terrain city of Jerusalem. When a wireless communication option is considered, the challenge of a dense urban environment packed with thousands of interfering Wi-Fi networks, needs to be addressed. Putting on a Gay Pride parade in Jerusalem, the holiest city in the world presented an additional challenge – how fast the city’s technology partners, MER Group, SMBIT and Siklu would be able to design, supply and install the very small mmWave radios at the strategic locations marked by the security experts. The surveillance cameras serve as a deterrent, as potentially disruptive groups are aware that they are being filmed High-Quality Video Streams Operating in the abundant 70GHz band, with 5GHz of continues spectrum, Siklu’s radios were not constrained by the costly and time-consuming frequency survey associated with legacy wireless solutions. At each location, the Police placed 2 HD cameras and simply deployed the Siklu radios back to back, eliminating the need for traditional multiple powering and switching devices. Simplified deployment was enabled by the Siklu EtherHaul radios with their integrated switch and dual PoE out. At each pole and rooftop along the parade route, a single EH-710TX radio was able to power the complete pack of cameras and radios. With these features and capabilities, the whole network was deployed in only 1 day. On the day of the parade, the event gathered four times the number of people (~20K) attending in recent years, and the Police commanders were more than satisfied with the quality of video streams arriving in real-time to the control rooms. The live, high quality video streams enabled real-time response from the Police to any possible provocations. The cameras also serve as a deterrent, as potentially disruptive groups are aware that they are being filmed. Siklu’s mmWave technology, carefully tailored for our security networks, was definitely the right call to make" Wireless Fiber Links Yoav Ludmer, SMBIT’s CEO stated that “for all city events, we should provide adequate safety measures for the huge crowds expected. The Israel Police tested and deployed Siklu’s mmWave radios a few months prior to the Gay Pride Parade in another sensitive part of Jerusalem, and the solution proved to be rock solid.” For the first time in Israel, Siklu’s mmWave wireless fiber links were deployed in hours to support Police surveillance cameras and sensors. “After experiencing the high-quality video cameras enabled by Siklu’s technology and integrated by the MER Group and SMBIT, we challenged them to deliver a complex solution in very little time for a very sensitive temporary event and the result was impressive” said Israel’s Police Chief Technology Consultant, Avi Gohar. “Siklu’s mmWave technology, carefully tailored for our security networks, was definitely the right call to make. It proved to be a real game changer for us, and indeed for the city.”

Siklu Inc., a global supplier of mmWave solutions, has announced that its wireless radios have been deployed in the City of Lincoln, United Kingdom. These systems provide 14 high capacity wireless data links in support of a modern IP networked CCTV system, primarily to provide surveillance for the city and public spaces.  The new wireless network is part of the Vision 2020 project announced last year. Vision 2020 is a three-year plan to build a smart city improving the city’s infrastructure, roadways and parks, and includes investing in a new transportation hub. Previously, the cities CCTV system was transmitted back on traditional analogue fiber circuits, these were both costly and bandwidth limiting.  To install the wireless network, the City of Lincoln Council worked closely with security systems integrator Videcom Security Ltd, a company specializing in large multisite Town and City Centre public safety CCTV systems. Videcom chose Siklu as their wireless partner following previous successes in Watford, London Borough Richmond, Ipswich and Cambridge City where Siklu hardware had already been successfully deployed, demonstrating the best cost and performance solution. Ultralow latency combined with high reliability and accurate forecasted uptime and resilience, added weight to the tendered design and installation  MmWave EtherHaul E-Band Radios The project involved installing Siklu’s mmWave EtherHaul E-band radios to deliver 1 Gbps full duplex capacity for the main backhaul resilient ring over the 80 GHz frequency. Utilizing Siklu’s Layer 2 switch functionality to deliver resiliency and diversity routing, the network provides ‘mission critical’ up-time with automatic fail-over. In addition, Videcom installed Siklu’s 60 GHz V-band frequency radios to connect 300 cameras at the street level including city wide Urban Traffic Cameras. Ultralow latency combined with high reliability and accurate forecasted uptime and resilience, added weight to the tendered design and installation. Significant cost savings on transmission and reduction in maintenance have also helped to reduce the total lifetime cost of the CCTV system. Videcom City-Wide CCTV Surveillance “At Videcom, we have always been impressed with the level of support and in particular, Siklu’s commitment to training of our engineers and the ongoing direct support offered,” said Bill Mead, Managing Director of Videcom Security. “We are pleased to work closely with Siklu and are looking forward to the next project.” The recent project with the City of Lincoln Council is part of our commitment to providing the most reliable, interference free mmWave technology"The extended CCTV camera coverage, including the creation of a Safe Zone, utilizing Siklu radios connecting high specification Dahua cameras is already providing significant results, both proactively and reactively. Spare transmission bandwidth is allowing the planning of smart services to the City as well as Wi-Fi connectivity and car park data sharing. “We’re pleased to have had such a successful working relationship with Videcom Security on numerous projects throughout the United Kingdom,” said Eyal Assa, Siklu’s CEO. “The recent project with the City of Lincoln Council is part of our commitment to providing the most reliable, interference free mmWave technology available to the market for Smart City and surveillance system networks.”

Milestone Systems, the open platform company in IP video management software (VMS), was useful when Pope Francis visited the US/Mexico border town Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, in 2016. Large crowds of religious followers and the curious alike — estimated to be as many as 200,000 — made the pilgrimage to the region for a once-in-a-lifetime chance for many to see the leader of the Catholic Church in person. XProtect video surveillance systems in the neighbouring city of El Paso, Texas, were used to help manage the large crowds. In El Paso, city managers, local law enforcement and US immigration officials were concerned that population explosion would choke roadways, cause congestion, and present security risks as observers lined the roads and crossed the four bridges between the cities. The City of El Paso and the School District have their own 10 gigabit fibre WAN, which I'm sure was helpful in accessing the systems" Camera Access From Different Locations "As can be imagined the Pope visit was huge; we've never seen anything like it. The crowds were crazy, and the focus for officials was all about security," said Marica Wever, President, Integrated Technology and Design (ITD), based in El Paso, Texas. "From the International Boundary and Water Commission, to Homeland Security, to other federal and local agencies, it seems everybody was here and they all wanted access to local video systems for their independent and joint efforts." Wever explained that because the Milestone XProtect Corporate video management software (VMS) is used across many of the local sub systems, officials were able to gain camera access through different users. "The City of El Paso and the School District are all Milestone-based, and they each have their own 10 gigabit fiber WAN, which I'm sure was helpful in accessing the systems," said Wever. "Across the two systems, there were about 100 cameras in use helping to monitor the situation." Maintaining Safety And Security While ITD was not directly involved with the security operations on the day of the event, Marcia Wever is very proud that the flexibility and reliability of the installed Milestone video surveillance systems they've deployed around the city of El Paso were able to be accessed to maintain safety and security in such a unique situation. "I've been told that all the players involved in the event were very happy with the video quality and accessibility of the systems," said Wever. "Events like this take on their own life as the various agencies come in, but there were no major incidents, and all feedback I have gained is that the system was quite effective."

Hikvision USA Inc., a global provider of artificial intelligence, machine learning, robotics and other emerging technologies, along with video surveillance products and solutions, worked with Hikvision integrator TAS Electronics in New York to furnish a full-scale surveillance system for 'The Armadillo', a repurposed armored truck the Utica Police Department (UPD) uses to deter crime in the community. “When the decision was made to upgrade the Armadillo, the immediate concern was the camera system, because it is the lifeblood of any high quality digital video recording network. Knowing this, we demanded the best equipment available,” said Edward Noonan, deputy chief of police for the UPD. “Hikvision and TAS Electronics provided us with high resolution cameras that have the ability to see in the dark, and we can control these cameras remotely through an app on our smartphones with remarkably high resolution.”The Armadillo is a great example of our integrators collaborating with a local police department to deliver improved safety and security to their community" Improved Community Security Six Hikvision turret cameras and two Hikvision PTZ dome cameras were installed on the vehicle for comprehensive panoramic surveillance. To provide 65 days of video storage and recovery, TAS installed a 32-channel Hikvision Pro-Series DS-9616NI-I8 NVR with 12 TB of storage. Hikvision’s technology, combined with TAS’ expertise, resulted in a resource that improves crime monitoring and deterrence, making the streets safer for the citizens of Utica. “The Armadillo is a great example of our integrators collaborating with a local police department to deliver improved safety and security to their community,” said Alex Asnovich, Head of Marketing, Hikvision North America.