The development of network video surveillance technology has progressed through four key phases:
(1) Close-Range Surveillance
During the early stages of video surveillance, the primary approach involved using video coaxial cables to transfer video images from the front-end surveillance points to the central monitoring center. These images were then displayed on monitoring devices. As the number of surveillance points increased, there was a significant rise in the number of video display and recording devices. This increase substantially raised construction costs and management complexity. To address these issues, video matrix technology was introduced, allowing for the switching and sharing of a large number of video images. However, analog video transmission had its limitations and couldn't achieve multi-center, multi-level networking, which restricted its scope of application.
(2) Networked Surveillance
In the mid-1990s, the introduction of optical transceivers resolved the issue of long-distance video image transmission. Using digital optical transceivers and transmission via multiplexing technology, the quality and capacity of video transmission improved. This development also enriched the types of transmission services available. Simultaneously, networked video surveillance became feasible with the help of RS232/422. Nevertheless, RS232/422 had its limitations, including low data transmission rates, non-arbitrary node numbering, and the lack of remote management capabilities, which constrained the scale of networked video surveillance.
(3) IP Network Surveillance
The maturation of network virtual matrices marked the entry of network video surveillance technology into the IP network surveillance era. Network virtual matrices use IP networks as the medium and employ TCP/IP protocols. They are constructed with network video encoders, network switches, routers, network video storage devices, and network video management platforms, creating a network surveillance platform. This platform enables unified management of the entire network's video content and integrates system-wide video surveillance capabilities.
(4) Fiber Network Surveillance
Leveraging digital technology, analog video can be digitized without the need for video compression. Digitally processed video signals can be transmitted through fiber optic networks, achieving front-end integration, network-based transmission, digitized processing, and system integration. This evolution has paved the way for innovations in various surveillance camera types, including bulb cameras, wireless cameras, and security cameras.
(1) Close-Range Surveillance
During the early stages of video surveillance, the primary approach involved using video coaxial cables to transfer video images from the front-end surveillance points to the central monitoring center. These images were then displayed on monitoring devices. As the number of surveillance points increased, there was a significant rise in the number of video display and recording devices. This increase substantially raised construction costs and management complexity. To address these issues, video matrix technology was introduced, allowing for the switching and sharing of a large number of video images. However, analog video transmission had its limitations and couldn't achieve multi-center, multi-level networking, which restricted its scope of application.
(2) Networked Surveillance
In the mid-1990s, the introduction of optical transceivers resolved the issue of long-distance video image transmission. Using digital optical transceivers and transmission via multiplexing technology, the quality and capacity of video transmission improved. This development also enriched the types of transmission services available. Simultaneously, networked video surveillance became feasible with the help of RS232/422. Nevertheless, RS232/422 had its limitations, including low data transmission rates, non-arbitrary node numbering, and the lack of remote management capabilities, which constrained the scale of networked video surveillance.
(3) IP Network Surveillance
The maturation of network virtual matrices marked the entry of network video surveillance technology into the IP network surveillance era. Network virtual matrices use IP networks as the medium and employ TCP/IP protocols. They are constructed with network video encoders, network switches, routers, network video storage devices, and network video management platforms, creating a network surveillance platform. This platform enables unified management of the entire network's video content and integrates system-wide video surveillance capabilities.
(4) Fiber Network Surveillance
Leveraging digital technology, analog video can be digitized without the need for video compression. Digitally processed video signals can be transmitted through fiber optic networks, achieving front-end integration, network-based transmission, digitized processing, and system integration. This evolution has paved the way for innovations in various surveillance camera types, including bulb cameras, wireless cameras, and security cameras.
