Progressive transformation from analog to network: reusing coaxial and hybrid networking solutions
Assess existing assets first
Three things must be clarified before modification: Cable status (coaxial or network cable, Whether the cable can still be threaded in the cable tube), Front-end equipment (the respective ages of analog cameras and AHD cameras), Back-end equipment (DVR’s access capabilities and whether it supports hybrid access). These three items determine whether the transformation is a "head change" or a "whole body change."
Comparison of three paths
| Proposal | Method | Advantages | Limitations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full demolition and reconstruction | Cable replacement + full network camera | Unified architecture, capable of intelligent analysis | High cost, large construction disturbance |
| Reuse old coaxial | Use coaxial and replace it with AHD/TVI high definition | No cables, the lowest cost | It is still an analog system with average scalability |
| Hybrid networking | Add new network points in key areas, and use the rest | Invest in stages, risk controllable | Two systems run in parallel, and management is complex |
Key points for implementing hybrid networking
- Choose a backend that supports hybrid access (simultaneous access to analog/coaxial and network signals), Avoid two platforms working independently.
- New points will give priority to covering "scenarios that are difficult to simulate well": areas that require intelligent analysis, Points that require high-resolution entrances and exits and long-distance transmission.
- If you want to use high-definition on the coaxial segment, you need to confirm the cable quality - aging coaxial will have obvious snowflakes above AHD 720P.
- First conduct a pilot project in a building or an area to verify the construction technology and effects before promoting it.
Risks during the switching period
During the renovation period, it is most likely that there will be a window period in which "the old and the new are running in parallel but neither is fully covered". It is recommended to switch the entire area according to the area. After the switching is completed, immediately check the point table and video integrity. Make sure everything is correct before dismantling the old equipment, rather than dismantling it while installing it.
Under what circumstances is it recommended to rebuild directly
If the original cables are more than 8 years old and the wiring is messy, or if you need to use intelligent analysis and platform networking in the next 3 years, The total cost of incremental retrofits is actually higher. In this case, it is recommended to rebuild it once. And unified planning of integrated wiring and monitoring network.