With CCTV first coming out in the early 1900s, there have been many changes over the years.  The increasing integration of smart technology into our daily lives is causing new camera innovations like doorbell cameras, facial recognition, ANPR, and motion detection, and it’s even changing the way traditional CCTV is set up. Traditionally, CCTV setups often grapple with limitations such as the necessity for wired internet connections, posing challenges in installation and maintenance.

Challenges with old CCTV & Surveillance

The limitations of cable-based systems, particularly in remote and rural areas where access to fixed-line internet is limited or non-existent, drive this change. For example, with ANPR cameras, a fixed line isn’t available in some locations, so they cannot use IoT SIMs for connectivity. The cost of laying cables over long distances and the diminished bandwidth over extended lines can render video surveillance ineffective when speeds drop below a certain threshold.

IoT and CCTV Crossroads:A Smooth Integration

IoT has redefined how devices interact and function in CCTV & surveillance, it has advantages that have improved the overall operation, allowing CCTV cameras to go beyond their conventional functions and become smart devices with sophisticated features like motion detection, temperature monitoring, face recognition, Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR),

Integrating IoT with CCTV systems unlocks many advantages for security and monitoring capabilities. IoT facilitates real-time remote access to monitoring without the constraints of physical presence. Moreover, remote access facilitates the quick resolution of technical issues, such as camera malfunctions or network disruptions, without needing physical presence on-site.

These SIM cards enable internet connectivity without the reliance on wired connections, streamlining installation processes and easing maintenance tasks.

Security

Cameras are now much more than just a video feed. connectivity is becoming increasingly important, and the amount of data these devices use is increasing daily. Ensuring your CCTV system has a secure and consistent connection to the network and can transmit video data is crucial. Secure, reliable connectivity reduces the risk of outages, which can lead to security breaches and lost footage

Adding a VPN is essential in improving security, whether done via an OpenVPN connection or Protocol Security (IPSec) for site-to-site communications. However, depending only on a VPN does not provide a complete security system. Using a firewall to control undesired internet traffic is another essential component of a comprehensive system. This configuration guarantees that only bidirectional connection between the IoT device and the client organisation’s servers is made possible by the fixed static IP. In essence, it allows users to retrieve data as needed by granting exclusive remote access to the relevant ports of the IoT device.

It goes without saying that if security cameras are not linked to a trustworthy and safe network, they might become vulnerable. Hacking, malware, and other cyberattacks have the potential to seriously compromise security systems and endanger human life. Security camera connections must be made via powerful, dependable, secure networks, and data must be encrypted between devices.

Here at Anvil, we specialise in providing secure and reliable connectivity for your CCTV cameras, if you need help adding connectivity infrustruce to your cameras fill in the form below and we will be in touch!