The Challenge
The University of Oxford Security Services department has invested in a major overhaul of its CCTV system and upgraded to a networked digital system controlled by Dedicated Micros multiplexers.
Four BX2 multiplexers support 60 cameras, which have been upgraded to digital to keep a watchful eye on the University estate that includes some of Britain's most valued historic buildings and museums such as the Radcliffe Camera, Sheldonian Theatre and the Bodleian Library.
Demands on the analogue system had expanded to the point where the original 30 cameras had grown to a requirement for 60 with a commensurate increase in VCRs and tape storage that was becoming too big for the CCTV control area.
The Solution
Justin Rhodes, IT Director at integrated security, and IT consultants Chris Lewis Security Services, explains, "The University's objective was to standardise its security approach and centrally monitor the networked CCTV system from the main control room and a secondary back-up location simultaneously."
"Rather than digging up half of Oxford to install fibre optic links, a Virtual Private Network (VPN) has been installed to give secure access to images from both locations. The solution gives the capability of viewing CCTV pictures from anywhere on the University network. Using DM's network viewing software, the networked system allows the security staff to access live camera images from desktop and laptop PCs."
The University estate is spread across a large area of the city, and images from cameras can also be relayed to Thames Valley Police via a fibre optic link to the police control room with whom the University Security Service have a working partnership.
The system is capable of being expanded so that individual colleges can have recording units allowing them to control their own systems on site, but giving access to the security services control room for continuous monitoring.
Justin continues, "By introducing a VPN, we could add remote viewing functionality - allowing Oxford University Security Services to offer individual colleges a better, more convenient 'desktop' service - putting them in a better position to be able to respond quickly to any potential evacuation scenario."
"The University had very specific requirements of the system. They wanted 30 days recording at a minimum of two frames per second per camera to guarantee image clarity, so storage capacity was a key issue. They also wanted to be able to copy incidents to CD-R for a permanent record."
"The University's Security Service needed a high specification control system, but one which was also easy to use and wouldn't involve days of staff training for the security team. BX2 fitted the bill perfectly."
The BX2 offers a massive 1.2 terabytes, or 1,200 GB, of internal storage capacity, providing over four months on board storage at standard rates, a maximum record rate of up to 100pps variable per camera and advanced video motion detection facilities.
Norman Stewart, Acting Head of Security for the University, said, "We needed the capability to expand our CCTV system to cope with the demands being made on us as a department to accept more cameras for monitoring, especially as we are talking about very valuable and in most cases, historic buildings. I am pleased to say that so far the system installed by Chris Lewis has more than met our requirements and I am very pleased with their solution."
Chris Lewis, Managing Director, adds, "We see ourselves as a partnership company and to this end we deliver the correct product for the application on time and in budget. We are very pleased that the DM BX2 solution has been so effective and will be developing and enhancing this system to meet the needs of the University Security Services."
Pauline Norstrom, Marketing Manager at Dedicated Micros, commented, "For large installations where security is especially tight, the BX2 100pps offers premium image quality and unrivalled storage capacity in a single compact unit."
