Re: IP cameras on ring topology, not star

[Pat Coghlan <info@xxxxxxxxxx>]

Nomen Nescio wrote:
> Pat Coghlan said:
>
>> I'm looking for information on equipment that can/should be used to
>> install IP video cameras on poles around a perimeter (1-2 km, or more).
>>
>> Token-ring routers typically require all drops to be plugged into a
>> panel (operates in token ring fashion, but physically is a star), which
>> is not practical with 100 cameras running around a ring, feeding traffic
>> back to recorders.
>>
>> The equipment needs to be economical (hub on each pole).
>
> But in a subsequent message, you said:
>
>> Cost is not an object.

Well, within reason, but it's not a major consideration.

>
>
> Let me start by saying that I am not a data network guru, and some of the
> stuff you are talking about is way beyond my skill level.  However, if cost
> is not an object, there may be an alternative that will do the job for you.
>
> I consider your ring topology to be a very bad idea from an engineering
> standpoint, because a cable fault will wipe out some or all of your
> cameras.  However, if you insist, then perhaps the solution is to think of
> this as a cable television system.

Rings are typically self-healing, with a loopback occuring at the break.

>
> Cable systems, especially fiberoptic systems, routinely carry hundreds of
> television channels on a single backbone.  They can also handle lots of
> cable modems, if two-way data communication  is needed.  For an analog
> video system, RF modulators could place each of your cameras on a different
> channel, and for 1-2 km, coax should be adequate.  I'm guessing something
> comparable would be possible for fiber and/or network cameras, but that is
> beyond my level of expertise.
>
> Just something to consider.
>
> - badenov
>

--

-Pat