Recently I have noticed that a lot of companies are taking a serious look at IP versions of ESS security. I am being asked about IP cameras, IP intrusion systems, IP fire, and IP Access Control. While surveillance and access control have complete IP offerings, intrusion and fire do not.
Why are Intrusion and Fire slacking?
One of the major reasons is code. National, State, and city codes restrict fire systems from being completely IP. The NFPA is currently written around analog inputs and relays for fire. It states that fire systems have to have two forms of communication to the Central Station for commercial installations. A complete IP solution would lack the second form of communication. As for intrusion systems...I have no idea. I believe that intrusion manufacturing companies realize that installation technicians are not always IP savvy. I am not saying that installation techs are idiots or there are not some sharp pencils out there; however, my experience has been that 99% of installation techs are not schooled in the ways of security and networking.
A IP workaround for Intrusion systems
First all access control companies sell what I call RIO (remote Input Output) modules. All you have to do is seek out a capable access control platform (there are plenty out there e-mail me and I will point you to one or three) and utilize their RIO modules for monitoring remote sensors like door contacts, motion sensors, and glassbreaks. Second utilize the RIO to activate a dialer to call a central station. These devices are more commonly used in fire alarms systems; however, intrusion models are available. A competent installation company should have someone to program the system accordingly.
But How do we arm and disarm?
This is simple to describe, but can be difficult to program. Like I said before a competent integrator should have a super tech on staff. Here is a list of methods:
- Utilize Card in / Card out on all of the exterior doors. This way the system can keep a head count and arm the system when the building is empty. Not recommended for companies who receive visitors.
- Set up a time zone to activate the monitoring of the intrusion devices. This one is the easiest to implement
- Utilize a arm/disarm reader to activate the monitoring of the intrusion devices. This is actually a preferred method on typical hybrid intrusion / access panels
There are numerous benefits to using your access system for alarm monitoring. One is that you now have a way to run reports on alarm events without having to call your integrator. Another is you have complete control over every device and can check its status through the access control software. There are more benefits; however, I feel that this is already running a little long.
What about Fire?
National NFPA code keeps us from utilizing these methods on fire systems. For now we will have to be satisfied with an IP DACT (Digital Alarm Communication Transmitter). This is a module that transmits alarm and troubles through the network. It is currently acceptable for an IP DACT to act as the primary form of communication; however, you still need a different secondary backup.
