Network Fundamentals for the Security Installer

Although some argue that networks shouldn’t be kept separate because modern switches can establish a virtual LAN (V-LAN) to control bandwidth, many manufacturers are pushing for open-platform solutions, allowing the use of many applications on a single network. With the growing presence of IP-based systems, the ability to view video from a remote location is becoming more demanding. The application of IP network fundamentals will be a part of the security landscape well into the future as physical security systems migrate to IT networks.

Paul Koebbe is the National Market Manager-Security for Graybar, St. Louis, Mo.

Lots of ‘E’s in Standards

The world of IT networking is controlled by various standards that have been established to allow multiple manufacturers to operate on a common network. The Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) or the Electronic Industries Association and Telecommunications Industry Association (EIA/TIA) established many of the network standards prevalent in IT networks.

The following IEEE Standards define Ethernet communications and are for information technology (IT), telecommunications and information exchange between systems, local and metropolitan area networks.

IEEE 802.11

IEEE Standard -Specific requirements Part 11: Wireless LAN Medium Access Control (MAC) and Physical Layer (PHY) Specifications.

IEEE 802.3

Specific requirements Part 3: Carrier Sense Multiple Access with Collision Detection (CSMA/CD) Access Method and Physical Layer Specifications.

IEEE 802.3af

Clause 33 specification explains how Power over Ethernet is usually implemented.