GarrettCom Targets IP Video for Surveillance with New Ethernet Switches

March 14, 2007
Industrial Ethernet switches and supporting multicast video feed software reduce the cost of many industrial security applications

FREMONT, Calif., March 14 -- Bandwidth-hungry video surveillance at industrial sites is one of the fastest growing applications for IP switches. GarrettCom, Inc., now offers a suite of products, including its new high-bandwidth industrial-hardened Ethernet(TM) switch, unique switch-level multicast video feed technology, and modular Power over Ethernet capability to provide easily installed, easily maintained remote security systems. These products will be featured March 28-30 at ISC West, Las Vegas, Nev., in Booth #12146, in Las Vegas, Nev. GarrettCom is a leader in providing the tools necessary to install a reliable, secure and cost-effective network supporting video security in industrial and extreme environments.

IP-enabled video is a growing market as security-conscious industrial sites consider options for perimeter and internal surveillance. Ethernet technology simplifies deployment and utilization of video cameras, badge scanners, and other security devices.

6K25e Managed Ethernet Switch

The company's new Magnum(TM) 6K25e Managed Ethernet Switch supports up to eight 1 GB ports in a compact 1U rack-mount switch. The Magnum 6K25e Switches are workhorses that can manage both high priority streaming traffic, such as security cameras, VoIP, and identity scanners, and the bursty data traffic typical of manufacturing operations. The Magnum 6K25e, like all Magnum 6K products, is designed to be modular, so that customers may choose a combination of port types to meet their needs. See www.garrettcom.com/6k25e.htm for more information

IGMP-L2 Multicast Video Feed Support

The company's unique IGMP-L2(TM) technology supports multicast video feeds on surveillance cameras in remote substations and other industrial Ethernet subnet deployments. Utilizing the same logic as the industry-standard Internet Group Management Protocol (IGMP), IGMP-L2 offers a less complex and less expensive alternative for linking multiple live video cameras and monitors within an industrial site. IGMP requires ISO Layer 3 central-office switches and routers that add complexity and expense to bandwidth-conserving multicasting for streaming video support; GarrettCom's hardened Ethernet switches, designed for deployment in factories and harsh environments, are ISO Layer 2 networking devices. For more information on IGMP-L2, see: www.garrettcom.com/igmp.htm.

The Magnum 6K25e switch also supports IGMP Snooping, an industry standard technology that reduces bandwidth waste at the ISO Layer 2 level while still utilizing at least one ISO Layer 3 router in the network.

IGMP-L2 and IGMP Snooping are integrated into GarrettCom's powerful MNS-6K network management software that provides sophisticated network management, security and redundancy. For more information on MNS-6K, see: www.garrettcom.com/6k_soft.htm.

Power over Ethernet

Security devices, such as video cameras and ID scanners may be attached over traditional Ethernet copper and fiber media, or may use the newer Power over Ethernet (PoE) connections that enable deployment of security devices, powered via Ethernet cabling in areas where it is difficult, expensive, or impossible to feed AC or DC power lines. For more information please see: www.garrettcom.com/power_over_ethernet.htm.

Video Surveillance Applications

GarrettCom recently provided the network infrastructure for a unique security system guarding Jumeirah Palm Island in Dubai, including access control not only for the island, but also for private roads and private residences. See www.garrettcom.com/techsupport/papers/igmp_l2_app_brief.pdf for more information. The company's products have been deployed around the world in video surveillance applications including light rail systems, condo complexes, community monitoring, highway traffic control, power substations, airports and parking lots, freight handling and port facilities, mining, and other industrial sites. For more information on GarrettCom's networking support for video surveillance applications, see www.garrettcom.com/ip_video.htm.

GarrettCom products are marketed worldwide through a network of direct sales, resellers, system integrators, manufacturers' representatives, and international distributors. All GarrettCom products are designed and manufactured in the USA, and are available for delivery two weeks ARO.