Installing an Axis Communications Network Camera with Plaster Network Powerline Ethernet Adapters
Introduction IP Network cameras have been experiencing significant growth in the last few years because of their scalability, flexibility, efficiency and cost compared to traditional analog camera networks, or CCTV. Powerline networking offers high speed network connectivity in places where there is no existing Ethernet infrastructure or where WiFi is unable work effectively. This technology uses the existing electrical wiring in a home or office building to transmit the network signal. With powerline networking, every electrical outlet can serve as a high-speed network connection. Among powerline networking standards, HomePlug AV is growing to become the most widely-used technology. Using HomePlug AV powerline adapters in conjunction with IP network cameras is a fast and cost effective way of implementing a surveillance system. In addition, by using Plaster Networks HomePlug AV adapters and Plaster Networks Service, installers have a comprehensive set of network utilities to ensure a successful installation. Unlike “generic” powerline adapters, Plaster Networks includes a suite of management and diagnostic tools to ensure that the powerline network is operating at a suitable level of performance. The installer can optimize the network configuration to ensure a reliable, high-performance link from virtually any electrical outlet in the house. In addition, the installer can verify performance remotely over the web through a standard browser using Plaster Networks Service. Through the Service, installers can often diagnose and resolve issues in the client’s home network remotely. Configuration the Axis IP Cameras Setting up an IP
camera network using Plaster Networks powerline network adapters and Axis M1101
Network Cameras is a straightforward and easy task. The Axis M1101 IP cameras
are easy to access and configure. IP addresses for each camera in the network
can be easily assigned either by using the Axis IP Utility or by accessing the
camera’s web page via its default IP address of 192.168.0.90/24. Both of these
methods are well suited for single camera or small installations.
Figure 1: Axis IP Utility
The Axis IP Utility automatically displays all the Axis devices it sees in the network. (Note: In order for the Axis IP Utility to work properly, the PC using this utility must be on the same network as the Axis cameras.) Once the desired Axis camera displays in the utility window, double click its name to access its webpage.
Figure 2: Axis M1011 webpage
From the Axis camera’s webpage, a variety of configuration options are available. In order to assign an IP address either by DHCP or manually, select the TCP/IP link and then the addressing option that best suits the network requirements. (Note: If entering an IP address manually, make certain the address is part of the same subnet as the PC you are using.)
Setting Up the Powerline Network Once IP addresses have been assigned on the appropriate subnet, the Axis M1101s can be placed in any location with access to a nearby power outlet. In some environments with an existing hard-wired network, the cameras can be connected directly to an existing Ethernet cable or outlet. When an existing network is not available, then Plaster Networks powerline adapters provide an ideal alternative. Of course, Wi-Fi is another option; however a Wi-Fi connection may not be consistently reliable or secure. Plaster Networks adapters convert any electrical outlet into a high-speed network connection. Plaster Networks intelligent powerline networking includes advanced management and diagnostics tools to ensure optimum performance and reliability of the powerline network. These advanced features are included with the company’s PLN3 adapters. Unlike other powerline adapters, Plaster Networks PLN3 adapter includes a dedicated network processor running Plaster Networks proprietary software. The software enables management and configuration locally through a free, built-in Administration Console, or remotely through Plaster Networks Service. By installing one PLN3 adapter and any number of (lower cost) Plaster Networks AV200 adapters, users gain the benefit of an “intelligent” powerline network through the PLN3’s advanced diagnostics capabilities. Combined with AV200 adapters (or any other HomePlug AV adapters) the PLN3 can improve reliability and performance of the powerline network. In this particular implementation, two Axis M1011 cameras are placed so each can have a clear view of the lobby and rear door of an office building. Next, Plaster Networks AV200 powerline adapters are plugged into the AC outlets used by each camera and connected to the Axis cameras via the provided Ethernet cables. A Plaster Networks PLN3 is then plugged into an AC outlet and connected to the network router via Ethernet cable.
With this configuration, any PC connected to the building LAN via Ethernet or powerline can access and view the camera’s video stream (assuming the viewer has appropriate access privileges). The PLN3 adapter reports powerline status to Plaster Networks Service at regular intervals which allows for remote management, configuration, and diagnostics of the powerline network anywhere an Internet connection is available, ensuring optimum performance and reliability.
 Figure 5: Axis M1011 over Powerline, Rear Door Camera
Network Performance Analysis Using the PLN3 Administration Console Compared to other powerline adapters, a unique benefit provided by Plaster Networks is the ability to access, configure and manage the powerline network status either remotely through Plaster Networks Service or locally via the PLN3 Administration Console. Through the PLN3 Administration Console, the user can check the powerline network in real time with the console dashboard that shows the PHY throughput rates between each adapter in the network. The PHY rates displayed on the PLN3 Administration Console Dashboard provide an indication of the link capacity. Bandwidth is an
important consideration in implementing an IP camera network and the bandwidth
capacity of the powerline can be easily determined from the PLN3 Administration
Console. The primary factors that determine bandwidth requirements are the
number of cameras, frames per second, image resolution (320x240, 640x480, 1
Megapixel, etc.) and video compression (MJPEG, MPEG4, H.264) For example, if an Axis M1011 is configured to
stream at 30 fps with a resolution of 640x480 pixels using H.264 compression,
the bandwidth needed would be about 1.65Mbps. Using MPEG4 compression the
bandwidth requirement increases to approximately 2.58 Mbps and to 10.5 Mbps
when using MJPEG, all of which is well within the capacity of the powerline
network as the PLN3 Dashboard below illustrates.
Figure 6: PLN3 Dashboard Network Performance View The information provided by the Administration Console can help diagnose network throughput and connectivity issues caused for example by noise on the AC line, which can display as a low throughput number. Once a problem link has been identified, appropriate action can be taken – for instance by installing an IX2 isolator which filters out noise that can interfere with powerline performance. (For more information on isolators, please refer to the Plaster Networks white paper, “Powerline Network Isolators,” available at support.plasternetworks.com.) The IX2 is plugged into a wall socket shared by or near the adapter and then the noise source, such as printer, cell phone charger or PC is plugged into the IX2.
Figure 7: Plaster Networks IX2 Isolator
Network Performance Analysis Using Plaster Networks Service The Plaster Networks Service page allows a user to manage and configure the HomePlug AV powerline adapters remotely though the web. Remote management also allows the user to diagnose problems via a standard web browser. From the service page the user can globally change the network password of every adapter in the network, providing an added level of security. In addition, the adapter and network names can be changed to reflect the location and function of each adapter in the network. This feature can greatly aid in the troubleshooting process. Figure 8: Plaster Networks Service Dashboard Page
Figure 9: Plaster Networks Service Configuration Page
Conclusion There are many advantages in implementing an IP network camera using Plaster Networks Powerline Adapters. An IP camera can establish a network connection over the existing AC wiring in a building so there is no need to install Ethernet cabling. HPAV powerline adapters offer a reliable alternative to Wi-Fi, especially in places where WiFi performance is poor or that require a higher degree of security than WiFi offers. The network performance can be monitored either locally or remotely, and the adapter’s firmware can be updated remotely anytime an upgrade is available to help improve network performance and integrity. All of these factors combine to make for a reliable and secure IP camera network.
About Plaster Networks Plaster Networks delivers through powerline networking a more reliable network for home multimedia applications, such as streaming video and IPTV, using existing AC wiring. Unlike other offerings, Plaster Networks provides an intelligent powerline adapter that includes a dedicated network processor for network management, configuration, diagnostics and troubleshooting. Plaster Networks offers a reliable alternative or extension to wireless networks and a more cost-effective alternate to installing Ethernet cables into walls.
Plaster Networks
Copyright (C) 2010 Plaster Networks LLC. All rights reserved. |
|
|
|
White Papers >
Using Powerline Adapters with Network Cameras |
