Introduction
DeVry University is one of the best Universities in the word. This University is wishing to maintain its standard by enhancing security in all the departments, floors, and classes.
However, the school board met and decided to use Cisco Surveillance system within its compound. The security manager decided that only high definition Cameras were the best cameras for the security system. The manager requested me to draw a network design switching plan, which applies Cisco 4300 Video Surveillance Camera showing all the necessary materials.
This design was to apply: Cisco Hierarchical design model; provide sufficient bandwidth for full HD support; support existing data usage; utilize Power-over-Ethernet for cameras to avoid the use of power bricks or power injectors; support a minimum of 150 cameras; provide connectivity for 120 existing users, printers and servers that will be segmented into four departments/workgroups; plan for 20% future expansion; and minimize rack space. My report was scheduled to be submitted on Wednesday, 18 August 2013.
Procedures
To get the material needed for the whole project, I visited the Cisco website. Through different search engines, I was able to get all the information about the entire project. I also conducted Cisco customer care for more information about Cisco 4000, 4300, and 4500 series IP camera features.
The Cisco customer care also helped me to understand; VLANs switches, IP address requirement, bandwidth requirement, and network hierarchical design requirement. I visited the campus network staffs’ department to get more information about the current network system. I also conducted the state department of communication to enquire more about the quality of services requirement in designing switch infrastructures.
Findings
Materials
To complete the project, the following materials are needed;
- 150 Cisco 4300 series HD cameras.
- Power-over-Ethernet connection (IEEE 802.3af) power source.
- 120 Virtual Matrix viewers.
- 120 Virtual Matrix monitors.
- 150, L3 Multilayer, Cisco Catalyst 3560-48PS: 48 Eth 10/100/1000 ports with PoE switch 4 SFP GigE ports switches.
- Backup Data VLAN: 254 addresses.
IP Cisco 4300 series Camera features
This camera is capable of generating H. 264 and MJPEG at the same time.
It provides two-way audio communication, making it the most efficient in building tight security. This is because the operator can communicate with others at the IP camera location through a microphone. According to Wayne (2008), this camera can also provide web-based management. Through web-based configuration, an operator can easily monitor the current administration of the IP camera. It also offers high-definition video pictures at a rate of 30frames per second at 1080p (1920x 1080) resolution.
Cisco network hierarchical design requirement
The hierarchical design provides modular connectivity, which separate floors, building, and departments. Wayne (2008) provides that, the design helps in connecting layer two switching system to layer three switching system, thus, providing a tough campus network. This design is the best useful design in providing better security, in compounds of all big Universities.
Network topologies diagram (Wayne, 2008)
The hierarchical campus design comprises of three layers;
Access Layer
In the access layer, the use of 3Layer Cisco Catalyst 3660 G-48ps; 48 Eth 10/100/1000 ports with PoE and SFPG helps in transporting power from the camera. This switch contains 48 ports which provide 240 Mbps. It also has 32 Gbps backplane uplinks.
Distribution layer
This layer helps in transporting data from the access layer to the core layers tools. This layer facilitates distribution of video traffic flow at 100Mbps bit rate to the core layer, thus, creating continuous video traffic flow. Wayne (2008) provides that, the layer must contain two or more chassis; therefore, only switch with three slot chassis is more helpful in this layer.
The use of the Catalyst 4500-E switch will be of use in this layer. It supports the connection of the uplink link card. The remaining slot is used by 24-port line card, which helps in aggregating 24 access switches
Core layer
This layer acts as the network’s backbone. It facilitates the transportation of data from the distribution layer to core layer tools such as media servers.
Recommendations
Access Layer
In the access layer, the use of 3Layer Cisco Catalyst 3660 G-48ps; 48 Eth 10/100/1000 ports with PoE and SFPG.Ge ports will be of great advantages. The IP camera requires Power-over-Ethernet connection (IEEE 802.3af) power source. Therefore, the only switch, which supports IP Camera connection can be used in this layer to ensure an efficient flow of video traffic.
Distribution layer
This layer is very useful in providing first-hop redundancy. Therefore, the use of Catalyst 4500-E switch in this section will help to aggregate 24 access. This switch must contain 3 or 6 slots for connecting uplink link cards. Also, 24-port line cards are connected by use of the same slot.
Corer layer
To ensure the transportation of video traffics, there must be media servers attached to this layer. One single server can serve 16 cameras. Therefore, to achieve the target of 150 cameras, only 11 media servers are needed. For any more cameras, it is easy to add more media servers in the future. Also, the VSOM server is usually connected in the core layer; this server can support 20 media servers providing chances for more cameras in the future.
Conclusion
In deploying High definition IP video surveillance Camera, only 3Layer Cisco Catalyst 3660 G-48ps; 48 Eth 10/100/1000 ports with PoE and SFPG.Ge ports work. This type of switch meets all the requirements. It helps in providing the network bandwidth required for video traffic flows.
References
Wayne, L. (2008). LAN Switching and Wireless, CCNA Exploration Companion Guide, Cisco Press, 528