Advantages of Ring Topologies for Security Deployments

Advantages of Ring Topologies for Security Deployments

Ethernet ring topologies contribute to rugged, robust security and surveillance networks that require automatic failover for mission-critical IP camera backhaul applications. For ultimate reliability, combine this topology with industrial Ethernet switches that can transmit video, audio and data at gigabit speeds even in harsh conditions. Cities and public safety organizations are increasingly choosing ring topologies with industrial Ethernet switches for their IP security networks—to meet demands for higher image quality, enhanced network accessibility, scalability and cost savings.

Ring Topology Advantages and Disadvantages

Ring topologies connect all devices in your network such as IP cameras in a daisy chain. This topology links one aggregation switch to the next and finally back to the security operations center. This configuration requires less cabling and trenching than star topologies and thus is simpler and more cost-effective to implement.

With traditional ring topologies, if one device in the ring failed then the entire network was affected. You could lose video feeds from multiple cameras in your network at once. To address this issue, several companies, including Black Box, developed proprietary ring topologies to improve resiliency and failover time by allowing data to travel in two directions around the ring. Combined with industrial Ethernet switches, a resilient ring topology can recover your network in 15 to 30 milliseconds—fast enough that you won’t miss critical video feed data.

Industrial Ethernet Switch

An industrial Ethernet switch can provide Power over Ethernet (PoE) to your cameras and backhaul data to storage and analytics servers. This type of network switch is designed to withstand exposure to dust, vibrations and temperature extremes of -40°C to +75°C (-40° F to +167° F). Industrial switches also offer power redundancy and automatic failover protocols to ensure you maintain surveillance communications without interruptions.

Industrial switches available from Black Box have extended operating temperatures with convection cooling, eliminating the need for fans that can suck in dust, dirt and other particles. They come in hardened enclosures designed to withstand the elements. To meet the demand for high-definition surveillance images, some industrial switches come equipped with SFP slots that enable single-mode or multimode gigabit fiber uplinks over long distances.

PoE Ethernet Switches

Power over Ethernet contributes to a flexible, cost effective and reliable surveillance network. It eliminates the need to run electricity to individual security cameras, reducing installation cost and deployment time. PoE is especially useful in hard-to-reach outdoor areas such as light poles or building exteriors. It also lets you easily move a device without impacting your network. 

To learn more about ring topologies, PoE Ethernet switches and other robust IP surveillance solutions for cities and public safety organizations, download the whitepaper “How to Design a Robust Security and Surveillance Network” or contact Black Box for expert advice.