University challenge for Chris Lewis Security meant installing a virtual private network to protect some of the country's most historic buildings
Integrated security and IT consultants, Chris Lewis Security Services has overseen a major overhaul of the CCTV system at Oxford University.

The University 's Security Services department invested in a major upgrade of the analogue system to a networked digital system controlled by Dedicated Micros DVRs.

Four BX2 DVRs support 60 cameras which have been upgraded to digital to keep a eye on the University estate, including some of Britain's most valued historic buildings and museums – the Radcliffe Camera, Sheldonian Theatre and the Bodleian Library.

Demands on the analogue system had expanded to the point where the original 30 cameras had grown to a requirement for 60 with a subsequent increase in VCRs and tape storage that was becoming too big.

Justin Rhodes, IT Director at Chris Lewis Security Services explains: "The University's objective was to standardise its security approach and centrally monitor the networked CCTV system from the main control room and a secondary back-up location simultaneously.

"Rather than digging up half of Oxford to install fibre optic links, a Virtual Private Network (VPN) has been installed to give secure access to images from both locations. The solution gives the capability of viewing CCTV pictures from anywhere on the University network.

"DM's network viewing software allows security staff to access live camera images from desktop and laptop PCs."

The University estate is spread across a large area of the city, and images from cameras can also be relayed to Thames Valley Police via a fibre optic link to the police control.

Said Rhodes: "By introducing a VPN, we could add remote viewing functionality – allowing Oxford University Security Services to offer individual colleges a better, more convenient 'desktop' service – putting them in a better position to be able to respond quickly to any potential evacuation scenario."

The University had specific requirements: 30 days recording at a minimum of two frames per second per camera; incident archiving on to CD or VHS; and high spec but easy to use equipment that wouldn't involve days of staff training for the security team.

The BX2 offers 1.2 terabytes, or 1,200 GB, of internal storage capacity, providing four months on board storage at standard rates, a maximum record rate of up to 100pps variable per camera and advanced video motion detection facilities.

Norman Stewart, Acting Head of Security for the University said, "I am pleased to say that, so far, the system installed by Chris Lewis has more than met our requirements and I am very pleased with their solution."

Source

Security Installer