What is an Edge device?
An Edge device is a specialized hardware and software device or embedded service deployed within the user’s local infrastructure. Equipped with specialized firmware, the device acts as a gateway between the user’s IP cameras and the video surveillance platform. It collects video streams from cameras in the local network, performs initial processing, optimizes traffic based on the available bandwidth, and transfers data to the video platform for further processing and storage. This approach ensures efficient data transfer to the cloud and provides stable system operation even with limited network bandwidth.
Which Edge devices are compatible with the VSaaS platform and when are they used?
The platform supports various types of equipment. The choice depends on the site scale, network architecture, and video surveillance system requirements.
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The Bridge device. The Bridge appliance collects video streams from all connected cameras, processes them, and transfers data to the cloud. Use cases:
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Distributed sites: ideal for systems with a large number of existing and new cameras. The distributed architecture allows cameras to be efficiently integrated into a unified intelligent infrastructure and provides high system scalability.
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Complex network environments: suitable for infrastructures that require maximum local autonomy.
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Isolated sites: essential for protected areas, temporary sites, or locations with limited or unstable internet access.
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Detailed information about the Bridge device and its operation is available in the Bridge documentation section.
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The Camera (Agent) is an IP camera with a specialized Agent edge service integrated into the camera firmware by the device manufacturer. The Camera (Agent) functions as an independent edge device. The built-in Agent service enables the camera to transmit video, audio, and metadata directly to the video surveillance platform without additional intermediary devices. It is suitable for sites or connection scenarios with a small number of cameras. Use cases:
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Compact systems: an optimal solution for sites with a small number of cameras, such as a private home, small office, or individual retail location.
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Minimal equipment setup: suitable for scenarios where installing additional network equipment is not possible or the connection architecture needs to be as simple as possible.
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Detailed information is available in the corresponding Camera (Agent) documentation section.
How to determine which device is required to connect cameras to the video surveillance system?
The video surveillance provider determines whether an Edge device is required and which type of device to use based on the infrastructure characteristics and video surveillance deployment scenarios.
What is required to connect an Edge device?
To ensure proper Edge device operation, provide the following basic infrastructure:
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Network equipment: a switch or router that connects cameras and the Edge device into a single local network.
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PoE (Power over Ethernet): if cameras support PoE, use a PoE switch. It allows transmitting data and power to cameras through a single network cable, simplifying installation. If the switch does not support PoE, use separate PoE injectors to power cameras.
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Network cable (twisted pair): use a high-quality Ethernet cable to ensure reliable connections between cameras, the Edge device, and network equipment.
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Network equipment with internet access: a router or gateway configured to correctly route traffic from the Edge device to the external network.
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Internet connection: an internet connection with sufficient upload bandwidth. The required bandwidth depends on the number of cameras and selected video stream quality.
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Power supply: stable power for all system components.
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Active subscription: a paid plan from the video surveillance provider that includes licenses for connecting the selected device types.