Bridge
The Bridge hardware and software solution is a specialized firmware-equipped device that aggregates video streams from local cameras and establishes a connection between cameras and the cloud video surveillance platform. Cameras connect directly to the Bridge device, which then transmits data to the video surveillance system via an internet connection.
Camera (Agent)
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.
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.
Ethernet cable (twisted pair)
A type of network cable consisting of multiple pairs of insulated copper conductors twisted together to reduce electromagnetic interference. It is the primary physical medium for data transmission in local computer networks and for connecting network equipment.
Internet
A global information and telecommunications network that connects computer networks and devices worldwide into a unified information space. It enables data exchange, access to network resources, and the use of various digital services based on common data transmission protocols.
LAN (Local Area Network)
A data transmission infrastructure that connects devices (video cameras, Bridge devices, and other network equipment) within a single physical location to provide routing, data exchange, and resource access. A local network does not require a direct connection to wide area networks (WAN) or the internet and provides direct device communication, low latency, high bandwidth, and centralized network traffic control.
Local camera
A video surveillance device physically located within the site’s local network (LAN), such as an office or warehouse, without direct access to external networks (WAN). The camera communicates with the video surveillance platform through an intermediate software gateway (Agent) or hardware gateway (Bridge) located in the same local network.
NAT (Network Address Translation)
A network address translation technology that allows IP addresses and, when required, port numbers in data packets to be modified as they pass through a router or other network device. NAT provides local network device access to external networks, including the internet, helps conserve public IP addresses, and improves network security.
PoE (Power over Ethernet)
A technology that transmits electrical power together with data over a standard Ethernet cable. It allows network devices, such as IP cameras, access points, and IP phones, to receive power directly through the network infrastructure without separate power lines. This simplifies installation and reduces deployment costs, especially in hard-to-access locations.
PoE injector
An intermediate device connected between a network switch and an endpoint device, such as an IP camera, that adds electrical power to a standard Ethernet cable. It allows data and power to be transmitted through a single cable.
Router
A network device that connects different networks, determines the optimal path for transmitting data packets from the source to the destination, and enables communication between local network devices and the internet.
Switch
A network device used to connect computers, video cameras, and other devices within a local network. A switch receives incoming data and forwards it only to the device it is intended for, ensuring efficient data exchange between system components.
WAN (Wide Area Network)
A telecommunications network that connects geographically distributed local networks and communication nodes. It enables data transmission over long distances using various communication channels, such as the internet or satellite networks.
Wi-Fi
A wireless data transmission technology based on IEEE 802.11 radio standards. It allows devices to connect to local networks and the internet without cables, providing equipment mobility and simplifying network infrastructure deployment.