Westminster City Council’s scheme using wireless CCTV cameras in Soho Square has demonstrated the benefits of wireless communications in a multi service environment, the local authority claims.
The mobility of the cameras enables them to be strategically placed to deal with crimes in specific locations as and when necessary, the council says. The wireless version also overcame the expense associated with fixed cameras that cannot be moved once installed. The initiative also means that council employees can watch the CCTV footage while on the move, improving response times to crime scenes.
The flexibility and cost implications of using wireless in this instance are apparent, says Westminster, but the security implementation needs to implement to the robust standard that Westminster has implemented, the council adds. The wireless system involves pictures being transmitted over the airwaves, although this is public space images the levels of security must be fit for purpose. Andrew Snellgrove, Network Manager at Westminster City Council says: "We have implemented a multi tiered security system, which includes standards based encryption, 802.11x, ACS and VPN technology, in addition to the normal computer based security. As part of our radio survey it confirmed that there is a high level of radio activity in central London with the wireless spectrum. Working in the wide area on this project, it has become apparent that security on many wireless networks is inadequate, organisations must include provision for wireless in their security policies and enforce implementation."
See more in our article in our May magazine; and on the website.
