Subscriber Discussion

PON And IP Cameras Problem

UI
Undisclosed Integrator #1
•Nov 22, 2015

We have recently partnered with a client who has deployed a new Passive Optical Network in which cameras are being deployed on a Genetec system. Unfortunately, the process of enrolling the cameras is cumbersome to say the least mostly because the vendor who provided the PON has full control over configuration and the client has little to no visibility or experience configuring this type of network deployment.

We, as the integrator, are left with cameras that are not visible on the network when we attempt to enroll that are "magically" fixed after the PON vendor is notified. Our problem is that the PON vendor is maintaining that the issue is with the camera (Samsung) and not their network, yet they will not share the process that they are following to resolve the issue. We have no access to the network configuration.

My questions are:

  1. What considerations are necessary when designing a Passive Optical Network that will manage not only standard business operations but also a large number of IP cameras?
  2. Are there considerations when enrolling cameras on a PON that is different from a standard network deployment (I really can't imagine what)?
  3. Anyone with experience running IP cameras on a PON have recommendations, words of caution or thoughts to share as we continue to move forward?
JH
John Honovich
•Nov 22, 2015
IPVM

1, thanks. To clarify, is the VMS server at one 'end' and the IP cameras at the 'other', i.e., are the cameras deployed at the edge of the PON and the VMS server(s) in the core? I am assuming so but want to be sure.

"We, as the integrator, are left with cameras that are not visible on the network when we attempt to enroll that are "magically" fixed after the PON vendor is notified."

When you say not visible, you mean Genetec's discovery function can not auto detect them or do you mean that if you manually enter the IP addresses into Genetec, Genetec cannot connect?

If you can clarify those points, we can provide better feedback.

UI
Undisclosed Integrator #1
•Nov 22, 2015

To confirm:

Yes, the VMS server is on one "end" and the IP cameras are on the "other" end of the Passive Optical Network.

Also correct, not only can we not find the camera with the VMS discovery tool but we also cannot even ping it on the network upon initial installation.

We really have tried everything shy of demanding to see the network configuration GUI. We suspect that the vendor is not opening the ports correctly, or possibly not ensuring the ports are on the correct VLAN but they are insisting it is an issue with the camera configuration.

NOTE: We have provided a "test" camera to the network vendor for them to try in their "lab" which, or course, works without fail. So now they are asking for another "test" camera that was actually enrolled on the client's network so they can test again in their lab.

The camera is Samsung SNV-6013 and SNV-6084R.

JH
John Honovich
•Nov 22, 2015
IPVM
In reply to Undisclosed Integrator #1

If you cannot ping a camera until it is ""magically" fixed after the PON vendor is notified", it indicates to me that this is a network configuration issue. I have not used a PON in years so I cannot make any more informed comments.

I've forwarded this to Samsung to see if they have any experience or thoughts here.

TC
Trisha (Chris' wife) Dearing
•Nov 22, 2015
IPVMU Certified
In reply to Undisclosed Integrator #1

Also correct, not only can we not find the camera with the VMS discovery tool but we also cannot even ping it on the network upon initial installation.

Question, how are the IP's assigned? Perhaps DHCP broadcasts are not being forwarded thru the VLAN?

If you aren't already, try setting them to have fixed IPs, on your test network first. If it still doesn't work work a fixed IP, try setting it to an IP of an identical camera that IS in the network. Then swap them.

If it works on an identical camera with one IP but not another, that pretty hard proof that it's the network.

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