Cisco Meraki New Cameras and AI Analytics

Published Dec 14, 2018 14:55 PM

Meraki has released their second generation of video surveillance with 3 new cameras, AI-based video analytics, and 2 cloud-based storage options.

Cisco is a leading manufacturer in the IT space, though they are decreasing in popularity with security integrators, and their video surveillance offerings have not reached wide adoption. However, their new offerings are tapping into 2 of integrator's top positive trends.

In this note, based on a conversation with Cisco, we share details of the new offerings and competitive advantages.

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Comments (15)
MM
Michael Miller
Dec 14, 2018

Have you tested these yet Sean?  We have seen several schools hard spec Meraki cameras so I ordered an MV12W to test.   I will have to ask about the new analytics as the analytics running on the camera now are not good at all.  Besides having the system managed in the same interface as the rest of your network gear I just don't get the interest in Meraki cameras.  

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Sean Patton
Dec 14, 2018

We have not tested them. I've seen the first generation in the field at few locations that cameras were given to the IT department as part of a large Meraki AP purchase.

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MM
Michael Miller
Dec 14, 2018

I have spoken we a couple of schools where Meraki is saying if you purchase new switches and wireless they will give the cameras away. 

U
Undisclosed #2
Dec 14, 2018

That's how a lot of customers got stuck with VSOM. It appears some things never change. Fool me once...

Avatar
Kyle Folger
Dec 18, 2018
IPVMU Certified

But have the schools that are enticed by this "deal" and are choosing to hard spec these cameras know anything about the cameras or even know/care how they perform? I think it's fine to hard spec something because it's already in wide use at a client's existing location, but I just don't get how they would arrive at this spec except for financial reasons.

I don't have anything against Meraki and I like their cloud system if you can afford it. It's just the licensing gets so expensive unless you get a deal.

Look at Ubiquiti. I like their cloud approach, but won't consider their cameras. It doesn't make sense. If you aren't getting the cameras for free, that pricing is ridiculous. I can't imagine the Meraki cameras can even get close to Avigilon's system.

UM
Undisclosed Manufacturer #1
Dec 14, 2018

Hey Sean, the link in this sentence gives me a 404:

Cisco said they output the analytic data stream as an MQTT stream

 

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Sean Patton
Dec 14, 2018

Sorry about that, I repointed it to mgtt.org

UM
Undisclosed Manufacturer #1
Dec 14, 2018

Thanks!

UI
Undisclosed Integrator #4
Dec 17, 2018

Also, the first link in the article goes to `https://ipvm.com/reports/Cisco%20Falling%20-%20Favorite%20Network%20Switches%202017` when it should probably go to `https://ipvm.com/reports/fav-switches-17` instead

Avatar
Sean Patton
Dec 17, 2018

Thank you for pointing that out, I updated the link

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Clint Hays
Dec 14, 2018

I've been asking a question of why nobody is using cell phone processors in cameras but itsi nice to see somebody is now. 

U
Undisclosed #2
Dec 14, 2018

I am hoping ON Semiconductor will enter into the analytics business, then it is game over imho.

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UI
Undisclosed Integrator #3
Dec 15, 2018

Why no comment on the AI? Everyone already has thier advanced “AI” motion detection variations, so the only other thing it could do is categorize faces....~And yea, that is a see to believe type of thing.

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JH
John Honovich
Dec 15, 2018
IPVM

Everyone already has thier advanced “AI” motion detection variations

That's just wrong. Some companies claim AI, most deliver poorly (Hikvision DeepInMind, Dahua face recognition camera, etc.).

The fact that they are using a high-end SoC and have cloud processing is structurally much different and more advantageous than the 'AI' that most are doing locally on underpowered chips. I am not saying how well the Meraki analytics work (we are setting up a test) but those 2 things are material differences in area where 'everyone' has marketed 'AI' but few have delivered.

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BP
Bas Poiesz
Dec 15, 2018

Does it include the built-in NSA connection like their switches?

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