March 13, 2007 -- Ortronics/Legrand and Berk-Tek, a Nexans company, have expanded their NetClear structured cabling portfolio to include security and surveillance applications with the introduction of NetClear ESS (Electronic Safety and Security) program.
According to the companies, as the NetClear platform was built on their co-engineering expertise in providing high performance voice and data structured cabling systems, the NetClear ESS program builds upon the same IT infrastructure to provide added value for the security and surveillance market, as technology evolves to include IP-enabled devices, such as CCTV cameras, access control and other building automation systems.
Through the NetClear ESS line, the companies aim to provide copper and fiber-optic structured cabling systems to assure scalability and performance for all types of networks and technologies.
"As a market leader in the IT enterprise market, Ortronics/Legrand and Berk-Tek have the experience, knowledge and product sets to provide a scalable and warranted cabling system allowing our customers to migrate surveillance and other security applications to run efficiently over IP," contends Marybeth Marx, vice president of marketing for Ortronics/Legrand.
By including security applications as part of the NetClear suite of copper and fiber-optic structured cabling systems, the NetClear ESS program offers solutions for analog, hybrid and IP camera scenarios. According to the companies, utilizing a UTP-based structured cabling system allows all types of cameras to be networked through the installation of the latest passive and active components. The NetClear ESS program offers both UTP and fiber-optic systems, which can be configured uniquely for each environment, depending on camera type, distance, and required bandwidth and application.
Further, the companies say the NetClear ESS solutions allow for "a progressive path" to security over IP, including running data, video and power (PoE) over the same UTP cable.
"Physical CCTV networks were previously implemented over proprietary operating systems using multiple cable types - coaxial cable for video, twisted pair for data, and electrical wire for power," explains Todd Harpel, director of marketing for Berk-Tek. "Through IP convergence, previously disparate disciplines, including data, video and power, are now being connected together over one standardized structured cabling network to allow the sharing of resources, which provides a higher level of network efficiency, while increasing the network's return on investment."
According to the companies, in addition to using existing cable and connectivity components, as well as pathway products from Wiremold/Legrand and Cablofil/Legrand for parallels networks, the NetClear ESS initiative will build upon the solution set and introduce new products developed specifically for this market.
Also, the companies note that the the NetClear program's focus on the security market includes the recent introduction of a two-fiber indoor/outdoor Adventum tight buffer cable from Berk-Tek.
"We identified the need for very robust small diameter tight buffer cable which would allow for quick and easy termination in the field yet still meet all the stringent requirements for both indoor and outdoor installations. We developed the new riser and plenum rated two-fiber Adventum cable in time for a large CCTV installation in Oklahoma. Now, this cable has been added to our standard products offering to service the fast growing security camera and FTTH markets," comments Beni Blell, RCDD and fiber-optic product business manager for Berk-Tek.
According to a press release, as part of the NetClear ESS initiative, educational programs, such as full-day seminars, on-site training classes and Webinars will be created for both security integrators and cable installers. The training will focus on the basics of structured cabling systems and the range of installation scenarios for voice and data, as well as CCTV, access control and building automation functions.
Finally, at the upcoming ISC West Conference, to be held March 28 - 30 in Las Vegas, Ortronics/Legrand and Berk-Tek will take part in a technical educational presentation entitled, "Future proof CCTV Cable Installations," as well as demonstrating cable and connectivity products in the exhibit hall with communications products distributor Graybar.