SYSTIMAX Solutions

Intelligent Building
Infrastructure Solutions (IBIS)
Security Surveillance & Access Control Systems
July 2007

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Contents
1.0 Introduction

2.0 CCTV Applications

3.0 CCTV System

4
6

3.1 CCTV Video Signal

3.2 CCTV PTZ Signal

4.0 Digital Surveillance Technology: IP or Network Cameras

5.0 CCTV Application over CommScope IBIS

5.1 Locally Powered Analog Cameras

5.2 Remotely Powered Analog Cameras
5.3 IP/Network Camera

8
10
14

6.0 Access Control Applications

14

7.0 Access Control Systems

14

8.0 Access Control Application over CommScope IBIS

16

9.0 Conclusion

17

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1.0 Introduction
Every building has to meet several basic requirements for systems such as security, fire-life-safety,
ventilation, lighting, health and comfort. Security comes from the need to protect property,
content and personnel. Examples of security requirements are identification of vehicles entering
and exiting a car park, controlling access to sensitive or secured areas, and precautions
against terrorist bomb threats, robberies and burglaries. Security has become a high profile
global issue in the aftermath of the September 11 2001 terrorist attacks and the ongoing
terrorist threat.
The functions implemented by security systems include the following:
Surveillance
- CCTV - Analog
- Digital - IP
Detection
Alarms
Access control
Elevator control
Master clock control
Communication and information management
Several of these functions are usually integrated with those of other systems. For example,
in case of a fire, all doors must be unlocked. Table 1 provides a list of typical devices
connected to a security system.
CCTV and access control are two of the main applications for security. This paper examines
how CommScope IBIS can support these applications.

2.0 CCTV Applications

As the name implies, CCTV is a system in which the circuit is closed and all the elements
are connected directly. Its name was derived to differentiate the technology from broadcast
television which was meant to be an entertainment medium and where any receiver that is
correctly tuned can pick up the signal from the airwaves.
The most widely known use of CCTV is in security systems. Security guards use CCTV to watch
over doors or other points of entry to a building or to observe areas that are vulnerable to
break-in or vandalism. The true scope for CCTV applications is almost unlimited. Some other
examples are listed below:
Traffic monitoring
Crime, crowd and vandalism control
Production process control
Shoplifting/theft
Aerial photography

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Function

Device Types

Surveillance

Closed circuit television (CCTV) Parking areas, exits, entrances, restricted areas,
Analog cameras
ceiling or hidden areas.
Network/IP (digital) cameras

Location

Guard tour stations

Mounted to monitor guard during guard tour.

Metallic or magnetic contact

closures (digital input devices)

Doors and window openings, and mounted on

equipment to activate signal tampering.

Motion/PIR, sound, vibration,

and glass breaking detectors

Door, window, floor or ceiling areas as

required.

Manual switches for initiating

alarms (e.g panic buttons, etc)

Secure areas such as bank teller positions,

payroll offices, etc as required.

Audio and visual alarm

indicators (e.g siren, lights,
speakers, computer console,
etc)

Visual indicators in hidden areas such as

behind counter. Audio devices in ceiling,
security centre, etc. Computer console may
be located in security centre.

Card access with magnetic

stripe, barcode, proximity or
smart card

Secure areas and outside entrances near doors.

Keypad and signature pad

access

Secure areas and outside entrances near doors.

Biometric verification (e.g

fingerprint reader, retinal/iris
scanner, etc)

Secure areas and outside entrances near doors.

Elevator control

Elevator control relay

Usually mounted at top of elevator shaft.

Control from security center.

Clock control

Master clock control relay

Mounted on wall, near ceiling or as required.

Time and attendance system

Near doors.

Telephone, intercom, modem

Communication facilities are usually in the

security center. Telephones and intercom units
are mounted

Detection

Alarms

Access control

Communication and
information management

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3.0 CCTV System

The starting point for any CCTV system is the camera. At the heart of the camera technology
is the CCD (Charge Coupled Device) sensor that converts light into an electrical signal. This
electrical signal is then processed by the camera electronics and converted to a video signal
output that can then be either recorded or displayed on to a TV monitor which is usually
not equipped with a tuner or channel selector. CCTV systems typically involve a dedicated
communications link between cameras and monitors. Remote monitoring and recording may
also be required along with access to pan, tilt and zoom (PTZ) capabilities for a better look at
what may be happening at the remote site (see Figure 1).
CCD cameras can be divided into two main categories: analog or digital versions.
These canbe subdivided further into medium resolution monochrome or color, high resolution
monochrome or color, day/night cameras that provide color in the day and monochrome
atnight. Currently,most CCTV applications use analog baseband composite video.
Camera
Cameras

Coax cables
cable

Video multiplexer/ switcher

s

Coax cables
cable

Video recorder

Monitor

Figure 1: Typical CCTV system using traditional coaxial cabling

A multiplexer/switcher allows several camera signals to be recorded onto one videotape.

Todo this it synchronises the camera signals (in time) and marks each one with a code,
allowing every camera to be replayed independently from tape, regardless of how many
cameras are recorded on that tape. In addition, each image is stamped with a time and
date caption. A simplex multiplexer is one that will record pictures to tape or display multiple
pictures on a single monitor. It will not perform both functions simultaneously. When a simplex
multiplexer is used to replay tapes, it will stop recording. A duplex multiplexer is one that
will record pictures to tape and display multiple pictures on a single monitor simultaneously.
A duplex multiplexer will continue to record even when a tape is being replayed. Many
multiplexers also provide the ability to view several cameras simultaneously on one or more
monitors. This is particularly useful when there are a large number of cameras across a site.
The use of video recordings is also common. Its purpose is intended to identify an incident
and/or to provide identification evidence of suspects suitable for presentation to the courts.
The quality of the recording is vital and depends on the standard and condition of both the
videotape and the system used to make the recording. Equipment used must be in good order
and regularly, professionally maintained and serviced. It is vital therefore that total integrity of
the system is maintained from beginning to end.

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Digital storage is the most effective and efficient method of video recording and archiving.
Indigital recording, each field is divided in to an array of individual points or pixels. A single
frame of monochrome video needs about 450KB (Kilobytes) of space for storage and a single
frame of color needs about 650KB. This is the uncompressed size. Consequently to store the
same number of images as a videotape, a total storage capacity of about 280GB (Gigabytes)
would be needed for one camera. This is considerably larger than hard discs and other media
generally available and would also be tremendously expensive. Consequently some means
of compression is required to reduce the amount of space required without adversely affecting
picture quality. This has led to the introduction of digital video recorders (DVRs), which allow
video to be recorded in higher resolutions than VCRs and eliminated video tapes, which in
turn eradicated the need to physically change the tape. The DVR converts the analog video to
digital format and compresses it before storing it on its hard drive. Alternatively, the compressed
digital video can be sent over the LAN. However, the use of digital technologies in the security
world poses some interesting legal issues and these are discussed in section 4.
Another function offered in conjunction with a CCTV installation, is the ability to provide an
audio message, via a loudspeaker, when an intruder sets off a detection sensor. Messages are
typically designed for each specific location. Research has shown that although people will
only obey a written notice to leave in 7% of cases, they will obey an audible command 92%
of the time.
Proper grounding of video equipment is important. Visible interference such as hum bars,
rolling horizontal lines travelling from the top to the bottom of a monitor, are due to noise
currents on the shield of a video connector. They are a common concern with baseband video
transmission since the frequency spectrum of the noise often lies within the bandwidth of the
video signal. An example would be 50/60 Hz noise due to ground potential differences
between power receptacles or between the shield of the video connector and the case of the
video equipment. This type of interference can occur with coaxial as well as balanced cabling.

3.1 CCTV Video Signal

Figure 2 shows a typical CCTV analog video signal. This is commonly known as the composite
baseband video signal because the synchronising and video information are combined into
a single signal without a modulated radio frequency carrier. Maximum light will produce a
maximum voltage and therefore a white level. No light will produce no voltage and therefore
a black level. In between these will be shades of grey, and this is the luminance information
of a video signal. In the case of a color camera, the chrominance and color burst signals are
superimposed onto the luminance signal to carry the color information.
The total voltage produced is 1 volt peak-to-peak (Vpk-pk), from the bottom of the sync
pulse to the top of the white level. The luminance portion of the signal is from 0.3 volt to 1 volt
(0.7 volt maximum). The bandwidth required to transmit this signal ranges from DC to 8 MHz
for the three main video standards: NTSC (National Television System Committee), PAL (Phase
Alternate Line) and SECAM (Sequential Color and Memory). The NTSC format was developed
in the US and is used in most of the Americas (North/South/Central), Japan, Korea, Taiwan
and Philippines. It utilizes a bandwidth of 6 MHz. The PAL format was developed in Europe
and is used in most of Europe, Asia and Africa, and utilizes a bandwidth of 8 MHz. The
SECAM format was developed in France and is used primarily in France and some eastern
European countries (Bulgaria, Czech Republic and Hungary), and also utilizes a bandwidth
of8 MHz. Table 2 provides more details for the three main video formats.

Table 2: Main TV video standards

Format

Scanning lines (lines/frame)

Frame rate (fields/sec)

Channel bandwidth (MHz)

NTSC

525

50 or 60

PAL

625

50

7 (< 300 MHz)

SECAM

625

50

8 (> 300 MHz)

8

The CCD is scanned across and down exactly 312.5 times (for a 625-line system) and this
creates a video field. A second scan of 312.5 lines is exactly 1/2 a line down and interlaced
with the first scan to form a picture with 625 lines. This is known as a 2:1 interlaced picture.
The combined 625-line is known as a video frame and made up from two interlaced fields.
Typical camera resolution is 350 TV lines, with high resolution cameras producing better than
450 lines.
Analog Video Information
White
Level
0.7 V

1.0
Vpk -p k

Black
Blac
Level
0.3 V

Chroma Burst
Bur s t
64? s = 1 line
64

S
Sync
Pulse

lines
0.02 s = 1 field = 312.5 line

Figure 2: Composite baseband video signal

The quality of a picture will depend on the level of the video signal to the amount of noise
present, that is, the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of the system. Noise in a video is seen as snow
or graininess, resulting in a poorly defined image on the monitor or video recording. Table 3
provides a guide as what quality to expect from various SNRs1.

Table 3: Various SNRs and corresponding picture quality

SNR (dB)

Picture Quality

60

Excellent. No noise apparent.

50

Good. A small amount of noise but picture quality good.

40

Reasonable. Fine grain or snow in the picture and fine detail lost.

30

Poor. Picture has a great deal of noise.

20

Not acceptable. Unusable picture.

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3.2 CCTV PTZ Signal

In addition to providing composite baseband video, some CCTV cameras require a baseband
digital telemetry signal in order to control PTZ functions. Control data signalling formats
include EIA-RS422, EIA-RS232, 20 mA current loop or Manchester. These PTZ signals have
traditionally been sent on shielded twisted pair cables separate from the video signal which is
transported over coaxial cable.
Futhermore, some CCTV camera manufacturers superimpose the PTZ control signalling within
the vertical blanking interval, i.e. lines 1 to 21 of a 525-lines/frame picture so that the
combined video and PTZ signal can be transported over one coaxial cable. Examples of
such equipment are Panasonic System 200 WV-CU254 controller with WV-CS304 unitized
camera, and PELCO CM6700-MXB video matrix switcher/controller with SD5 SpectraDome
camera or PELCO CM9760-MXB video matrix switcher with CM-9760-CXT coaxitron
translator and SD5 SpectraDome camera.

4.0 Digital Surveillance Technology:

IP or Network Cameras
With the advent of IP or Network cameras, the method of installing CCTV system changes dramatically.
These IP cameras are plug and play devices as far as the network is concerned. They are easy to
integrate into corporate LANs or WANs. There is no need for multiplexing, coaxial cabling, balun
adapters, CCTV keyboards, analog VCRs and tapes.
An IP camera takes the video, compresses it and sends it over the LAN to a network attached storage
(NAS) device, a storage area network (SAN) or a video server. An IP camera is always streaming video
across the network, and therefore, is always using bandwidth. Hence a separate or segmented LAN is
recommended to avoid bottleneck issues on the main corporate network. However, some IP cameras
now incorporate both server and DVR functions and this helps to limit some of the bandwidth impact.
Theconnection to the LAN is via 10/100/1000 Mbps Ethernet.
Pictures from an IP camera can be viewed and the PTZ movement (if available) can be controlled using
a PC running a standard browser. Additional features include built-in activity detection function that can
be set to trigger an alarm or switch. For example, when there is movement in the field-of-view of the
camera, the camera could set off an audible alarm or switch on a lamp or send a signal to lock a door.
In addition, the captured image at the time the alarm was triggered can be sent to an email address or
FTP server. A high-end IP camera can offer PAL output in addition to IP compressed video.
There are many different compression methods that an IP camera can utilise. These include JPEG (Joint
Photographic Expert Group), MJPEG (Motion JPEG), H.263, MPEG (Motion Picture Expert Group:
MPEG1, MPEG2, MPEG4), Fractal and Wavelet. The main difference between them is their bandwidth
consumption.
Demand for digital surveillance technology is rising rapidly as the cost of commercial applications falls
(particularly for storage and maintenance). The quality of digital images is clearly more superior and the
flexibility offered in storage and transfer options over traditional analog counterparts is highly desirable.
The digital images can also be replayed many times with very little degradation in quality. However,
the issue of digital images as legal evidence is in focus as this new technology takes off in
the security world. For a court, the key word is traceability, that is, having a cast-iron audit
trail that takes it right back to the original recording. This means that whatever happens to an
image, whether it is enlarged, printed, or tampered with, the original remains for a court to
examine. In many countries, guidelines are provided to ensure the authenticity of digital images
and suitable procedures must be followed in collecting and monitoring what is captured

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on camera. In the UK, digital images unlike analog ones are 6 WHITE PAPER SECURITY
SURVEILLANCE & ACCESS CONTROL SYSTEMS covered by the Data Protection Act which
is very detailed about the way data must be handled and stored. By falling within the remit of
this Act, digital recordings are therefore governed by very stringent guidelines and controls.
Fortunately, digital technology also has the capacity for encryption and security coding so that
an electronic audit trail involving file coding of digital images can be provided. Creating an
audit trail would reduce the chances of undetected tampering of images. A permanent record
of the data that cannot be amended is another possibility, for example, the use of write-once
read many times (WORMS) disk.
It seems certain that the increasing popularity of digital surveillance technology means its
widespread use and acceptance as evidence is inevitable. The responsibility for proving the
traceability, reliability and authenticity of the surveillance images is with the organisation that
captures, processes and modifies it. A suitable audit trail is essential and a careful approach
needs to be taken to the way the image is captured, stored and maintained.

5.0 CCTV Application over

CommScope IBIS
CommScope Intelligent Building Infrastructure Solutions (IBIS) is a modular, flexible cabling
infrastructure system that supports voice, data, video and building automation systems (BAS) by
providing a robust and cost effective connectivity for all of a buildings BAS and communication
systems. IBIS utilizes twisted pair and/or fiber optic cables to provide connectivity in an open
architecture environment.
The traditional way for implementating CCTV applications is to use coaxial cables with the
cameras being powered locally. Furthermore, if PTZ cameras are required, the baseband
digital telemetry signals (for controlling the PTZ functions) have traditionally been transported
over shielded twisted pair cables.
However, the traditional coaxial/shielded twisted pair cabling can be replaced with
a more structured and flexible approach using SYSTIMAX cabling. The CCTV cameras can either
be locally or remotely powered depending on the types of cameras and the powering requirements.
The advantages of supporting CCTV applications with CommScope IBIS are:
Simplifies the cabling and containment requirements.
Eliminates ground loop noise on the cabling (This type of noise is very common in coaxial
cabling, especially when long distances are involved).
Provides for easy migration to newer digital surveillance technologies such IP or
network cameras.
Makes it easier for the IT group to manage as this group begins to assume responsibility
for all security functions
The input/output impedance of a baseband video connection on analog cameras is 75ohms
unbalanced. The conversion of a 75-ohm unbalanced interface to a 100-ohm balanced twisted
pair interface will require the use of a balun (Balanced-to-Unbalanced) adapter. This adapter also
provides the impedance matching function. It is extremely important that the impedances of the
signal source, balun adapter, cabling and load are approximately the same. Any severe mismatch
will produce unpleasant and unacceptable effects in the quality of the picture. These effects can
include ghost images and ringing on sharp edges. Two balun adapters are required for each link.

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5.1 Locally Powered Analog Cameras

Figure 3 shows a schematic diagram of an analog CCTV application over SYSTIMAX
GigaSPEED XL/GigaSPEED X10D cabling. Figure 3a shows an application using a fixed
camera and Figure 3b for a PTZ camera. The PTZ telemetry signal is transmitted on one or two
pair of the 4-pair cable (depending on the telemetry signal required). The 75 ohm unbalanced
composite analog video signal is converted to a 100 ohm balanced signal using a balun
adapter and transmitted over another pair of the 4-pair cable. Please verify supportable
distances and shared sheath capability with respective adapter/equipment vendors.
SYSTIMAX Cable
Fixed
Camera

Balun

Video

Power
Supply

Cross Connect

AC Outlet
Video Switching/
Control Unit

Monitors
Balun

Power
Supply
AC Outlet

(Figure 3a: Fixed Camera)

SYSTIMAX Cable

Video

Balun

Breakout
M102S MB

PTZ
Camera

Telemetry

Power
Supply
AC Outlet

Cross Connect

Video Switching/
Control Unit

Balun

Breakout
M102S MB

Monitors

(Figure 3b: PTZ Camera)

Figure 3: CCTV application over SYSTIMAX cabling with separate video and
PTZ signal

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Figure 4 shows a schematic diagram of a CCTV application over SYSTIMAX GigaSPEED XL/
GigaSPEED X10D cabling where the PTZ signal is superimposed within the composite
video signal. This application typically requires balun adapters that are different from those
shown in Figure 3. Again, please verify supportable distances with respective adapter/
equipment vendors.
SYSTIMAX Cable

Video + Telemetry

Balun
PTZ
Camera

Power
S upply
AC Outlet

Cross Connect

Video Switching/
Control Unit

Balun

Monitor

Figure 4: CCTV application over SYSTIMAX cabling with combined

video and PTZ signals

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5.2 Remotely Powered Analog Cameras

A analog CCTV cameras can also be powered remotely as shown in Figure 5. In this case, the
distances supported will depend not only on the types of cameras (whether they are color or
black & white), but also on the input voltage and power ratings of the cameras.
Table 4 provides the maximum operating currents and temperatures for SYSTIMAX cables and
Table 5 provides similar requirements for connector and connecting hardware as specified
in IEC 60603-7-4.
SYSTIMAX Cable
Fixed
Camera

Video

Balun

Breakout
M102S MB

Cross Connect

Video Switching/
Control Unit

Monitors

Balun

Breakout
M102S MB

Power
Supply
AC Outlet

Figure 5: CCTV application over SYSTIMAX cabling with remote powering

Table 4: Maximum Operating Currents and Temperatures

for SYSTIMAX cables
Max. Operating Temperature

Max. Current for a Single Conductor (A)

Total Max. Current (A)

25 C

1.5

3.36 (4-pair cable)

25 C

1.5

21.0 (25-pair cable)1

60 C

0.75

1.68 (4-pair cable)

60 C

0.75

10.5 (25-pair cable)1

Note 1: For more than 4-pair and at 25 C, the formula is I (N x 0.42), where N is the number of conductors (1
pair = 2 conductors). For 60 C, the calculated current is halved.

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Table 5: Maximum Operating Currents and Temperatures for

Connectors and Connecting Hardware as per IEC 60603-7-4
Max. Operating Temperature

Max. Current for a Single Conductor (A)

25 C

1.7

55 C

1.0

In addition to the current and voltage limiting capabilities of a 24-AWG cabling channel, the
maximum distance supported will also depend on the voltage drop across the cabling. This in
turn depends on the DC resistance of the cabling which is given in Table 6.

Table 6: Maximum DC Resistance and Operating Temperatures

for SYSTIMAX cabling
Max. Operating Temperature

Max. DC Resistance2 (ohms per meter per pair)

20 C

0.1876

25 C

0.1914

55 C

0.2134

60 C

0.2171

Note 2: The correction factor for DC resistance at temperature T is given by RT = R20 * [1 + 0.00393 * (T - 20)]

The voltage drop requirement will depend on the type of cameras used. Fixed cameras
typically require 12 VDC (or 24 VAC) input voltage and a maximum of 0.5 A current. Table 7
provides the maximum voltage-drop distances that can be supported for fixed cameras with
various current requirements, assuming a maximum temperature of 25 C, a minimum camera
input voltage of 12 VDC and a remote supply voltage of 24 VDC. For a distance of 100 m
the maximum current draw is 0.627 A. Also, to prevent current overload on the cabling, a
minimum distance of 42 m is necessary (Shorter distances can be supported by using a smaller
remote supply voltage). The power is carried on a spare pair.

Table 7: Fixed camera support at 25 C

Fixed Cameras (Maximum operating temperature of 25 C)
2-Wire Circuit (pair 1)
Current (mA)

Maximum Distance in meters

For 12 VDC Minimum at Camera
(Assuming a 24VDC supply at remote)

200

313

250

251

300

209

350

179

400

157

450

139

500

125

627

100

1500

42

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Table 8 provides information for a maximum temperature of 60 C. For a distance of 100 m

the maximum current draw is 0.553 A. Also, to prevent current overload on the cabling, a
minimum distance of 74 m is necessary. If shorter distances are to be supported, the power
can be carried on two spare pairs. In this case the minimum distance requirement is 37 m.

Table 8: Fixed camera support at 60 C

Fixed Cameras (Maximum operating temperature of 60 C)
2-Wire Circuit (pair 1)
Current (mA)

Maximum Distance in meters

For 12 VDC Minimum at Camera
(Assuming a 24VDC supply at remote)

200

276

250

221

300

184

350

158

400

138

450

123

500

111

553

100

750

74

PTZ cameras without heaters typically require 24 VDC (or 24 VAC) input voltage and a
maximum of 1.5 A current (PTZ cameras with heaters must be locally powered). Since PTZ
cameras normally require higher input current, it is highly recommended that the power is
carried on two spare pairs. In this case, the applications are restricted to those that have the
PTZ telemetry signals on one pair only. Table 9 provides the maximum voltage-drop distances
that can be supported for PTZ cameras with various current requirements, assuming a maximum
temperature of 25 C, a minimum camera input voltage of 24 VDC and a remote supply voltage
of 36 VDC. Also, to prevent current overload on the cabling, a minimum distance of 42 m is
necessary.

Table 9: PTZ camera support at 25 C

PTZ Cameras (Maximum operating temperature of 25 C)
4-Wire Circuit 3
(pairs 1 & 2)
Current (mA)

Maximum Distance in meters

For 24 VDC Minimum at Camera
(Assuming a 36 VDC supply at remote)

1000

125

1100

114

1200

104

1300

96

1400

90

1500

84

3000

42

Note 3: The current shown is for each pair. For each conductor, the current is halved.

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Table 10 provides information for a maximum temperature of 60 C. To prevent current

overload on the cabling, a minimum distance of 74 m is necessary.

Table 10: PTZ camera support at 60 C

PTZ Cameras (Maximum operating temperature of 25 C)
4-Wire Circuit 4
(pairs 1 & 2)
Current (mA)

Maximum Distance in meters

For 24 VDC Minimum at Camera
(Assuming a 36 VDC supply at remote)

1000

111

1100

100

1200

92

1300

85

1400

79

1500

74

Note 4: The current shown is for each pair. For each conductor, the current is halved.

If the calculated voltage-drop distance is greater than those specified by the respective
adapter/equipment vendors, then the distances specified by the respective adapter/equipment
vendors will take precedence.
Note that Tables 7 to 10 are applicable for DC power and voltages. However, if the camera
AC power and voltage are given, then the formula is given by
P = VIcos,
where
P is the average power
V is the rms voltage
I is the rms current
is the power factor
Hence the power factor is required to calculate the required current. However, most electricity
utility suppliers will aim to achieve a power factor of 1. Typical power factor range is between
0.95 and 0.99.

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5.3 IP/Network Camera

Figure 6 shows an IP/Network camera connectivity over SYSTIMAX GigaSPEED XL /
GigaSPEED X10D cabling. The connection to the camera is via 10/100/1000 Mbps
Ethernet. Many of these cameras are also IEEE 802.3af compliant, i.e. they are Power-overEthernet (PoE) enabled. The maximum distance supported is 100 meter (from Ethernet switch
tocamera, consisting of 90-meter horizontal cabling and a total of 10-meter cords).
UTP Cable

100BASE-TX

100BASE-TX

Cross Connect

Administrator
PC

NAS device

PoE enabled Switch

Figure 6: IP/network camera application over SYSTIMAX cabling

6.0 Access Control Applications

The key purpose of access control is to deny the physical presence of an unauthorized person
inside a restricted area. It can also improve employee safety and productivity by preventing
unrestricted traffic to different areas of a building. The owner of a building can also tell who
is coming and going through the establishment, and this information can be recalled at a later
time since the system can store the information in a database. The security industry utilizes a
vast array of card and reader technologies. This ranges from the very basic (barcode) to the
most sophisticated (biometric). Most access control applications can be integrated to CCTV
surveillance systems, paging systems, energy management systems and fire-life-safety systems.

7.0 Access Control Systems

A typical Access Control system consists of a controller (sometimes referred to as the control
panel) connected to several card (e.g proximity2, magnetic stripe, Weigand3 or smart card4) or
biometric (e.g fingerprint, iris/retinal scan) readers, keypads or signature pads, badge printer,
a motion/PIR (passive infrared) detection system, optional guard tour readers, and an optional
photo identification system (see Figure 7).
2 Traditional proximity card uses 125 kHz frequency.
3 Wiegand technology is widely recognized and field proven for over 18 years. A Wiegand card has a code
strip which contain specially treated vicalloy wires.
4 Smart cards use the newer 13.56 MHz contactless technology and have read/write capabilities. Compliant
to either ISO 14443 (proximity card - e.g MIFARE developed by Philips) or ISO/IEC 15693 (vicinity card).

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Biometrics are automated methods of recognising a person based on physiological or

behavioural characteristics. Among the features measured are face, fingerprints, handwriting,
iris, retinal and voice. Biometric technologies are becoming the foundation of an array of
highly secure identification and personal verification solutions. As the level of security breaches
increases, the need for highly secure identification and personal verification technologies
is becoming apparent. Using biometrics for personal authentication is becoming convenient
and considerably more accurate than current methods such as using passwords or PINs. This
is because biometrics links the event to a particular individual (a password or token may be
used by someone other than the authorised user), is convenient (nothing to carry or remember),
accurate (it provides for positive authentication), can provide an audit trail and is becoming
socially acceptable and inexpensive. It can also be integrated with other technologies such as
smart cards.
An Access Control system can sound alarms and keep transactions when abnormal events
occur. It is also capable of recording all the personnel In/Out transactions for reference or for
monitoring purposes. Optional features include door prop monitoring with digitally recorded
voice messages (this will encourage users to keep monitored doors closed reducing nuisance
alarms), infrared sensor beams to detect tailgating, guard tour (tool to help manage the security
guards by defining sequence of tour points that a guard must visit, maximum time between
points, etc), RFID key tags and mantraps5.

Access
Controller

Exit switch

Card reader

Card reader
and keypad

Exit switch

Figure 7: Typical Access Control system

5 A mantrap is a system of multiple doors with controlled interaction. Sometimes referred to as airtrap or security
interlock.

www.commscope.com 15

8.0 Access Control Application

over CommScope IBIS
Most of the Access Control systems utilize RS-232, RS-422, RS-485 or Wiegand protocols
between the controller and the card readers. The distances supported will depend on the
vendors equipment. The Wiegand protocol is a 3- to 6-wire protocol that provides 26- or 34bit code format. Table 11 gives the Wiegand interface signals.
The communication protocol between the controller and the central console server is usually
10/100 Mbps Ethernet but RS-485 protocol may be used by some existing legacy systems.
Most Access Control systems also provide remote monitoring capabilities using modems and
are usually linked to police control centers. In some countries, installers of these remote systems
may require accreditation from certain national associations. For example, in the UK, these
companies may be required to be NACOSS (National Approval Council for Security Systems)
approved. NACOSS was formed in conjunction with the Home Office, the police and the
insurance industry to enforce the standards by which these installers operate.

Table 11: Wiegand Interface

Wiegand Interface
Red LED
Green LED
GND
Data1
Data0
Power +

A typical security door will require the following connectivity:

Connection from controller to a card reader (some card readers may require more than
4-pair connectivity)
Connection from the controller to the door lock
-- Door strike (usually solenoid operated) for electric strike locks
-- Door electromagnet for electromagnetic door locks
Connection from the controller to the exit push button
Optional connection from the controller to (break glass) emergency door release button
Hence a minimum of 4 outlets are required for connecting a security door to the controller. A
typical configuration will have several card readers connected in a multipoint bus topology to
a controller. There should be no more than 5 BAS devices in a multipoint bus for each branch
as per ANSI/TIA/EIA-862 requirements. For additional design guidelines, please refer to the
latest issues of following documents:
CommScope IBIS general design guidelines
CommScope IBIS test configuration template and building control devices templates
&guidelines

www.commscope.com 16

The mapping of access control signals to the 8-pin modular jack pinouts is important in order
to ensure consistency and ease of problem troubleshooting/resolution. CommScope IBIS
recommends the use of ANSI/EIA/TIA-568B T568B pin assignment. The allocation of access
control signals to the 8-pin modular jack pinouts is shown in Table 12. It should be noted that
some vendor equipment might require additional signalling such as compensation signals.
These signals should therefore be assigned to the appropriate unused pairs/pins.

Table 12: Access Control Applications and Active Pair

Pair

W-BL

BL

W-O

W-G

W-BR

BR

Pin

Data 0 (Clock)

Wire

Data 1 X
(Card Information)
LED

X
X

+ Power

GND (Ground)
Door Strike
Power
Door Strike
Common

X
X
X

9.0 Conclusion
Every building requires some form of security in order to protect property, content and
personnel. However, since the aftermath of September 11 terrorist attacks, security has
become a global high profile issue and is in the forefront of every facility managers agenda.
Surveillance and access control are two of the main applications for security and these
applications can be easily supported over SYSTIMAX cabling.

www.commscope.com
Visit our Web site or contact your local
CommScope representative for more information.
2011 CommScope, Inc. All rights reserved.
All trademarks identified by or are registered
trademarks or trademarks, respectively, of CommScope, Inc.
This document is for planning purposes only and is not
intended to modify or supplement any specifications or
warranties relating to CommScope products or services.
MI-97 07/11