Wireless video surveillance

Wireless surveillance is no longer something you only do at home.
According to a new report from IMS Research on the market for wireless infrastructure used in video surveillance, the market was estimated to be worth around $175 million in 2009, in the Americas and EMEA regions combined. Additionally, both the EMEA and Americas markets are forecast to grow at a rate approaching 20% in 2010.
So what is driving this growth?
“Well, the main advantage of wireless infrastructure over a wired network is fairly clear,” comments IMS Research senior analyst Niall Jenkins. “Trenching and cabling over long distances can be expensive and wireless networks provide a cost-effective alternative. This is the main reason why the technology has done so well in the city surveillance market where cameras are required across a large area in locations which already have power but no network connection. Wireless infrastructure is an ideal solution.
“The penetration of wireless infrastructure into other vertical markets in the video surveillance industry has been less successful”, continues Jenkins. “The commercial and transportation markets have seen some uptake in the use of wireless infrastructure; however, in vertical markets such as banking and finance it remains extremely niche as there is a perception that the security system can be breached through the wireless network.
“To better understand the potential for wireless video surveillance in new vertical markets, IMS Research interviewed security systems integrators and installers of wireless infrastructure used in video surveillance. It is clear from these discussions that wireless solutions are rarely the first option. That being said, most integrators see the potential for wireless infrastructure in the commercial, transportation and education markets and, as they become more familiar with the technology, these markets will stimulate growth for wireless video surveillance equipment.”