When business owners or operators begin researching video security options, they come across several different kinds of systems that may be confusing to understand at first glance. Among these is an nvr surveillance system. But what exactly is an NVR surveillance system and are there any alternatives? If so, how does this system compare to the others on the market?
What is an NVR surveillance system?
An NVR, or network video recorder, is a camera system that can record video and transmit it to a monitor to be viewed. NVR systems utilize internet provider (IP) cameras that can connect to the internet via a local area network (LAN). What differentiates the NVR system from others is that it connects cameras wirelessly, as opposed to necessitating cables to be run throughout your business. Though seemingly efficient, this wireless integration leaves your system vulnerable to a host of security threats, including hijacked video feeds.
What other options do I have?
When you are looking through potential security system options, you will come across NVR and DVR (digital video recorder). Unlike NVR, DVR security systems will utilize several coaxial cables to transmit video footage that must be compressed by the system before it is allowed to be viewed. DVR systems will also require the use of analog video cameras and a hard drive, unlike the NVR system. With DVRs, however, footage can only be accessed from an onsite video room, making it an inconvenient and counter-intuitive security option, especially with the revolution of modern technology and the solutions now offered.
Many enterprises are choosing a hybrid-cloud approach for their security solutions, such as the systems offered by companies like Verkada. By using a hybrid-cloud system (not to be confused with a hybrid video recorder), you gain access to a much more agile security solution that is far more secure than legacy systems and also scales with your needs.
How a hybrid-cloud solution goes above and beyond other security systems
Both DVR systems and NVR systems are becoming more and more outdated, which can pose some major problems if your business is still relying on them to provide security. For example, the LAN that an NVR system uses isn’t the most stable and is actually extremely vulnerable to security attacks, like a few other Internet-of-Things devices. Additionally, if your wireless network is down, some of an NVR’s advanced features may not be usable. Video degradation is also a risk since there’s a big possibility of your surveillance system hogging the network. That can lead to slower performance speeds for other aspects of your business, which can be a major drawback if your company relies on high-performance internet as a part of your business.
One way to mitigate these risks is to utilize a hybrid-cloud solution. By connecting via Ethernet as opposed to wirelessly, this hybrid-cloud solution pairs cloud and local storage options together in order to offer a more secure, stable surveillance system. Particularly, as security and data privacy concerns continue to mount, the piece of mind offered by a hybrid-cloud solution is well-worth considering, especially when compared to a traditional NVR or DVR approach.
Researching video surveillance systems can be a difficult and confusing process. It’s important to remember that some of the key benefits of utilizing hybrid-cloud solutions include the ease of installation and footage accessibility, a secure connection, and encryption. For larger enterprises or institutions that frequently review their footage, such systems can be game-changing. Hopefully, this guide has given you a closer look at NVR systems, how they compare to other systems on the market, and why hybrid-cloud approaches reign supreme.
Talha Ali is your tech generalist, covering a wide spectrum of topics within the ever-evolving world of technology. With a curiosity for the latest innovations, industry trends, and breakthroughs. Whether it’s hardware, software, emerging technologies, or the intersection of tech with daily life, Talha’s articles provide readers with a well-rounded perspective on the dynamic landscape of the tech industry.
