The evolving landscape of security systems necessitates efficient and remote management. In line with this, Hikvision Digital Technology recently launched its new Smart Managed Switches to revolutionize security system management, enabling remote deployment and configuration with ease and precision.
The evolving landscape of security systems necessitates efficient and remote management. In line with this, Hikvision Digital Technology recently launched its new Smart Managed Switches to revolutionize security system management, enabling remote deployment and configuration with ease and precision.
Integrated with the Hik-Partner Pro mobile app, these switches empower installers to remotely set up and fine-tune security systems, providing them with extensive operation and maintenance tools. The latest Smart Managed Switches are built with a sturdy architecture that includes 6 KV surge protection for PoE ports, ensuring the longevity and reliability of the system.
This introduction is a significant step for installers and businesses, offering a reliable and efficient way to navigate modern security systems, demonstrating Hikvision's commitment to innovation and its influence on the future of the security industry.
Why integrators need this
Comprehending market demands and resolving installer challenges are critical in the ever-changing security system landscape. Hikvision’s specialized and professional market research team conducts in-depth analyses to understand customer needs, pain points, and feedback on existing products.
"During installation and deployment, installers are burdened with a plethora of tools, with a laptop being an essential component," Hector Fang, Network Switches Product Manager at Hikvision explained. "Furthermore, the deployment of front and back ends necessitated the use of a cumbersome monitor, adding to the inconvenience faced by installers. In post-maintenance scenarios, such as when security systems or networks experience malfunctions, the absence of a clear network architecture often hampers the rapid identification and resolution of the issue at hand."
Traditionally, troubleshooting involves navigating through a maze of tangled cables, a process that is not only tedious but also requires a significant amount of time and effort. This method is highly inefficient and can be a drain on resources. Moreover, on-site operations and maintenance necessitate the physical presence of technicians, further adding to the time and costs due to travel. These challenges highlight the need for a more streamlined and efficient approach to managing and maintaining security systems.
“By combining exceptional market capabilities with robust research and development capabilities, Hikvision creates switches that not only meet market demands but also stay at the forefront of technological advancements,” said Fang.
Added advantage of the Hik-Partner Pro app
The Smart Managed Switches are seamlessly integrated with the Hik-Partner Pro app, significantly streamlining the installation and management processes for security system integrators. This integration facilitates the deployment and configuration of security systems directly from a mobile device, eliminating the necessity for additional hardware such as computers and monitors.
“The installation and deployment of the entire system can be accomplished with just a mobile phone, eliminating the need for carrying additional devices such as computers and monitors,” Fang said. “The installers can easily view the network's complete topology on the phone, enabling quick identification of system malfunctions and prompt problem resolution.”
Furthermore, the system supports remote maintenance, enabling technicians to complete necessary tasks via mobile phone, thereby eliminating the need for on-site visits. This feature significantly enhances convenience and results in valuable time savings.
Remote management capabilities
The Smart Managed Switches, in conjunction with the Hik-Partner Pro app, provide a robust remote management system that significantly enhances the capabilities of installers. The visualized network topology feature in the app allows installers to have a bird's-eye view of the entire network architecture, including the interconnections between various devices. This comprehensive visibility is crucial for quickly understanding the system's structure and identifying any faults or malfunctions.
“Firstly, the entire network topology can be viewed on the mobile phone, allowing for a quick understanding of the network architecture and the interconnections between devices. Secondly, the status of switch port connections can be displayed, providing clear information about the connectivity of each switch port and detailed device information such as device models, IP addresses, etc. Thirdly, cameras, NVRs, switches, and other devices can be managed and configured within the topology diagram.”
The system is also designed for rapid fault identification. When a fault occurs, the system will send out abnormal notifications. For instance, if a switch encounters a problem, it will be highlighted in red. A detailed view of the switch's status, including the status of port connectivity, can be accessed with a simple click, facilitating quick and efficient troubleshooting.
“Gray color indicates an unconnected port, green indicates normal port connectivity, and red indicates an abnormal port connection,” Fang said. “For example, if a port malfunctions and shows a PoE dropout, the system can prompt remote port reboot to resolve the issue, providing a more efficient and faster solution for the customer's problem.”
Fang added that the initial users found the operation simple and straightforward, which greatly reduced the difficulty of maintenance.
Built for performance in diverse environments
Security and reliability are paramount in the realm of connected devices, especially in scenarios where video security cameras are installed outdoors or at elevated positions, increasing the likelihood of lightning strikes. Hikvision's Smart Managed Switches are designed with professional lightning protection, featuring a 6KV port lightning protection design. This design effectively suppresses lightning currents from network cables and power sources, acting as a formidable security barrier for the entire network video security system.
“In practical video security projects, cameras are often installed outdoors or at elevated positions, which increases the chances of cameras and PoE power switches being struck by lightning,” Fang explained. “Hikvision Intelligent Cloud Management Switches are equipped with professional lightning protection design - 6KV port lightning protection design, effectively suppressing lightning currents from network cables and power sources. “
This design acts as a security barrier for the entire network video security system, ensuring stable and reliable service for the monitoring network even during thunderstorms and guaranteeing normal transmission of video footage.
Committed to integrator needs
As technology continues to evolve, Hikvision is committed to staying at the forefront of innovation to meet the ever-changing needs of security system installers. The company has outlined a clear roadmap for the future development of its Smart Managed Switches and associated applications.
“One of the key areas of focus will be enhancing the user interface (UI) interaction for topological image applications,” Fang said. “This will include the introduction of more user-friendly designs such as aggregation, zooming, landscape orientation, and stacking to facilitate smoother user operations.”
Another significant area of development will be the introduction of full remote configuration capabilities. This will allow for the display of comprehensive switch information and the gradual addition of more features for complete device configuration, further empowering installers to manage and configure devices remotely.
Finally, Hikvision envisions achieving unified management of security devices using a single system, thereby providing an all-in-one solution for installers. While the company has already made significant strides in integrating video and switches, the future will see further development in the integration of other network devices, ultimately providing a holistic and integrated solution that meets the diverse needs of installers and end-users alike.