The updated software integration makes it easier than ever for users to manage and monitor connected network switches, within Milestone XProtect.
Transition Networks, a leading provider of IoT and edge connectivity solutions, released a new update to its Milestone XProtect video management system (VMS) plugin. The plugin is the first Milestone-approved solution for integration of network switches with the XProtect VMS. The software integration is designed to make it simpler for security and network administrators to manage both their video endpoints and the networks in which they are deployed. The combined solution delivers compelling value to customers by providing deep network visibility, secure remote diagnostics, and rich insights about connected devices.
The updated software plugin introduces new capabilities for defining and monitoring alarms, as well as speeding up navigation through a menu of key tasks.
Milestone XProtect administrators can request the plugin for free until the end of the year on the Transition Networks website.
Alarm Management
Events from network switches are now visible and concurrently managed using the same alarm dashboard in XProtect, as is used for managing IP camera and system events. Alarms raised from these events, such as when a switch loses connectivity or Power over Ethernet is reset on a switch port, can then be sent as notifications for users to take action.
Quick Links Menu
To improve the workflows involved in gathering information about the network and resolving incidents, a menu of common tasks is available in the Quick Links dashboard. The links provide instant access to the following device management features and capabilities:
- PoE Port Status, to view the power allocated and used by connected powered devices and its PoE Budget
- Manual PoE reboot by port
- Auto Power Reset, an essential tool that automatically pings devices and resets any that are unresponsive
- Topology View, to access a switch map and their connected cameras
- Cable Diagnostics, to run physical cable continuity and distance tests
- Detailed Port Statistics, for interface performance metrics, traffic analysis and error packets
By following the menu links, authorized users receive quick access to an array of device management capabilities offered by their Transition Networks switches. This provides real-time intelligence and faster resolution times of common issues.
“IP video surveillance management and network monitoring are meant to operate hand-in-glove to make it easy to proactively optimize the health of the network and quickly diagnose issues as they occur,” said Shadrack Laanoi, Director of Product Management. “Our updated plugin focuses on making this process simple and seamless for our customers.”
To protect against unauthorized access, administrators retain control over which clients receive the plugin to unlock the enhanced capabilities.
This solution is the only approved PoE switch plugin available in Milestone’s Marketplace, a catalog of compatible applications for use with XProtect. Security integrators rely on this seal of approval as a signal of credibility and adherence to the highest quality standards when evaluating solutions to procure for their customers.
“The Transition Networks plugin is ready-made for integrators and brings essential features that allow us to efficiently commission and support our customer systems, right into the Milestone client which makes it feel like the switch is just another device supported by Milestone,” said Aaron Simpson, President and CTO of Stone Security, a Diamond Milestone Partner. “Their switches have been extremely dependable and are our only choice as they eliminate the need to open multiple systems and waste time cross-referencing camera information when troubleshooting.”
This integration supports Transition Networks’ complete line of TAA compliant, hardened and commercial PoE+ and PoE++ switches.