Eagle Eye Application Note - AN044

Utilizing 4G and 5G Internet Connectivity with Eagle Eye Networks Bridges and CMVRs

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There are many elements of the Eagle Eye Networks Cloud VMS architecture that make it ideal for deployment on 4G or 5G cellular networks. However, careful consideration should be given prior to deployment in these types of environments to ensure that an appropriate solution is implemented to meet the site’s requirements and avoid a negative customer experience post-installation.

Several elements of the Eagle Eye Networks Cloud VMS make it suitable for deployment on 4G and 5G cellular networks, including:

3. Outbound communications - Since Eagle Eye Networks Bridge and CMVR devices require only outbound communications with their Data Centers and Cloud Services, it is possible to deploy these devices on cellular connections without the need for static public IP addresses and inbound port forwarding rules. This helps reduce the costs of the associated cellular data provider.
4. Local video buffering - Fluctuations in available cellular bandwidth can be overcome by utilizing the local video buffering feature included with all Eagle Eye Networks Bridge and CMVR devices by buffering video locally during times of reduced available bandwidth.
5. Deployment options for lower bandwidth environments - Utilizing Eagle Eye Networks CMVR devices, systems can be deployed that provide fully cloud-managed and remotely accessible capabilities that only utilize minimal bandwidth. This is achieved by storing high resolution video footage on-site and providing remote access “on-demand.”

Utilizing a True Cloud platform, such as Eagle Eye Networks Cloud VMS, to retain video surveillance data offsite can lead to high data requirements of its associated internet connection.For this reason, it’s recommended that installers utilize the Eagle Eye Networks VMS Product Wizard to assess the predicted upload bandwidth and storage requirements of the proposed installation, and determine its suitability for deployment on 4G and 5G cellular connections. The Product Wizard can be found here.

When selecting a cellular network provider, it is recommended to select an “unlimited” data plan, where any “fair use” or similar policies are reviewed to ensure the predicted storage requirements of the system will not exceed the data allowance or any limit imposed by a “fair use” policy. It is also imperative to ensure that the costs of exceeding the included data allowance are acceptable to those responsible for the cellular contract. Doing this will avoid unexpected costs later on and a negative customer experience.

Pre-installation bandwidth tests

Prior to installing an Eagle Eye Networks system on a cellular connection, it is recommended that extensive bandwidth tests be conducted. It is important to conduct these tests in the following reasons:

4. The intended cellular network providers’ speeds can vary drastically from one to the next.
5. The intended cellular networking hardware (router and associated aerials) varies from one provider to the next and they will have different levels of capabilities.
6. Different locations can lead to differing results so be sure to test different aerial locations for the best results.
7. Speed test results can fluctuate at different times during the day for various reasons (for example: the number of concurrent system users).

If the average tested speed, calculated at multiple times during a day, exceeds the bandwidth requirement calculated by the Eagle Eye Networks VMS Product Wizard, then this is a good indication that the deployment will be possible using cellular connectivity.