ALL CLEAR AT TERMINAL ONE - PAGE 2

November 2008, the airport has invested in the renewal and expansion of the video surveillance system at Terminal 1. Controlware the global video surveillance specialist was
selected to supply, install and configure the transmission solution thanks to the strength of their migration concept that supported both analogue and digital interfaces at the same time, allowing for minimal disruption to airport operations during implementation of the IP based system. Technical expertise built on years of experience in delivering advanced networking solutions and IP CCTV based systems were also important factors in Munich airport’s decision to work with Controlware.

With the new IP-based video surveillance solution at Terminal 1, the airport is able to optimise security and safety operations by monitoring procedures for flight and cargo movements, while safely coordinating the deployment of the fire service, state and federal police, customs and medical services in the event of an emergency. The airport’s management team insisted on the best available image quality, reliability and performance of all video components, as well as seamless integration with their existing MPLS (Multi Protocol Label Switching) network infrastructure. This enables the new video surveillance system to actively support the operational requirements of the security services by reducing the time required for surveillance tasks so that operators can easily manage incidents as they evolve.

‘it has been essential that we work closely with Munich airport to develop a phased installation program that did not negatively impact their day to day operations.’

Trouble-free airport operation

More than 800 IP video cameras and approximately 40,000 metres of CAT-6 cabling have been installed at the terminal in strict compliance with the defined procedures laid down by the airport. The integration of the new system represented a challenge, as Rolf Didion, Head of Physical Security Solutions at Controlware explains:

“Airport security is maintained at a high level 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year so at no time could operations be compromised by widespread dismantling of the old video cameras and the installation and configuration of the new video components. It has therefore been essential that we work closely with Munich Airport to develop a phased installation program that did not negatively impact their day to day operations. The failure of a single surveillance camera for seconds or minutes could significantly impair airport operations, leaving the security services with no information concerning the status of runways or taxiways. Ensuring a smooth migration to IP during the project was critical”.

Detailed documentation and co-operation

An important part of delivering the integrated IP based surveillance system was managing the deployment of components and developing an asset management database to record camera specifications, positions, image settings and network access points. Detailed documentation records all changes to the network and makes it possible in the event of network failure to precisely identify faulty components and replace them immediately. Because all the project stakeholders, such as the IT department, security services and aviation safety authorities have access to the asset management system throughout the lifetime of the project they are permanently kept up-to-date with the project implementation status. This guarantees that the security guidelines are observed and all departments work hand-in-hand.

Video surveillance of the highest standards

The new IP-based video surveillance system provides Munich Airport with an outstanding surveillance system that will help ensure that the highest security and safety
standards are maintained at all times. It ensures that security and emergency services can immediately access the relevant video data making it easier to plan and undertake operations more effectively. Video surveillance extends across the entire airport – from the retail outlets to car parks through to high security areas, such as the runways, taxiways, aircraft hangers, baggage sorting halls, the control tower and all entrances and exits.

Munich Airport wanted to take advantage of the latest technologies such as video analytics and so future proofed their network with an IP based system. In contrast to their previous analogue video surveillance system, the new IP solution transmits high resolution colour images via the MPLS network and simultaneously distributes the video to multiple operators who can be located anywhere on the airport IT network, improving flexibility and image quality. IP based CCTV also reduces costs requiring less cabling than analogue systems with the help of technologies such as PoE (Power over Ethernet).

Communications room space is also saved since no analogue matrix is required and IP based CCTV is more resilient allowing video recordings to be stored in multiple network locations and capacity easily extended. The airport internal IT department is also able to assist with the maintenance of the IP CCTV system by ensuring backbone network capacity for video transmission and storage systems is available at all times.

With 25 images per second at 4 CIF (Common Interchange Format) resolution, the solution delivers high quality surveillance for the airport operators to monitor. State-of-the-art sensors ensure that all components remain working to the highest specifications so that the surveillance system delivers effective video analysis and alerts, even during the worst weather conditions.

Continue