CCTV: Single Source Protection for Data

The UK's newest and most energy efficient datacentre has placed Samsung IP network video surveillance cameras at the heart of its security system. With the responsibility of housing equipment and handling data of immense value and importance to its customers, security at the site is naturally considered a very high priority.

Datum opened its flagship data center, which was designed and built by specialists Keysource, in January 2013. It is located on the high-security Qinetiq Cody Technology Park in Farnborough, and has the objective of providing clients with flexible data co-location services with single or multiple rack options as well as dedicated and custom suites for bespoke requirements. All offerings are backed by extensive support services including a 24/7 manned help desk and technical support.

The facilities are spread over three distinct areas with the design of each focused on its main purpose. In addition to the actual data center, an energy center houses back-up UPS and stand-by generators, whilst a separate office building provides client usable space.

Paul Garner, Data Center Manager of Datum, comments: "It is absolutely crucial to the integrity of our business that we can demonstrate to clients that their infrastructure is being stored in a totally secure environment and physical security is therefore of paramount importance. The Samsung video surveillance system is at the forefront of procedures to tightly control access to sensitive areas of our facility. It works alongside our access control system to ensure that we can monitor and verify all activity of staff and visitors with high quality video evidence".

Highly Efficient
The contract to install the video surveillance system was awarded to Bristol based installation experts Destination 5 by Keysource, a specialist in the design, build, optimization and ongoing management of data centers. Rob Elder, Director of Keysource comments: "Working closely with Datum we have been able to develop an impressive facility that has high levels of efficiency, availability and flexibility. Security was an important aspect of the development, so we needed an IP network-based video surveillance system that would be reliable and robust as well as being able to capture and record images of the highest quality. Destination 5 was able to deliver an effective solution, utilizing cameras, monitors, video recorders and monitoring software from Samsung, to meet our needs and those of Datum."

Keysource has adopted a scalable approach to meet the client's precise operational requirements, both now and in the future. The first phase of the data center, which has a Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) of just 1.25, provides an initial 250 rack positions, but when fully developed will offer a total of 1,000 racks and more than 40,000 sq. ft. (3,700m²) of net technical space.

Dome Cameras
A final total of 200 Samsung cameras and domes will be installed, but in line with phase one of the facility's development Destination 5 has so far installed a total of 63 units comprising 37 SND-5061 1.3 megapixel network dome cameras, which are part of Samsung's ‘affordable' LiteNet range, and 19 SNO-5080R 1.3 megapixel weatherproof network bullet cameras. These have built-in vari-focal lenses and IR LEDs which enable them to deliver high definition images both during the day and at night. In addition, seven SNP-5200 1.3 megapixel PTZ dome cameras have been installed. These incorporate a true day/night camera and feature a 20x optical zoom lens to monitor closeup detail of any activity.

Images from all the cameras are transmitted over a designated security LAN to the secure control room where they are recorded and stored for up to 90 days on one of four Samsung SRN-1670s which, whilst delivering all the benefits of an NVR (network video recorder), have the look and familiarity of a DVR. Unlike most NVRs which can only be programmed remotely, the SRN-1670D can be locally configured and controlled with the help of a mouse.

"The evidence grade quality of the images that we are monitoring with the help of the Samsung Security Manager (SSM) software is extremely impressive," said Datum's Head of Security, Clive Mears. "Equally important from an operator's point of view however is how easy it is to use. For example, when viewing live images or reviewing pre-recorded video, we can choose a display configuration which best matches the number of cameras we need to monitor at any one time, and having decided on which configuration is best for any particular situation, we can then save it for future use."

Following on from the success of the first phase, Destination 5, which also installed the data center‘s access control, intercoms and intruder detection systems, has been contracted to install the remaining 137 Samsung cameras and domes.