IP Convergence Explained

For this first technical article on the Able Infrastructure blog I’m going to answer a question that some of our clients are asking me:

“What does IP convergence mean?”

One definition of IP Convergence is ‘the ability to carry different types of traffic over one network’. However, this does not explain simply what it means in real terms. So to be long winded about it, IP convergence is the coming together of different systems that were in the past separate systems, but now are running over one single IP network.

An example of this would be the CCTV cameras you see on many residential high rise or commercial buildings. These in the past have been cabled using coaxial cable to each camera and wired back to a central storage unit and server. This is now an outmoded design as most modern CCTV cameras are IP. This means they run on a normal data cable and are plugged into a network switch which handles the routing back to the server. The protocol they use is IP (Internet Protocol).

Another example is Access Control and Door Entry systems, traditionally connected via their own bus network now more and more are designed to be fully IP working over the same IP network.

Other systems that are converging are: TV (IPTV), telephone (VOIP), Public Address, Digital Signage etc.

The advantages of IP Convergence are:

One cabling system and less cables, reducing costs, clutter and maintenance.

Easy to add devices. A well designed structured cabling system will have sufficient outlets, not just for the initial requirement but for any likely expansion. Additional cameras, door controllers can be 'plugged in' wherever there is a spare outlet.

Completely new systems can be easily added, as all of the cabling is already in place.

Manufacturers are increasingly making their new and best products communicate via IP. So not to go this way will increasingly restrict options.

After many years of much talk but little implementation, IP Convergence is now rapidly taking over as the best way to provide services in new buildings. As most manufacturers are now designing their new systems to use IP, the point has been crossed where it is now the most cost effective way to build a new system.

As more traffic is added to the building network, ‘Network Design’ has become more important to get right. Bandwidth calculations, address ranges, facilities such as VLAN’s, multicast have all to be considered along with redundancy to make systems failsafe.

Able Infrastructure Solutions have provided solutions in these areas for the last 5 years and we are committed to providing all/any services that run on the IP network. In coming blogs we will be highlighting any new product or technology that fits this remit.

I hope that has answered any questions you might have but, if there is any questions that I haven’t covered please comment and I will answer.