ELMHURST, IL September 2004 — Elmhurst College is a premier four-year college in the metropolitan Chicago area. founded in 1871, Elmhurst College prepares graduates for lives of expanding service, opportunity and achievement with a curriculum that brings together both the practical and professional relevance of the liberal arts tradition. Recently, the college completed the new Circle Hall academic building on Alexander Street, in time for Fall classes to begin.

New Circle Hall Academic Building

CCTV System needed for Circle Hall
The recently completed Circle Hall building needed to be added to the existing CCTV camera system of the college. In addition, as part of the overall project, the college decided that it was time to update their existing CCTV surveillance system. The project required replacement of the outmoded VCR and multiplexer technology currently being used, with a more versatile digital system that could grow with them. The Nitek UTPLinks CCTV system was their choice.

UTPLinks from Nitek is a complete network solution, designed to integrate CCTV into the structured cabling environment. Using Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) technology, this UL Listed system transmits video and distributes P/T/Z control signals over the network infrastructure.

Safe Campus a High Priority
The college places a high priority on campus safety and Circle Hall is no exception. Circle Hall needed cameras inside to cover entrances, exits and lounge areas. On the outside, parking areas and an athletic field were also important areas to monitor. The video from these cameras would be sent up to one-quarter mile back to the campus security office over the network infrastructure. As a new building, Circle Hall has a complete network environment, so incorporating CCTV into the infrastructure was an easy task for the Nitek system.

Meade & Nitek Delivered
Meade Electric Company of suburban McCook Illinois was awarded the contract to provide electrical, multimedia and network installation for the new Circle Hall academic building. Paul Omiecinski, the Meade Electric Technologies Project Manager, had recently seen the Nitek network CCTV system and realized it would be a “good fit” for his project. Paul wanted a standards based system that could be easily implemented and would allow seamless Moves/Adds/Changes (MACs). Meade Electric worked with Nitek application engineers, who helped them review the project requirements and options. Along with Nitek application engineers, they arrived at a cost-effective UTPLinks solution.

The Nitek System Solution
The MDF closet of Circle Hall serves as the location for the Nitek network equipment. From the MDF standard network, cable drops run out to each of the cameras. Each Category 6 drop delivers video from and power to the camera. The drops to outdoor cameras also carry control signals for the P/T/Z units. All of these functions are accomplished over a single 4-pair Category 6 cable, eliminating the need for traditional three cable CCTV wiring. Each of the drops was tested for network certification. Use of certified drops guarantee UTPLinks system performance, as well as accommodating future system upgrades and MACs.

New Circle Hall Academic Building

Two Category 3 backbone cables of 14 pairs each were installed between the MDF of the Circle Hall building and the main campus security office. These cables connect the video and control signals along with providing extra pairs for future expansion. As part of the project, two 16 channel Digital Video Recorder (DVR) units were installed at the security office. DVR units require a 1 volt peak-to-peak video signal for proper operation, which is provided by the unique DAT (Digital Adjustment Technology) of the Nitek receiver units. Control signals for outdoor P/T/Z cameras at Circle Hall are also distributed through the Nitek system.

Proof of the Pudding
The ease with which the system was installed gives testimony to the advantage of UTPLinks over conventional methods of installing CCTV. The cable drops were pulled at the same time all of the other building wiring was being installed. This left only the connection of equipment, which was done in a matter of a few hours. John Cramer, the installing Datacom Technician for Meade Electric commented that he found the Nitek equipment “easy to learn and install” John proved this fact by single-handedly installing another Nitek system at a Meade project, shortly thereafter.

The UTPLinks CCTV Network at Circle Hall is now installed and exceeds all expectations. With all of the cameras connected and powered over the network, high resolution video is effortlessly sent back to the security room and recorded 1/4 mile (400 meters) away. Seamlessly integrated into the structured cabling network, the Nitek video security equipment is virtually transparent to the casual observer. The new UTPLinks system from Nitek is providing Elmhurst College with a surveillance system that assists them in their goal of keeping the campus safe.

Additional Benefits of UTPLinks
One of the numerous additional benefits of the new UTPLinks system is the relative ease of expandability. With the cabling and basic equipment in place, the system can grow with the addition of plug-in modules and cameras. This allows future expansion of the system at a low incremental cost.

Another benefit of UTPLinks is the ability, with the PoE configuration, to provide a power backup for the UTPLinks CCTV Network, in case of power loss. Since the System provides power from the MDF closet to all of the cameras, a UPS can be located in the MDF to provide power to the cameras in the event of power outage.