The Benefits of Edge Recording in Security

Edge recording is redefining video security systems, making installations easier for integrators and systems more reliable for end users. Instead of relying on a central recorder, cameras can now store video right on board, reducing bandwidth use and simplifying setup. This shift not only makes installations more flexible, but it also helps installers build smarter, more scalable security systems. In this article, we'll break down how edge recording has evolved, why it's a game-changer for modern security setups and what to consider when integrating it into your installations.

A brief history of edge recording technology

In the evolving landscape of video security, edge video recording technology has emerged as a transformative solution that's reshaping how security professionals approach system design and implementation. This fundamental shift away from centralized recording architectures is driving innovation across the industry, enabling more flexible, reliable and cost-effective security solutions.

Edge video recording has undergone a remarkable transformation from its origins as a simple backup mechanism to its current status as a primary recording solution. Today's camera systems leverage sophisticated onboard storage and processing power to create complete, standalone security solutions that can be managed through intuitive web interfaces or mobile apps. This evolution has been driven by advances in storage technology, processing power and the development of more robust management platforms.

"Edge recording has always been an option. But, historically, it was used primarily as a backup if cameras lost network access,” says Nathan Vaughn, commercial video and access control specialist at ADI.” The video would be stored on an SD card and then offload to a server when connectivity returned. It served mainly as a temporary redundancy measure."

The shift toward edge architecture has also been influenced by broader trends in technology, including the growth of IoT devices and the increasing demand for distributed computing solutions. Security manufacturers have responded by developing cameras and devices with increasingly powerful onboard capabilities, enabling them to handle tasks that once required dedicated servers or specialized hardware.

Additionally, the integration of edge recording with cloud management platforms has created hybrid solutions that offer the best of both worlds: local storage reliability with the convenience of cloud-based management and access. This convergence of technologies has opened new possibilities for system design and implementation, particularly for multi-site deployments and organizations with distributed security needs.

What are the benefits of edge recording in security and surveillance?

As video security technology continues to evolve, edge video recording has emerged as a key enabler of more efficient and cost-effective surveillance systems. By decentralizing video storage and processing, edge recording delivers a range of advantages that impact installation, performance and overall system reliability. Below are some of the most compelling benefits of integrating edge video recording into modern security systems.

Cost, ROI and other economic benefits

The financial advantages of edge recording extend beyond initial hardware savings, creating a compelling economic case for both integrators and end users.

"Edge based recording simplifies the installation process and reduces the upfront cost," says Josh Blandford, supervisor for video security, access control and networking at ADI. "There's no large, centralized server to deal with, and you don't have all that processing power concentrated in one expensive device. Each camera handles its own storage and processing, which makes more sense from both a cost and reliability perspective."

"Everything's stored locally onto an SD card, so there's not a central device to maintain," explains Brian Creech, intrusion and commercial fire systems specialist at ADI. "You still need network connectivity to the cameras, but you're eliminating the cost and complexity of centralized recording infrastructure. When you go back to playback video, you don't have to worry about a recorder hard drive being damaged or unavailable."

Additionally, edge video recording systems often require less network bandwidth, as video data doesn't need to be continuously transmitted to a central location. This is especially important for installations using high-resolution cameras. Having to store 20 cameras at four megapixels each for 30 days would require not only significant bandwidth but also substantial storage capacity.

By processing and storing video at the edge, organizations can deploy higher resolution cameras without needing to upgrade their network infrastructure. This can lead to significant savings on network infrastructure and ongoing bandwidth costs, particularly for organizations with multiple locations or high-resolution camera deployments. The reduced bandwidth requirements also make edge video recording an ideal solution for locations with limited upload speeds or where network resources need to be preserved for other critical operations.

Advanced capabilities and analytics

The processing power and video data storage available in edge devices has enabled a revolution in video analytics capabilities. Today's edge-based cameras can perform video analysis directly on the device, eliminating the need for expensive centralized processing systems. These capabilities include object detection, directional motion analysis, vehicle recognition, color matching, and other features that were once limited to specialized processing systems.

"Most edge-based cameras have pretty advanced analytics happening at the camera level,” says AJ Shaw, supervisor of the fire intrusion and automation division at ADI Global Distribution. “It's common for cameras [to be] able to run complex vehicle and person detection, perform attribute searches like finding someone wearing specific colored clothing, and manage everything through an intuitive interface. The analytics are processed right at the camera, making these features accessible even for smaller installations."

Analytics capabilities continue to expand as manufacturers push the boundaries of edge processing. Systems can perform multiple simultaneous analysis tasks, including perimeter protection, object classification, behavior analysis, and demographic tracking. These AI-powered analytics can identify complex scenarios and behaviors, such as loitering detection, object removal or abandonment, and crowd density analysis.

The integration of AI at the edge has also enabled a wide range of search capabilities. Users can quickly locate specific events or individuals using natural language queries and attribute-based searches. For example, security personnel can search for "person wearing red shirt" or "blue vehicle" and receive relevant video clips almost instantly, as the analysis is performed directly on the camera. These capabilities extend beyond security applications.

Edge analytics can provide valuable business intelligence, such as the following:

• Customer traffic patterns and dwell time analysis
• Queue monitoring and management
• Occupancy counting and social distance monitoring
• Heat mapping for retail space optimization
• Vehicle traffic analysis and parking management
• Demographic analysis for marketing insights

The processing of analytics at the edge offers several advantages over cloud-based processing. First, it reduces latency, as analysis happens in real-time on the device. Second, it can operate independently of network connectivity, ensuring consistent performance even in challenging network environments. Third, it reduces the bandwidth requirements that would otherwise be needed to send video to the cloud for processing.

Some systems now offer hybrid approaches that combine edge and cloud processing. While basic analytics run continuously at the edge, more complex or resource-intensive analysis can be performed in the cloud when needed. This flexibility allows organizations to balance performance, cost and functionality based on their specific needs.

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Additionally, edge analytics can trigger automated responses and integrate with other building systems. For example, analytics can initiate automatic door locks, adjust lighting, trigger audio announcements, or alert security personnel based on detected events. This capability enables more proactive security measures and automated responses to potential threats.

Security and reliability

Edge recording fundamentally improves system reliability by eliminating single points of failure while simultaneously enhancing security through distributed storage. This architecture provides unique benefits that make it particularly valuable for high-risk applications and mission-critical deployments. A distributed storage approach proves especially valuable in high-stakes security scenarios.

"A jewelry store is a great example," adds Blandford. "If someone breaks in and steals or damages the recorder, all the evidence has been removed. With edge recording, I've never heard of criminals successfully removing all the cameras to eliminate video evidence. The video data remains safely stored across multiple devices."

"If you have one device [that fails] with edge recording, you've only lost storage of video on one device," says Vaughn. "Compare that to a server failure, where the entire system goes down until it can be replaced or serviced. It's probably more reliable because if you have one device fail, you've only lost storage of video on one device, and everything else keeps running until that single device can be replaced or serviced."

Enterprise-grade storage components and monitoring capabilities further enhance system reliability. Modern edge devices incorporate health monitoring, automated maintenance alerts, and remote management capabilities.

"Using tools like smart PoE switches, integrators can monitor device health and even power cycle cameras remotely," notes Blandford. "You can act proactively so the customer wouldn't even have to necessarily know the camera was down. This reduces truck rolls for maintenance, and with edge-based cameras being managed remotely, integrators can get permissions to manage devices and handle most issues without ever going onsite."

This proactive maintenance approach, combined with the system's distributed architecture, significantly reduces the risk of catastrophic system failures. Additionally, edge video recording can provide an extra layer of protection against cyber threats, as sensitive video data can be stored locally without requiring constant network transmission. This can be particularly important for organizations with strict data security requirements or those operating in regulated industries.

Edge recording implementation considerations

Successful edge recording implementations require careful attention to system design, storage specifications, and ongoing maintenance considerations. While the technology offers numerous advantages, proper planning and component selection are crucial for achieving optimal performance and reliability. For example, the specifications for edge video recording storage go far beyond typical commercial SD cards.

"It's not just like going to Walmart and buying an SD card you would stick in a camera," says Vaughn. "You need Class 10 video-rated SD cards specifically designed for continuous recording. Some manufacturers have moved to only supporting their own certified SD cards, which allows them to monitor the health of the storage device, track read/write cycles and diagnose potential issues before they lead to failures."

Storage selection has become particularly significant. Many manufacturers now require their own certified SD cards to ensure reliability and support robust diagnostics. For example, some leading manufacturers expect their edge storage solutions to deliver a 12- to 13-year lifespan to match their cameras' five-year warranty period.

Network design also plays a crucial role in edge recording implementations. While the systems can operate with reduced bandwidth requirements compared to traditional centralized recording, proper network infrastructure is still essential for system management and video access. Integrators should carefully consider factors such as PoE requirements, network segmentation, and remote access needs when designing edge video recording solutions.

Integration and the future of edge recording

The future of edge recording looks increasingly integrated with other security technologies and operational systems. New solutions are emerging that bridge the gap between traditional security systems and edge-based video, creating more comprehensive and efficient security solutions.

Artificial intelligence and machine learning capabilities at the edge are expected to continue advancing, enabling more powerful analysis and automated response capabilities. This evolution will likely lead to increased integration between video security systems and other building systems, creating more intelligent and responsive security solutions.

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The industry is also seeing increased standardization of edge recording technologies, making it easier to integrate different manufacturers' products into cohesive solutions. This trend toward interoperability, combined with continued advances in processing power and storage technology, suggests that edge video recording will play an increasingly central role in future security system designs.

As network cameras continue to advance in processing power and storage capabilities, edge video recording is positioned to become even more integral to video security system design. Its combination of reliability, cost-effectiveness and feature set makes it an attractive option for applications ranging from small business installations to enterprise-scale deployments.