Physical Security Convergence: When Security Systems Meet IT Infrastructure

Physical security is now an IT discipline. Access control systems, IP cameras, intrusion panels, intercoms, and visitor management all run on Ethernet networks. This convergence creates both opportunities and challenges for IT infrastructure teams.

## What Converged Security Looks Like

A modern converged security deployment includes:

## Network Requirements

### Bandwidth A 50-camera system with dual streams generates 400-1,000 Mbps of sustained traffic. Access control and intrusion systems add minimal bandwidth but require low-latency, reliable connectivity.

### Segmentation Security systems MUST be on isolated VLANs: - Camera VLAN — Isolated from corporate traffic, restricted to NVR communication - Access control VLAN — Restricted to controller-to-server communication - Management VLAN — For IT team access to security devices

### Power over Ethernet (PoE) Cameras and access control hardware are PoE-powered. Budget your switches: - Standard cameras: 15-25W each (802.3af/at) - PTZ cameras: 60-90W each (802.3bt) - Access control readers: 10-15W each - IP intercoms: 15-25W each

### Reliability Security systems require: - UPS on all network switches feeding security devices - Redundant uplinks to core switches - Battery backup on access control panels (maintain lock/unlock during network outage)

## IT and Security Team Collaboration

The biggest challenge is organizational — security teams select systems while IT teams manage the infrastructure. Best practices: 1. Include IT in security system selection (network requirements vary dramatically between vendors) 2. Document bandwidth, PoE, and VLAN requirements before procurement 3. Plan switch and cable capacity for security growth (cameras multiply over time) 4. Establish monitoring and alerting for security network health

Summit DNC bridges the gap between IT infrastructure and physical security — designing networks purpose-built for converged security deployments.