Deep Dive into integration challenges of ONVIF-compliant GigE cameras and how ONVIF enhances interoperability

GigE cameras have become crucial in applications such as Intelligent Traffic Systems (ITS), industrial automation, surveillance, and sports broadcasting. These scenarios often involve environments that are either too heavy for manual monitoring or physically challenging for human presence, making automation through IP cameras a necessity.

To meet these demands, GigE cameras leverage standard Ethernet interfaces, allowing multiple devices to be connected and managed via an IP network. When combined with ONVIF – a universal communication protocol and CloVis Central, e-con Systems’ remote smart device management platform, it empowers users to monitor and manage camera systems remotely with enhanced efficiency and control. These cameras facilitate secure internet communication across platforms from various manufacturers, eliminating the need for on-site presence and security concerns.

Before diving deeper into ONVIF and its role in enhancing interoperability, let’s first take a closer look at what defines a GigE camera.

Understanding GigE Camera: An Overview

A GigE (Gigabit Ethernet) camera enables high-speed data transmission between multiple devices, with speeds of up to 1 Gbps or 10 Gbps over a standard Ethernet network. It is designed to deliver high-resolution images, even in low-light conditions, and supports long cable lengths up to 100 meters.

They typically use a standard Power over Ethernet (PoE) interface, compliant with IEEE 802.3af, which allows for both power and data transmission through a single Ethernet cable, simplifying installation and reducing cabling complexity.

With their direct network connectivity, multiple GigE cameras can be easily integrated into a single host. They also support synchronization using Precision Time Protocol (PTP), to synchronize across multiple cameras for frame-accurate timing.

What is an ONVIF-compliant GigE camera, & How it works?

An ONVIF-compliant GigE camera is a Gigabit Ethernet camera that complies with the ONVIF standard— a global standard that promotes interoperability between IP-based devices, such as cameras and NVRs, regardless of the device manufacturer.

Simply put, if you deploy an e-con Systems’ RouteCAM_CU86 (4K Sony IMX678 GigE Camera) today, you can easily integrate it with ONVIF-compliant NVRs or cameras from other brands tomorrow—no custom drivers or vendor lock-in required.

The camera can transmit video streams to a centralized NVR located elsewhere, which then distributes the video feed to monitors. The NVR integrates with Cloud storage. The data stored in cloud storage can be accessed anytime.

e-con Systems’ ONVIF-supported GigE Cameras are compatible with the new NVIDIA Thor modules, which support Ethernet speeds of up to 5Gb/s via RJ45 connectors and up to 100Gb/s (4x 25GbE) via QSFP28 ports.

What are the Integration Challenges of GigE Cameras with ONVIF, & How to overcome them?

Despite ONVIF’s benefits, let’s see what technical challenges occur when integrating ONVIF with GigE cameras.

1. Compatibility Between ONVIF Profiles

   ONVIF defines various profiles (e.g., Profile S for streaming, Profile T for (advanced) H.265, Profile G for recording. But which profiles are most compatible with GigE ONVIF cameras?  It’s important to know that if a camera supports only Profile S, how will it interact with an NVR that expects Profile T or G? This mismatch can lead to compatibility issues.

   At e-con Systems, our ONVIF-compliant RouteCAM_CU86 GigE camera supports both S and T Profiles, enabling easy integration with NVRs and offering standard and advanced streaming features, including H.265 compression.

   Additionally, CloVis Central™, a secure cloud-based platform with integrated cybersecurity, supports remote camera management in RouteCAM_CU86.

2. Vendor SDK fragmentation

   Each manufacturer’s SDK may have different APIs, functions, and documentation. Instead of building custom integrations for each vendor’s proprietary interface, Onvif SDKs are readily available, saving application integration time.

3. Security Configuration Mismatches

   Many GigE cameras may not support advanced ONVIF security models, resulting in integration failures in secure environments. Our new RouteCAM_CU86 ONVIF camera comes with advanced features–proper Digest authentication, WS username token authentication, TLS/SSL encryption, and user roles enable successful integration.

4. Configuration Complexity 

   Tasks like IP address assignment, updating firmware, and troubleshooting for different cameras from different vendors can be challenging and time-consuming.

   ONVIF-compliant GigE cameras use Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP), enabling automatic discovery and remote configuration features, which reduces the manpower.

5. Interoperability in Diverse Ecosystems

   System integrators often face an “unmanageable” mix of suppliers whose products need to communicate and operate smoothly together. Each proprietary interface or SDK can complicate integration and escalate long-term support costs.

   By adhering to ONVIF standards, cameras and devices from different device vendors can communicate using a common protocol.

How ONVIF Enhances Interoperability 

1. Standardized Communication Protocols

   ONVIF defines common protocols for features like video streaming, device discovery, configuration, control, and event handling. This common “language” permits interconnection and seamless operation between devices from different vendors, eliminating vendor lock-in and proprietary silos.

2. SOAP-Based Web Services

   ONVIF compliant GigE cameras use web services based on the SOAP (Simple Object Access Protocol)  – an XML-based protocol, which enables communication between applications running on different OS.

3. Simplified Integration and Expansion

   ONVIF-compliant other brand electronics can be easily added, replaced, or upgraded without major reconfiguration, with the help of the ONVIF protocol.

4. Better Lifecycle Management 

   The documented process of Device discovery, firmware updates, configuration, and event management among the connected devices will be the same, as the open standards ONVIF lower the barrier for both initial deployment and ongoing maintenance, which saves time and reduces errors.

5. Enhanced Security & Access Control

   ONVIF supports security features like user authentication, role-based access, and TLS encryption, when accessing IP surveillance systems remotely.

6. Scalability

   With ONVIF, adding more devices is simple and doesn’t require changing your current infrastructure, making it an affordable option. These capabilities of ONVIF-compliant GigE cameras are well-suited for a wide range of demanding applications, including:

   • Intelligent Traffic Systems (ITS)
   • Industrial robots
   • Surveillance and security
   • Sports broadcasting
   • Industrial automation
   • Smart retail systems
   •  Patient monitoring systems

e-con Systems Offers ONVIF-compliant GigE cameras

Since 2003, e-con Systems has been designing, manufacturing, and developing OEM cameras for embedded vision applications. Our expertise extends to a growing lineup of ONVIF-compliant GigE cameras, designed for seamless integration, remote access, and secure IP-based vision systems.

Our GigE cameras features:

• ONVIF compliance
• IP67 Enclosure
• High-resolution sensors
• Flexible integration capabilities
• Remote camera management

Explore our camera portfolio or contact us at camerasolutions@e-consystems.com. for expert integration support.

FAQs

1. Can ONVIF-compliant GigE cameras be used with existing NVRs or VMS systemsork with existing NVRs or VMS?
   Yes. As long as the NVR or Video Management Software (VMS) supports the same ONVIF profile(s), integration is straightforward and requires minimal configuration.
2. How secure are ONVIF-compliant GigE cameras?
   ONVIF has introduced strong security measures such as TLS encryption and certificate-based authentication in Profile T, ensuring data integrity and protection against unauthorized access.
3. How do ONVIF-compliant GigE cameras support scalability?
   They allow easy expansion of camera systems without worrying about brand compatibility. You can add new ONVIF cameras or NVRs to an existing setup, ensuring smooth system growth.
4. Are GigE cameras suitable for real-time applications like robotics?
   Yes. Their low latency and high data throughput, combined with ONVIF interoperability, make them suitable for robotics, automation, and machine vision tasks where precision and speed are critical.