Breadth of vision [CCTV system]

The article describes the major networking challenges posed in designing a CCTV system for the Tyne and Wear Metro. 550 high-quality analogue cameras are located in and around 58 Metro stations. Operators can use touchscreens to select stations and individual cameras. The Metro system passes through five different local authority areas within the Tyne and Wear region, and each local authority wanted a control room that could monitor and control cameras within its area. In addition, there is a central control room for the Metro, giving a total of six control centres on the digital network. A crucial aspect of the design remit was for any single control room to be able to take full control of the entire system, accessing every camera on the network if necessary - for example in the event of a major catastrophe or police investigation.