FAQs about Security

Q. When can I buy Vykon Security?

A. Tridium launched Vykon Security in Europe early in 2010, initially to a limited number of our partners. Additional partners have now been trained as and when they have projects where Vykon Security is the best solution rather than integrating with other access control solutions such as Hoenywell Prowatch.

Q. How does NiagaraAX intergate with other access control systems?

A. All access control systems currently use proprietary network protocols so a Niagara driver specific to each manufacturer's system is required to communicate with each system type. However, the management software for many access systems uses Microsoft SQL as the system database so the Niagara SQL driver can be used to achieve some integration. Some access control software also has OPC compatibility, and in these cases the Niagara OPC alarm & event driver can be used to achieve a good integration. The closest intergation so far has been achieved with Honeywell's Prowatch system using the oBIX protocol standard. Honeywell Security developed an oBIX client enabling two way integration. To date Tridium have chosen not to develop proprietary access control drivers but we are open to do so if the commercial case can be made.

Q. How does NiagaraAX integrate with Intruder alarm systems?

A. Most commercial intruder alarm systems have a serial port in the alarm panel. Tridium have a driver called Flex which can be customised to communicate with a rnage of simple serial protocols. This is a much quicker, and therefore cheaper process than creating a full driver, but the limitation is that the protocol must be of the command and response type. In addition, Tridium have developed a Honeywell Galaxy driver and a GE NX-E driver will be available soon. Others can be created as commercial demand requires.

Q. How is the application licensed?

A. The securityJACEs include software licenses for their maximum capacity.
Enterprise Security Supervisor is licensed by the total number of readers that the application is required to manage.  The base application is enabled for 16 readers and additional readers can be licensed in 16, 64, 256, 512 increments.

Q. Are there limits and or licenses required for workstations used with the system?

A. There is a license required at the Enterprise Security Supervisor to enable the security functionality which includes up to 16 readers.  There are license packs available to increase the total number of readers on the system.

Q. Can the application run on an existing AX Supervisor?

A. Yes, the Enterprise Security application is a service that can be installed on an existing AX Supervisor.  The AX Supervisor will need to be upgraded to the corresponding Enterprise Security build as well as be licensed to run the application.

Q. Does the Enterprise Security application require an external database?  If so, what are the requirements?

A. Enterprise Security Supervisor requires an external relational database which is not provided by Tridium.  The optional databases available today are MySQL and SQL Server, both of which have free versions available for download.

Q. Are there any training requirements to sell and install Enterprise Security?

A. Yes, Tridium requires security partners to be trained and certified on the application.  Please check the Tridium training schedule for the next available course.

Q. Do I need AX Workbench to configure the Enterprise Security application?

A. The Enterprise Security application is an appliance and is completely accessible through a standard web browser. However, the video subsystem requires Workbench to install the necessary drivers and configure the cameras.  Once this task is completed, the appliance may be utilised to configure alarms and events to trigger recording.

Q. What video systems are supported on the Enterprise Security platform?

A. The Enterprise Security software, whether running on a JACE or on a PC/server supports all Dedicated Micros products which support the NetVu connected protocol, Axis Communications cameras which support the VAPIX open API, MIlestone DVM, and IP cameras that support the ONVIF standard.

Q. Are there limits of to the number of cameras that can be on the system? Are additional licenses required other than those from the DVR manufacture?

A. The video devices are licensed by the total number of cameras allowed on a single security controller or at the central server.  The cameras can be physically connected to multiple DVR’s; however, the total number of cameras can not exceed the number licensed.

Q. Is there a limit on the number of controllers that can be connected? (How
many doors, inputs, outputs, access zones, intrusion zones, etc?)

A. Yes – there are limits depending upon the system architecture and specific controllers used.  Please refer to the Enterprise Security Datasheet and Enterprise Security Application Guide for specifics.  Below is a simplified
representation of system limits:

Q. Are these users shared between all controllers or does each controller have its own user list that is separate from the others on the network?

A. Each controller has an independent set of users which is managed at the controller locally.

Q. Does the system depend on a central server for daily operations, or can the controller operate independently without the network. What happens if the network goes down?

A. No, the system does not depend on a connection to a central server for daily operations.  If the network goes down, no cardholder information may be changed at the controller level.  In addition, historical data will not be available at the central server until the connection is restored.

Q. What is the wiring topology for the reader modules?  Are they on a straight line bus?  What is the max distance between modules?  How are the modules addressed?

A. The reader module is an RS-485 multi-device network. Standard “straight-line” RS-485 topology rules apply.  The maximum RS-485 total bus length is 1Km. Each module has a unique ID value defined in the module hardware. Addressing is managed automatically by the access network software.

Q. Are the outputs on the reader module dry, or can they provide strike voltage?

A. The outputs are Form C dry relay contacts rated at 24VAC/VDC up to 3A.

Q. How is the system powered? The controller operates on 15vdc, is there a range?

A. The security products are specified at 15VDC.  However, the operating power input range is 12-15VDC.

Q. What is the operational voltage for the reader modules?   

A. The security products are specified at 15VDC. However, the operating power input range is 12-15VDC. An input of 15VDC is required to charge optional 12V backup batteries.

Q. What type of reporting options are available for the alarms? 

A. Alarm Console: The user can monitor alarms real-time via the alarm console.
Alarm History: The user can request an alarm history report with filtering available for any column currently displayed. The displayed alarm history can be exported in either a .pdf or .csv format.