Theft, damage or intrusion: criminal activity represents a constant risk to the profitability and reputation of hotels, residences or businesses. To effectively protect your assets (staff and customers), you need to transform your establishment into a high-performance surveillance zone.
Today, the choice of a managed CCTV solution emphasises the convergence of security and simplicity. This model, which has applications in a variety of sectors, delegates technical complexity while guaranteeing total reliability and compliance.
Here are the keys to understanding how it works, the regulatory issues involved and the benefits of modern video surveillance.
CCTV stands for Closed Circuit Television. Unlike conventional television, which broadcasts signals to the public, CCTV is a system in which images are transmitted privately to a limited number of monitors or recorders.
Originally, these systems were based on the use of an isolated analog camera connected by cable. Today, the technology has undergone a profound transformation to become what is known as IP video surveillance. This evolution enables images to be transmitted via the local network, whether it's a wired installation or a secure wireless network.
A CCTV solution consists of installing cameras at strategic points on a site, recording the images captured and enabling live or recorded viewing. In concrete terms, a modern CCTV system is based on three main components:
The whole system is connected to the local network and the Internet, to guarantee secure remote access to video streams, even when on the move.
Simply put, it's the physical hardware responsible for capturing images and transmitting them to the security system for recording and viewing.
There's no single camera that's right for every situation. The choice depends on the area to be monitored, the level of discretion required and technical constraints. Here's an overview of the different types of camera available.
Discreet and robust, dome cameras are widely used in interior spaces and public areas such as lobbies, corridors and shops. Their compact design limits vandalism and makes it difficult to distinguish the orientation of the lens. These are indoor security cameras where discretion and aesthetic integration are essential.
Easily recognised by their elongated shape, bullet cameras are mainly installed outdoors. Their high visibility gives them a natural deterrent effect, making them the preferred choice for perimeter surveillance. They are commonly used to secure building perimeters, parking lots, vehicle entrances and logistics areas.
Turret cameras are a compromise between dome and bullet cameras. They can be easily oriented during installation, while remaining relatively unobtrusive. Their design limits infrared reflections, particularly in low-light conditions, improving image quality and night vision. They are suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, in environments such as lobbies, schools, shops or technical areas.
Fisheye cameras use a very wide-angle ("fish-eye") lens to cover up to 180° or 360°. The captured image is deliberately distorted, and must be corrected by the video management software to become usable. They are ideal for large open spaces such as lobbies, open spaces or commercial areas, where a global view is required.
Motorised and capable of pivoting, tilting and zooming, PTZ cameras enable active, targeted surveillance. They are used in environments requiring real-time monitoring, such as extensive industrial sites, large parking lots or certain public spaces. More expensive and more complex to operate, they are ideal for specific applications.
360-degree cameras offer complete coverage of an area, with no blind spots. This is a functional use rather than a specific technology: coverage can be provided by a fisheye camera or by multi-sensor models. They are generally installed on ceilings or high up in high-traffic, open spaces, and provide simple, effective panoramic surveillance.
Modern video surveillance no longer simply records images, it becomes a genuine decision-making tool, thanks to VMS (Video Management System) and Artificial Intelligence.
A managed solution gives you access to advanced functionalities:
Your teams don't need to be IT experts. The interface is intuitive, accessible via a simple web portal or mobile application, for live consultation or incident searches in just a few clicks.
Across Europe, the use of a CCTV system is strictly regulated, defined by GDPR. Among the main rules to follow:
Tools such as zone blurring make it possible to comply with these obligations, but responsibility for proper use remains shared between the solution provider and the customer.
The main drawback of analog video surveillance systems is their isolation. Often installed by service providers other than those managing your network infrastructure, they create technical conflicts: cameras slowing down customers' WiFi, instability of video streams or IT security flaws.
At Wifirst, we believe that your video surveillance system should be operated as an extension of your network infrastructure.
By integrating CCTV directly into your local area network (LAN), we guarantee :
Installing cameras involves heavy legal and administrative responsibilities. Between the RGPD and prefectoral regulations, many managers feel at a loss.
This is where the notion of managed service comes into its own. Entrusting your security to Wifirst means total peace of mind on three crucial points:
We guarantee data confidentiality and traceability. Encryption of data flows, strict management of access rights and automatic purging of records: everything is set up to comply with the law from day one.
This is often the most dreaded stage: the declaration to the prefecture. Wifirst manages all the administrative and regulatory procedures for you. We make sure that your system is properly registered and complies with the constraints specific to your sector.
Unlike a conventional installer who only intervenes in the event of a reported breakdown, we supervise your fleet of cameras in real time via the Wifirst Center. If a camera goes offline, our teams know immediately.
At Wifirst, video surveillance is conceived as a global service, from site audit to operation of the solution.
Wifirst teams support customers in :
Our solutions are based on proven technologies, and integrate natively with the Wifirst network to guarantee reliability, performance and compliance.
Discover our managed video surveillance solution here!
To guarantee uncompromising reliability, Wifirst relies on technologies from Hikvision, the world leader in the video surveillance market.
This partnership enables us to offer state-of-the-art equipment, from high-definition IP cameras to the latest-generation recorders.
By combining the robustness of Hikvision equipment with our network engineering expertise, we ensure seamless integration of video streams into your infrastructure, guaranteeing end-to-end data security.
Modern video surveillance is much more than just a security tool: it's a performance driver for your business. By choosing a managed solution integrated into your network, you win on all fronts: flawless technical reliability, legal compliance and day-to-day operational peace of mind .
A successful CCTV project always starts with a precise analysis of your needs and field configuration.
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