Knowledge Hub
Browse all glossary terms grouped by topic.
Access Control
10 terms-
Anti-Passback
A security feature that prevents a credential from being used twice to enter an area without an intervening exit.
-
Biometric Authentication
A security process that relies on the unique biological characteristics of an individual to verify identity.
-
Credential
An object or data point used to verify the identity of a person seeking access to a protected area.
-
Door Controller
The hardware 'brain' that makes the decision to grant or deny access based on data from the reader.
-
Electromagnetic Lock (Maglock)
A locking device that consists of an electromagnet and an armature plate, held together by magnetic force.
-
Fail-Safe vs Fail-Secure
Terms describing how a lock behaves during a power failure: Fail-Safe unlocks; Fail-Secure stays locked.
-
Multi-Factor Authentication
A security system that requires more than one method of authentication from independent categories of credentials.
-
Proximity Card
A contactless smart card used for access control that is read without being inserted into a reader device.
-
Request to Exit
A device that signals the access control system to unlock a door for someone exiting a secure area.
-
Wiegand Protocol
The industry-standard communication protocol used between a card reader and an access control panel.
CCTV
10 terms-
Bitrate
Bitrate is the amount of data processed per unit of time in a video stream, usually measured in Mbps.
-
Frame Rate
Frame Rate refers to the number of individual frames or images that are displayed per second in a video stream.
-
H.265 Compression
H.265 (HEVC) is a video compression standard that provides high-quality video at lower bitrates than its predecessor H.204.
-
Infrared Cut Filter
A mechanical shutter that blocks or delivers infrared light to provide true color reproduction during the day.
-
IP Camera
An Internet Protocol (IP) camera is a digital video camera that sends and receives data via a network or the Internet.
-
Network Video Recorder
An NVR is a specialized computer system that records video in a digital format to a disk drive from IP cameras.
-
ONVIF
ONVIF is a global industry forum that facilitates the development of a global standard for the interface of IP-based physical security products.
-
PTZ Camera
PTZ (Pan-Tilt-Zoom) cameras allow operators to remotely control the direction and zoom of the lens.
-
Video Management Software
VMS is the 'brain' of a surveillance system, used to manage, record, and view video feeds.
-
Wide Dynamic Range
WDR is a technology used in CCTV to handle scenes with high contrast between light and dark areas.
Equipment Leasing
10 terms-
Capex vs. Opex
Capital Expenditure (buying) vs. Operational Expenditure (leasing/running costs).
-
End of Term Options
The choices available to a lessee when a lease agreement concludes.
-
Fair Market Value
The price that an asset would sell for on the open market.
-
Finance Lease
A type of lease in which the finance company is typically the legal owner of the asset for the duration of the lease.
-
Lease Commencement Date
The date on which the lessee begins to have the right to use the underlying asset.
-
Master Lease Agreement
An overarching contract that controls the terms for multiple individual lease schedules.
-
Operating Lease
A contract that allows for the use of an asset but does not convey ownership rights of the asset.
-
Payment Frequency
The intervals at which lease payments are made, such as monthly, quarterly, or annually.
-
Residual Value
The estimated value of a fixed asset at the end of its lease term.
-
Soft Costs
Non-tangible costs associated with an equipment acquisition, such as installation, training, and maintenance.
Intruder Alarms
10 terms-
Alarm Zone
A specific area or circuit monitored by the alarm system, allowing for precise identification of an intrusion.
-
Central Monitoring Station
A facility staffed 24/7 that receives and responds to alarm signals from security systems.
-
Control Panel
The central processing unit of an intruder alarm system that monitors inputs and triggers outputs.
-
Dual-Tech Sensor
A motion detector that combines two different technologies, usually PIR and Microwave, to reduce false alarms.
-
End of Line Resistor
A resistor placed at the end of a sensor circuit to allow the control panel to monitor for tampering or wire cuts.
-
Glass Break Detector
An acoustic sensor designed to detect the specific frequency of breaking glass.
-
PIR Sensor
A sensor that detects motion by measuring changes in the infrared radiation (heat) emitted by objects.
-
Reed Switch
An electrical switch operated by an applied magnetic field, commonly used on doors and windows.
-
Shunt
The act of intentionally bypassing a specific zone or sensor in an alarm system.
-
Silent Alarm
An alarm signal sent to the monitoring station without activating an audible siren at the protected premises.
Smart Security
10 terms-
Cloud Storage
A model of computer data storage in which the digital data is stored in logical pools on remote servers.
-
End-to-End Encryption
A system of communication where only the communicating users can read the messages.
-
Geofencing
A location-based service that triggers an action when a mobile device enters or leaves a virtual boundary.
-
IFTTT
A web-based service that allows users to create chains of simple conditional statements (applets) for smart devices.
-
Internet of Things
The network of physical objects embedded with sensors and software for the purpose of connecting and exchanging data.
-
Push Notification
A message that pops up on a mobile device to alert the user of a security event.
-
Smart Hub
A central device that connects and controls all smart devices on a home automation network.
-
Smart Lock
An electromechanical lock which is designed to perform locking and unlocking operations when it receives instructions from an authorized device.
-
Z-Wave
A wireless communications protocol used primarily for smart home automation.
-
Zigbee
An open global standard for wireless technology designed to use low-power digital radio signals.
