Pros and Cons of an Edge-based System

What is an Edge-based System

Edge devices are IP enabled and live at the endpoint. BluBØX kits put less expensive, replaceable devices at the endpoints.

Pros for Edge:

• Wiring becomes PoE to the door.  Simpler.  Easier to subcontract.  
  • harder to make mistakes
  • each run can be certified by the subcontractor
     
• This can mean switch gear, Cat6 cable move to the IT budget if riding on their network 
  • potential cost savings to the security budget
  • If pulling a separate network, then Security people can control it

• If all doors use same part
  • easier to train on
  • one replacement part to stock
  • door standardization  
     
• Full database at every door does improve some degraded mode capability for certain failures.  

Cons for Edge:

• If riding on PoE and the common network
  • potential hassle/problem of having IT involved makes things more complicated
  • never run video this way
  • if network brought down on purpose for scheduled, what is our degraded mode??  
     
• PoE switches run 16/24/32 ports each.  Power supply failure here brings down a lot of doors.
  • current limitations mean only basic internal doors can be driven PoE.  
  • no high-current locks, door actuators, etc. 
     
• More dangerous to run on a common internal network
   
• Almost no wire cost savings 
  • labor is almost same to pull one Cat6 vs. multiple cables 
  • removes a lot of options, cannot transmit much current
     
• Door hardware is more expensive
  • EP1501 is way more expensive than a single door I/O module   
  • cannot leverage kits
     
• Door hardware above door is harder to troubleshoot
  • ladder blocks door when being looked at, effects workspace
  • always working above your head 
     
• More network traffic
  • (not a strong point)
    • 8 door kit, the intelligent contorller pre-processes all local traffic, only EP1502 talks to host
    • all 8 intelligent controllers would comm to host to achieve the same result
       
• If mounting location not standard, technicians have to go looking for controllers
   
• Troubleshooting is harder since the controllers are dispersed in the facility
  • open a kit’s door, all electronics there
    • can read lights
    • can troubleshoot
    • easier to test
  • running around a building with a ladder is 
    • slower more upsetting to customer’s people
    • have to block movement of people to troubleshoot
    • possibly need second “helper"

The market has not adopted Edge devices in any meaningful way for real security systems.  There has however been some success when driving factors are convenience (over security) and perceived price.  If IT is the decision maker then Edge might make more sense to them.