International Journal of Science, Engineering and TechnologyAuthors: Owigho Benedicta, Edward O. Odesa, Omolegho A. Ibok, Jones U. Ekwemuka
Abstract: University computer-engineering laboratories contain high-value technology, but in resource-constrained settings, they are typically protected solely by locks, attendance registers, and manual supervision, none of which provide a continuous record of events. The design, analytical dimensioning, and field testing of an Electronic Laboratory Security Monitoring System (ELSMS) built from commercially available parts consisting of three 2-megapixel IP cameras, a Gigabit Ethernet switch, an 8-channel DVR with a 1 TB surveillance drive, Cat6 cabling, a regulated supply, and a 650 VA UPS are presented in this paper. The system is dimensioned using closed-form models for camera coverage, pixel-density-based identification range, storage retention, network load, and dependability. With the specified 1920-pixel sensors, identification-grade pixel density (250 px/m) is only achievable within 2.2-3.8 m of a camera (120°–90° field of vision); three cameras load less than 2% of a gigabit link; and 1 TB offers roughly 7.7 days of continuous recording at 4 Mbit/s per camera (15.4 days at 2 Mbit/s). 83 of the 86 structured tests were successful (96.5%; 95% Wilson CI 90.2-98.8%). Nine out of ten controlled occurrences were found, the recording and network tests each reported one failure in thirty tries, and the camera-coverage, video-quality, and playback tests all passed. The lag between display and recording was roughly two seconds. The findings demonstrate that evidence-grade picture detail, recording retention, and power autonomy rather than network capacity are the binding design limitations and validate the architecture's appropriateness for low-cost deployment. The models are reusable by other institutions.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.23209130
