Here’s a glossary of Surveillance & Security terms and abbreviations, covering CCTV, access control, alarms, sensors, network security, and related consumer and commercial systems. This is designed as a master reference for anyone working in or buying security systems.
🛡️ SURVEILLANCE & SECURITY GLOSSARY
A
Access Control – Systems regulating entry to buildings or areas.
Access Point – Entry point secured by electronic locks or authentication.
Alarm Panel – Central controller of a security alarm system.
Alarm Sensor – Device detecting intrusion, fire, or environmental hazards.
Analog Camera – CCTV camera sending analog video signals over coaxial cable.
Anti-Passback – Access control rule preventing repeated entry without exit.
API (Application Programming Interface) – Software interface for integrating systems.
Arming / Disarming – Activating or deactivating an alarm system.
Authentication – Verifying identity (password, PIN, card, biometric).
Auto-Dialer – Device that automatically calls preset numbers during an alarm.
B
Backup Battery – Power supply for security systems during outages.
Biometric Access – Authentication using fingerprints, iris, or face recognition.
BNC Connector – Standard connector for analog CCTV cameras.
Break Glass – Emergency door release mechanism.
Buffer – Temporary storage for video footage before writing to disk.
C
CCTV (Closed-Circuit Television) – Video surveillance system.
Camera Resolution – Pixel count of a camera (e.g., 2MP, 4K).
Card Reader – Device reading access cards for entry.
CO (Carbon Monoxide) Sensor – Detects toxic gas presence.
Cloud Storage – Storing surveillance video on remote servers.
Code Lock / Keypad – Entry controlled by numeric code.
Controller – Device managing multiple security components.
Cybersecurity – Protection of networked security systems from hacking.
D
DVR (Digital Video Recorder) – Records CCTV footage digitally.
Door Contact – Switch detecting door open/closed status.
Double Authentication – Two-step verification (PIN + card/fingerprint).
Drone Surveillance – Aerial monitoring using UAVs.
E
Edge Storage – Video stored locally on camera or nearby device.
Ethernet – Wired networking standard for IP cameras.
Exclusion Zone – Area ignored by detection systems (motion sensors or cameras).
Event Logging – Recording system events (alarms, access attempts).
EVS (Electronic Video Surveillance) – Digital monitoring system.
F
Fail-Safe Lock – Unlocks when power is lost.
Fail-Secure Lock – Remains locked when power is lost.
False Alarm – Alarm triggered without actual threat.
Face Recognition – Identifying a person by facial features.
Firewall – Network security barrier protecting IP cameras and control systems.
G
GSM / 4G / 5G Modules – Cellular connectivity for alarms or cameras.
Guard Tour – Patrol monitoring system for security personnel.
H
HD-CVI / HD-TVI / AHD – High-definition analog CCTV video standards.
H.264 / H.265 – Video compression standards for DVR/NVR.
Heat Sensor – Detects temperature changes, used in fire detection or intruder sensing.
Host Device – NVR/DVR or access control server managing the system.
I
IP Camera – Digital camera transmitting video over IP network.
Intrusion Detection System (IDS) – Monitors for unauthorized entry.
IR (Infrared) Camera – Camera using infrared light for night vision.
IR LED – Infrared light source for night surveillance.
Intercom System – Audio/video communication for building access.
K
Key Fob – Portable access device using RFID or proximity technology.
Keypad Lock – Door lock operated by PIN codes.
L
LAN (Local Area Network) – Network connecting IP cameras, servers, and access devices.
License Plate Recognition (LPR/ANPR) – Camera-based vehicle identification system.
Log Retention – Duration security system logs are stored.
Looping / Overwriting – Old video automatically replaced with new footage on DVR/NVR.
M
Magnetic Lock (Maglock) – Electromagnetic door locking system.
Motion Detection – Sensor detecting movement in an area.
Multi-Sensor Detector – Combines motion, smoke, and heat sensing.
MPEG / MJPEG – Video compression formats.
Mute Alarm – Temporarily silences audible alerts.
N
NVR (Network Video Recorder) – Records and manages IP camera video.
Network Video Streaming – Transmission of video over IP networks.
Noise Reduction – Reduces video image grain or audio background noise.
NVR PoE Switch – Power over Ethernet switch supporting IP cameras.
O
ONVIF – Open standard for IP security cameras interoperability.
Occupancy Sensor – Detects presence of people in a space.
Outdoor-rated Camera – Weatherproof camera for external use.
P
Pan-Tilt-Zoom (PTZ) Camera – Camera that can rotate and zoom remotely.
Perimeter Security – Protecting property boundaries with sensors/cameras.
PIR Sensor (Passive Infrared) – Detects motion using heat changes.
PoE (Power over Ethernet) – Supplies power to IP cameras over network cable.
Push Notification – Mobile alert for alarms or events.
R
Reed Switch – Magnetic switch used on doors/windows.
Remote Monitoring – Accessing live or recorded footage offsite.
RFID (Radio-Frequency Identification) – Wireless access credential technology.
Resolution (Video) – Pixel dimensions (e.g., 1080p, 4K).
Retention Period – Time recorded video is kept before deletion.
S
SIP (Session Initiation Protocol) – Used for IP intercom systems.
Smoke Detector – Detects presence of smoke/fire.
Smart Lock – Electronically controlled lock operable via app or code.
Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) Security – Cloud-managed security systems.
Speed Dome Camera – PTZ camera designed for wide area coverage.
Storage Server – Central device storing video or event logs.
Surveillance System – Complete set of cameras, recording, and monitoring equipment.
Switch (Network) – Connects multiple IP devices on LAN.
Sensor Tamper Alert – Notification of device being physically tampered with.
T
Tamper-Proof Housing – Enclosure preventing unauthorized access to cameras or sensors.
Thermal Camera – Detects heat signatures for security or monitoring.
Time-Lapse Recording – Capturing frames at intervals to condense footage.
Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) – Dual verification for system access.
U
UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) – Provides backup power to surveillance systems.
Unauthorized Access – Entry attempt without permission.
User Credential – Identifier used to log into access control system.
V
Vandal-Proof Camera – Robust camera resistant to damage or tampering.
VCA (Video Content Analysis) – Intelligent analytics detecting motion, objects, or behaviors.
Video Analytics – Software detecting patterns, objects, or motion in video.
Video Wall – Multiple monitors forming a large display.
Virtual Guard – Remote monitoring service.
W
WDR (Wide Dynamic Range) – Camera feature improving visibility in contrasting light.
Wireless Camera – Camera transmitting video without cables.
Warning Signage – Signs indicating monitored premises.
Waterproof / IP Rating – Protection against dust/water (e.g., IP66).
Z
Zone – Defined area for alarm monitoring or access control.
Zone Partition – Segmentation of security system areas for control.
Published 17th Feb 2026