Cisco Meraki Tailgating Detection

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This feature is in early release and available only in the Cisco Meraki V2 integration. Please contact your account manager to join the program.

Kisi admins can set up Tailgating Detection with Cisco Meraki cameras to monitor and identify unauthorized entry attempts by detecting line-crossing incidents.

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This is a Kisi-built integration, maintained and supported by Kisi.

Camera Requirements

To implement tailgating detection, you will need a supported Cisco Meraki camera model. The recommended models for optimal results are:

• MV33
• MV93

Ensure that both the camera and the Kisi controller are properly connected to the network for seamless integration.

Positioning of the Camera

For fisheye cameras, mount the camera on the ceiling, directly above the area to be monitored, at a height of 2.5–4 meters. For dome cameras, install the camera at an angle that avoids occlusion and maximizes visibility of the monitored area. Leave 0.3–1.5 meters of space between the camera and the area of interest.

Avoiding Misdetections

To prevent false alarms and ensure optimal performance, consider the following:

• Field of view: Do not set the detection region or line too close to the edges of the camera’s field of view. Keeping the detection area within the central portion minimizes potential algorithm errors.
• Reflections: Be mindful of reflective surfaces such as mirrors or water puddles near the detection area. Reflections can cause the system to misinterpret images, leading to false detections.
• Bright light sources: Avoid positioning the camera where direct light sources or surface reflections can obscure or distort the images. Adjust the camera angle if necessary to reduce the impact of bright light.

Other Supported Cameras

In addition to the recommended models, other cameras that support line-crossing recognition can also be used for tailgating detection, as detailed in the table below (for more details, refer to: Cisco Meraki Documentation):

Camera Model(s)	Line Crossing	Area Occupancy	Advanced People Counter
Domes (MV13, 63)	✅	✅	❌
Fisheyes (MV33, 93)	✅	✅	✅ (Recommended)
Domes (MV12, 22/X, 72/X)	✅	✅	❌
Bullets (MV52)	✅	✅	❌
Flex (MV2)	✅	✅	❌
Fisheyes (MV32)	✅	✅	❌
Domes (MV21, MV71)	❌	❌	❌

The proper installation and configuration of your Cisco Meraki camera are crucial for effective tailgating detection. Requirements may vary depending on the camera model. For these cameras, please follow the guidelines recommended in the Cisco Meraki Documentation.

Setting Up Line-Crossing Detection

To ensure that the Kisi API can successfully query line-crossing detections, you need to set up line-crossing detection on your Cisco Meraki camera.

1. Log into the Cisco Meraki Dashboard.
2. Navigate to the Cameras tab and select the desired camera.
3. Open the Analytics tab and click Create Line.
4. Configure the line's position, direction of ingress/egress, and any additional detection parameters.
5. Add a line name that includes kisi, for example: Tailgating detection - kisi
6. Save the configuration.
7. If you need to adjust the line, click Edit button, update the configuration, and then click Save.

Line-Crossing Verification

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The installation requirements for line-crossing detection may vary depending on the camera model. Before configuring the Cisco Meraki integration and tailgating alerts, please ensure that the camera accurately detects line crossings.

To verify that the camera tracks line crossings correctly:

1. Navigate to the Analytics tab for the specific camera in the Cisco Meraki dashboard.
2. Review the line-crossing statistics displayed on the chart.
3. Verify that the camera is accurately detecting crossings and that the count matches the actual number of people entering.
4. If no line-crossing events are detected, adjust the line's position or direction as needed.
5. Consider repositioning the camera according to the guidelines in the Cisco Meraki Documentation or contact Cisco Meraki support for assistance.

Adding Cisco Meraki Integration

Follow these steps to set up the Cisco Meraki integration with Kisi.

Retrieve Your Cisco Meraki API Key

1. Log in to the Cisco Meraki dashboard.
2. Go to My Profile (via the avatar icon).
3. Generate an API key. This key will inherit the permissions of the admin account.

For detailed instructions, refer to: Cisco Meraki API Documentation.

Set Up Integration in Kisi

1. Log into the Kisi web app.
2. Navigate to Integrations (under the cogwheel icon).
3. Select Add Integration and choose Cisco Meraki V2.
4. Enter a name for the integration and paste your API key.
5. On the integration page, select Add Camera.
6. Choose the camera and configure settings such as snapshot intervals and tailgating detection.

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The line configured for the selected camera must include kisi in the name. Otherwise, enabling the tailgating feature will not be possible.

Setting Up an Incident Policy

With the tailgating detection system installed, the final step is to configure the Incident Policy to effectively monitor and respond to incidents.

Configuring the incident policy

1. Navigate to the Incident Policies section in the Kisi dashboard.
2. Select Add Incident Policy.
3. Choose Tailgating as the incident type.
4. Set the severity level and assign users or groups to receive notifications.
5. Save the policy.

Once the Incident Policy is set up, you will receive notifications whenever a tailgating incident occurs, complete with detailed event information and attached camera snapshots.

Incident occurrences for the same subject are grouped into a single, continuous incident. If an open incident already exists for the same subject, no new incident will be created. Instead, the existing record will be updated to indicate an additional occurrence of the issue.

Note: Administrators will not receive new notifications until the ongoing incident is closed. To trigger notifications for subsequent occurrences, close the current incident first.

Notes and Limitations

• Snapshots may take 1–3 minutes to process due to dependency on Cisco Meraki's upload process.
• Tailgating detection requires properly configured line-crossing detection on the camera.
• Bright or reflective environments can affect detection accuracy.

Conclusion

Your Cisco Meraki Tailgating Detection system is now fully configured and operational. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you have integrated your Cisco Meraki camera with Kisi and set up the necessary triggers and policies to monitor for tailgating incidents effectively. If you encounter any issues or have questions during the setup process, please consult the Kisi support resources or the Cisco Meraki's documentation for additional assistance.