What is an IP Network Camera?

December 7th, 2023

An IP Network Camera is a video camera that uses all digital video technology, and can be followed over the Internet. IP network cameras let you know what is going on in your , home or business. You can even use "smart camera" options such as motion detection. IP Network cameras allow users to monitor and secure their homes and offices in , from anywhere. Network cameras can feature an automatic router configuration and web address (URL) setup for easy remote viewing over the web.

If there is no wiring, installation is cheaper for a IP Network system than one with coaxial wiring. In addition, wireless networking can be used where cable is unpractical. IP Surveillance technology provides an open, easily integrated platform. A single network connects and manages data, video, voice, etc., making management more effective and cost efficient. Any video stream, live or recorded, can be accessed and controlled from any location in the world over wired or wireless networks. IP Network cameras can stream high-quality live video at up to 30 frames per second. Users can playback video, record directly to their hard drive, and trigger automatic recording via motion detection. They can monitor and record events in the workplace and remotely watch their business in , from LAN, WAN or Internet.

The last stage to complete CCTV digitization is the link from the cameras to the Digital Video Recorder (DVR). For many of today's Closed Cable (CCTV) systems, the last use of analogue technology is the co-axial cable. Network cameras have made the link from the camera to the recorder digitalized, using standard computer networks. Digital imaging combined with networking enables a whole new range of system-level functionality and cost-efficiency. With a DVR, the processes of digitization and compression occur in the recorder unit. But with IP Network cameras, the camera is digital, and includes "smart" functions like motion detection and others that are managed by software. IP Surveillance doesn't lose functionality; it moves it from the DVR to the camera

IP-based data is easily moved to off-site storage and lets you use redundant infrastructure. By using standard server and network equipment, replacement time if any should go down considerably. Management software provides real-time system operation status and information. IP Surveillance promises to continue to deliver a host of attractive, future end user benefits: Increased intelligence located at the camera level, includes Video Motion Detection (VMD), license plate recognition, event triggers, object tracking, etc. You get more resolution, and a higher resolution than the limits of the analogue NTSC and PAL formats. Up to 5 Mpixel. Mega-pixel Cameras are available though most outlets. You can get power via Ethernet – eliminating the need to have power outlets at the camera locations and enabling easier application of uninterrupted power supplies to ensure operation 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Through the use of wireless transmission of video using cost-efficient standard technologies such as IEEE 802.11b, videos can be transmitted to PDAs, Tablet PCs, and cellular phones with encryption, watermarking and connection authentication at camera level. They offer a considerably more secure operation than with any analog camera.