Vivotek FD7141 IP Camera

What is a Network Camera?


Network Camera Basics

A network camera is a special surveillance camera with a built in web server to send video feeds over a network. This network can be either local (such as within your home or office) or be connected over the Internet for remote web access. A network camera can also be referred to as an IP camera or, less frequently, an internet camera.

Network cameras allow for video feeds over an IP network (which is why they are sometimes called IP cameras) similar to a webcam. There is a major difference here, though: a webcam must be connected directly to a computer with internet access in order to have network capability. For a network camera, the server is built directly into the camera so that it can connect directly to the network. This allows for great flexibility of placement for the camera while still offering network and even remote network access.

Unlike traditional CCTV (Closed Circuit Television) video surveillance systems, which have been the norm until only recently, a network camera sends its video signal in a digitalized, compressed format. This is how it is able to transmit images directly over the network, and also allows for simple and compact digital storage of video information.

Benefits of Network Cameras

Part of the power of a network camera is remote access. By sending video signals via the Internet, you can access your surveillance feeds from anywhere you have web access. If you have a web accessible cell phone or PDA you can access your streaming video feeds right from the palm of your hand!

In terms of size, network cameras vary. With miniaturization technology always progressing, however, network cameras are getting smaller and smaller. This makes them much easier to move and place, as well as making them more discreet in fulfilling your video surveillance needs.

Various network cameras will also have different features. Some pretty common ones include still photo functions, alert functions (to let you know if there is movement or something of the sort), even object recognition (to recognize if an object is moved or goes missing). Some people are also looking for a network camera which has analog capabilities, and some cameras do have special analog ports. This means you can send an analog signal to your TV alongside the digital signal being sent to the network.

It is also possible to convert traditional analog CCTV cameras into de facto network cameras through the use of a video server. This is an external web server (unlike the internal web servers built into network cameras) that allows analog video feed input. These analog video feeds are then converted by the video server into digital signals for network transmission.

Conclusion

Network cameras are excellent video surveillance tools, utilizing small, powerful video cameras with direct network feeds for the ultimate in remote access and control. They make up a vital part of any networked video security system.

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