Vivotek FD7141 IP Camera

What is an IP Camera?


IP Camera Basics

IP Cameras are an integral part of the newest generation of security and surveillance equipment. They are also referred to as network cameras and internet cameras. While in the past surveillance cameras ran on an analog CCTV (Closed Circuit Television) system, an IP camera provides digital imaging and built in networking hardware to provide easy remote and on site use.

At the base of it, an IP camera works just as any normal security camera does. It takes streaming video (and depending on the camera, audio as well), allowing you to keep watch over your home or place of business. The major difference between an IP camera and a CCTV camera is how it delivers the video.

The IP in IP camera stands for Internet Protocol (Just like in an IP address). It is called an IP camera because video taken by the camera is digitized, compressed and then routed through an IP network. It is similar in some ways to a webcam, but it is much more than that. For a webcam to be operational over a network it must be plugged into a computer with Internet access. IP cameras have built in web servers that allow for direct network access from the camera.

Benefits of an IP Camera

An IP camera is an improvement over traditional CCTV cameras in a number of ways. The first of these is their network access capabilities: most of these cameras come with built in browser software that allows for remote access and control of the camera. As long as you can access the camera network, no matter where in the world you are, you can access live feeds as well as control settings. Some IP cameras can even be controlled through network accessible cell phones and PDAs.

Because an IP camera sends a digitized signal it allows for easy saving and storage. No more bulky tapes sitting around: all your video is stored neatly on a computer over the network. Search functions also allow for fast and easy retrieval of stored video data from your security IP cameras. In addition, some IP cameras also include analog ports, meaning you can receive both analog and digital video feeds to get the best of both worlds. Even for cameras without this built-in capability, there are many network tools which can be used to send out an analog feed as well as the basic digital feed.

Other features commonly found with IP cameras include advanced motion sensor controls, extreme low-light functionality, the ability to take still pictures and much more. IP cameras also vary in size. However, as miniaturization in technology increases, new IP cameras are getting smaller and smaller. This makes them easier to handle and more discreet in meeting your video surveillance needs.

Conclusion

An IP camera is a powerful device, sending digital video signals directly through an Internet network allowing for quick and simple remote access, digital storage and much more. It is the next generation of video surveillance, past the traditional CCTV systems.

Additional IP Security Experts Articles

Network Camera Video Surveillance for Fast Food Restaurants
Network Camera Video Surveillance for Towns and Cities
IP Camera Surveillance for Vacation Homes
What is a Video Server?
Keep Safe with IP Cameras
Benefits of Video Analytics
What are Video Analytics?
What is a Network Camera?
What is an Internet Camera?
What is an IP Camera?
Benefits of a Wireless IP Camera