IP Network Camera

IP Network Camera Overview

IP Cameras, also known as a network camera, Internet camera, or IP network camera, are cameras that allow you to watch and record live video over a local network or over the Internet. IP cameras are used frequently as video surveillance cameras with most manufacturers designing product offerings geared directly toward the video surveillance market. IP network surveillance cameras have become very popular over the years because of the many benefits they hold over traditional security cameras systems also referred to as CCTV (Closed Circuit Television) cameras or analog cameras.

IP cameras differ from analog cameras by sending a digital video signal directly from the camera source and not by way of a video encoder (video server) or DVR (Digital Video Recorder). Other benefits over CCTV cameras include better image quality capabilities with megapixel technology, simplified remote access directly to the camera or through surveillance software as well as PoE (Power over Ethernet) support capabilities helping to ease installation and reduce installation costs by eliminating the need for a separate power line. IP cameras may also include or may be used in conjunction with video analytic software for POS applications, license plate recognition, facial recognition, object tracking or camera tampering.

Be sure to review the technical specifications of any IP camera you intend to purchase to ensure that the camera includes all of the desired functions and capabilities required for your application.