‘IP Cameras’ are basically digital video cameras that are designed to run on a data network using internet Protocols. They are designed primarily as a networking peripheral device with a video capability and therefore, they are often referred to as Network Cameras. The actual term IP Camera is normally reserved for a camera whose main role is that of surveillance. That is not the same as a webcam that uses internet to allow two or more parties to interact with one another.

The Main Difference Between IP Cameras And Web Cameras

There is another fundamental difference between security IP cameras and webcams. A webcam generally needs a host device like a computer. The web camera is connected to the host computer with a USB cable or some other cable, which then connects to a network. Software will generally need to be installed on the host computer in order for the web camera to be functional. On the other hand, the IP camera will have a built-in web server and is capable of being controlled remotely over the network via sophisticated control protocols.

Crucial Functions Of IP Cameras

security cameras have the normal video camera components for instance a camera lens and some form of image sensor. They are normally built in a way that allows them to provide processing and compressing of images in addition to analysis and storage features. The onboard memory is reserved for storing the operating system as in the standard computer that has network features. The networking features can either be via a wired ethernet connection using standard twisted pair cable, or a wireless connection. The latest IP cameras have both options of wireless and wired connection, which offers the use flexibility of deployment. The camera itself is generally powered from the network by using Power over Ethernet.

When these cameras are utilized as a surveillance device, they require adequate storage facilities so that the video images can be recovered and reviewed later. Many devices have built-in storage facilities that enable the video recordings to be recorded directly to some storage device for example direct attached storage or network attached storage. Some network cameras form a part of a system that have a centralized system of recorders, storage and alarm systems.

An IP camera has an IP address, which can be configured statically or dynamically using DHCP server. Images are generally digitally converted in accordance with an industry standard format for example MPEG or ITU-T H.264 so they can be either streamed live over the network, or previous recorded samples can be recovered and viewed as required.

Several modern surveillance cameras now support some type of motion detection or audio detection, or a combination of both. The applications of these cameras are continuously expanding. Some good examples are:

1) Monitoring of car parks, to provide peace of mind for clients when leaving vehicles unwatched.
2) Surveillance of private property for example entrances as well as outbuildings.
3) For surveillance of public places for instance retail stores and airports.
4) Monitoring of access to data centers and other essential installations.