Demand for security is on the rise with customers looking for the right video security technology for both home and business. Surveillance technology has reached its zenith and is emerging from traditional analog CCTV systems to IP cameras. Digital cameras are becoming less expensive, easier to install and available with both wired and wireless technology.
The most important thing you must do before you install a video surveillance camera is determine your needs. It is a good idea to chart out a plan of where you want video surveillance to take place and for what purpose. This will help determine the type and number of network cameras required, as well as other accessories that need to be installed. This can influence the overall cost of the installation.
A network camera is a combination of a camera and a computer in one unit. It has an OS with built-in web and FTP servers that transmit image data and control signals over a fast Ethernet link. Unlike a web camera, it does not need to be connected to a PC; it operates independently and connects via an IP network. It can be placed wherever there is a wired or wireless network connection.
The major advantage of a network camera is that it can be accessed remotely and viewed by authorized users from any location as long as the user has internet connectivity. These cameras connect directly to IP networks and allow users to view, store, analyze and manage full motion video from anywhere on the network via a standard web browser.
There are many types of network cameras available today that can meet your demands. Even though there is a huge variety of analog cameras also available, network cameras are becoming more popular as they offer more benefits, including better image quality and greater installation flexibility. In addition, network cameras are the only option in areas where there is need for a very high resolution wireless camera.
Potential Advantages
Two-way Communication - Connections are also available for an external microphone and for audio output, enabling two-way audio communication via a single network cable.
Higher Image Quality: IP cameras have a resolution of at least 640x480 and can deliver high image quality at 30 frames per second. These cameras also have greater field of view and, being digital, image quality remains high even when transferred over the network. Due to the greater field of view the number of cameras installed becomes less, which reduces costs.
Flexibility: IP cameras can be moved around anywhere on an IP network (including wireless).
Built in Intelligence: with IP cameras, video analytics can be placed in the camera itself allowing scalability in analytics solutions. As user’s needs grow, any number of network video products can be added without much change in the network infrastructure. Whether it is network cameras or storage, it is easy and inexpensive
Command Transmission for PTZ (pan, tilt, zoom) cameras via a single network cable.
Encryption & Authentication: The camera offers the market’s most advanced suite of security and network management capabilities, including HTTPS encryption, IEEE 802.1X authentication, IPv4/IPv6 and Quality of Service.
Remote Accessibility: Live video from selected cameras can be viewed from any computer, anywhere, and also from many mobile smartphone as well as other devices.
Cost Advantage, Especially for Larger Systems: IP based systems are more cost-effective for larger installations.
IP Cameras Are Able to Function on a Wireless Network: Initial configuration has to be done through a router. After the IP camera is installed it can be used on the wireless network. These cameras are also used for navigation purposes by defense forces.
PoE - Power over Ethernet: Modern IP cameras have the ability to operate without an additional power supply. They can work with the PoE-protocol which provides power via an Ethernet-cable
Removable Infrared Filters for sharper colors by day and clear black and white footage by night.
Potential Disadvantages
Higher Initial Cost per camera, except where cheap webcams are used.
High Network Bandwidth Requirements: IP cameras consume a large amount of bandwidth.
Technical Barriers: Technical assistance is needed for setting up an IP camera security network; hence you need a technician who is familiar with IP camera security systems.
A network camera has many great advantages and features, particularly for surveillance and security. Some companies are looking to build dedicated systems that have definite bandwidth and quality of service over the video network.