IP CCTV Camera Offers Easy-to-use Security Options

An IP camera, sometimes referred to as a network camera, combines the functionality of an analog camera with the connectivity of a computer. Like other connected devices, the IP CCTV camera as its own IP (internet protocol) address that lets it connect to other networked devices.

What is an IP camera?

IP cameras have both camera and computer components, including a lens, image sensor, one or more processors and memory. The processors let the camera process images, compress images, and analyze video while also performing networking functions. Memory on an IP CCTV camera contains the device’s firmware and in some cases can store recorded video.

IP cameras differ from web-enabled cameras in several important ways. Web-enabled cameras can store images and videos, but can only transfer that data when connected to a computer via a USB or IEEE 1394 port. The IP camera, by contrast, can transmit data via a web server, FTP or email. Video can be sent for viewing live and/or recorded. Images can be viewed in a variety of formats including a motion JPEG, MPEG-4 or H.264 video.

Many IP cameras have other installed features, including audio detection, motion detection, and tampering alarms. Many models also include I/O ports that let the cameras connect to relays or sensors.

Different Types of IP Cameras

Let’s look at four standard types of IP CCTV cameras:

Wired IP Camera
Wired IP cameras are those that are connected via an Ethernet cable to a local computer network. These cameras can tap into the network bandwidth to provide a stable and steady connection.

Wireless IP Camera

Wireless IP cameras connect to a computer network via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connections. With mobile features, wireless cameras can usually survey a wider area than wired cameras and are generally easy to install. The main drawback is the unreliability of the connection.

PoE IP Camera

PoE IP cameras are “power over Internet” devices have a switch that allows cameras to draw electrical power directly through an Ethernet cable and do not need a separate power supply, These cameras use NVR as a central power source and are highly reliable. The PoE technology has greatly improved the functionality of IP cameras, particularly for night use. In addition, using PoE cameras can help simplify network installations and maintenance.

PTZ IP Cameras

PTZ IP camera can pan, tilt and zoom using automatic or manual controls. With a wide range of motion and functionality, one camera can cover an extensive area from different perspectives and angles. They are idea for tracking an object or person of interest or getting more detailed views when needed. PTZ commands are sent over the video network cable. They are available in various forms, most commonly a dome version for discreet installations. For outdoor installations, pole- or wall-mounted models are typically used.

There are PTZ cameras that use the PoE protocol as well, given users added flexibility in both placement and in potential detail.

Why Choose an IP CCTV Camera?

There are a number of advantages to using an IP CCTV camera, including:

System Proof. Having access to surveillance footage without needing a dedicated observation system or DVR
High Resolution. As digital devices, IP cameras maximize use of camera imagers to produce images with up to 25 percent more resolution. There are even megapixel cameras with even more detailed resolution options that provide up to 30 frames per second of real-time video. This improved resolution also improved recording functionality too. Analog often generate blurred images when recording video of objects moving at fast speeds. IP video allows crisp and clear resolution of every frame.
Ease of Use. IP cameras are easy to operate once installed. Using mouse clicks, a beginner can easily master the controls and functionality.
Less Cabling. With analog cameras, there is a need for up to three cable systems — power, audio and video — connected to each camera. With IP cameras, especially PoE models, one cable can suffice. In many locations, network cables are already installed, saving even more.
Security And Privacy. Advanced security features in IP cameras encrypt video from end to end, greatly reducing unauthorized access.
Lower System Cost. By leveraging your existing computer network hardware and cabling, installing IP cameras provide a distinct savings over new analog camera systems.
Backwards Compatibility. For organizations with existing analog closed circuit cameras, video servers technology lets you leverage existing systems. Existing legacy analog cameras can be used in locations that would call for IP cameras. Recording systems allow for the storage of data coming from both IP and analog video cameras.
System Integration. IP cameras can easily pair with alarm systems. Some models allow for integration with lighting, environmental controls, and access systems to create a comprehensive virtual presence.
IP cameras can easily be updated to reflect future advancements in technology.
Improved Efficiency. Nonstop monitoring of activity is quickly becoming unnecessary. IP cameras have activity alert systems that can notify staff when problems occur, feeding live video to a computer device such as a laptop, desktop computer, tablet, or smartphone. This functionality is particularly helpful for non-security uses such as delivery arrival, customer service, and work-flow observation. These cameras have sophisticated on-board processors that can interpret events in real time. Alerts will be sent for serious matters, not minor movements that are captured.

How to Connect an IP CCTV Camera?

Installing an IP CCTV camera is a very simple process. The image above represents a basic connection of a network surveillance camera system.

In the example above, the cameras are directly connected to the network video recorder via internet cable, which guarantees reliable and high quality video transmission. (Wireless camera normally connected to the NVR through Wi-Fi)

Once the cameras are wired to the NVR, connect other components of a CCVT system to the network video record one by one into the corresponding interface as the figure shows above.

Pleasant to know that most video surveillance system on the market now allows for remote access on smart devices. As long as your NVR is connected to the network, you can view the monitoring anytime anywhere on your smartphone, tablet or PC. And that is why we need a router.

There are various choices when selecting an IP camera. If you’re looking for the IP CCTV camera or video surveillance system that is professional, reliable and secure, Unifore can be your perfect choice by providing abundant high quality and easy-to-use video security products.