IP Security Cameras – Facts to be Aware of Before Getting One
IP security cameras are surveillance cameras with an improved technology, which unlike most other closed circuit cameras are capable of sending and receiving information through the internet. Webcams are usually the type of cameras that are capable of the same functionality, however the term IP cameras are used only for those that are used for surveillance purposes. Axis Communications was the first company to bring out these cameras into the market in 1996 and since then the security services market has been revolutionized. They are much easier to install as compared to the older analog CCTV cameras. These cameras are usually set up using a standard network cable while some of the latest ones make the installation process even simpler as they are powered over Ethernet (PoE)
Types of IP Security Cameras
There are basically two types of IP security cameras, Centralized and Decentralized ones. The difference being that centralized IP security cameras require an NVR system (Network Video Recorder) so as to record video and alarm management, while decentralized ones have an in-built recording functionality which stores the footage recorded directly to a kind of digital storage media like hard disk drives, flash drives etc.
Advantages of IP Security Cameras
These are usually a two way communication system where the user is able to communicate with the person on the other side of the camera, since the connection is via a single network cable. For instance gated households often have these cameras fitted outside so that the house owner can screen the visitors and accordingly let them in.
IP security cameras are popular for their high resolution images. Their resolution is at least 640X480 and is known to provide multi-megapixel image resolution. High definition image quality is available at the rate of 30 frames per second.
IP security cameras allow for video analytics to be placed within the camera itself and hence make scalability in analytics solutions easier
These cameras unlike their analog counterparts, allows for remote accessibility. Infact live video footage can be accessed from any computer or Smartphone from anywhere as long as they are connected over the network. These cameras are often used by defense forces for navigational purposes.
IP security cameras are technically way more advanced than the old analog security cameras since they function through a wireless network. Initially it is configured through a router, and once the installation is done they can be accessed over wireless networks
Most of the modern day IP security cameras do not require an additional power supply to function optimally. They function using the Power over Ethernet (PoE) protocol in which the power is supplied by means of the Ethernet cable
Security in data transmission is another huge advantage of these cameras. IP security cameras transmit data through authentication and encryption methods like WEP, AES, WPA, TKIP, WPA2 etc.
Since they function on a wireless mechanism their flexibility is high and hence it is possible to move them around anywhere over the IP network
IP security cameras have become extremely popular and can be seen extensively in office premises as well as various households and gated communities and though they may require a higher bandwidth they are definitely way more effective and useful and hence have become more popular.