IP cameras are known by many different names such as IP camera, network camera, IP network camera, Internet camera, network webcam, and so on but they all refer to the same item: An IP video device which which can deliver live images over IP-based networks such as a Local Area Network (LAN) or the Internet.
Stand-alone device
The IP camera is a stand-alone network device which can operate without the support of a PC. This means the camera does not rely on software from a PC to help it produce images in the same way a USB web cam would, but instead the IP camera can be connected to a local network based in any home or business and deliver images to any connected PC be it at the same location or half-way round the world across the internet. IP cameras come with a wide variety of features such as fixed lenses, pan-tilt-zoom control, endless 360 degree panning, indoor or outdoor use, 2-way audio, infrared illumination, intelligent video analytics etc. There’s always a camera to suit your needs.
Benefits of IP video
Flexible and powerful, IP video provides many advanced features not found in traditional analog CCTV systems making it ideal for video survelliance, monitoring and recording. Examples of advanced features include remote access from anywhere in the world, motion/audio detection, object detection, people counting, image upload by FTP, alarm notifications by email or SMS text messaging, true digital recording to dedicated recording devices or to hard disks on local PCs or across the Internet, and many more features which enhances the level of protection you can offer your property or business and its personel.
Many IP cameras also now include Power over Ethernet (PoE) technology which allows the camera to be powered using the same Ethernet cable as the data. This simplifies installation and allows a camera to be placed at a location where there is no convential means of power.
Applications
Security is but one of the many uses for IP cameras. Some other applications include health & safety, retail marketing, remote management of construction projects, web attraction for leisure and tourism industries or keeping an eye on loved ones or pets…
More information
This IP Camera Learning & Resource Center contains detailed information on IP cameras and IP camera technologies. Check back for the latest articles or search for articles which relate to specific cameras. A full feedback section is available on every page and we’d love your comments and please also feel free to call is on our toll free 1-888-813-CAMS in the US or on 0151 633 2111 in the UK.
As any Mac user will tell you they generally get stuffed when it comes to software availability and support for their machines. Sadly when it comes to IP cameras it’s no different.
As IP video specialists it probably won’t come as any surprise that we’ve seen a one or two IP cameras in our time but luckily we also have someone who owns a Mac (yes just the one!). So here is our top 5 list of cameras which we think make ideal home security cameras for Mac users. (more…)
Making the transition from wired to wireless is an exciting step and with a wide choice of wireless IP cameras now available on the market you can keep an eye on your home or business without cluttering it up with cables.
Normally wireless connections are every bit as reliable as their wired counterpart but sometimes there can be something which prevents their smooth operation. Interference.
Interference
We’ve all experienced interference in some way, from the television picture breaking up during a heavy storm or crackling on the radio when you enter a built-up area or valley. Your wireless signal works very much in the same way as your radio or television and may dip in and out depending on circumstances and the environment.
We realise that when you are connecting your IP cameras wirelessly is it even more crucial that they remain connected at all times, especially when they are used as IP security cameras. So let’s take a look at some of the causes of interference and how we can help reduce their effect. (more…)
Your IP address is the web address (or URL) you would use to access your camera externally from the Internet and should be used in situations where you find you have been given a dynamic IP address from your DSL provider (ISP).
Dynamic IP vs Static IP
When the Internet was originally designed they did not see the need to have an endless amount of IP addresses and today the number of addresses available are fast running out. One way to get around the problem is to share IP addresses and this is what your Internet provider does. To save using all of their allotted IP addresses they save a percentage to use for sharing. The shared addresses are then allocated to customers as and when they log in to the Internet with their computer. This is known as a dynamic IP address and this allows you to use the Internet but makes it very difficult, even impossible to access your computer from another location on the Internet. Using a telephone analogy, think of it as calling from a pay-phone, you can make a call out when you need to but you don’t really care what number you are calling from.
The flip-side of this is when you request a static IP address from your Internet provider. This gives your computer a permanent address on the Internet allowing you to access the Internet, as well as contact your computer from anywhere else on the Internet. Using the telephone analogy, this is like have a telephone in your apartment. You have a permanent number and can make outgoing calls as well as being able to recieve incoming calls. Of course a static address is the best one to have but you may find it will cost you a little more from your Internet provider if you request one.
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