IP-based CCTV systems—also known as IP cameras or network cameras—use digital technology for video surveillance. They send and receive video footage through the internet or a local area network (LAN). Like their name suggests, IP cameras connect to a network through WiFi or a Power over Ethernet (PoE) cable. They’re often used with network video recorders(NVR) and sometimes digital video recorders(DVR) , making them a common solution for enterprise video surveillance.
Common IP cameras currently on the market
Pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) cameras
Users can remotely adjust the field of view and angle to track events more precisely. These devices often monitor outdoor public spaces and cover expansive areas effectively.
Fixed/Static IP cameras
They stay in a fixed position. Each camera offers a single, consistent view. They continuously monitor subjects within a set frame. Widespread use of fixed cameras both indoors and outdoors, typically in retail stores and offices. Compared to PTZ cameras, their support requires less bandwidth.
PoE and PoE+ IP cameras
PoE IP cameras use an Ethernet cable (typically Cat 5 or 6) to transmit data and electrical power simultaneously. Eliminating the need to run separate cables for power and data, thereby reducing the required quantity of hardware. PoE systems are typically easier to install and less expensive to maintain than traditional systems due to their reduced component count.
PoE and PoE+ differ in the amount of electricity transmitted to power their respective systems. Standard PoE systems transmit up to 15 watts of power to most IP cameras. PoE+ systems transmit up to 30 watts and are typically utilized in cameras with their own heating and cooling mechanisms.
Wireless IP camera
Wireless IP cameras transmit video data by connecting to a WiFi router. The captured footage is uploaded to the cloud or the camera’s local storage. A wired camera system is less susceptible to interference and is recommended for larger areas. Wireless IP cameras can be a good option for small homes, but they’re not ideal for larger areas.
Advantages of IP cameras
Excellent image resolution
If you need crisp, clear images, you’ll need to opt for IP cameras. IP cameras offer image resolution up to 20 times better than analogue cameras, and after installation, you can remotely zoom in and focus on finer details within the shot.
Increased security
IP cameras capture encrypted and authenticated video footage, making them more secure than their analogue counterparts.
Accessible from anywhere
Feeds from IP cameras can be viewed from any device with an internet connection, with the right permissions to login to the system, of course. This means you can view live or recorded security footage on any computer, laptop, tablet or smartphone, from anywhere, or even control the system remotely in the same way.
Easy to install
An IP camera connects to a network switch via a single cable, which both powers the camera and transmits data. Analogue cameras need two wires to function. There’s also less equipment involved with IP cameras, as you don’t need an encoder or decoder to convert data into video, and you can add as many IP cameras as you like without having to purchase additional network video recorders.
Convenient data storage
Since IP cameras connect to the internet, they send the captured footage and data directly to a central information repository on a cloud-based server. There’s no need to store dozens of tapes or CDs of footage, or even take up space on your own servers – it’s all stored on the cloud. This also means you’ll still have your footage even if a camera is stolen or damaged.
Disadvantages of IP cameras
Expensive
The longer list of features of IP cameras does mean they come with a higher price tag than analogue cameras. Switching from analogue to IP cameras can also involve a high outlay, but once a system is installed, it’s far easier to scale it up or down as needed.
Demand on bandwidth
Obviously, since IP cameras connect to the internet, you’ll need a strong internet connection with enough bandwidth to support them.
Making the switch from analogue
If you already have an analogue CCTV system and you’re thinking of upgrading to IP cameras, there’s more good news. IP cameras can generally use the same wiring as an analogue solution, so you can replace your cameras as many as you like at a time, starting with the most important ones. Running a hybrid analogue/IP CCTV system in the meantime will help to spread costs.
Before you start swapping out your cameras though, take time to assess your security plan in terms of whether or not it still meets organizational needs. You may have cameras where you don’t need them, or areas of your site that aren’t sufficiently covered. It’s a great opportunity to make sure your new IP cameras will create a CCTV system that reflects your current security requirements, as well as offering scope to scale up in the future.
