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Wireless and IP cameras are growing in popularity, not only among employers and companies engaged in high-value or high-risk activities, but also for those who wish to have additional peace of mind through oversight of offices, work locations, and even home premises. Along with an ever-increasing range of consumer applications, there has been a corresponding increase in the types and ranges of products available. As wireless technology and IP-based network applications continue to develop, the wireless IP technology has risen as its own product category. In previous times, putting together a security system would require a choice among only a few different options, now stores – online and specialty shops – are flooded with different types of products. Rather than making shopping easier, the many different minor variations and differences between cameras, manufacturers and brands makes the purchase decision even more complex. Buying a wireless IP camera system would be simple enough, as all we’re looking for is a camera which connects to a local area network and is capable of sending its images through a standard Ethernet cable. Formerly, companies would use a closed circuit television system, also known as CCTV, which used analog signals within a single network specially wired for the security system. An IP camera, on the other hand, uses standard network protocols and cabling, and enables a wide range of system features which were not easily done through an analog system. What we have now are essentially enhanced-function webcams. Along with that technology comes many features which enhance their functionality as compared to analog-based systems. First off, while the camera still relies on lens optics for high resolution images and zoom, the digital zoom feature of IP cameras enables a zoom function without moving parts inside the camera, greatly reducing the cost of installing a camera with zoom-in capabilities. The cameras themselves can be easily controlled through desktop applications on-site or via the network. In other words, IP cameras can be operated anywhere around the world, and because the network protocol is universal, a user may use multiple different applications, and is not tied down to a proprietary turn-key system, as was often the case with the analog security systems. Features such as scan rates and frames per second (or seconds per frame) can be easily changed from the operator’s user interface, which can be located anywhere in the world with an internet connection. Not only that, but if storage space is thin, or long periods of imaging is required, other adjustments such as color vs. black and white or frame resolution can be adjusted to meet monitoring needs while saving resources such as archive storage space or network bandwidth. Since the videos are already in digital format, they can be stored in standard, off-the-shelf hard drive systems. As well, they can be easily edited, compressed, and sent through the internet without conversion from the original format. One additional feature that is emerging is the ability of an IP security camera to sense particular movements in a field of vision, or light patterns, facial imaging technology and other advanced detection capabilities. Alerts can be sent to an operator if there is movement in a designated area, with the security application automatically flagging portions of video for later analysis. With all these fantastic benefits of IP-based security systems, there are some disadvantages, such as vulnerability to outside hacking. There is also the possibility of increased usage of network bandwidth. Both of these potential drawbacks or risks, however, are not new to network engineers. Networks are increasingly safe to outside intrusions, and bandwidth limitations are a thing of the past for most local area networks. About the Author: The Author is an expert in the field of Wireless IP Camera.
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