What is IP? Benefits of Using IP Network Camera Products

Many people get confused when hearing ‘IP’ associated with video surveillance. This confusion is understandable from afar but can be simplified if put in terms of our use.

IP is an easy way of saying ‘digital with direct network connection’ on the camera end. Older, and some current, providers would use analog cctv cameras and convert the system to digital with a dvr. Real IP surveillance considers the security cameras to be 'IP-based' or digital. The 'IP' portion allows the security camera to be directly accessible without the need for additional hardware.

To gain the advantages of a quality surveillance system, you need to have all the pieces using current technology.

Why IP, what are my advantages?

First and foremost, IP systems allow you to 'future-proof' your system. IP enables you to be ready for that growth or changes down the road without replacing infrastructure.

Remote Accessibility: Real-time video is available from anywhere, anytime. Video can be stored at remote facilities or locally. Multiple sites can be tied together as one organizational system without storage devices at the remote sites.

Scalability: Add an IPcamera...that's it. No new dvr, no other expensive hardware. If you need 1 camera, you'll buy 1 IP camera.

Superior Image Quality: IP/Digital cameras provide advanced quality beyond your basic analog cctv cameras. There is no conversion from analog to digital, it's digital from the source to the end user. Similar to the cd replacing cassette and dvd unseating vhs, IP cameras are quickly replacing cctv cameras.

Connectivity/Flexibility: There’s virtually no limit to where an IP camera can be installed; local network, wireless, satellite…..they are not tied to physical inputs as analog/dvr. The same goes for the software server, it can go where you need without worry of running new cables.

Cost-effectiveness: IP systems run on standard computer networks while many of your dvr-based systems are proprietary hardware/software. Infrastructure requirements are significantly lower. Taking advantage of Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) allows standard network cabling to provide power to the IP cameras, thereby further reducing costs.