We rely on CCTV for security in our homes, businesses and even public spaces. However, sometime due to the poor quality of the cameras we are not able to get clear images or incorporate other functionalities on the camera, like sound, as we would like and this compromises the security standards set for CCTV surveillance systems.
Internet-protocol (IP) CCTV cameras are cameras that make use of the internet to receive and store images. Compared to the traditional analogue system the IP cameras offer more functionalities that upgrade your security standards.
Types of IP Cameras:
Fixed IP Camera: Fixed IP cameras operate in a static position and provide a single view within the camera’s field of vision. Can be used both indoors and outdoors. They are commonly used in retail stores and business offices.
PTZ (Pan-tilt-zoom) IP Camera: PTZ cameras allow you to track events with greater control, this is because PTZ cameras can adjust their field of view and angle via a remote operator. They cover large areas thus commonly used to monitor public outdoor spaces.
PoE or PoE+ IP Camera: PoE IP cameras use an Ethernet cable to supply both electrical power and data simultaneously. This eliminates the need to run two cables for power and data separately, thus reducing the amount of hardware required.
Wireless IP Camera: wireless IP cameras allow wireless connection to the NVR or storage for transmission. However, they are susceptible to interference.
Some of the additional functionalities that IP CCTV cameras offer include;
Excellent Image Resolution
IP cameras give crisp and clear images with an image resolution ranging from 2MP to 12 MP and higher. IP cameras also allow zooming and focusing to get finer details of your camera recording.
Easy Install installation
Unlike the analogue cameras that required two cables to function, IP cameras connect to a network switch via a single cable that servers both transmission and powering the camera. It is also easy and cost effective to add cameras to your network since it is not necessary to buy additional NVRs.
IP cameras do not need an encoder or decoder to convert data into video.
Enhanced Security
IP cameras offer more security to your video footage because IP cameras capture encrypted and authenticated video footage.
Remote Accessibility
Video footage captured by IP cameras can be accessed from any location and from any device that has access to internet connection. One has access to both live and recorded footages and can also control the system remotely.
Convenient Data Storage
IP cameras transmit their images to an NVR which can be incorporated to not only store data physically on hard disks but also connect to the cloud which offers larger and secure space for storing your video footage. Footage stored on the cloud can be accessed at any time in any location.
Compatibility with Other Systems
IP cameras can be integrated with other systems like access control systems, attendance systems and traffic control systems this enlarges the scope of use of CCTV cameras for only security systems increasing the need for them.
Wireless Connections
Unlike the analogue cameras that are totally dependent on wired connections for transmissions, some IP cameras enable wireless connection to NVRs. This feature makes it easy for expansion of IP security systems.
Powerful Search Functions
IP cameras offer better search functionalities than analogue cameras. They have been incorporated in license reading since they can zoom and focus to get the finer details.
Wider Range Of Coverage
IP cameras offer wider area coverage compared to analogue cameras, a single IP camera can cover an area requiring more analogue cameras making them more cost effective to install.
However, with all the additional functionalities that IP cameras offer there is the downside of using the IP cameras. The downsides of IP cameras include;
High Costs of IP Cameras
IP cameras are very expensive this is because of the additional functionalities attached to them. IP cameras also need a lot of complicated and expensive accessories wireless connector, video recorder, monitor, transmitter to function.
Demand on Bandwidth
IP cameras require internet connection with plenty of bandwidth to support them. This may increase the expenditure on internet becoming very expensive to manage.
Risk of Security Breach
IP cameras connect to the internet and this opens another whole door of security threats. Hackers can gain access to your video footage or viruses corrupt your video footages.