If you’re in the market for security cameras, it’s likely you have come across the term IP camera. These are excellent devices, but it’s important to understand why, and how they compare with their analog predecessors. In this article we examine what an IP camera is and look at the reasons to invest in an IP camera security system.
What is “IP”?
IP stands for Internet Protocol. IP protocol is the technology used to communicate digitally across a network and the internet from one device to another. Each device occupies a specific address, called an IP address or internet protocol address.
used An IP camera is a type of digital video camera that uses an Internet Protocol (IP) address to send and receive data over a network. They are often used in CCTV (closed-circuit television) systems, as they can be easily integrated into an existing network infrastructure. IP cameras usually have a higher quality image than analog cameras, and they can be used for remote monitoring and surveillance.
What is an IP camera?
An IP camera is a type of digital video camera that uses an Internet Protocol (IP) address to send and receive data over a network.
Analog CCTV cameras require a local recording device. IP cameras do not. Instead, they connect to a network via an internet protocol (IP) connection. The IP cameras, like phones and computers, connect to a network in the same way. The video output from IP cameras is transmitted on a network. This provides tons of options for viewing the footage and storing it. It can be viewed on the network or over the internet and the footage can be stored on devices in the network or out in the cloud.
Type of IP Camera Video Transmission
IP cameras can communicate in one of three ways:
A wireless network, also known as a Wi-Fi network, transmits and receives data to a wireless modem. There are many devices that can connect via WiFi (smart phones, TVs, computers, game consoles), and IP cameras are no different. If setup correctly and with the right permissions, it is easy to view an IP cameras’ footage by entering it’s IP address into a web browser.
A wired network requires that an IP camera is connected to the network via an Ethernet cable. This provides the best security too: signal interference or unauthorized access is reduced. Ethernet also provides the fastest speeds as it is more efficient than WiFi.
Finally, there is a cellular network. This is the slowest of the connections, but can be the most convenient. This allows connection to cellular towers in the same way that a smart phone connects to a carrier and data is transmitted. This also means that a local network can be bypassed and these cameras can be setup in remote locations.
How is an IP Camera Different from an Analog Camera?
Analog cameras encode video in an analog format, such as NTSC or PAL. Analog video is transmitted over a coaxial cable using composite video or component video signals. The coax will transmit the video to a device for processing and storage, usually called a DVR (Digital Video Recorder).
IP cameras encode video in digital formats, such as MPEG-4 or H.264. Digital video is transmitted over an IP network using Ethernet or Wi-Fi. IP cameras can broadcast the video directly, or send the video to a NVR (Network Video Recorder) for storing the video and allowing access to multiple cameras. An alternative is to have IP cameras transmit video to servers in the cloud where the video can be stored and accessed remotely.
What Cables are Required for an IP Camera?
All cameras will require a power source. Depending on the camera, this power source can be either via:
- Battery (rechargeable or non-rechargeable),
- Dedicated power cable (running to an outlet for example or a USB cable),
- A mutli-use cable called PoE (Power over Ethernet cable), which allows the data and power to be run on the same line.
Next, all cameras produce data in the form of video. The video format produced by the camera will determine the type of cabling and transmission of the video. An IP camera typically uses one of two options for data transmission:
- An Ethernet network cable
- WiFi signal (i.e. no data cable required)
How Can I Tell if My Camera is an IP Camera?
It is easy to identify whether your camera has an IP camera. A physical inspection is the best way to find out if your camera is an IP camera. Most digital cameras have an Ethernet port at the back, or are connected to a wire that has a port for audio. This is quite different from analog cameras which have a BNC port that has many more plugs than the ones found in the latter.
There are still ways to identify your camera if you can’t get your hands on it. The wires connecting the cameras are what makes them different from IP and analog cameras. While CCTV analog cameras use coaxial cables for their general purpose, IP cameras, if at all, use Ethernet.
What are the Benefits of Using an IP Camera?
IP cameras offer a number of advantages over analog cameras. In fact the extensive options with IP cameras means that IP cameras can make for some decent security systems:
Better Image Quality
IP cameras capture video footage in high definition, with resolutions up to 4K Ultra HD, depending on the camera model. Every IP camera includes a processing chip that compresses footage while recording it. In other words, the higher the resolution of the camera, the more data each video captures.
Flexible Deployment
IP cameras can be deployed indoors or outdoors, and they can be powered over Ethernet (PoE) for easy installation. Wireless IP cameras that are battery-powered are even more convenient to install in hard-to-reach places where running cable can be difficult.
Scalability
IP cameras can be easily added to an existing network, and they can be managed remotely using a web browser or mobile app.
Extended Coverage
because wires are not always necessary and there are options for wireless communication in a network, the range of coverage with IP cameras can be considerable compared to analog cameras where a single cable is required to run from the camera to the processing device (DVR).
Distance does not affect quality
With analog cameras the quality of video degrades as the length of the coaxial cable running form the camera to the processing device increases. IP cameras do not have this problem. The video is processed on the device, compressed and sent digitally so the quality of the video is retained.
Improved Security
IP cameras can be encrypted and password-protected. But you need to make sure that you use appropriate security measures when setting up your IP cameras such as strong passwords and 2FA (see below).
Two-way Audio Options
IP cameras will more likely offer options for two-way audio. A camera owner can listen and speak to a subject via a speaker on the camera. Many doorbell cameras offer this function. This feature is a lot more difficult to achieve with analog cameras.
Smart Features
The digital nature of IP cameras means that new technologies can be deployed easily. Artificial intelligence is often used to identify people, faces, animals and vehicles for example. This can add great value to existing security systems.
What are the Drawbacks of Using an IP Camera?
The list of benefits with IP cameras is extensive. But there are some drawbacks that need to be mentioned. These may not apply for everyone and each situation, but you should be aware of them:
Higher Cost
Off the top, IP cameras can be more expensive than analog cameras.
Network Access Required.
They also require a network connection, which may not be available in all locations.
May Require Some Technical Skill.
Setting up an IP camera system can be more complex than installing an analog CCTV system. IP cameras need to be configured to work with your network and security software, which may require the assistance of a professional.
Can Pose a Security Risk.
IP cameras can pose a security risk if they are not protected properly (see below)
Are IP Security Cameras Secure?
Before installing an IP security camera system make sure that:
- your IP camera system is only accessible with unique login credentials.
- your wireless network is private.
In 2014 a journalist unearthed a site with over 73,000 locations of unsecured IP cameras. This example demonstrates how easy it is to hack unsecured IP cameras. But, it’s incredibly easy to secure an IP camera! Firstly, ensure that you change your camera’s default login credentials. Secondly, double-check that your Wi-Fi is private. If you connect your cameras to public Wi-Fi, anyone who knows the IP address can access it. Only users who are logged in to the Wi-Fi will be able to view the camera footage if it’s connected via a private network. Need advice on securing your passwords?
Is it possible for IP cameras to work without the internet?
Yes, but it must be wired properly and not connect to a wireless network. No matter what type of security camera, directly wired cameras will be able to continue regular services such as streaming and storing video footage to the NVR. An IP camera system cannot be viewed remotely or stored to the cloud without an internet connection.
What Are Some Good IP Camera Systems?
There are hundreds of IP camera manufacturers out there. Some of the ones that I can recommend include:
Lorex has many models and configurations. This is a decently priced and excellent quality Lorex 4-camera indoor/outdoor NVR system, expandable to 8 cameras
Amcrest also provides some great value, great quality devices such as these vandal-proof Pan-Tilt-Zoom dome cameras
Swann offers reliable equipment like these 4K indoor/outdoor 8 camera system at an excellent price.
Arlo & Reolink provide complete wireless options. Models like the Arlo Pro 4 and Argus Pro 3 are very reliable, weatherproof, with exceptional quality and smart features.
Can I make my analog security cameras Digital?
So, what if you already have an analog security camera system in place? Can you convert them to digital and get some of the same benefits as IP cameras? The answer is yes and no. You can convert the video to digital, but you will still not enjoy the extent of benefits associated with true IP cameras.
If you want to make your analog security cameras digital, you have a couple of options:
- Use a CCTV camera converter, which converts the analog signal to digital so it can be transmitted over the internet.
- Use a CCTV DVR with internet connectivity, which allows you to view and manage your cameras remotely.
The coaxial video cables and power supply wires will remain the same. The conversion will happen using one of the devices above.
The Final Score – Are IP Cameras The Best Option?
IP cameras are an excellent option for security. The newer Internet Protocol (IP) technology allows superior video quality and increasingly large set of features to be enjoyed. In fact IP camera features can make for some decent security systems.
IP cameras may be more expensive up front, but over time, these cameras are likely to prove more cost-effective. IP cameras have to connect with a network or the internet, so they may require a little extra skill to set up, but usually they are plug and play. They are a lot more flexible and where they can be deployed too, and because of the digital nature of the video files, advanced and developing technologies like AI (artificial intelligence) can be integrated to make them even more effective at providing security. Just make sue you use appropriate usernames and passwords and other security measures like 2FA to secure your IP cameras from attacks.