Network Surveillance Camera
A network camera can be configured to send movie over an IP system for live viewing and/or recording either continuously, at scheduled times, on an occasion or on request from authorized users. Captured pictures can be streamed as Movement JPEG, MPEG-4 or H.264 movie using various social media methods, or uploaded as individual JPEG pictures using FTP, e-mail or HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol). More on movie compression formats and social media methods.
Network Surveillance Camera or IP security surveillance systems is mostly used in modern times for security purposes in home, office and commercial places or business areas. This type of camera uses advanced technology with more option. It is comparatively more cost than analog cameras. Extra DVR is not essential for this type of camera because the camera has its own storage system through using network and vendor provided cloud storage system.
In addition to capturing video, network cameras provide occasional control and intelligent video functionalities such as video motion recognition, sound recognition, active tampering alarm and auto tracking. Most system cameras also offer input/output (I/O) ports that enable connections to external devices such as sensors and relays. Additional functions may include sound capabilities and built-in assistance for Power over Ethernet (PoE). Network cameras also assistance advanced security and system control functions.
Network camera often also called an IP camera, can be described as a combination of both camera and pc in one unit. The primary elements of a network camera include a lens, an image sensor, processor/chips, and storage. The processor/chips are used for picture or video processing, compression, video analysis and other networking features. The storage is used for storing the system camera’s firmware computer based program and for remote recording of videos.
Like your personal Computer, the network camera has its own IP address, is linked directly to a system and can linked wherever there is a network connection. This differs from a web cam, where web cam can only operate when it is linked to a laptop or computer via the USB or other PC port, and to use it, software must be installed on the PC. A network camera provides web server, FTP (File Transfer Protocol), and e-mail features, and includes many other IP system and security protocols.
The compress and converts capability of captured image and videos to a digital format which streams it over the internet. Many network security cameras featured with an SD card capability for this captured images and videos can be stored directly on the card. If the camera is connected to an NVR (Network Video Recorder), it can stream video directly to the NVR or a computer or smart device storage.
All of these devices can record videos. Higher bandwidth and storage is required as of camera’s high resolution video and image capturing. This is one of an extra feature for network surveillance cameras.
Best Practices for Network Camera Installation
Today, there are well over a million network cameras and video servers installed worldwide. These installations range in size from just a single camera to thousands of cameras and are found in almost every type of industry application. No matter the size, every installation benefits from a simple set of best practices that will ensure all network video equipment is optimized. These tips range from basic camera placement and lighting conditions to working with IT departments and technicians to figure out issues such as the peak times for network usage.
When first installing IP-based surveillance, it is important to take note of any existing inventory. For example, there may be analog cameras currently installed or the IT department may have a standardized server platform in place, such as a certain type of HP server and Windows operating platform. Also evaluate the speed of your network and work with the IT department to determine how much bandwidth is available or whether network video can be piggybacked onto other infrastructure, such as that for Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) applications. Security professionals are often surprised as to how much equipment their organization already has at its disposal for an IP-based video system.
Although existing analog cameras can often be upgraded using video servers, it is sometimes necessary to make a total migration to network cameras in order to simplify the installation. A large retailer recently changed its analog closed-circuit television (CCTV) system to an IP-based system for about 200 of its stores. Although the company already had some analog cameras in place, it decided not to digitize them with video servers.
Conditions at the camera locations will largely determine which type of network camera should be purchased. Just as with analog cameras, factors such as placing a network camera in an area with very little light or exposing it to extreme heat or cold, will dictate which equipment will work best. Electrical outlets are another important consideration.
Fig- IP Surveillance Cost Structure
| Installation | Network Cameras | NVR Software | Network & Cabling | DVR |
| 15% | 37% | 11% | 17% | 20% |
Today, network cameras are often installed in areas where power outlets do not exist such as on building exteriors, in parking lots, or on bridges. In these cases, cameras with Power over Ethernet (PoE) functionality will be a major time and cost savings because they can receive power directly from their network cable connections. The PoE feature should be in 100 percent accordance with the IEEE 802.3af standard, otherwise it will lock the buyer into proprietary systems that are likely not compatible with equipment from other vendors.
Determine Camera Usage
In addition to site conditions, camera usage also indicates the necessary specifications. Network cameras range from less than $200 for an entry-level model to professional equipment that functions under a broader range of conditions and offers improved functionality. For example, a camera that will be used to capture objects moving at high speeds such as moving cars need a progressive scan sensor that will reduce blur. Pan/tilt/zoom (PTZ) will be necessary for looking at objects at a distance or to set up automatic tour of an area. Megapixel cameras provide higher resolution and help reduce the number
of cameras needed.
Beyond just taking inventory of available networking equipment, the IT department can be helpful in making sure that network video runs smoothly and does not interfere with other applications.
Because today’s corporate networks are highly regulated with Internet Protocol version 6 (IPv6) and Quality of Service (QoS) agreements are supported. If bandwidth is still an issue, network cameras have enough built-in intelligence that they can be programmed to only send video based on triggering events such as motion or time of day.
Fig- Analog/DVR System Cost Structure
| Analog cameras | Installation | Cabling | DVR |
| 21 % | 27 % | 24 % | 28 % |
The IT department can also help establish a separate network for the video. This does not require running a separate set of cabling, but simply segmenting the video worked with the district to set up virtual local area networks (VLANs) for the video traffic, separating the voice network from the video network. The cameras are so bandwidth efficient that the video does not slow down or degrade the voice network.
Security will also be a primary concern for the IT department. Anything that connects to the network opens up the possibility of new attacks and security breaches. Although the Internet regularly transfers all types of sensitive information, it is necessary to use security safeguards, including VPNs (virtual private networks), encryption, port-based network access control and password protection.
Manage and Budget the Project
Besides managing equipment and the relationship with the IT department, it is essential to select the right systems integrator and understand the cost structure of an IP-surveillance system. This will help in establishing and sticking to a budget and managing the project roll out.
One of the most important items to ask a systems integrator is how many other IP-based surveillance systems have they successfully installed. Talk to their customers and understand whether the integrator embraces new technology, or if the end user had to push for the latest equipment. Integrators and consultants who are not familiar with new technology sometimes over specify systems, and customers end up with equipment and functionality they never need.
In terms of budgeting, it is important to understand that the cost structure of an IP-surveillance system is quite different from that of a CCTV system. Although the price of a network camera is usually higher than that of an analog camera, the total system cost must be considered in order to generate a correct comparison. For example, network cameras include considerably more functionality than analog cameras, such as built-in digitalization, image compression and intelligence. IP infrastructure including cabling, storage, and recording is also considerably less expensive than analog infrastructure and provides more functionality.
IP-surveillance is rapidly gaining momentum. However, the technology is still frequently misunderstood, which can lead to frustration for security professionals and IT departments that try to support them. Following the basic best practices outlined above can help simplify IP-surveillance rollouts and ensure that the systems operate as smoothly as possible.
