Q. What is a network camera?

A. A network camera, also known as an IP camera or an internet camera is NOT a webcam. It is a new generation of digital surveillance camera, capable of passing its images over a computer network such as the internet or a company ethernet. These cameras do not need to be attached to a PC in order to operate – they are small computers in themselves, and just plug into the network or a phone line via a box called a router. Network cameras are gradually replacing traditional analogue CCTV cameras, because of the additional features that they offer, such as automatic recording and sending of images if motion is detected, and the ability to see live images at any time on any PC anywhere, just using a standard browser like Microsoft Internet Explorer. You can also log in to see live images on most modern mobile phones.

Q. Is the technology reliable?

A. Yes. The first of these cameras appeared in 1996, and since then the leading players have continually improved their products to the point some years ago that they became a workable option for surveillance. Now, these cameras are often as not the equipment of choice for new security camera installations. The leading manufacturer, whose products we use, has 300,000 units installed.

Q. What if an intruder disables the camera?

Motion detection is designed to ensure that the “act” is caught on film and transmitted in near real time for safe storage away from the premises.

Q. What if there is a power cut, or a temporary fault on the phone line?

A. If the power is accidentally switched off, or there is a power cut, or a phone line fault, the equipment is designed to reset and operate correctly when power returns or the fault is corrected, and will do so the vast majority of the time. Having said that, we cannot guarantee absolutely that your equipment will always reset following a fault on the phone line or a power cut. Switching off and on usually resets the system, but in the unlikely event that we need to carry out a site visit to reset equipment following such a service failure for whatever reason, this will be chargeable at our normal rates.

Q. What image sizes can be viewed from Network IP Cameras?

Advanced Network IP Cameras use multiple pre-set image sizes that typically include 320 x 240 and 640 x 480 pixel image sizes

Q. Are all Network IP cameras the same?

No, some network cameras have an embedded OS (operating system) as well as an embedded Web server. To be called a Network IP camera, the only requirement is that the camera connects to the network, and not a computer - an embedded OS is what separates network cameras.

Q. Why Choose a Network IP Camera over a Web Camera?

An IP Camera is a true networking device containing an embedded OS (Operating System), supports multiple users, and can be viewed using any web browser. It does not require additional hardware to operate and therefore has the flexibility to be located anywhere with a network connection. A web cam must be connected to a host computer, supports only one user at a time, and cannot be shared on a network. Only the host computer can access the web cam.

Q. What is the advantage of the embedded OS?

Cameras with an embedded OS communicated directly with the user, the images or video is sent directly from the camera to the person accessing the camera. A Network camera without an embedded OS must rely on a third party server or a separate piece of software, meaning the images/video is sent to the third party server, then the user access the image from the third party server.

Q. Do I need a public fixed IP address for each camera?

Company has its own DDNS server which provides you the web address which works on your dynamic IP. So no need to waste money on static IP address

Q. Can I use the camera outside?

Some Network IP Cameras are sturdy enough for outdoor use with a outdoor camera enclosure.

Q. How does the built-in motion detection work?

It very simply compares what it sees now to what it saw in the last frame and based on a sensitivity you select will trigger an event. The event can be to send a email, to send a Image to a FTP server, or to send a series of images (before and after the motion is detected) to a email address or a FTP server-all with software built into the camera, nothing else is required.

Q. What is the maximum length Ethernet cable I can use?

The same topology limitations that apply to any 10/100 Ethernet card apply, meaning the maximum segment length is 100 meters from switch/hub to the camera