IP Camera Part 1 Introduction

An Internet protocol camera, or IP camera, is a type of digital video camera commonly employed for surveillance, and which unlike analog closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras can send and receive data via a computer network and the Internet. IP cameras are cameras that work with digital technology.

IP Camera

Webcam vs. IP Camera

Webcam

A webcam is a video capture device that is connected to a computer or computer network, often using a USB port or, if connected to a network, Ethernet or Wi-Fi. Unlike webcam, IP camera has the computer component within camera. Normally a webcam requires a connection to a single PC. The data will only be sent to the internet if there is a connection to the PC. IP camera in contrast with webcam can send the data alone to the other stations.

Webcams are usually used as simple devices for communication among internet users. The most popular use is for videotelephony, permitting a computer to act as a videophone or video conferencing station. This can be used in messenger programs such as Windows Live Messenger, Skype and Yahoo! messenger services.

IP cameras provide more functions than webcams, for example, they are often equipped with motion sensors and night lenses. IP cameras are used primarily for survillance system in the same manners as analog closed-circuit television. Besides that, IP cameras are also important for tourism industry, traffic control  and the like. Unlike CCTV cameras, IP cameras can be easily removed from one place to another because they do not require complicated wiring system.


Part 2 will follow ...