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What is an IP Network Camera?
A Network IP Camera is a stand-alone
device which allows a user to view live, full motion video
from anywhere on a computer network, even over the Internet,
using a standard web-browser.
Until very recently, video security and surveillance was
accomplished using Closed Circuit Television or CCTV. This
technology included analog cameras, coaxial cable and video
tape recorders. Video security and surveillance started entering
the digital age with the advent of CCD sensors which digitized
image capture in the camera. However, transmission was still
analog via coax to analog VCR's. The next step was the introduction
of Digital Video Recorders (DVR's) connected directly to analog
cameras, which made storing, searching and retrieving video
much more efficient. PC's were then introduced for display
of the images through a modem or network connection to the
DVR.
The entire system has now been digitized with the introduction
of Network Cameras incorporating onboard processors and
web server software. These Network Cameras can be connected
directly to existing IP networks, eliminating the need for
separate and expensive coaxial cable networks. Images can
be viewed and cameras managed from anywhere via a web browser,
plus any hard disk on the network can be set up to record
the video output.
Another significant technology called Video Servers, allow
existing CCTV installations to gain the benefit of Network
Video, while protecting investments in analog cameras. Video
Servers connect to IP Networks and convert the signal from
analog cameras to digital format. Like Network Cameras,
Video Servers contain onboard processors and web server
software that makes each camera IP addressable. Essentially,
Video Servers turn CCTV cameras into IP Network Cameras.
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IP Cameras 
