Features & Benefits of Internet Security Cameras
The features and benefits of using IP Cameras in a Security Application are many.
Feature: High Quality - High Sensitivity Images.
Benefit: Internet security cameras deliver exceptional image quality for remote viewing and they allow you to capture high contrast images in low light conditions.
Feature: Selectable Compression Formats.
Benefit: Many web cameras support multiple compression formats including JPEG, MPEG-4, H.264 and other industry leading video compression to provide clear moving images efficiently over networks while using minimal bandwidth. To limit bandwidth usage, the image size is selectable from three different settings.
Feature: High Resolution - High Frame Rates.
Benefit: If your network will support the bandwidth, many web based security cameras can support real time video at frame rates up to 30 images per second when the image size is set to 640 x 480 which produces clear and smooth moving images. Of course, you can set the frame rate and resolution to match your network environment.
Feature: Offers Hybrid Integration with Wired IP Cameras.
Benefit: Any hardwired IP Camera that is installed on your intranet or internet that is using the same CODEC (Coding & Decoding) algorithm can be integrated into the same software viewing and recording system.
Feature: Non-Centralized Viewing and Control.
Benefit: An IP addressable camera system can be viewed or recorded from a properly equipped computer from any location in the world. This can allow you the freedom to move anywhere on the planet while still keeping track of your assets. In addition, if you ever decide to move your head end recording equipment to a different location, you simply pick it up and move it. No wires to re-route.
Feature: Dual Streaming Capability.
Benefit: Some internet based web cameras are equipped with dual Codecs that enable the camera to generate both an MPEG-4 and a JPEG image at the same time so that you can transfer images using MPEG-4 over you're your WAN where your bandwidth is limited, while storing high resolution JPEG images on a server that is configured on your LAN.
Wireless Video Transmission Using Your Existing Network
Web based security camera systems offer another benefit because many IP based security cameras support wireless video transmission using your existing 802.11g wireless LAN.
The use of 802.11g wireless is far superior to traditional 900mhz or even 2.4ghz wireless video transmission systems. The 802.11 protocol works by sub-dividing the entire 2.4 GHz frequency into channels and switching between them during transmissions. As the signal is sent, it sends a packet of data at one frequency and then hops to the next channel and sends another packet and so on, until the entire data package is sent.
Because 802.11g wireless networks support a bandwidth of 108 Mbps of data, the days of cost effective, reliable and secure wireless video transmission have finally arrived.
Feature: Digital Bi-Directional Communication Format.
Benefit: The 802.11g protocol utilizes digital bi-directional signals which support the use of pan tilt zoom functions and presets found in many newer cameras. The digital signal used is duplex (bi-directional) as opposed to the simplex (one-way) binary signal used in analog type systems.
Feature: Longer Transmission Range with Less Interference.
Benefit: Because 802.11g utilizes the entire 2.4 GHz frequency spectrum, interference is greatly reduced and longer transmission ranges can be expected. If an area of the frequency is noisy then the transmitter/receivers will adapt the signal by sending smaller packets in the noisy affected area and larger packets in the non-effected areas of the frequency. The Wireless IP Video Systems offer the same performance as professional grade wired system with a reliable transmission range of 150-200 feet.
If the camera is to be located further than 200 feet, directional antennas are available which can increase the distance to 600 or more feet. If a greater distance than 600 feet is required, point to point, long range directional type systems can increase the distance to several miles.
Feature: Higher Security for Data and Video Streams.
Benefit: In addition to standard 64/128-bit WEP Security, 802.11g protocol allows data packets to be encrypted using a 40-bit RCA key. When considered in conjunction with the inherent security built into DSSS digital spread spectrum technology, the data signals are at least as secure as data traveling over a wired network.
Feature: Supports Multiple Wireless Cameras without Interference.
Benefit: The 802.11g protocol can support a much larger number of wireless cameras by using a medium access control or MAC layer called CSMA/CA or Carrier Sense Multiple Access/Collision Avoidance. The Collision Avoidance in 802.11g supports the use of CTS/RTS signals (clear to send/ready to send) which tell each camera on the system when it is O.K. to begin transmitting or receiving data thereby avoiding interference.