Internet Protocol is a protocol used for communicating data across a packet-switched network using the Internet Protocol Suite, also referred to as TCP/IP

way audio allow users to communicate what they are seeing (e.g. Gas station clerk assisting a customer on how to use the prepay pumps).

LED lighting which is used for night vision. This feature gives users the ability to view low light areas, known as Night Vision.

Ability to view at a streaming rate, some IP cameras have a resolution of 640x480 and are able to record at 30 frames per second.

IP cameras are also able to function on a wireless network. Initial configuration has to be done through a router, however after the IP camera is installed it can then be used on the wireless network

IP Cameras now have "Easy Connect Technology," which allows a user to setup an IP camera with little or no prior networking experience.

Potential advantages of IP cameras

Some of the most commonly cited advantages of IP-based video surveillance as compared to analog CCTV summarized in this section.

Cost advantages

• Reduced system cost and added functionality due to general-purpose IP networking equipment infrastructure.
• Lower cost of cabling in large installations (CAT5e instead of RG-59.
• Flexible image format

• Support for a variety of image resolutions including both standard analog CCTV resolutions (CIF, NTSC and PAL) and megapixel resolutions.
• Capability for digital zoom of high-resolution megapixel images.
• Progressive scan (versus interlaced scanning). Note that not all IP cameras operate in progressive scan mode. Progressive scan allows still images to be removed in better quality from a video feed. This is particularly true for a fast moving target, in which case interlaced scanning will introduce shutter-blind artifacts.
• Ability to select specific frame rates and resolution for each camera in a system. No additional video encoder hardware is required to convert analog video signals into digital data for recording onto hard drives.
• Choice of video compression codec such as Motion JPEG, MPEG-4 Part 2, or H.264.

Extensible network infrastructure

• Convergence onto new or existing IP cabling infrastructure, including sites with multiple buildings.
• Ability to use Power over Ethernet allowing for one cable to handle power and data.
• Capability for deploying with a wireless bridge.
• Ability to use legacy coaxial cables with appropriate converters.
• Ability to use fiber optic links with appropriate twisted-pair to fiber converters.
• Transmission of commands for PTZ (pan, tilt, zoom) cameras via a single network cable.
• Simple to add one camera at a time to the system.

Greater functionality

• Wireless allows the camera to be placed just about anywhere.
• No limit on resolution inherent in standard analog video formats. Megapixel cameras can far exceed image detail from conventional CCTV cameras.
• On-camera automated alerting via email or file transfer in response to video motion detection or dry-contact alarms.
• Password lockout of unauthorized personnel to prevent viewing images or altering the camera configuration.
• Support for different streaming media and compression formats to relieve transmission bandwidth and data storage requirements.
• Encryption of camera control data and audio/video data.
• Support for new embedded intelligent video motion detection (video analytics) with shape recognition and counting applied to objects, people, and vehicles.
• Integration of video surveillance with other systems and functions such as access control, alarm systems, building management, traffic management, etc.
• Remote configuration, diagnostics, and maintenance.
• Future-proof installations with field-upgradeable products due to the ability to upgrade camera firmware over the network.

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