15
Network cameras
There is a wide range of network cameras to meet a variety of requirements. This
chapter describes what a network camera is and explains the different camera types.
Information is also provided about day and night, and megapixel network cameras.
A camera selection guide is included at the end of the chapter.
For more on camera
elements, see Chapter 3.
2.1
What is a network camera?
A network camera, often also called an IP camera, can be described as a camera and computer
combined in one unit. The main components of a network camera include a lens, an image
sensor, one or several processors, and memory. The processors are used for image processing,
compression, video analysis and networking functionalities. The memory is used for storing the
network camera’s firmware (computer program) and for local recording of video sequences.
Like a computer, the network camera has its own IP address, is connected directly to a network
and can be placed wherever there is a network connection. This differs from a web camera,
which can only operate when it is connected to a personal computer (PC) via the USB or IEEE
1394 port, and to use it, software must be installed on the PC. A network camera provides web
server, FTP (File Transfer Protocol), and e-mail functionalities, and includes many other IP net-
work and security protocols.
Figure 2.1a A network camera connects directly to the network.
NETWORk CAMERAS - CHAPTER 2
PoE switch
Axis network camera
Computer with video
management software
LAN
LAN/Internet
