The Network Camera: Security Video Utilizing A LAN

There's a certain amount the inevitability of the IP camera. The question is when not if, the IP camera will come to dominate the market for security cameras. IP camera installation is easier because the network cabling is less expensive and much less bulky than the commonly used coaxial cable for analog cameras. There is a presumption that everything digital is better than the alternative analog, but in this case, the reality is more complicated. Like most new technologies, a certain amount of "exaggerated" by the IP camera companies market their products to be expected. It is important to recognize the problems associated with IP cameras.

camera technology IP has its problems. The first problem is cost. IP cameras with comparable image quality are significantly more expensive than analog alternatives. The second problem is the communication bandwidth for video is a challenge to conventional networks, if more than one or two cameras are employed. When making comparisons between analog and IP cameras, image specifications must be used the same, otherwise the decision is based on the novelty of the technology, not performance. A network camera can be found at almost the same price as an analog camera, but not if both houses have comparable performance. For example, IP cameras generally have a less impressive specifications of low light sensitivity (1-4 Lux typical) that analog cameras (0. 001-0. 8 Lux typical). Excellent quality of IP cameras are available: for example, the Cisco 2500 has a sensitivity of 0. 4 Lux with 100 dB dynamic range, but the Cisco 2500 is sold for over $ 800. A comparable analog camera sold for under $ 300.

The other problem with IP cameras is the bandwidth of the signal necessary to connect the camera to the network system. It is possible to install a network camera in an existing network, but the impact of several cameras will have on the network performance of your system should be considered, especially if many cameras will be installed. If the topology of the network dedicated stars (homers), is to be installed solely for the use of the cameras, then this problem can be avoided.

A unique IP video camera with a resolution of 640x480 pixels at 30 frames per second (M-JPEG) requires about 8 Mbit / second of bandwidth. In comparison, the Ethernet (10BASE-X), the specification is 10 Mbit / s maximum.

There are two approaches to the use of IP cameras. The first approach converts the analog video signal to digital camera. This camera will incorporate sufficient computing capacity to operate in a networked environment, including an operating system stored in a small flash memory module. The second approach is a decentralized design. This camera includes the ability to actually operate independently. It can store video until needed, and has video capability real analysis (artificial intelligence). With this artificial intelligence, if there is an alarm condition, the camera can make this determination, and in contact with the host.

This is the most common approach today. With this design of the digital camera captures the image, and communicates constantly video as a digital signal through a computer network to a video server (computer). The server is responsible for processing and storing video. Although the camera has to have some computing power to communicate across a network, has little or no in the ability of the Board for logic functions and storage. Remember that the video requires a major microprocessor, RAM, video storage and handling, even limited.

If sophisticated decentralized processing (video analysis) can be profitably deploy IP cameras, the transition to IP cameras is dramatically accelerated. Some companies like D-Link and Linksys have introduced digital cameras that have integrated Web servers so that no external computers are needed for communication, but this is different from the ability to analyze at the point of capture and store the video locally.

logic and video storage to eliminate the need for the entire video to be constantly communicated to the host, and would solve the bandwidth problem. The video that is necessary to review could be requested by the host only when necessary.

A survey of estimates of professionals in the IP camera technology will become dominant when there is less than $ 100 the difference of the analog camera. As the price of technology continues to decline, the IP camera will be more competitive, but it could take many years.