IP-based video surveillance systems are easy to use and are becoming increasingly popular. They use the computer's network for data transfer and are easily expandable. To find out more about the advantages of IP video surveillance and which components play an important role, please read our advisory.

IP cameras, also known as network cameras, are at the center of IP-based video surveillance. They are equipped with an integrated web server and a separate IP address, through which they can be connected to the network or accessed via the Internet. Like analogueue surveillance cameras, IP cameras have analogueue CCD or CMOS sensors. However, they convert analogue signals into digital signals and compress them to transfer them to the storage device via the network. Sensors and alarm transmitters can be connected directly to the corresponding inputs and outputs of the IP camera. Many IP cameras are already equipped with motion detectors and night vision LEDs. If required, the system can be expanded with additional IP camera accessories such as sensor modules.
IP cameras are available in various designs. There are so-called dome cameras, which are constructed in hemispherical shape and equipped with an opaque ball behind which the actual camera is installed. Bullet cameras are elongated and have the shape of a bullet ball (English bullet). Your lens is integrated in the housing and thus protected, but not replaceable. These are different from box cameras that look similar, but have a interchangeable lens mounted outside the housing. Compact cameras with small dimensions and can therefore be used in many different ways. Tilt and swivel cameras are bullet, box or dome cameras that can be aligned at different angles.

If the IP camera recordings are not stored directly on the PC or in a cloud, network video recorders (NVR) are used. Network recorders have one or more hard disks with very high storage capacity . The amount of storage capacity a recorder's hard drive should have depends, among other things, on the number of IP video cameras connected and the image quality. The higher the resolution of the recordings and the more cameras are connected, the more storage space is required. In order to be able to transfer the recordings to a USB stick or an SD card, for example, network recorders are usually equipped with appropriate connection options.
Network recorders are available individually, but are also often part of network monitoring systems. These are complete solutions, especially suitable for those who want to equip themselves with all the important components for video surveillance. Depending on the version, the sets include a recorder, several IP cameras and, if necessary, other components, such as a monitor. The advantage of such video surveillance sets is that all components are coordinated and compatible with each other.

Several factors must be taken into account when compiling and designing an IP monitoring system. Special attention is paid to the IP camera, which is the heart of any IP-based video surveillance system. First of all, the resolution of the camera plays a big role, after all, something should be recognizable on the recordings. For more demanding tasks, an IP camera should have a resolution of at least 2 megapixels. In fact, many models achieve even better quality. 4 megapixel cameras (2k) and 8 megapixel cameras (4k) are now also available. In terms of resolution, IP cameras are already ahead of the curve compared to analogueue video cameras and are currently defining a new standard. However, high resolution is not always necessary. If you just want to get an overview of what's happening in one place, without having to recognize details such as faces or number plates, then a network camera with a VGA resolution (VGA = Video Graphics Array) of 640 x 480 pixels can be sufficient.

The range of vision of an IP camera should also be adapted to the intended use. 360° cameras offer a full view, but are not suitable for every installation environment. Tilt and swivel cameras can be aligned in different angles and are equipped with a movable arm for this purpose. Since the movement can be perceived, they are more conspicuous than immovable cameras. With the latter, a wide-angle lens can be used to cover the widest possible range of vision. For surveillance in the dark, IP cameras with night vision function are a good choice. They are equipped with infrared LEDs (in short: IR LEDs), i.e. light emitting diodes that generate infrared rays. With this help, the surveillance area is illuminated, so to speak. Infrared light is not visible to the human eye, but the camera recognizes it and can capture the environment in black and white mode. Since natural colors are distorted by infrared light in daylight, most night vision cameras are additionally equipped with a filter that filters out the IR light. It switches on or off automatically depending on the ambient brightness. The range of a camera in night vision mode depends on the number of LEDs installed.

Our practical tip: Consider light scenarios 

When installing an IP camera, the ambient light conditions must be taken into account. First of all, the camera must not be directed against the light, otherwise the events in front of the lens are difficult to recognize. It should not be placed in front of reflective surfaces, so that it is not blinded by reflections. It is also best to look at the night conditions, because in darkness, additional light sources are often switched on, which can cause reflections.