An IP camera is a digital video camera that can transmit data via Internet protocols on a network. This is a convenient device, but in order to get full-featured access to all its options, you will need to make certain settings.
An IP camera (outdoor or indoor) can also be described as a camera and a computer combined in one unit. The main components of this device include a lens, an image sensor, one or more processors, and memory. Processors are used for image processing, video compression, and network function analysis. The memory is used to store firmware (computer program) and for local video recording. Thus, it is not necessary to connect the IP camera to the computer to ensure its smooth operation.
Like a computer, a network camera has its own IP address, connects directly to the network and can be placed wherever there is an available connection. An IP camera, the price of which is slightly higher, independently provides the functions of a web server, FTP (File Transfer Protocol) and e-mail, and also includes many other network and other IP protocols. This is different from a webcam, which can only work when it is connected to a personal computer (PC) via USB or IEEE 1394 port. At the same time, its software must be installed on the PC.
The modern wireless IP camera can be configured to transmit video over the network for viewing in real time and / or in recording, or continuously, according to a schedule, event or at the request of authorized users. Captured images can be transferred in Motion JPEG, MPEG-4, or H.264 video using various network protocols, or downloaded as separate JPEG images using FTP, email, or HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol).
In addition to video recording, network cameras of some manufacturers provide event management and have “intelligent” functions, such as a video motion detector, sound detector, active alert when corruption is attempted, and auto tracking. Most devices also require I / O ports that allow you to connect to external devices, such as sensors and relays, and recording from an IP camera can be broadcast extensively. Other features may include audio capabilities and built-in power over Ethernet (PoE) support. Many gadgets also support advanced security and network management features. A modern outdoor IP camera allows you to shoot high-definition images even in poor visibility conditions.
Connection Features
Some IP cameras require an additional recording device, while others can record their videos directly to a NAS (network-attached storage device) or PC, which is configured to function as a server. Some of them even have built-in Micro SD card slots, and can save content directly to this physical medium. They may even have built-in servers, so sometimes you can access recordings remotely. How to configure the IP camera correctly? How should synchronization with the Internet be performed?
Where to begin?
If you are creating your own server, the program for IP cameras should be selected, which you will need to install yourself. You can connect several shooting devices to get a better idea of what is happening on the observed area.
Can i use alternative gadgets?
Instead of using a classic IP camera, you can use a simple "webcam" and connect it via USB to a computer running the appropriate recording software. This device, as a rule, is cheaper than an IP camera (the price of which is much higher), although it may not have some important functions (such as the possibility of night vision to record what is happening in absolute darkness).
Another difference is that the "webcam" must be connected directly to the computer via USB, while the IP camera can be in a completely different place and synchronized via Wi-Fi.
First of all, you need to choose some kind of webcam surveillance software. Such applications are used to capture and record video falling into the lens. You should remember that the program for IP-cameras (which can control the usual "web") may be paid, but you can still achieve some savings.
If you make this setting, you will need to keep your computer running 24/7, at least if you want to record all-day events.
Smartphone as a shooting device
If you have an old unused Android phone, you can turn it into a camera for network security. In the end, any such gadget has a camera, Wi-Fi, as well as built- in computer functions - all this should take, save and record video.
Network or IP cameras, in turn, are designed to work on a local area network (LAN) and through the Internet. In a LAN, they are managed within the computer network to which they are connected. Using the additional configuration of this local network, you have the opportunity to allow cameras to monitor not only local, but also remote, as well as via the Internet. How to configure IP camera in LAN?
Local access
Before you can configure the camera to work over the Internet, it is recommended that you enable all the necessary options for local access in the first place. Check the technical documentation that came with the device for instructions on how to set it up for the first time. After the camera is configured for local access, you will be ready to start the configuration for remote access to it via the Internet.
Remote access
Before setting up an IP camera on a local network to allow shooting from a remote location, it is recommended that you study the properties of the network administrator to make sure that you have the appropriate permissions. Otherwise, you cannot remotely access the camera.
In order to configure the camera to work over the Internet, you will need to configure the Port Forwarding service. It allows you to access the camera from a remote location by forwarding the network ports used on the Internet. These ports are usually routed to your network router to forward the ports used by the camera.
Getting IP Address
In order for the IP camera to transmit data over the Internet, you need to properly configure the network protocols. To access the router of your network to configure port forwarding, you need the IP address of the router to which the camera is connected. You can obtain this information by asking your network administrator for your network or by opening a command prompt in Windows and typing Ipconfig / all. To open a command prompt window, you will need to click on the "Start" button, and then go to click "Run."
After completing one of the above steps, you will receive the IP address of the router. You will need it in order to access the router to configure port forwarding. The IP address of the network router will be displayed as the default gateway.
Access your network router
Now you will need to go to the available router by entering its IP address in a web browser. Then you need to go to the configuration section, where port forwarding is configured.
Enter the local IP address of the camera, as well as its unique name associated with the specific port to be forwarded. As a rule, port 80 is used by default. However, it is advisable to request information from the manufacturer of your device for additional configuration details. For example, an advanced wireless IP camera may require more data to enable all options.
Some devices require more than one port, which will be routed in order to get all the features offered by the functionality of the gadget. You will also be given the opportunity to select the protocol to be used. Common parameters are UDP or TCP. Your router may also have additional options. In most cases, you will need to select the protocol option "Both at the same time." This will allow you to associate UDP and TCP with forwarded ports. As soon as you finish entering all custom options, click on the “Apply” button to save the selected settings.
After the settings have been saved in the router configuration, you should be able to see this information displayed in the list. There may be other entries configured by default (will be present in the same list). The parameters of your connected device will be located in its lower part under the IP Network Camera heading.
Internet access
Now that you have configured port forwarding on the router of your network to allow the camera to access via the Internet, you can begin to configure access to control it. It is recommended that you initially try to get it from a remote location, and not on the local network. This is desirable to confirm that port forwarding is configured correctly.
How to configure the IP camera completely?
From a remote location, you will need to enter the public IP address provided by your Internet service provider (ISP) in order to be able to access the camera. If you don’t know it, contact your provider's technical support or online services to determine the details of your Internet connections. You cannot access the camera using a private IP address, since it cannot be seen on the Internet (it is available only within the local network in which the device is connected). In addition to entering a public IP address, you sometimes need to enter a port in the address bar. In most cases, port 80 will be redirected automatically, and therefore this line can be left blank when trying to access the camera. However, there are times when the IP camera will not use port 80. If this happens, you will need to enter the full IP address, then a colon and the port number used in the connection.