Most web surfers are familiar with webcams that plug into a USB port on a
personal computer. These webcams require software loaded onto a
computer to work. In addition, knowledge of how to properly set up a
router is also required. Most webcams have limited uses for video chats
and video telephone communication services like Skype. There are few
software programs that can convert webcams into an amateur security
system. These systems are limited to a few cameras each connected to its
own computer or USB cables to a maximum of fifteen foot lengths.
Recent
breakthroughs in camera design resulted in a new camera called an IP
cam, or network camera. Network cameras do not require a personal
computer since each has its own built-in web server. These cameras are
classified into two types: Professional and Consumer. The professional
network cameras are usually installed by Network Technicians with
specialized IT training. Professional IP camera prices start out at
about $350 and go to over $6,000 each. Consumer IP cameras can be
installed by those who have technical expertise as well as knowledge
about routers and networking. It can be very frustrating setting up
these cameras because of the many different variables involved in each
installation. Most routers are not configured the same way, so knowledge
about one router manufacturer will be different than routers
manufactured by a different company. Also, as router standards and
capabilities change, new and different set up procedures can be
challenging to the most technically savvy.
There are three ways to connect network cameras so they can be observed remotely through the internet:
1) Dedicated static public IP address, plus a router that has Network Address Translation.
2)
DDNS services. These services monitor the public IP address of the
Local Area Network (LAN), so that an incoming remote camera request can
connect to the LAN and the appropriate camera.
3) A private server network that can direct remote sites to the correct camera.
Issues:
1)
A static IP address should not be tied to a LAN used for confidential
data. This means a separate ISP account and a premium charge for the
static IP address used by the security camera network. These can be very
costly. The camera installer must still have knowledge of Network
Address Translation and port forwarding. Network troubleshooting skill
and knowledge is a must.
2) DDNS services are available for free
and for fee. The free services have limits of use in terms of numbers
and types of connection requests. Fee based services produce better
results, but still require knowledge of Network Address Translation,
port forwarding and DDNS set up procedures. In addition, network
troubleshooting knowledge is required. The cost can be free to
$35/month.
3) Private server network. These networks consist of a
local server outside of the LAN which works as a relay to assure that
the remote observer and correct camera are linked together. It is an
advantage to have multiple servers located in different locations on
their own private secure network. These systems requires installer to
have Network Address Translation, port forwarding knowledge and network
troubleshooting skills. Most of these systems charge an annual camera
fee and video storage fees.
There is a new inexpensive way to get
around ALL the problems listed above. A new type camera called a
Self-networking camera has built-in firmware that automatically controls
the router settings so that no knowledge of routers is required. In
addition, these self-networking cameras connect to their own FREE and
secure world wide server network so that a static IP address or DDNS
service is not required.
What does this all mean? Anyone with
minimum or no technical knowledge can set up a self-networking camera
without even reading the instructions. The only requirements are a
source of electricity for the camera and router and a connection to the
internet. No computer or software is required to put the camera online.
Commercial network camera installers do not need to be tech savvy IT
technicians to install these cameras. When it comes to computers we have
all heard the comments, easy to use, no knowledge required, simple set
up, plug and pray, and etc. The first adopters of this self-networking
camera technology were network CCTV installers who no longer needed the
specialized training and certification required from the network camera
manufacturers. Self-networking cameras are now available for consumers
with no technical knowledge. Plug the camera in the outlet, plug one end
of a CAT5 cable into the camera and the other end into a router and the
camera is online within seconds instead of hours.
You may be
wondering how you can see the camera video. Self-networking cameras can
be viewed and controlled in six different ways:
1) Visit a free
website set up for the cameras. Type in the camera id and password from a
small credit card sized camera ID card and you can observe, control and
record from each camera.
2) Install a Windows based software on
any PC. The cameras pop up automatically on the screen. Press the record
button to record. That's all there is to it. The application even works
on a low-powered netbook.
3) Use a supported smartphone such as
an Apple iPhone 3GS. Downloadable applications can allow you to Pan
Tilt, or record directly from the camera.
4) By using a N.A.S.
(Network Attached Storage) device instead of a personal computer for
video storage. A NAS is similar to a computer but does not require a
keyboard, mouse and does not have a video output. They are very
inexpensive and can store a large amount of video files.
5) Some self-networking cameras have a built-in video storage that could use a 16 GB Micro SD memory chip.
6)
Using the NAS device, it is possible to redistribute video to other
storage locations at the same time. For the most secure applications,
the recorded video can be stored in multiple locations automatically.
The
self-networking cameras can be used in many additional applications.
The result is an expansion of advanced camera features at no additional
charge. These new features include built in microphones, video motion
detection, built in SMTP and FTP servers, NAS settings, and camera
settings such as brightness and resolution can now be controlled
remotely. Other features such as multiple video streams and on-camera
recording are also available. Other application specific features such
as Day and Night (Near Infrared night vision), wireless and Pan and Tilt
functions are also available at low cost. The typical consumer
self-networking camera costs much less than its professional
counterpart, yet it essentially the same camera with the same high
quality. These cameras are small enough to take on vacations and
business trips.
Self-networking cameras are available for
consumers that have the best security camera technology used by
professionals and at a lower price!
M.A. Wells has over 30 years
experience and education designing and installing CCTV systems. Do you
need a simple to use camera with advanced features that allows you to
monitor activities from a smartphone? These features are only available
from a self-networking IP camera. These cameras can be used for
security, pet cam, nanny cam, granny cam, for teaching or demonstrations
over a long distance, weather cam, events such as weddings or parties
and of course just plain fun. You can even take them with you on
vacation and business trips. When you check into a hotel, are you sure
that no unauthorized person has entered your room? Any movement and you
will receive an email message with attached photos, and you can even
record video and sounds automatically.
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