IP Camera Surveillance System

Feeling safe and secure is important. It does not matter where you live, you still want to make sure that you are doing all that you can do to protect yourself and your family when you are at home. That is why choosing an IP camera surveillance system you are making a choice to protect your family. There are many different systems to choose from, you have to find the one that will help you to feel the most secure, and you are on the right track.

With an IP video surveillance system, you can see what is going on around you. This is a benefit when you have a young family. You want to make sure that you are doing all that you need to do to keep your family safe. Being able to see what is going on around your house is the best way of knowing that everything around your home is safe. I like to make sure that I am able to check around my children's room to know that there is nothing going on outside so that they are safe.

Another benefit of a camera surveillance system is that you are knowing that you have the option to know who is coming to your door before you choose if you are going to answer the door. Having a surveillance camera is the best way to see what is going on around your home. There have been many times that you do not want to answer the door. This will give the option that you can see who is there to determine if you want to answer the door.

Often times you can choose a security camera that can be networked in your home. This is a great benefit because you will have the option of where you can see the video from any place that you have access to the network. That is the advantage of using an IP camera surveillance system. I know that if we are away from home, we have a connection that we can still check on our home to make sure that everything is safe and secure.

Taking the time to make sure that you choose the right IP camera surveillance system for your home is important. You want to make sure that you can cover the entire home safely and securely. Looking over the different options and styles will give you the best options that you have been available. This is the best way to help you choose the best options that you have been available to you. You need to make sure that you are going to feel safe in your home.

For more information on IP camera surveillance system and wireless IR surveillance go to Surveillancesysteminc dot com

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Viewing 180 Degrees With a Single Business MegaPixel IP Security Camera

Business owners are generally prioritizing when it comes to installation of security cameras in and around their business because there are many areas to cover, and it is expensive and unsightly to install enough cameras to truly provide the coverage that is needed. This however does not reduce the importance of providing coverage of these indoor and outdoor areas of the business. Arecont Vision has provided a new solution for providing coverage with a single camera in their new AV8180 180 degree panoramic 8.0 MegaPixel IP Camera. This AV8180 camera can provide coverage for a full 180 degree field of view replacing up to 24 analog security cameras.

The AV8180 camera has 4 x 2.0 MegaPixel image sensors built-in with 8mm megapixel lenses, providing 6400 x 1200 total resolution around the entire 180 degree viewable area. Unlike some panoramic cameras, the AV8180 from Arecont Vision provides this coverage without the distortion or "fish eye" appearance that occurs when a wide-angle lens is used...so that you get a true picture with optimum viewing angle from a single camera. The 4 separate 2.0 MegaPixel image sensors each provide a full 1600x1200 resolution video stream, and will be picked up as separate video streams by your NVR software.

For outdoor mounting, the AV8180 has optional wall mount and ceiling mount brackets with or without heater and blower to allow mounting this IP security camera in virtually any environment. This camera has become especially popular for monitoring outside areas like gas pumps, providing the ability to capture license plates from many different gas pumps simultaneously from a single camera, often replacing 6 or 8 cameras that were previously used for this purpose.

This MegaPixel 180 degree panoramic camera also saves business owners in software licensing fees, because the Arecont Vision AV8180 camera requires only a single IP camera license in the software you are using for recording, such as our Alnet Netstation NVR or Hybrid DVR/NVR software. Ez-Toyz Inc. now has a full line of Arecont MegaPixel IP Cameras now available for business owners.

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Viewing an IP Network Camera over the Internet

IP Network Cameras are designed to work in a Local Area Network (LAN) and over the Internet. Within a LAN, IP Network Cameras allow for motoring local to the computer network to which the cameras are attached to. With additional configuration of your computer network you have the ability to allow for your IP Network Camera to be monitored not only locally but remotely as well using the Internet. For advice on how to configure your network to allow for your camera to work over the Internet please follow this guide.

Configuration - Local Access

Before you are able to configure your camera to work over the Internet we suggest configuring the camera for local access first. Please refer to the technical documentation that came with your camera for proper instructions on initial configuration of your camera. Once the camera has been configured for local access you are then ready to start configuration for remote access to the camera over the Internet.

Configuration - Remote Access

Before you proceed to configure your local network to allow your camera to be monitored from a remote location, we suggest that you contact your network administrator to ensure you have the proper authority to configure remote access to the camera. Once you have consulted with your network administrator you may proceed to configure remote access to the camera.

In order to configure your camera to work over the Internet you will need to configure what is called Port Forwarding. Port Forwarding allows for you to access the camera from a remote location by forwarding the network ports used by the camera onto the Internet. These ports are usually forwarded by accessing your network's router and configuring the router to forward the ports used by the camera. For details as to what ports will be required for forwarding for your IP Network Camera, please consult the manufacturer of your camera. For additional information beyond this guide regarding Port Forwarding, please visit www.portforward.com where you will be able to find step by step guides on Port Forwarding specific to different models of routers.

Step 1 - Obtain IP Address Information

In order to access your network's router for configuration of port forwarding you will require the IP Address of the router to which the camera is connected to. You can obtain this IP Address information by consulting with the network administrator of your network or by opening up a Command Prompt within Windows and entering in the "ipconfig /all" command. To open a command prompt window you will need to click on the Window's Start button and then proceed to click on Run. Now you will enter in "cmd" and click on "Ok" to proceed.

Once you have displayed the IP Configuration for your computer using the "ipconfig /all" command, you will then be able to record the IP Address for your router. You will need this IP Address in order to access your router for configuring Port Forwarding. Your network router's IP Address will be displayed as the Default Gateway.

Step 2 - Accessing your Network's Router

Now that you have obtained the IP Address for your network's router you will then need to proceed to access your router by typing in the router's IP Address in a web browser.

Step 3 - Configuring Port Forwarding on your Router

Now that you have access to the network router you will then need to proceed to browse to the
configuration section on the router where port forwarding is to take place. Please consult with the manufacturer of your router for details as to where this section is. You may also review the website NetworkCameraReviews.com where you will find detailed forum posts on port forwarding with various routers.

The Private IP Address for the camera (local IP Address of camera) has been entered in as well as a unique name that will be associated with this particular port that is to be forwarded. In this example port 80 will be forwarded for the camera. Please consult with the manufacturer of your camera for details on what port(s) will be forwarded. Some IP Network Cameras require more then one port to be forwarded in order for you to obtain all the features the camera has to offer. You will also be presented with an option to select a Protocol to be to be used. Common options found are UDP, TCP or Both. Your router may have additional options. In most cases you will need to select the protocol option "Both". This will associate both UDP and TCP protocols to the port(s) being forwarded. In this example we with click on the Apply button once all required information has been entered.

After the settings have been saved within the router's configuration you should be able to see this information displayed in a list. There may be other entries in this list already by default.

Step 4 - Accessing your IP Network Camera over the Internet

Now that you have configured port forwarding on your network's router to allow the camera to be accessed over the Internet, you are now ready to attempt to access the camera. We suggest attempting to access the camera from a remote location and not within the local network for confirmation that port forwarding was configured properly. At a remote location you will need to type in the Public IP Address that is provided by you Internet Service Provider (ISP) in order for you to be able to access your camera.

Please contact your ISP if you are not sure what your Public IP Address is. You will not be able to access the camera by it's Private IP Address (Example: 192.168.0.100) because the camera's Private IP Address cannot be seen on the Internet and can only be seen within the local network to which the camera is attached to.

In most applications port 80 will be forwarded and because of this no port information will be required in the Address Bar when attempting to access the camera. However, there are cases where an IP Network Camera will not use port 80. These cases are usually related to security concerns with using port 80. We suggest contacting your network administrator or the manufacturer of you router to inquire upon the possible security concerns with forwarding port 80. If port 80 is not the port being used you will be required to enter in the full IP Address followed by a colon and the port number used.

You should now be able to fully access your IP Network Camera from a remote location using the
Internet. If you require any additional support for configuring your camera for remote access, we strongly suggest that you contact the manufacturer of your camera, the manufacturer of your network's router or review the detailed guides found on NetworkCameraReviews.com

Wes Fernley runs a website called NetworkCameraReviews.com, a free online resource for users to learn about IP Network Cameras. He provides free consultation and advice. His roles include tech support, web design and sales.

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How to Set Up an IP-Based Camera Surveillance System

Install reasonably priced cameras over ubiquitous networks

Analog vs. IP-Based

Let's take a quick look at the differences between old-school analog systems and the new wave of IP-based network systems.

Analog closed-circuit recording systems (CCTV) are limited, because they are only as smart as the person monitoring the system. With IP networks you have access to a wide-range of automated software settings and alert systems that make security management more efficient and intelligent and less error prone and less costly.

On the other hand, IP camera systems handle motion detection, event triggers, and alert automation (via e-mail, pager or phone call), and have a multitude of options for changing frame rates, resolution and timed record cycles. Analog camera systems can't do this without digital conversion.

This particular D-Link IP surveillance application has room for 16 cameras, as shown here:

The next screens you'll see offer motion-detection and monitoring scheduling. After that, you can manage alert, recording, and snapshot settings.

All in all, this particular program is highly flexible and can accommodate virtually any scenario and alert response. Best of all, it comes free with the more high-end D-Link cameras.

Power over Ethernet (PoE)

PoE switches and adapters are useful for times when local power outlets are not available. Power is drawn from the power source near the switch and then routed over ethernet cables. This is possible because the CAT5 Ethernet spec enables both data and power.

As always, pricing depends up the various equipment involved on a site, along with such network variables as the number of ports, switch capabilities, vendors deployed, etc. Make sure all of these fit within yours and your customer's budget.

PoE (short for Power over Ethernet) is basically a power extension via ethernet cable. It requires a PoE switch or PoE adapters. PoE switches will send power and data to either:

• A PoE enabled device that can take power and data from a single ethernet cable and the attached PoE switch; or
• A PoE terminal adapter that splits the power out of the ethernet cable at the end of the line and connects to a standard power input on the networked device (in this case a camera).

The second scenario is shown in the next photo. The PoE router is on the far left, the terminal adapter is in the middle, and the camera is connected on the far right with a power bridge cord and a second Ethernet cable. With a PoE enabled camera or device, you wouldn't need the terminal adapter.

If you plan on using a non-PoE switch or router—because you don't have power outlets near the location you'd like to place the camera—the following set-up will apply:

1. Attach an Ethernet cable to your router, as shown here:

Attach the PoE base unit adapter to the other end of the ethernet cable like so:

Plug in the base unit's power cable:

The opposite side of the base unit takes an Ethernet cable that now carries both power and data. It's the cable in the middle with the pen on it here:
That middle Ethernet cable with the pen on it could be really long and go anywhere in an office or home. The camera has power and Ethernet connectivity at the very end of the line:

And here it is, ready for use:

Essentially, here's what's going on: The base unit takes power from the wall and data from an Ethernet cable (either a standard router or a computer with extra Ethernet ports). Then the router sends power through one Ethernet cable to the base unit. The base unit places power and data into one Ethernet line. Then the terminal adapter pulls the power off the Ethernet wire and sends it via a little bridge cable to the power connector on the camera device along with the final Ethernet data link. By using the PoE set-up, you deliver power to a location that has no local power outlet via Ethernet cabling.

The companies that make these cameras also carry harsh weather housings, blowers and heaters for outdoor cams. D-Link's accessories can be found here.

In the near-term, we can all expect to see cameras everywhere there's an IP connection. System builders should seriously consider mining this huge new market—as ease-of-installation, reasonably-priced equipment, and the ability to offer customers high-degrees of quality—can mean a healthy addition to your bottom line.

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How to Set Up an IP-Based Camera Surveillance System

Install reasonably priced cameras over ubiquitous networks IP surveillance technology has reached one of those "perfect storm" moments. Today's digital cameras are inexpensive and easy to install. Wired and wireless networks alike are ubiquitous. And the camera-monitoring software is robust, easy-to-use and often free. Demand for security cams is high among both businesses and home users, and system builders stand to capitalize on this surging wave by offering installation services and support. There's even potential for computer and server upgrades, as some companies will be looking to build dedicated systems that have guaranteed bandwidth and quality of service (QoS) over the video network.

Cameras are popping up all over the place. You can find them at retail businesses, factory floors, homes, apartments, landmarks, schools, financial institutions and transportation centers, to name but a few. Applications range from basic security and safety to quality control monitoring.

Although you can use these cameras over the Web, they're not really Webcams, which are those small, low-tech cameras designed for online socializing. Rather, IP-based cameras connect directly to IP networks, record at higher frame rates, and generally have better resolution then Webcams. They can pan, tilt and zoom, and many have one-way or two-way audio capabilities. They also come with monitoring and management software that lets you trigger alarms and e-mail alerts when certain events occur. For example, you can designate motion detection areas within a frame that generate alerts when motion occurs. Or you can set the system to begin recording when certain events occur or timers are set. Examples of motion events might include a person walking into the frame or a car driving across a designated area.

Since these systems are IP-based, you can monitor, store, and archive video, audio and associated application data over the Internet or across private data networks. The video can be carried anywhere the IP network extends, as opposed to closed-circuit television (CCTV) systems that require proprietary equipment and dedicated coaxial cabling. Anyone with the proper security clearance and a standard browser can monitor video, and control and configure the cameras on the network.

You need to have a fairly robust wired or wireless network set up for a successful IP surveillance roll-out. This Recipe assumes that you have a typical 10/100 wired or 802.11g wireless network already set up. We will, however, look at some Power over Ethernet (PoE) networking equipment and discuss the advantages of that type of system as well. PoE allows you to send power over ethernet lines so you don't have to place the cameras near power sources.

Finally, a note on what all this will cost you. Simply put, pricing will depend on several factors you'll need to carefully consider: Labor rates, the camera(s) selected, the structure of the building(s), the location of power outlets, the location of network infrastructure, etc.

Big Benefits

A quick rundown of the main benefits of IP surveillance follows. Use these points when pitching solutions to your customers, and they will quickly recognize the advantages.

• Utilizes existing IP infrastructure.
• Highly scalable.
• Flexible camera placement: PoE eliminates need for local power source; Wi-Fi eliminates need for hard-wired ethernet cable. Wi-Fi stands for Wireless Fidelity, and Wi-Fi is pretty much a noun these days, and has even become synonymous with the more generic term "wireless."
• Remote viewing from anywhere/anytime via a standard Web browser.
• Standards-based, allowing multi-vendor solutions and integration.
• Better image quality than closed circuit TV (CCTV) analog systems.
• Open storage and server systems scale easily and cheaply, with no need for specialized recording equipment or training.
• Secure: Data can be encrypted across the network, so only the cameras and servers know what kind of packets to expect across the system. Without the proper authentication keys, outsiders can't break into the network to steal video data or feed false video into the system. Also, any interruption to the data stream can automatically trigger alarms and alerts.

Ingredients

Let's get into the two main areas of components—the cameras and the network—that we'll need for building out an IP camera surveillance system.

Cameras: Most professionals are deploying products from D-Link of Fountain Valley, California. The company has been around for 20 years, and it offers quality cameras at reasonable prices. I recommend them.

I tested D-Link's DCS-6620G, DCS-5300G, DCS-3220G, DCS-2120 and DCS-950G cameras. I've listed them in order from fully featured to bare-bones. The DSC-6620G is the deluxe model, with all the bells and whistles and the superior Charge-Coupled Device (CCD) technology.

The D-Link DCS-6620G and DCS-5300G are the motorized models; they offer full pan, tilt and zoom features. The 6620G retails for about $775 onAmazon (NSDQ: AMZN). The DCS-5300G sells for about $422. (All prices are subject to change, of course. Watch for deals!)

The DCS-6620G, DCS-5300G and DCS-3220G have microphones and 3.5-mm. audio jacks to connect speakers at the camera source, so you can have remote two-way conversations. The DCS-3220G retails for $323 on Amazon.

The DCS-2120 has a microphone, but no speaker jack, so you can only monitor sound from this camera; you can't speak back to the person on the other end. I won't go into all the features here, but these cameras are quite impressive and take excellent, clear videos. The DCS-2120 retails for just under $320. The low-end DCS-950G is going for a little over $140.

All the cameras I tested operate as both Wi-Fi and wired Ethernet cameras. You can set them up either way depending upon your needs and the locations of your wired ethernet.

Once you've set up a camera, you can just plug the rest in and configure them without having to run the set-up utilities again. You can get a large facility installed really quickly this way. You simply plug the cameras into a power outlet and Ethernet jack, discover them with the D-Link client utility, and then configure the Wi-Fi settings according to your router's settings. Unplug the Ethernet cable(s) from the cameras you want to use in Wi-Fi mode, and you're set. The Wi-Fi cameras can be positioned anywhere in range of your wireless router and anywhere there is a power source. I'll cover the initial software installation in specific detail below.

The Network: You need to consider a few existing network variables before installing cameras. Ideally, your network switches and routers should offer a range of speeds from 56 megabits per second (Mbps) to 10 Gbps. For high-quality feeds or large numbers of cameras, consider 100 Mbps attached cameras with backbone network speeds of 1 Gigabit or higher. 10/100 Mbps networks and 54 Mbps or 108 Mbps Wi-Fi networks can be used for applications where high-resolution video quality is not as critical.

If you don't want to run Ethernet cable, 802.11 wireless access points and wireless cameras are an option. The 54-Mbps 802.11g standard is sufficient for many video surveillance applications. Current wireless security standards, like Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA), offer robust authentication and encryption for the wireless signal to prevent snooping and interception of the video signal.

You should estimate throughput and peak demand requirements that will be placed on the network and examine how those demands may impact other network applications. Also, consider Quality of Service (QoS) mechanisms to provide the desired level of video quality to your IP Surveillance cameras and monitoring applications.

If you have a client that needs a larger installation—with 200 to 300 cameras, for example—you can go with Gigabit and 10-Gigabit Ethernet. Some organizations are easily using more than 1,000 cameras at a time with these high-speed networks.

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