What is a Network Camera?

Quick Definition: A network camera is a digital video device that transmits video data and receives control data over a network, enabling remote surveillance and monitoring. Network cameras come in all shapes and sizes and with a variety of features to enable remote surveillance. 

Whether you know it or not, you’ve likely interacted with a network camera in the past week. Sometimes also referred to as IP cameras, network cameras are cameras that are “on the network” rather than just pieces of hardware. Network cameras differ from traditional cameras in that they have IP addresses and can be managed remotely the same way any other network device can be. 

Network cameras have made security and monitoring more accessible to several industries, including small businesses, homeowners, and even hobbyists. 

When are Network Cameras Used?

A network camera is a digital video device that transmits video data and receives control data over a network. They come in all shapes and sizes and provide different capabilities based on your budget. 

Whether you’re looking to get a small camera for your front door or several cameras to help monitor your small business, whichever cameras you select will have an IP address and most likely a mobile application. The largest difference (and enhancement) from traditional analog cameras is the reduction in physical setup and maintenance. 

Older analog camera systems were hard-wired throughout a facility and connected back to a form of physical storage, such as a VHS, DVD, or hard drive sitting somewhere locally. Network cameras can directly upload and store photos, videos, and audio just about anywhere, whether that’s the cloud or an off-site storage medium such as a computer. 

Though some do offer this capability, network cameras don’t require a physical connection via Ethernet or USB cables to join the network; rather, most work over WiFi for data transmission and maintenance. 

If you’re studying for the CompTIA Network+ exam, here are a couple of things you need to know: 

Network cameras are considered to be layer 7 devices in the OSI (Open Systems Interconnection) model because their primary function is to display visual data in human-readable form. Additionally, you’ll need to know where IP cameras are placed on your network. At the time of this writing, network cameras are covered in two of the CompTIA Network+ exam objectives under Network Implementations and Network Security. 

What are the Main Functions of Network Cameras?

Earlier, we mentioned that network cameras have several capabilities depending on budget. But what exactly are some of the available capabilities, and why might you want to use them? For starters, network cameras are used by just about anyone and everyone, from enterprise networks to small businesses. Even homeowners and drivers use them to record activities on their property or while on the road.

Network cameras provide peace of mind for people who want to check on their homes while away. They can capture evidence during automobile crashes or break-ins, confirm alibis, and so much more. 

Some features you may want to look for when purchasing a network camera include motion detection, night vision or infrared sensors, and even two-way audio so you can communicate with people through the camera via an application.

Some features can even integrate with more advanced technologies such as facial recognition or automated license plate reader (ALPR) software. For example, some homeowners associations are starting to ALPR technology with cameras at the entrances of gated communities to monitor incoming vehicles. 

One of the most important features of network cameras is remote access and maintenance, since remote cameras are only beneficial if you can view footage and update settings away from the physical device. 

You’ll need to consider securing your remote access. Many cameras come with default login credentials, which should be changed during the initial setup. You’ll want to make sure your camera can only be accessed by authorized people, meaning you want to use a secure login and consider connecting your camera to the network through a VPN (virtual private network). 

Deployment Considerations for Network Cameras

When it comes to placing your cameras, you want to make sure you’re covering the desired area adequately. Whether you’re purchasing one camera for your front door or you are buying a whole kit for your small business, consider the following:

• Do you have a clear, unobstructed view of the desired area?

• Budget permitting, can your cameras see each other? This is helpful in deterring and detecting tampering.

• Are the areas well-lit, or are your cameras capable of providing clear video in low-light situations?

You'll also want to consider how you will manage storage and power. 

• Will your cameras be connected to a stable power source, such as an outlet, or will they be connected to an external power supply? If connected to an external power supply like batteries, how long will the supply allow the cameras to function before it needs replacement?

• Will your camera store video in one large clip, or will it be broken into smaller clips?

• How long will each clip run before either being overwritten altogether or finalized?

• What amount of data would you be storing? Hours? Days? Weeks?

• Will you store your camera’s data yourself on a hard drive, or will you upload it to an external cloud service?

Also, consider how much bandwidth these cameras may consume and whether that will cause network latency issues. Finally, consider whether your cameras should perform some action upon specific triggers. For example, if you install a camera at your business, would you want an individual or group to be notified if motion is detected during specific hours? 

Troubleshooting and Maintenance of Network Cameras

As with any other technologies, network cameras need occasional maintenance and troubleshooting. Regular maintenance will ensure your cameras continue to work as intended.

Although your camera may tell you when software updates are available or required, it’s good practice to check for updates at least once each month. 

You’ll also want to occasionally confirm that your camera placement still provides the best field of view and that all the features are working. How often you perform these checks may vary based on your individual needs and how often you view footage. It’s always better to perform these checks proactively rather than reactively because the camera missed something.

In addition to maintenance, you may need to troubleshoot issues with your network camera once in a while. The most common issues you will encounter are insufficient storage and connection errors. Thankfully, insufficient storage errors are usually easy to resolve by either clearing some space on your existing drive or adding more storage if you’re able. 

Troubleshooting connectivity may require a bit more effort since you may have to check not only the camera but also other components of the network. Everyone jokes about simply rebooting technology to fix issues, but there’s good reason for attempting to reboot. When rebooting, devices run through a sequential checklist of items such as obtaining an IP address, enabling functionalities such as drivers for physical components like the camera lens and any additional sensors, and enabling the Network Interface Controller (NIC). 

If a reboot does not resolve the issue, you may want to try to ping the camera from another device on your network to help determine if the issue is with the camera, or if it’s something else. It’s also worth verifying all physical components of your afflicted network camera are in good shape and free of any damage. This includes the cameras, any cables such as power supply or Ethernet cables, and the power supply itself. If all else fails, contact the vendor for additional support. 

Future Trends in Video Surveillance

As cameras, computers, and Artificial Intelligence continue to evolve, they will also continue to integrate. We briefly mentioned the concept of homeowners associations using network cameras and integrated ALPR software to monitor vehicles entering gated communities, but that’s only one example of how technologies are integrating with cameras. 

Network cameras are also integrating with facial recognition software to perform real-time analysis and facial recognition in cities around the world. There’s even gait recognition software that analyzes the way individuals walk, which is helping identify people who may be trying to disguise themselves or defeat facial recognition. 

As these technologies become more advanced and mainstream, they are encouraging discussions about individual privacy and legalities. Depending on the extent to which you want to use your IP cameras, be sure to adhere to all applicable laws and regulations regarding the physical devices and the stored data.

Conclusion

Modern security systems, such as network cameras, are more advanced and accessible than ever. They come in all shapes and sizes and are capable of a wide range of features limited only by budget. Network cameras are a great improvement over their lunky and cost-prohibitive predecessors, which had to be hardwired to other physical devices and managed on-site. 

To learn more about network devices, check CBT Nuggets IT Certification Training.