IP cameras are cameras that connect to the home Internet network and allow the user to control them remotely via smartphone
While talking about home security and video surveillance, almost all of us will have heard of IP cameras. Tools that are also infamous for their vulnerability to hacker attacks. But not everyone knows what kind of tools are referred to as IP cameras.
IP cameras, also called IP cams, are a particular type of camera that generates a video signal in a digitized form and in a format ready for transmission over a data network. Moreover, via the same data network the camera can be set up and adjusted. The data recorded with this technology is transmitted over a Fast Ethernet connection. To be clearer, we can define them as a digitized and connected version of closed circuit video surveillance systems. Obviously their use today is restricted almost exclusively to the video surveillance of homes and businesses.
Two types of IP camera
There are basically two categories of IP camera. On the one hand, we have the centralized IP cameras, which are pure video terminals without local storage and which require a Network Video Controller (NVR) for image storage and management. On the other hand, there are decentralized IP cameras that are able to store images locally thanks to internal media such as hard disks, removable memories or Network Attached Storage.
IP Camera Advantages
There are several advantages to installing an IP camera in your home. First of all, because these types of cameras allow for two-way audio. This technology allows us to interact with what we see and have our voice heard within the circuit being filmed. Banally we can talk to our children or our partner who is at home directly through the IP cam. With IP cameras we can remotely manage the security of our home or premises, being able to control the images 24 hours a day through the application available for smartphones and tablets. There is also the possibility of being notified if something abnormal happens in our apartment. In addition, IP cameras have quite high resolutions and better than the standard video surveillance.
IP camera disadvantages
One of the disadvantages of IP cams compared to other types of video surveillance systems is the initial cost. Although it must be said that in recent times these cameras have undergone several price reductions, so much so that at the moment there are good IP cameras on the market for about 60 euros. Another problem is the connection speed required. But the real problem at the moment, given mainly by the lack of attention of some manufacturers, are the vulnerabilities to hacker attacks. These cameras are among the most hacked devices, due to protection systems practically null.