Making Video Surveillance Work for Your Business
Deploying a video surveillance system poses some intrinsic challenges, particularly if using a CCTV solution, which requires specialized cabling. An IP-based video surveillance system provides greater flexibility when deploying the solution by using the existing data network. A case in point, power outlets might not be always available at the planned camera location. Installing additional power outlets can be very costly or might not be possible because of building codes or other constraints at the physical site.
IP Video Surveillance Cameras with support for Power over Ethernet (PoE) technology, address these challenges easily and cost-effectively. The Wired IT network PoE switches provide power to PoE-enabled cameras over standard network cable. Providing a data network cable at the camera location eliminates the cost of installing or extending existing power outlets.
IP-based video surveillance has improved the effectiveness of video security by leaps and bounds over the analog CCTV equipment we've grown so accustomed to over the years. Today's IP video surveillance solutions use an IP network, rather than complicated cabling setups, as the backbone for delivering information. This allows for flexible, cost-effective installation, remote video monitoring, improved storage, and a host of other benefits.

Remote Video Monitoring
With an IP-based surveillance system, users can view live network camera feeds in real-time from any computer with Internet access. Network cameras can capture and transmit high-quality video images over any IP network or the Internet, where the footage can be viewed remotely using a computer or, in some cases, cell phones and other handheld devices. Additionally, the recorded surveillance footage can be stored at remote locations.

Scalability
Expanding a network surveillance system is as simple as connecting additional IP cameras to the IP network. IP cameras can be placed anywhere along the network, and there's no need for expensive and complicated cabling. Simply connect the camera like you would any other network device.

Improved Storage Capabilities
Since network cameras capture digital video images, large amounts of footage can be stored on servers and network video recorders, where archived video can be quickly accessed and searched. Compare this type of setup to analog systems where video was stored on VHS cassette tapes, and it's easy to see the benefits of a digital surveillance system.

Security
As with any video surveillance system, privacy and security are important factors to consider when setting up an IP-based video solution. Users want to be assured that no one can tap into their video feeds. Those concerns are understandable, but with IP network cameras, it’s quite easy to protect your files from unauthorized viewing and tampering. In most cases, the network camera encrypts the surveillance video before sending it over the network. This helps to ensure that only authorized viewers can access the camera feeds. Most systems also include password protection and different levels of authentication that work to prevent hacking and outside access.