IP Camera Installation — A Way to Configure IP Camera Over Network

Posted On: September 26, 2020

Internet Protocol cameras distinguish itself from the rest of the cameras as it is capable of sending the data over the internet, ditching the cables connections. These cameras are gaining a lot of popularity in recent times, mainly due to increasing features, quality, and applications and decreasing prices. High-resolution image quality is the mainstream feature of IP cameras. Clear and crisp video with right colour mapping is needed by most of the consumers today. Internet capabilities make these cameras flexible as different things like frame rate, focus and activity can be customized using management software. This adds to more benefits such as the ability to incrementally add new cameras and connect them using wireless networks thus minimizing the wiring costs.

Two primary features of IP cameras

Two-way Audio

Nowadays, many IP cameras come with two-way audio support. Two-way audio simply provides intercom facility and is proved to be beneficial at large places like warehouses or factories. This can be integrated with the door lock two grant access to specific people after conversing with them. Audio features coupled with analytics can also be used to detect loud noises to keep everyone at ease. Sounds of yelling and gunshots can be identified by the system and security teams could be alerted immediately.

Video Compression

IP camera is capable of smart automation like turning on automatically whenever motion is detected or performing a various analytical function within the camera. Video compression is a unique feature associated with IP cameras. IP camera records in HD resolution resulting in large video files. This takes up a lot of storage and it costs a hefty amount to the enterprise. Since most of the recorded footage is same and useless for the enterprise, it is smartly compressed according to the data provided by IP camera to deliver necessary and useful footage to the user. Thus saving a lot of storage and time which would earlier be wasted on just scrolling the footage.

Steps to IP Camera Installation

There are certain steps that need to be followed for IP camera installation. Some steps can vary depending on the type of hardware used or the site where the system is to be installed.

Installing network infrastructure

Proper infrastructure needs to be laid down before installing the system. A layout needs to be planned containing the locations and type of cameras and other hardware which needs to be installed. Because depending upon this, a proper matrix of network and power cables is run through the walls and the ceilings to all locations ensuring optimum coverage. Required provisions need to be made for different components.

Selecting the right camera

Cameras are the most significant element of any surveillance system. Under IP cameras, there is a whole bunch of cameras to choose from. Every camera is unique in its features and application. The smart choice has to be made keeping in mind the objectives of the organization. For example, poorly lit areas must be equipped with a night or infrared cameras due to their ability to capture in low light. Or ANPR/LNR cameras must be used where there is a necessity to read text or vehicle number plates.

Adding network switches

IP cameras require network cable to send data over the internet. So it is essential to add network switches which act as a hub for network connection. The size and number of network switch depend on the size of the project and the number of cameras to be installed. If the IP cameras are compatible with PoE (Power over Ethernet), then necessary network switch with PoE should be used. Power output should also be kept in mind while choosing network switches according to the devices connected as some switches have a power budget which limits the power to all the ports.

Installing camera mounting brackets

Every IP camerais made in different shape and size and needs customized installation. So appropriate camera mounting brackets need to be installed. For some cameras, mounting brackets have to be separately installed and the camera can be installed later while some have integrated mounting brackets. After installing the brackets, the cameras are installed onto it and connected with required power and network cables

Plan Ahead

Surveillance camera requirements tend to increase after the initial installation. After the first batch of cameras is installed, the need to add more cameras at other location arises. For example, initially in a retail store, the cameras installed towards the shelves or cash counter may not seem enough. Additional cameras could be installed or existing cameras could be swapped with wide-angle cameras facing towards the shelves to ensure maximum coverage. The need to install cameras in the storage rooms could also arise afterwards.

Configuring IP camera to the network video recorder (NVR)

All the IP cameras installed needs to send data where it could be monitored or downloaded by the user. Because of the network ability of IP camera, they don’t require a coaxial cable to send data. That is why every camera is configured wirelessly with the network video recorder over the internet or local area network (LAN). This is where every footage is managed and stored. NVR is responsible for converting the digital data into the form which could be viewed on the monitor. This is done by IT staff by setting an IP address for cameras and the NVR.

Installing a video management system (VMS)

The video management system is an integrated platform where data from multiple cameras could manage. This provides smart access to all the footage from IP cameras where users can find any footage with advance search options. This is a centralized system to seamlessly administer servers, cameras, storage and other devices in a surveillance system. This is where data from every camera is analyzed and the user receives alerts in case of any event. There are many video management system available to choose from. The VMS software can be run on windows or on NVRs. In both the cases, VMS records the footage from IP cameras and allows you to manage your IP cameras with flexibility. These provide notification in case of motion detection, security breach or IP camera failure.

Make final adjustments

Now that everything is set up, from network cables to IP camera and brackets to the video management system, it’s time for final adjustments. Once the camera view is available on the monitor, field of view, and focus of the camera could be adjusted. Some cameras like PTZ allows to pan, tilt, and zoom the camera footage which could be adjusted using VMS from the computer. Remote viewing can be checked on various devices. And finally, the image quality can be reviewed and can be matched with the enterprise’s needs. Several video analytical features and smart alerts can also be customized using VMS to suit the organization’s demands. Like setting a restricted area by drawing a line and if anyone crosses that line, the user is notified and setting up escalation matrix for alerts.

IP camera installation is a little complex task in the beginning, which requires a lot of technical know-how. But IP camera system makes surveillance a lot easier afterwards. If efficient surveillance management with peace of mind is your ultimate goal, then the IP camera system is the solution.

That’s why we at IGZY recommend you to always take expert advice before an IP camera installation. Contact us for any kind of consultation or site visit. Our expert team would surely guide you with the best products and services available.

Originally published at https://igzy.com on September 26, 2020.