Setting up a network camera is not as complicated as it might sound. The cameras are IP-based video cameras meaning that they connect to an IP network. Once your network is setup with the camera, it allows for remote access and video management from anywhere around the world with internet access. It is a great setup because you have the flexibility to add or remove additional network based security hardware with minimal change to the infrastructure.
The setup can range from a very small simple set up at home to monitor how the kids and nanny interact, to a medium scale set up to watch the interior and exterior environment of your doughnut shop, to the massive twenty-five stories of a bank. But for a cubicle dweller to keep an eye of their home while at work, the network security camera is a viable option for both indoor and outdoor security.
Before you can setup the camera, you have to buy it first. Before you buy the camera, you have to figure out what camera you will need. The network camera can be wired or wireless but remember wireless cameras are not completely free of wires. They still need a source of power so a nearby wall outlet is still a wire limitation.
If you are planning to use the camera for outdoor purposes it might be beneficial to get a wireless but remember the limitations of the range can become an issue with thick walls or metal objects. And it will help simplify things if the transmitter is built-in with the camera, as most models are anyways.
In order for the network to transmit video, your network speed must be at least 56 mbps and possibly more if you plan on connecting multiple security cameras. Most standard DSL or cable connections in metropolitan areas will have the bandwidth to support video feed for a single home security camera but if you start getting intensive and adding many cameras it depends on the quality of the video feed.
You can talk to your internet provider about your network capabilities although I must note that standard DSL should cut it. When talking to your provider, remember not to let them up-sell you stuff you don’t need.
The actual installation and setup is no big deal if you could setup things around the house, like a printer, television or computer. If you could do those then you can do this. Remember to keep in mind the limitations of the limited range of your wires and wireless. Make sure the area you want to monitor has proper space for mounting and the mount provide proper field of view as well as access to power.
All there is to the setup process is plugging in the power; plug in the Ethernet cable from the camera to the computer. Then install the software that came with your camera on to the computer. With a wireless camera unplug the Ethernet and mount it.
