|
Differences between Web Cameras and
Network cameras
Most people today are familiar
with Web cams, PC cameras and USB cameras – small video
cameras attached directly to a computer that transmit images
over the Internet. Use of these gadgets has quickly grown in
recent years, with several thousand Web sites using them to
power everything from “pet cams” to “weather cams.”
Today, the technology is
evolving, and consumers can now move beyond viewing quirky
images of fish tanks and coffee machines over the Internet
to more sophisticated and practical uses, such as home
security and remote monitoring. Network cameras are more
versatile than Web cams because they contain built-in
operating systems and Web servers, which allow them to
operate independently of a PC. While most Web cams must be
connected within three meters of a PC, a network camera can
go anywhere there is a wired or wireless network
connection. You need to simply connect the camera to a home
or office network and assign it an IP address. Once this is
done, images can be accessed from any PC with an Internet
connection and a standard Web browser. The images can also
be password-protected to keep unwanted visitors from
accessing the site.
|
|
Network cameras are more
intelligent than Web cams because they contain built-in
operating systems, the same as those found inside of a
computer. The operating system serves as the network
camera’s “brains” and allows it to be easily integrated into
a home network. For example, a homeowner could install a
network camera near the front door and program it to send an
e-mail with attached images of every visitor. A business
owner can easily view multiple store locations at the same
time via the Internet. In addition, many people have a
vacation home, cabin or boat that is frequently vacant for
significant periods of time, leaving the property vulnerable
to burglary, vandalism or other damage. By installing a
network camera, homeowners and business owners can keep an
eye on their property and remotely assess problems. These
applications would be impossible or extremely difficult with
a Web cam because a PC would need to be onsite and always
online.
In the past, network cameras
were traditionally much larger and more expensive than Web
cams. However, with major advances in the technology from
companies like Axis Communications, network cameras are now
approximately the size of a small cellular phone and are
closer in price to high-end Web cams. With their advanced
functionality and flexibility, network cameras will catch on
quickly and become one of the hottest new gadgets for
businesses as well as home security and home networking.
|
|
