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Digital video camera connected to the Internet

IP camera
A selection of IP cameras
Date invented	1996
Invented by	Axis Communications
First product	Axis Neteye 200
Introduced	1996
Type	Centralized or Decentralized
Slots	SD Card (optional)
Connection	Ethernet, Wi-Fi
Ports	Ethernet, Audio, I/O block
Language	ONVIF and PSIA

An Internet Protocol camera, or IP camera, is a type of digital video camera that receives control data and sends image data via an IP network. They are commonly used for surveillance but unlike analog closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras, they require no local recording device, only a local area network. Most IP cameras are webcams, but the term IP camera or netcam usually applies only to those that can be directly accessed over a network connection, usually used for surveillance.

Some IP cameras require support of a central network video recorder (NVR) to handle the recording, video and alarm management. Others are able to operate in a decentralized manner with no NVR needed, as the camera is able to record directly to any local or remote storage media. The first IP Camera was invented by Axis Communications^[1] ^[2] in 1996 - The AXIS Neteye 200.

History [edit]

The first centralized IP camera, the AXIS Neteye 200, was released in 1996 by Axis Communications and was developed by the team of Martin Gren and Carl-Axel Alm.^[3] Though promoted based on its direct accessibility from anywhere with an internet connection,^[4] the camera couldn't stream real-time motion video. It was limited to a snapshot image each time the camera was accessed due to the lack of powerful integrated circuits at the time capable of handling image processing and networking. At the time of launch, it was considered incapable of operating as a motion camera due to what was at the time, "enormous" bandwidth requirements. Thus it was aimed primarily at the tourism industry.^[5] The Axis Neteye 200 was not intended to replace traditional analogue CCTV systems, given that its capability was limited to just one frame per second in Common Intermediate Format (CIF), or one every 17 seconds in 4CIF resolution, with a maximum resolution quality of 0.1MP (352x288).^[6] Axis used a custom proprietary web server named OSYS, yet by the summer of 1998, it had started porting the camera software to Linux.^[7] Axis also released documentation for its low-level application programming interface (API) called VAPIX, which builds on the open standards of HTTP and real time streaming protocol (RTSP). This open architecture was intended to encourage third-party software manufacturers to develop compatible management and recording software.

The first decentralized IP camera was released in 1999 by Mobotix. The camera's Linux system contained video, alarm, and recording management functions. In 2005, the first IP camera with onboard video content analytics (VCA) was released by Intellio. This camera was able to detect a number of different events, such as if an object was stolen, a human crossed a line, a human entered a predefined zone, or if a car moved in the wrong direction.^[8]

Standards [edit]

Previous generations of analog CCTV cameras use established broadcast television formats (e.g. CIF, NTSC, PAL, and SECAM). Since 2000, there has been a shift in the consumer TV business towards high-definition (HD) resolutions (e.g. 1080P (Full-HD), 4K resolution (Ultra-HD) and 16:9 widescreen format).

IP cameras may differ from one another in resolution, features, video encoding schemes, available network protocols, and the API for video management software.^[9] IP cameras are available at resolutions from 0.3 (VGA resolution) to 29 megapixels.^[10]

To address IP video surveillance standardization issues, two industry groups formed in 2008: the Open Network Video Interface Forum (ONVIF) and the Physical Security Interoperability Alliance (PSIA). PSIA was founded by 20 member companies including Honeywell, GE Security, and Cisco. ONVIF was founded by Axis Communications, Bosch and Sony.^[11] Each group now has numerous additional members, thus; cameras and recording hardware that operate under the same standard can work with each other.^[9]

Wi-Fi home camera [edit]

Many consumer-level IP cameras used for home security send a live video stream to a companion app on the user's phone. IP cameras in the home generally connect to the internet through Wi-Fi, Broadband, or Ethernet cable.^[12]

IP cameras used to be more common in small businesses than in homes, but that is no longer the case. A 2016 survey of 2,000 Americans revealed 20% of them owned home security cameras.^[13]

This crossover of IP cameras to home use is partly due to the device's self-installation. IP cameras don't require professional installation, saving time for home and business owners. On the other hand, large businesses and commercial spaces, like malls, require high-resolution videos (i.e., 4K), many cameras, and professional applications to accommodate the installation and management of the cameras.

One of the most popular abilities that Wi-Fi home security cameras have is to view their camera footage via a mobile app or other application software. Many cameras offer features such as a wide-angle lens (around 140 degrees, or pan/tilt up to 350 degrees horizontal, 90 degrees vertical), low-light or night vision, and motion detection. When an event occurs, such as detected motion, users can receive alarms and notifications via an app. Video clips can be stored in a local device such as a micro-SD or through a cloud service.^[14]

The market size of home security systems reached $4.8 billion dollars in 2018. It had a compound annual growth rate of 22.4% between 2011 and 2018.^[15] People in countries that suffer from high crime rates, particularly robbery and theft, are keen to adopt home security cameras. In addition, two countries, the US and China, have a high implementation rate of residential security cameras.^[16]

Major key players in the home security market are Nest (owned by Google, U.S.), Ring (owned by Amazon, U.S.), Arlo (owned by Netgear, U.S.), and SimpliSafe (U.S.). Hikvision Digital Technology (Ltd.) and Leshi Video Tech (China) are the largest IP camera manufacturers. As for the alarm security industry, key players are ADT, Security Services (U.S.), Vivint (U.S.), and Frontpoint Security Solutions (U.S.).^[17]

IP camera types [edit]

Source:^[18]

Indoor cameras are widely used both residentially and commercially. Depending on their functionality, they're classified as a fixed camera or a pan–tilt–zoom camera (PTZ camera). Fixed cameras are generally used to monitor a set of areas, whereas a PTZ camera can be used to either track motion or manually adjust the monitoring area.

Outdoor wired cameras, also known as AC powered cameras, are placed in outdoor environments. They are designed to survive weather conditions, such as heat, cold, and rain, and are generally capable of capturing video in low light conditions. They are often rated IP65/IP67 standards to withstand the outdoor environment.

Wired (AC Powered) or Wired free cameras ^[19] for homes are IP cameras that have their own independent power source, such as a Solar panel or Battery.

Cloud and local storage [edit]

Source:^[20] Some camera manufacturers offer cloud subscriptions where users may remotely view and download recent video clips by paying recurring subscription fees. Cloud subscription plans typically come with several days of looping storage, and the videos will be overwritten beyond this duration.

Some cameras include a micro SD card slot so users may store videos locally. There is no looping as long as the memory card has sufficient space to store the images. However, locally stored video footage can not be accessed remotely.

Considerations [edit]

Potential benefits [edit]

Previous generation cameras transmitted analog video signals. IP cameras send images digitally using the transmission and security features of the TCP/IP protocol. Advantages to this approach include:

Two-way audio via a single network cable allows users to listen to and speak to the subject of the video (e.g., a clerk assisting a customer through step-by-step instructions)
Use of a Wi-Fi or wireless network^[21]
Distributed artificial intelligence (DAI)—as the camera can contain video analytics that analyze images^[22]
Secure data transmission through encryption and authentication methods such as WPA or WPA2, TKIP or AES
Remote accessibility that lets users view live video from any device with sufficient access privileges^[23]
Power over Ethernet (PoE) to supply power through the Ethernet cable and operate without a dedicated power supply
Better image resolution, typically four times the resolution of an analog camera^[24]

Artificial intelligence and Internet privacy [edit]

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has expressed privacy concerns if AI is widely practiced. AI is capable of tracking movements and studying behaviors; moreover, AI can also recognize emotions, and further predict patterns of movement. ^[25]

Facial recognition system [edit]

Facial recognition identifies a human face by analyzing facial features from a picture or video, an example of biometrics. If a camera allows users to set up a database that includes family members and close friends, the system may distinguish whether someone exists in the database. If the camera is capable of providing accurate facial recognition, it can tell if the person it detects is authorized (in the database). The detection of unauthorized persons may prompt the owner to call law enforcement.^[26] The footage can be used as a means of identifying and apprehending offenders.

Potential concerns [edit]

Concerns include:

Privacy concerns^[27]
Average higher purchase cost per camera^[28]
Security can be compromised by insecure credentials, given that the camera can be accessed independently of a video recorder.
Public internet connection video can be complicated to set up^[29] or using the peer-to-peer (P2P) network.
Data storage capacity concerns^[30]

Hacking [edit]

If the video is transmitted over the public internet rather than a private network or intranet, the system potentially becomes open to a wider audience including hackers. Criminals can hack into a CCTV system to disable or manipulate them or observe security measures and personnel, thereby facilitating criminal acts and rendering the surveillance counterproductive. This can be counteracted by ensuring the network and device and other devices connected to the main router are secured. In 2012, users of 4chan hacked into thousands of streaming personal IP cameras by exploiting a vulnerability in some models of Trendnet home security cameras.^[31] In 2014, it was reported that a site indexed 73,011 locations worldwide with security cameras that used default usernames and passwords, and were therefore, unprotected.^[32]

References [edit]

^ "Interview with Martin Gren, inventor of the network camera", SDM Magazine., October 18, 2011, retrieved November 24, 2015
^ John Adams (December 8, 2015), "Martin Gren: IP CCTV's Founding Father", Security Electronics and Networks
^ "Axis Communications - History". Axis Communications. Retrieved 11 July 2017. ^{[ self-published source? ]}
^ "IP security camera and network video surveillance visionary". Security News Desk. 29 September 2016. Retrieved 14 July 2017.
^ "Fast and Faster". PC Magazine. 3 December 1996. p. 9. Retrieved 14 July 2017.
^ "Axis NetEye 200 Datasheet" (PDF). Axis Communications . Retrieved 18 November 2017.
^ "Making MPEG Movies with Axis Network Cameras". Linux Journal. 1 March 2001. Retrieved 14 July 2017.
^ "An Incredibly Unboring History of IP Cameras". Protect America. 12 September 2016. Retrieved 11 July 2017.
^ ^a ^b "ONVIF: a guide to the open security platform". IFSEC Global. 2016. Retrieved 18 November 2017.
^ "Avigilon Launches Powerful 29 MP HD Surveillance Camera". Avigilon Corporate.
^ "StackPath". www.cablinginstall.com . Retrieved 2020-07-10 .
^ "Internet Protocol (IP) Cameras - How do They Work & What are the Benefits? - SafeSite Facilities". www.safesitefacilities.co.uk . Retrieved 2020-02-12 .
^ ipvideomarket (2016-01-19). "Home Security Camera Statistics 2016". IPVM . Retrieved 2020-02-12 .
^ Wroclawski, Daniel. "Wireless Security Cameras With the Most Free Cloud Storage". Consumer Reports . Retrieved 2020-02-12 .
^ "North America Home Security System Market Expected to Reach a Value of US$ 14.1 Billion by 2024 - ResearchAndMarkets.com". www.businesswire.com. 2019-07-09. Retrieved 2020-02-12 .
^ Inc, Global Market Insights. "IP Camera Market to Cross USD 20 Bn by 2025: Global Market Insights, Inc". www.prnewswire.com . Retrieved 2020-02-12 .
^ Future, Market Research (2019-05-16). "Home Security Camera Market Worth USD 1.30 Billion Revenue by Forecast 2023 | The sophistication of Technology Expected to Augment the Global Home Security Camera Market". GlobeNewswire News Room . Retrieved 2020-02-12 .
^ "TYPES OF IP CAMERAS". CCTV Systems. January 3, 2019. Retrieved November 9, 2019.
^ Edwards, Rebecca (October 29, 2019). "The 10 Best Wireless Security Cameras of 2019". SafeWise . Retrieved November 9, 2019.
^ Blackstone, Sara (October 27, 2019). "Home Surveillance Cameras - Local vs. Cloud Video Storage". Secure Thoughts . Retrieved November 9, 2019.
^ Cornett, Ben. "Intro to Surveillance Camera Technologies". EZWatch.com. Retrieved 22 August 2014.
^ Alexandr Lytkin. IP Video Surveillance. An Essential Guide, 2012, ISBN 978-5-600-00033-9.
^ "Home Security". Wireless IP Cameras . Retrieved 10 January 2015.
^ "Top 4 Benefits of Moving from analog to IP video surveliance". frontier-security.com . Retrieved 2 October 2018.
^ Cassel, David (July 23, 2019). "Are We Ready for AI-Powered Security Cameras?". The News stack . Retrieved November 9, 2019.
^ Wollerton, Megan (October 31, 2019). "The best facial recognition cameras of 2019". CNET . Retrieved November 9, 2019.
^ "China surveillance streaming platform shut down amid privacy concerns". Reuters. Retrieved 2020-03-09 .
^ "The Best Home Security Cameras of 2016". PCMAG.
^ David Braue (21 June 2012). "DIY: home surveillance with IP network cameras". CNET. CBS Interactive.
^ "The Pros and Cons of IP Cameras". acctelecom.com. 14 September 2017. Retrieved 2 October 2018.
^ Notopoulos, Katie (3 February 2012). "Somebody's watching: how a simple exploit lets strangers tap into private security cameras". The Verge. Retrieved 19 February 2017.
^ Smith, Ms. (6 November 2014). "Peeping into 73,000 unsecured security cameras via default passwords". Network World. Retrieved 19 February 2017.

External links [edit]

Media related to IP cameras at Wikimedia Commons