Network Cameras "Things to Consider"

Network Cameras "Things to Consider" by MikeSr

When considering a network camera for a business or home based application, several
questions should be entertained before making your purchase. Doing so will ensure a functional solution that will meet your current and future needs.

This article assumes that you already have a PC with a current operating system (Microsoft Windows XP Pro) and a LAN (local area network).

I will use a home based security and nanny cam application for this example.

Application Requirements:
The perimeter of the home requires cameras covering all four sides.
The garage and front entrance door require indoor cameras to monitor who comes and goes.
One camera in the kitchen of the house as this is the center to all rooms in this case.
Possibility of adding additional indoor cameras.

Environmental Requirements: (Northern United states.)
Outdoor cameras will require a weatherproof enclosure with heating and cooling.
Internal cameras need to be inconspicuous.

Lighting Variance:
Outdoor cameras will have little to no lighting source during dusk hours, thus and Infrared Illuminator will be required.
Indoor cameras are normally exposed to home ambient lighting. A low lux rated indoor camera will be considered for the best flexibility.

Electrical Considerations:
Source of Camera power:
Is 120vac power available near the mounting place of the network camera?
If the answer is no, then you might want to consider a camera that is POE (Power over Ethernet) ready.

Network Considerations:
Do you have a network? If the answer is no, then you need to consider installing a network enabling connectivity to the IP cameras.
802.11 g wireless is available for most network cameras. Megapixel network cameras are not currently supported as wireless.

Surveillance monitoring / recording requirements:
Our application requires motion based monitoring for the exterior of the home 24/7. The indoor cameras will only require motion based recording between the hours 7:30am and 6:00PM.
Integration requirements:

Camera Choices.
Be sure that the surveillance recording software is capable of supporting the desired cameras.
Pay attention to the surveillance software cost as some packages charge based on the number of cameras.

Make sure remote connectivity exists as part of the surveillance software package. (Remote viewing of both live and recorded video).

Always consider the surveillance software manufacturers recommended PC requirements for best performance along with the total number of cameras to be used. You can normally find storage calculators at the manufacturer's web site.
Selecting the Infrared illuminator can be tricky as they normally have a maximum illumination range along with a dispersion pattern.
Finally, select the correct camera with IR imaging capabilities were needed.

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