Wireless Network Cameras

Wireless network cameras, or network IP cameras, allows the average household consumer to enter into the security surveillance arena much more easily and affordably than ever before.

The range of available options has increased significantly while the cost of the technology has come down. This is the perfect combination that allows the average home or small business owner to have reliable property monitoring without having to invest thousands of dollars into a surveillance system.

With cameras like the clever Panasonic BL-C230A, you really can have a full-featured security camera at an affordable price for home or business.

The number of homes with high-speed internet access and wireless networks have sky rocketed in the last several years.

Since wireless networks are already in place, it doesn’t take much more expense or effort to add network security cameras.

Burglary and property crime are on the rise and having a standard alarm system may not be enough to adequately protect your home and family. The presence of a security camera further deters any potential burglar from entering your home.

In the past, closed circuit security systems were the main way businesses, and to a lesser extent homes, provided on-site surveillance monitoring to their properties. These systems were expensive, hard to install and limited on features. Systems like this could easily cost thousands of dollars. Today, a single wireless network camera can start under $100. The price goes up as you add features such as pan, tilt, zoom (PTZ) and night vision.

We’ve helped many home owners install network IP cameras and we’re here to cater to the person that’s interested in providing security monitoring in their homes. It’s not nearly as difficult as you might expect to setup your own cameras. You should remember a few things however so you can better understand the technology.

Network cameras are also called IP cameras. IP stands for Internet Protocol. It’s just a term that describes the “language” that network devices use to communicate with each other. An IP address is a unique set of numbers (like a house address) that all network devices need in order to “talk” to other devices.

The IP address usually looks something like 192.168.2.35. If you have a wireless network then you already have network devices attached to it (see the network diagram). Mainly this would include your computer, laptop and/or printer. Adding a camera to the network is just like adding another computer or printer. It’s just another device that will be communicating on your network.

At the center of your wireless network is your router. The router is where all network traffic routes through to get to its final destination. The router also assigns the unique IP address to each device. So adding wireless network cameras would just require that you turn on the camera and let your wireless router assign an IP address to it (initially, you may have to connect your camera to the router with a network cable for the first time IP setup. Your specific camera manual will have the exact process for your particular model and type of camera).

Once the camera has been assigned an IP address and is functioning on the network, you will be able to view and control the camera’s settings with the included software program that comes with the wireless network camera. You will install the camera management software on one of the computers on your network. From the camera management software you will be able to control the camera’s movements if it’s PTZ (capable of pan, tilt and zoom features), change recording frequency, motion detector triggers and many other settings.

Some things to keep in mind:

With security cameras, price almost always dictates quality. Even though you can get a camera for less than $100 dollars, you will soon discover that the quality of these budget cameras are not very good, especially in low light conditions. We definitely DO NOT recommend any cameras made by X10. Their products are inexpensive and well known, but unless you have optimum daytime lighting conditions and don’t need low light capabilities, you’re better served using other options. X10 cameras are also prone to grainy pictures due to signal interference, much like a cordless phones. Many X10 cameras are not network IP cameras and don’t offer the same features or security as a true network camera.

Better options include Linksys or Panasonic wireless network cameras. A good price point here is $200 and up per camera.

However, we have found that Axis network cameras by far are more reliable with better visual quality, even in low light conditions. Our favorite Axis camera is the 207W and starts around $299. This model is probably the best all around camera for those who are budget conscious but still want good video quality.

We know that you’re part of a growing trend of homeowners who are adding video monitoring to your homes. It doesn’t need to be difficult and the benefits are well worth it. Please feel free to browse our site and see the various camera models available. We have links to other related resources that will also help you get on the right track.

Security camera technology is constantly changing. This is good for us, the consumers, because we are able to acquire better technology and lower prices as time goes by. Protecting are families and property is a high priority and it shouldn’t be cost prohibitive to those who want to incorporate cameras into their overall plans. Be sure to use other security measures such as alarm systems and proper door locks. In addition to these items, cameras will round out your security plan for a more complete and total solution to crime on your property.

This Sharx Pro-Series Wifi 802.11 b/g IP Network camera was designed specifically for professionals who want to use many cameras at the same time. The highly efficient H.264 compression can make it possible for the included Enterprise Pro Surveillance Software to view many Sharx Pro-Series IP cameras and DVRs on the same screen. Very high quality metal construction in traditional CCTV box-style housing with standard 1/3 CCTV lens. Includes motion detection, email, and FTP upload features. Upgraded Sony 480 line CCD imaging sensor. more info

This outdoor night vision IP camera works on 10/100 Ethernet with Cat5 wiring or on 802.11 g wireless networks secured with WEP, WPA or WPA2 encryption. Multiple viewers can see video or snapshots in any of the supported formats including MPEG4, MJPEG, 3GPP and JPEG. Both HTTP and RTSP streaming protocols are supported for use with browsers or media players on Windows or Mac computers as well as iPhone, Droid, Blackberry or other web enabled cell phones. Multiple streams with 3 separate choices of image quality are available simultaneously. Video can be adjusted from near DVD quality with audio and full motion (2048K, 640 x 480, 30 fps) all the way down to a bandwidth saving mobile stream (20K, 176 x 144, 5 fps). With the included MicroSD memory card the camera functions as a standalone DVR for motion detection or continuous video. Recording time ranges from 1 hour/GB to almost 100 hours/GB based on selected video quality. The camera can automatically upload recorded video files to an FTP server or standalone network drive with FTP feature. Except for a waterproof electrical box for power connection, all mounting hardware is included. The mounting bracket can attach to the top or bottom of the camera for maximum positioning flexibility. The required 12 VDC / 1A power is supplied by the included international standard 100-240V AC adapter. This camera can see up to 45 ft in absolute darkness with its powerful infrared LEDs. A wired or wireless router is required for operation. Access from outside the home network (LAN) requires internet service. Automatic setup for remote viewing requires a recent model router with the UPnP feature. Older routers, networks with multiple routers, or Apple Airport require manual configuration. Step by step instructions included for current version of Airport Extreme or Time Capsule. Includes 30 days unlimited free email tech support and up to 30 minutes of free telephone support during the first 30 days after purchase. more info

This indoor night vision IP camera works on 10/100 Ethernet with Cat5 wiring or on 802.11 g wireless networks secured with WEP, WPA or WPA2 encryption. Multiple viewers can see video or snapshots in any of the supported formats including MPEG4, MJPEG, 3GPP and JPEG. Both HTTP and RTSP streaming protocols are supported for use with browsers or media players on Windows or Mac computers as well as iPhone, Droid, Blackberry or other web enabled cell phones. Multiple streams with 3 separate choices of image quality are available simultaneously. Video can be adjusted from near DVD quality with audio and full motion (2048K, 640 x 480, 30 fps) all the way down to a bandwidth saving mobile stream (20K, 176 x 144, 5 fps). With an optional MicroSD memory card the camera functions as a standalone DVR for motion detection or continuous video. Recording time ranges from 1 hour/GB to almost 100 hours/GB based on selected video quality. The camera can automatically upload recorded video files to an FTP server or standalone network drive with FTP feature. The included desktop stand can be used as wall or ceiling mounting bracket. Power is supplied by the included international standard 100-240V AC adapter. This camera can see up to 30 ft in absolute darkness with its built in infrared LEDs. A wired or wireless router is required for operation. Access from outside the home network requires internet service. Automatic setup for remote viewing requires a recent model router with the UPnP feature. Older routers, networks with multiple routers, or Apple Airport require manual configuration. Step by step instructions included for current version of Airport Extreme or Time Capsule. Includes 30 days unlimited free email tech support and up to 30 minutes of free telephone support during the first 30 days after purchase. more info

If you need a highly rated camera with high consumer satisfaction, then VIPcella SCNC2606 from Sharx might be exactly what you need. Besides great looking images, the feature list is impressive for this price-point.

The Sharx Security Wifi b/g wireless IP video camera offers its own built in web server. Anyone can look at the video clip from your own home network or you may manage your hub to watch and manage the video camera from personal computers or even mobile phones on the web, without reliance on any kind of 3rd party website or monthly subscriptions. With the built-in mic you can listen in. Superb Mpeg4 or even Mpeg video quality at a complete 640 x 480 resolution with up to thirty frames per second for smooth, natural movement color. For watching or recording a individual camera no software is necessary besides your browser. For watching or recording several Sharx Ip video cameras the bundled Multiview software program for computers can handle up to four Sharx IP cameras at the same time. Absolutely incredible to see the streaming videos on your web enabled mobile phone. For regular use we suggest upgrading your cellular service to unlimited data, which costs only slightly more for the average carrier plan.. You can view motion even on non-3G devices such as Sony Ericsson w580i. If your cell phone does not support video you can view automatically refreshing Jpeg pictures. At your residence, you can make use of this camera with your laptop computer or iPhone as a child or pet monitor, and the incredibly high light sensitivity in moonlight mode enables you to see out from a window to observe what is occurring in the neighborhood as long as there is a few background lights out there. For night time vision in complete, entire darkness with hardly any visible light, upgrade to Scnc2607 which adds infrared night vision as well as a increased quality, wide angle lens. Wireless operations supports WEP, WPA, WPA2 encryption. On routers with UPnP function the camera may set itself up on autopilot, and on routers without Upnp (such as Apple’s Airport series) the video camera can be set up with our step by step guidelines. more info

This Wifi b/g wireless IP camera has its own built in web server. You can view the video from your own home network or you can configure your router to view and control the camera from computers or cellphones on the internet, without dependence on any third party web sites or subscriptions. With the built-in microphone you can listen in. Excellent MPEG4 or MJPEG video quality at a full 640 x 480 resolution with up to 30 frames per second for fluid, natural motion color. For viewing or recording a single camera no software is required besides just your browser. For viewing or recording multiple Sharx IP cameras the included MultiView software for PCs supports up to 4 Sharx IP cameras simultaneously. Truly amazing to see the streaming video on your web enabled cell phone. For frequent use we recommend to upgrade your cellphone service to unlimited data, which costs just $15/mo extra on the ATT network. You can see motion even on non-3G phones like SonyEricsson w580i. If your phone does not support video you can see automatically refreshing JPEG images. At home, you can use this camera with your laptop or iPhone as a baby or pet monitor, and the very high light sensitivity in moonlight mode allows you to view out from a window to see what’s happening in the street as long as there is some background light available. This camera has infrared night vision which can see in total, absolute darkness. Like any infrared sensitive camera, the daytime colors are subdued and can appear unnatural especially on plants and vegetation. For eye-popping, gorgeous daytime colors please select the less expensive Sharx SCNC2606 camera if you do not need night vision in total darkness. Wireless operation supports WEP, WPA, WPA2 encryption. On routers with UPnP feature the camera can set itself up automatically, and on routers without UPnP (such as Apple’s Airport series) the camera can be set up with our step by step instructions. more info

Airlink101 AICN777W SkyIPCam777W Wireless MPEG4 Night Vision Pan/Tilt Network Camera more info

Airlink101 AICN747W SkyIPCam747W Wireless Night Vision Pan/Tilt Network Camera more info

The Wireless Day/Night Pan/Tilt Internet Camera Server with Audio (TV-IP422W) provides day and night security over a large area. See, hear and talk to people in your camera’s viewing field day or night from any Internet connection.Secure a larger area with wireless pan and tilt Internet cameras. Pan the camera side-to-side a remarkable 330? and tilt up-and-down 105?.The TV-IP422W provides high quality video streams over a secure wireless connection. Advanced intuitive software includes motion detection recording, email alerts and scheduled recordings. This camera’s brilliant image quality, pan / tilt functionality, day / night recording capabilities and built-in 2-way audio make it ideal for home, small office and business use. more info

TRENDnetTV-M7110WK 7¿ Wireless Internet Camera, the 7¿ Wireless Internet Camera Monitor Kit (model TV-M7110WK) provides real time security monitoring for a key entry point, property, public area, baby room or other sensitive areas. Install the Wireless Internet Camera Server (model TV-IP110W) in the desired location.The world’s first 7¿ Wireless Internet Camera and Photo Monitor (model TV-M7) then connects to your wireless network, detects the Wireless Internet Camera Server and streams camera video in real time. Users previously needed a computer to view Internet camera streaming video. Now they can view video even when their computer is turned off! Install additional TRENDnet Internet cameras (sold separately) and monitor up to 4 on one screen or scan between the cameras. Program motion detection alerts and schedule recording sessions from the Internet camera. Mount the high resolution LCD monitor vertically, horizontally or on a wall. Use the remote control to view and store content from a wireless network, built-in memory or memory card. more info

Outdoor Wireless Network Camera with 2-Way Audio more info