IP surveillance cameras

IP cameras or, as they are commonly called, network cameras are devices that encode the received image into digital format and transmit data in digital packets. Such cameras were invented in 1997, and now they are very actively used for various purposes. This equIPment uses Internet Protocols (IP) for data transmission. In addition, from the name it is clear that such equIPment has its own IP address.

Scope of IP cameras

They are used to monitor objects, in security systems, in production and in trade. With their help, you can monitor the object in case of emergency situations. For example, it is very convenient to use such equIPment to control production processes in the oil, coal, mining industries, to ensure the safety of passengers at airports and railway stations.

Today, support for IP surveillance cameras is being implemented by leading manufacturers of smart home systems around the world. This is facilitated by the simplification of the process of connecting and configuring these devices. So, for example, to receive an image from a camera on your mobile phone, you just need to connect it to a network with Internet access and scan its QR code with an application for a mobile phone and you are always up to date.

Remote access is the main feature of an IP camera, which allows you to receive an image from it to a computer or tablet anywhere in the world, if, of course, it is connected to the global network. Some types of network cameras can be remotely controlled. turn and zoom objects. The cameras are usually powered using PoE technology. A number of such devices have analytics, and can also record and play sound.

Therefore, IP cameras are becoming more and more popular for those who care about their own safety. They are gradually replacing conventional analog surveillance cameras, proving their higher efficiency. The network camera allows you to get a better image and has a high degree of reliability, since it has increased immunity to various types of interference. The image captured by the IP camera can be viewed from any computer using the Internet, which is especially convenient during departure, when worries about the safety of the home do not allow you to calmly rest or do business.

The use of network cameras for entertainment and advertising purposes is also very common. So, there are special online excursions using IP cameras. if you wish, you can see the weather at ski resorts and beaches. Often, network cameras are used by construction companies to demonstrate the process of building construction to their investors, etc.

Thanks to the analytics implemented by leading manufacturers of IP surveillance systems, such functions as license plate recognition, traffic control, etc. have become available.

The deep learning technology used increases the performance of the IP system to achieve the most accurate and reliable face recognition results. This technology identifies faces that are usually difficult to recognize with conventional methods. For example, the second human identification systems are quite difficult to recognize people’s faces when they are located at an angle of 45 degrees to the left or right, or 30 degrees up or down in relation to the camera lens, or partially hidden by sunglasses or a mask.

IP systems today can accurately recognize missing or abandoned objects, distinguish a person from an animal, find out the number, make and color of a car.

There are three main types of IP cameras, which differ in form factor and method of operation.

• Dome Camera. Typically used for indoor surveillance. Has a wide viewing angle.
• Bullet IP Camera. Typically used for outdoor surveillance.
• Cube camera. often has a panoramic viewing angle, an SD card slot and IR illumination. Mainly intended for installation in homes and offices.

Outdoor IP surveillance devices are capable of withstanding bad weather conditions from 30 to 65 ° C. information on how to choose an IP camera for cold weather can be found here.

EquIPment selection criteria may vary depending on the camera application. The resolution of the camera affects the image quality and its price. The more pixels in the sensor, the larger you can take pictures without losing quality. The sensitivity of the camera is selected depending on the place where it will be installed. A high-sensitivity camera works faster and sharper, giving a sharp image of fast moving objects in the dark. A camera with IR illumination is required for 24/7 monitoring of objects.

For more information on what questions need to be answered when choosing IP cameras, see this article.

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Hikvision camera setup

In the digital age, many multifunctional devices have been designed for easy use. One of these is the hikvision camera, which can rightfully be called one of the best new generation software devices.

Hikvision web interface

Hikvision camera menu allows you to view in real mode, as well as capture images, control and set image parameters.

To enter the display interface, you need to connect to the network camera and click on the “View” button in the top menu.

The menu bar contains the following sections:

• Viewing;
• Archive;
• Picture;
• Settings.

Display window shows in reality mode.

Using the “Toolbar” you can adjust the size of the display window, as well as the type of stream, plugins. It also allows you to control the live viewing process (start / stop, image delight, recording, sound on / off, etc.).

“PTZ Control” allows you to pan and tilt the camera, zoom, control lights and wIPers. PTZ control of a camera connected to the network is possible if it supports PTZ functions or is installed on an external PTZ module.

Recorded files. Also, images captured by the browser are saved to the hard disk of the PC running the web browser. “Local configuration” (hereinafter in the text. LC) refers to display parameters, recorded files and captured images.

To make a LC you need:

• Enter the interface of the LC “Local Settings”.
• Set parameters.

• Set protocol type and display performance (protocol type: TCP, UDP, MULTICAST, hTTP).

UDP: transmission and audio streams in reality.

HTTP: the quality is the same as when choosing TCP, there is a need to specify specific ports for streaming.

MULTICAST: Select MCAST type when using the MULTICAST function. Please refer to 7.1.1 TCP / IP Settings for details. Multicast sends a stream to a group of addresses, allowing multIPle clients to receive a stream at the same time. Before introducing this function, the multicast function in the router must be enabled.

• Display quality (from the options offered in the menu).
• Rules: can be turned on or off to display or not display color tags when motion or intrusion is detected. If rules are enabled and face recognition is enabled, when a face is detected, it will be marked with a green rectangle when viewed in reality.

Recording file settings: you can specify the location on the hard disk (folder) to save the recorded clIPs.

We look at the setting of the Hikvision IP camera

Hikvision connection

For the successful operation of hikvision equIPment, the following minimum system requirements are required:

• Microsoft Windows XPSP1 or higher
• 2.0 GHz processor or higher;
• RAM 1GB or more;
• Screen resolution 1024×768 or more.
• Browsers: Safari not less than 5.0.2., Mozilla Firefox0., Google Chrome version 18 and later

To view and (or) change the camera settings in the Lan network, you need to connect the camera to a subnet, like a computer, and install the SADP software, iVMS-4200, to find the device and change the IP address.

SADP (Search Active Devices Protocol) is a software tool that automatically searches for a network camera on a LAN.

Ivms-4200 is a software for managing surveillance process and devices: DVR, NVR, IP cameras, decoders, encoders, VCA equIPment, etc. The software has the following set of functions: live view, recording. Search and play remotely, backup data, receive notifications, etc.

There are several ways to connect a hikvision network camera to a personal computer:

• To a computer with a network cable;
• Connecting to a LAN network with the introduction of a switch, router.

Connecting to IP Camera

1st way with browser injection:

• Open a browser;
• In the line for the address, enter the factory IP camera, press the “Enter” button;
• Activate the camera as described above (at the first start)
• Select the interface language in the upper right corner of the authorization menu;
• Enter Login and Password, click Login;

• Install plugin for live view and camera control. To install the plugin, the browser must be closed, after the installation is complete, reopen the browser and go through authorization;

2nd method with the introduction of client programs (iVMS-4200). With iVMS-4200 software, you can view in real time and control the camera. To connect, follow the prompts of the software installer.

Hikvision IP camera activation and password setting

You can activate the IP-camera in the browser or through the SADP platform. To activate via the browser, you must turn on the camera and connect it to the network, then enter the serial number [192.168.1.64.] In the address bar of the browser. Note: For cameras with DHCP enabled by default, the IP address is automatically attached. It is necessary to activate the camera using SADP (see below).

Next, create a password and in the window that opens, enter the password in the appropriate period (login is at least 8 characters, including numbers, lower and upper case letters). Then again I confirm the password and click on the “OK” button to save it. Then GoPro will enter the live view interface.

To activate the camera via SADP, you need to install the appropriate software located on the media included in the camera kit or download it from the official website. After installation, perform certain actions:

• Launches SADP to search for devices;
• Check for a device in the list of cameras and select an inactive one;
• Enter login in the “new password” cell and confirm “confirm password”.
• Click “OK”. You can check if the activation is completed correctly in a pop-up window. If an error occurs, you need to review the password for compliance with the requirements (see above) and try again;
• Next, we change the IP-addresses (manually or, put a tick “Enable DHCP”) so that it connects to the same subnet as the computer.
• Enter the password and click the “Modify” button, then the IP changes.

User account management and password reset

Administrator can add, remove and modify user accounts, and Grant various permissions and restrictions.

To enter the user management interface, you need to go to the menu using the following links: “Settings system Account management Account management”.

It is highly recommended that you use a strong password of 8 characters, including numbers, upper and lower case letters, and special characters. You should also update your password regularly, which will allow you to use the product for free.

You can see in this window of the interface the current users who visit the device. User information (username, usage level, IP, operating time) will be visible in the user list.

To revoke a password on a Hikvision device, you need to follow a series of steps:

• Download and install the sADP utility;
• Take a photo of the barcode sticker on the device (this photo will need to be sent to the technical support mail);
• Reboot the camera and then start SADP. After starting in the window that opens, you must pay attention to the column “Security”. The value “Active” means that the specified login is active;
• Then select the desired device, tick the box and click “Forgot Password”.
• An instruction window will appear. Press the “Export” button, then select the folder in which the exported file will be saved. IMPORTANT: after export, the device does NOT restart.
• Next, in the previously selected folder and look for the “.Xml” file. The file name contains the model, serial number, date and time of unloading.
• The file must be sent to technical support with confirmation of the purchase of the device. In addition, you need to send a photo of the device sticker.
• After the approval of the application, the response letter will include a file “date time.Xml”, which must be saved to your computer. Again we carry out point number 3 and move to the second step.
• You must specify the path to the received file, enter and confirm a new login, and then click on the “Confirm” button.
• After correct installation, a window will appear and a new password will be set.

Taking into account the proposed recommendations, everyone can easily and quickly carry out a complete camera setup.

Connecting IP cameras using fiber optic. How to connect an IP camera via fiber optic?

According to the standard, the maximum length of a copper UTP cable from a network switch to an IP camera at a data transfer rate of 100 Mb / s. 100 m.There are also switches for IP surveillance with an increased transmission distance (by reducing the connection speed to 10 Mb / s).

The use of fiber. increases this distance hundreds of times. In addition, the cost of fiber-optic subscriber cable today is lower than the cost of copper UTP

Even taking into account the cost of accessories for converting an optical signal into an electrical one, on links 200-300 m and further, the use of fiber is cheaper.

What you need to connect observation “by optics” The easiest way, if you do not have equIPment for cutting, polishing and fiber optics, no measuring instruments?

1. Ready-made patch cord from a single-mode optical cable.

It is assumed that this cable will be placed on kabelrost, or stretched between supports with a span of no more than 30.50 m. At the same time, it is necessary to carefully observe all the requirements for the installation of optics, regarding the minimum bending radius, tension force, etc. The patchcord can be made of FTTH cable for internal laying (maximum tension 80N) or a more durable round cable in a polyLenovo sheath, reinforced with Kevlar, allowing tension to 1000H and, accordingly, suspension between the supports.

2. Devices that convert an optical signal into an electrical.

It is possible to use both a pair of receiver-transmitter media converters with SC connectors for fiber optics, and SFP modules designed for installation in 1000 Base-X ports of switching equIPment.

Depending on the technical task and the availability of one or another equIPment, the following options for connecting an IP camera or several IP cameras are possible; a network via fiber optic (bi-directional transmission over one fiber).

Media converter. Fiber optic. Media converter

Suitable for connecting single remote IP cameras to an IP recorder using fiber optics. It is somewhat inconvenient that separate 5V power supplies are required to power the media converters. Used if the main switch of the system is NOT equIPped with ports for optics.

Switch with SFP module. Fiber optic. PoE switch with SFP module

Suitable for connecting groups of 4 x 8 remote IP cameras, powered by PoE. The number of devices switching information to a minimum. Poe switch and main system switch equIPped with SFP ports.

Switch with SFP module. Fiber optic. Media converter

Suitable for connecting single remote IP cameras to an IP recorder using fiber optics. The main switch of the system is equIPped with a port (s) for an SFP module.

Switch. Media converter. Fiber optic. PoE switch with SFP module

Suitable for connecting groups of 4, 8 remote IP cameras, powered by PoE. Used if the main switch of the system is NOT equIPped with ports for optics.

Connect to computer

Connect the camera to a computer or laptop, after changing its IP addresses to 192.168.0.1.

To do this, click on search on the computer. In the search bar, write “control panel”. We launch the found application. In the control panel in the search bar, look for “Network and Sharing Center”.

There you can click on change adapter settings and select the connection you want. It’s easier to click on “Ethernet” for the required network right in the same window. After that we get into the status window.

In this window, click on “Properties”. In the properties window that appears, select the item “IP version 4 (TCP / IPv4)” and click on the properties button.

We select the item “Use the following IP-address”. We register the desired address in the appropriate field and indicate the subnet mask. This is usually 255.255.255.0. Click the “OK” button. The network settings will only take effect when you close the Ethernet: Properties window. After changing the settings, the “Close” button will appear on it.

Changing addresses

Connect the camera, enter its IP address in the browser line and enter the device’s web interface.

Some cameras come with a special program, with which you can change the camera address. It may differ for cameras from different manufacturers, but the main menu items are the same. The required item will be called “Configuration” or something like that. Here you need to find the sub-item “Network” and either put a tick in the item “Use dynamic IP-address” or select “Static IP” and register the desired address there. If the IP of your router is 192.168.1.1, you can specify for example 192.168.1.25. The subnet mask is usually the standard. 255.255.255.0, if you have NOT changed this parameter in the network settings of the router. If there is a “Gateway” field, write down the address of your router in it. Then save the settings.

Some cameras are supplied with a special program with which you can change the camera address. After that, they connect to the web interface for further configuration.

Remember to reset your PC’s network card to its original settings, otherwise you will NOT be able to connect to the network!

At this stage, you can disconnect the camera from the computer and connect it to the router.

Connecting an IP camera via a router

Surveillance systems have been around for a long time. Old analog solutions were expensive and cumbersome. They required a large amount of expensive equIPment, qualified specialists and had significant limitations in use. The development of digital technologies, firstly, made surveillance cheaper. Secondly, it simplified the work with the equIPment. Thirdly, it expanded its capabilities.

Configuring a router to access the camera via the Internet

If you have successfully completed the above steps, your camera will be available on the local network. You can work with it from any device connected to your router. However, if you want to access the camera over the Internet, you will need to make additional settings.

First you need to find out if your provider provides you with static “white” addresses. This is important to gain access to the router via the Internet.

Connecting to a router

There are three ways to connect an IP camera to a router.

Camera setup. IP cameras: recording and viewing

IP cameras are used to organize digital surveillance.

An IP camera is a “smart” webcam, a completely self-contained device with its own software that does not require a computer to operate.

The IP camera can record:

• To a memory card connected directly to it.
• External source: hard disk of a computer or recorder. Recording is possible on a hard disk connected to the router via USB.
• Cloud storage on the Internet.

Also, the IP camera allows you to view in real time both on the local network and over the Internet.

Thanks to these features and ease of use, the IP camera makes it easy to organize surveillance Not only in production or in the office, but also at home, in an apartment or in the country.

If the camera is intended only for recording on the recorder or a computer performing its functions, additional equIPment is NOT required for its operation. If there is a need to get access to the camera via the Internet for remote GoPro viewing, then it must be connected to the router. A bundle of IP-camerasrouterinternet is the most affordable way to organize surveillance at a remote site.

Via Ethernet connector

The camera is connected to the router by a LAN cable (twisted pair). This connection is the most reliable, but requires wiring. If the monitoring system is installed in parallel with the repair, it will NOT be difficult to lay the cable so that it does not interfere and does not spoil the interior. Otherwise, you have to pull it along the walls.

Wi-Fi

This connection does not require wiring. The IP camera connects to the router over the air, via a Wi-Fi connection. But keep in mind that most home routers have a short Wi-Fi range, so this solution is suitable for small rooms where the distance between the camera and the router is small and there are obstacles between them that interfere with the signal flow. The farther from the router, the worse the signal quality and there may be problems with image transmission. In large rooms, in buildings with reinforced concrete floors and outdoors, it is better to use a cable connection.