How To Setup An Internet Camera
Setting up an internet camera is actually a surprisingly simple process. These IP-based cameras are video cameras that connect directly to an IP network. And through any computer with internet access, the camera can be controlled and monitored. Because of its flexibility, this is a great way for someone who wants to customize their surveillance options.
The setup can range from a very small simple set up at home to monitor how the kids and nanny interact, to a medium scale set up to watch the interior and exterior environment of your doughnut shop, to the massive twenty-five stories of a bank. But for a cubicle dweller to keep an eye of their home while at work, the network security camera is a viable option for both indoor and outdoor security.
First you need to determine if you want a wired or wireless camera. Remember that wireless cameras still need to be plugged into the wall socket for power and that wired cameras need to be able to reach both the network router and a power source.
A wireless just requires a receiver plugged into your computer and will transmit the video feed from the camera to the computer. I hope you buy units that are built into the camera so your line of communication, regardless of wire or wireless, is camera to computer/router and nothing in-between.
In order for the network to transmit video, your network speed must be at least 56 mbps and possibly more if you plan on connecting multiple security cameras. Most standard DSL or cable connections in metropolitan areas will have the bandwidth to support video feed for a single home security camera but if you start getting intensive and adding many cameras it depends on the quality of the video feed.
You can talk to your internet provider about your network capabilities although I must note that standard DSL should cut it. When talking to your provider, remember not to let them up-sell you stuff you don't need.
The actual installation and setup is no big deal if you could setup things around the house, like a printer, television or computer. If you could do those then you can do this. Remember to keep in mind the limitations of the limited range of your wires and wireless. Make sure the area you want to monitor has proper space for mounting and the mount provide proper field of view as well as access to power.
It then becomes a matter of plugging in the power, plugging in the Ethernet cable from the camera to your computer even if it is a wireless, and installing the software onto your computer and clicking yes a bunch of times. Once you are done with the software install you are done with a wired camera. With a wireless camera you can unplug the Ethernet cable and mount the camera anywhere as long as it is within range of your wireless router.