An IP camera captures digital video and sends it over an Ethernet or wireless network to a recorder, service or authorised viewer. It may receive power through PoE and include audio, storage or analytics, but these features vary by model and licence. Image usefulness depends on lens, distance, angle, lighting, frame rate, compression and scene movement; headline resolution alone is insufficient. Design should define purpose, field of view, retention, access, bandwidth, time synchronisation and behaviour when network or recorder fails. Credentials, firmware and exposed services need protection. Tests should use representative day and night scenes and confirm recording, search and export, not only live view. Network access does not mean internet exposure is necessary, and a connected camera does not prove that footage is being retained.
IT glossary
IP camera
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