The “IP” in IP surveillance is an abbreviation for Internet Protocol, which is the most common protocol used for communication over computer networks and the Internet. An IP surveillance application creates digitized video streams that are transmitted through a wired or wireless IP network to enable monitoring and video recording from as far away as the network reaches.

In addition, IP surveillance systems can be integrated with other types of systems, such as access control systems. For most people, the term “video surveillance” brings to mind CCTV (closed circuit TV), which has been used for several decades at banks, office buildings, and other establishments. In comparison, IP surveillance provides attractive benefits such as easy integration, remote accessibility, distributed intelligence, and scalability. In fact, the versatile nature of the Internet is one of the main reasons that analog CCTV systems are rapidly being replaced by network video technology.

Six Factors to Consider when Upgrading to an Industrial Grade IP Surveillance System (6 page pdf)