Employers continuously worry about the safety of employees and business assets. It forces them to hire security personnel or install surveillance equipment. Investing in a closed-circuit television (CCTV) system has proved effective in enhancing the security of business premises. Although CCTV technology has been in existence for decades, its continued development has made it a vital security system for small businesses. One such innovation in CCTV technology is the Internet Protocol (IP) camera, which sends digital signals via wireless networks or ethernet cables. Here is what beginners should know about IP cameras for business security.

IP Camera Explained

An internet protocol (IP) camera is a digital device that receives and transmits data over the internet or network. Older CCTV technology relied on the transmission of analog signals to a video recorder. However, an IP camera uploads signals directly to the internet through a network video recorder (NVR). When used as a security camera in a business premise, an IP camera captures images/video and compresses the data before sending it over a network or internet. You can use IP cameras on a wired network by connecting the system to a router or broadband modem via ethernet cables. Alternatively, IP cameras can be connected wirelessly to an NVR via a WiFi (wireless) router.

Remote Monitoring

IP technology supports remote monitoring of video recordings. Therefore, you could be halfway across the world but still access your security system through smartphones or laptops. You can receive alerts in case there is a problem requiring urgent attention. Most importantly, IP cameras help you stay abreast with the security status of your business even when you are not physically present.

Benefits of IP Technology

An IP system might seem costly at first, but the benefits to a small business are worth the investment. One IP camera can replace at least four analog cameras, which translates to less equipment. Similarly, since IP camera technology enables the storage and control of data via a network video recorder, you don't need multiple pieces of equipment to make the system operational. Therefore, your business enjoys added scalability and flexibility because you can expand or contract the security system as you wish. Ultimately, IP technology reduces the cost of maintenance because you will be dealing with less hardware. Also, most IP cameras support day and night functionality for outdoor and indoor use. Therefore, you are assured about the security of your business premise.

To learn more about commercial CCTV, contact a security company near you.