Cloud-based Internet Protocol (IP) cameras are becoming increasingly popular amongst business and property owners thanks to the number of unique management and operational abilities these devices provide that aren’t matched by traditional CCTV security camera systems. Primarily, cloud-based IP cameras can be viewed, managed, and adjusted remotely from anywhere with an internet connection.
In addition, a typical IP camera installation will require minimal wiring and physical infrastructure work to be carried out as most of the network’s data will be communicated wirelessly, with many modern IP cameras able to be controlled remotely allowing teams to engage pan, tilt and zoom features, as well as record high-quality images with customizable software integrations such as AI analytics programs.
The flexible nature of cloud-based IP cameras allows these devices to be successfully implemented in a wide range of installations, from office buildings and schools to warehouses and construction sites. But, to make the most of IP cameras, cloud-based video management systems (VMS) should be used to conveniently store, organize and view footage. Here’s how to connect IP cameras to the cloud.
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Why Choose Cloud Video Recording?
Cloud video recording allows security and IT teams to store recorded video footage in a secure cloud server to ensure that all relevant data is backed up and protected from hardware malfunctions, accidental deletion, and data security risks. In most cases, IP cameras will also be fitted with an internal memory card used to store copies of files, with a linked management system providing remote-access capabilities.
By storing surveillance footage in multiple locations, important data is less likely to be compromised, choosing to utilize a cloud-based system to achieve this provides additional benefits in that security and IT teams can access and view video surveillance systems by logging into a digital application.
Setting Up Cloud-based IP Cameras
Network Infrastructure
The first step towards connecting IP cameras to the cloud requires users to install the hardware itself. Unlike traditional CCTV systems, cloud-based IP cameras only need power cables to be wired into the property as recorded data can be sent to file storage and video management systems via Wi-Fi.
However, to ensure a fast and secure connection between IP cameras and on-site VMS units, often teams will choose to utilize Power over Ethernet (PoE) cables as this style of wiring infrastructure can be used to send both power and data to each device reliably using only a single installed cable.
Choosing an IP Camera
Business and property owners must take the time to select the most appropriate type of IP camera for their installation. For example, if the device is intended to monitor an exterior car park overnight, an IP camera capable of recording clear footage in low light conditions with PTZ features will be preferable.
Additional considerations include choosing rugged explosion-proof cameras for hazardous locations like construction sites and warehouses, or devices capable of supporting AI program integrations like license plate recognition software for parking management installations.
Data Communications
To enable IP cameras to send recorded data over the internet to a cloud-based management service, network switches must be installed throughout the property. If PoE IP cameras are being used, teams must ensure that the network switches chosen are able to send power and data via ethernet cables.
These devices essentially act as data connections that allow recorded footage to be processed and sent to a centralized hub or NVR system to be later stored and organized in a cloud-based server.
Configuring Cloud IP Cameras
Cloud-based IP cameras are designed to send data wirelessly over the internet rather than via coaxial cables like traditional CCTV, so each camera will need to be configured to transmit files to a network video recorder (NVR) where footage will be converted into digital data that can be sent to the cloud.
Choosing a Cloud Video Storage Solution
With the IP camera network installed and configured to send and convert recorded footage into digital data, the installation will be ready to be connected to a cloud-based storage and management service. To do this, teams must choose a suitable provider capable of offering large amounts of storage space, appropriate security features as well as desirable customization and integration capabilities.
Consider these factors:
- Storage – Some providers such as Google Drive and iCloud offer limited cloud storage for free, though larger installations featuring multiple IP cameras may require much more space, typically 200GB will store around 10 days of footage from up to 5 IP cameras
- Security – Video surveillance footage is likely to contain sensitive information so it’s important that organizations choose a provider offering comprehensive security features such as password protection, MFA, built-in encryption, and customizable access controls
- Scalability – Cloud-based video storage solutions are ideal for growing businesses as data from multiple locations can be managed from the same platform, to ensure that this remains possible as a business scales choose a provider that allows storage capacity to be expanded
Once teams have selected the most appropriate cloud storage and management provider, they’ll be able to open a contract and create an account. From here, all that’s required is for staff to connect on-site NVR or comparable storage devices to the cloud-based service and all recorded footage will be automatically unloaded to be stored, viewed, and organized within the provider’s web-based management platform.
