IP Terms Glossary

While installing and maintaining your IP surveillance system there will be a few terms you will hear quite often. This IP Terms Glossary explains the commonly used terms you will need to understand.

Network IP - This would be one of the most advanced surveillance systems and is becoming the most widely used. IP stands for Internet Protocol. These systems transmit video wirelessly via an internet connection. Video quality is high at up to 12mp and can generally be transmitted up to about 330 feet. Since this system requires only PoE cables, it is easy to install.

Power Over Ethernet (PoE) - This is a system that transmits electrical power and a network connection over an Ethernet cable. A single cable can provide both power and a network connection to IP cameras if it is PoE. It works with standard network cabling such as Cat 5.

Cat-5 - An Ethernet cable, Cat 5 is a twisted pair cable that transmits signals. This is a standard network cable used for most IP video systems. Cat 5 cables have a 100 meter range but can be extended with LAN and Power over Ethernet extenders. Cat 5e and Cat 6 cables are enhanced versions of Cat 5 that allow for a higher network speed. Read our breakdown of common cables here: https://www.worldeyecam.com/blog/general/common-surveillance-camera-cables.html

LAN - Local Area Network is a set of devices or computers in a small area that communicate on a private network. Your security cameras and NVR should be on the same LAN to ensure fast communication.

IP Address - An IP address is a unique set of numbers that identifies a network device. The IP address identifies where the network should be sending data. A device can be assigned a Static IP Address which requires the IP address be manually entered and can only be changed manually. It can also be assigned a Dynamic IP Address where another device on the network will assign the IP address. With a Dynamic IP Address, the IP address will be often changing so we recommend that security cameras be set up with a Static IP Address.

Subnet Mask - This is a number that divides traffic within a network. Having the correct Subnet Mask will help to maintain effective network connectivity.

Default Gateway - This is basically a router. It determines where network traffic will be sent. It receives network data then determines which device it should be sent to. All devices on your LAN will share a Default Gateway.