Network camera: Advantages over a PC-based camera
With a built-in Web server, a network camera do not need a direct connection to a PC or any other hardware or software to capture and transfer images. It operates as a stand-alone unit and requires only a connection to the network.
| True network camera: | PC-based camera: |
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| True network camera | PC-based camera | |
| Flexibility | Place it anywhere. You can connect the network camera to the network, modem, cell phone, or wireless adapter. |
The PC-attached camera needs to be within 3 meter (10 feet) of the PC. |
| Functionality | Everything needed to stream live video over networks is included in the network camera. | You will need 3 components: Web camera, PC and PC software. |
| Installation | You set the IP address and you're up and running. | The installation of drivers and software on the PC is complicated. |
| Ease of use | You can administer and view the images using a standard Web browser on any PC. | You will need specific software and remote administration will not be possible. |
| Stability | It works without any additional components, to give greater stability. | It depends on the attached PC's stability. |
| Quality | High picture quality using Motion JPEG. | Often low-quality components and proprietary streaming techniques. |
| Cost | The cost of the network camera only. | Total cost of Web camera, PC and PC software. |
