IP Camera - Potential Disadvantages

Potential Disadvantages

• Higher initial cost per camera, except where cheaper webcams are used. (Note - IP cameras are becoming cheaper as demand increases and as of June 2011 are available below 50 USD and compete favourably with analogue cameras)
• High network bandwidth requirements: a typical CCTV camera with resolution of 640x480 pixels and 10 frames per second (10 frame/s) in MJPEG mode requires about 3 Mbit/s.
• Technical barrier. Most security systems including both CCTV and IP camera systems may require a professional technician to install the system, although a competent person can install an IP camera very easily, depending on make.
• As with a CCTV/DVR system, if the video is transmitted over the public Internet rather than a private IP LAN, the system becomes open to a wider audience of hackers and hoaxers. Criminals can hack into a CCTV system to observe security measures and personnel, thereby facilitating criminal acts and rendering the surveillance counterproductive.