Many surveillance enthusiasts want to know how to turn an analog camera to an IP camera. So in this article we will answer the question on how to convert an analog camera to an IP camera and list all the equipment you need for this process.
How to convert an analog camera to IP camera
To understand how this conversion happens, it is important to get hold of the differences between these two technologies and types of cameras (analog and IP cameras).
The main difference between the analog and IP network camera is the way video signals are transmitted. With an IP security system, the video signals received are first digitized using a particular encoder. This encoder then connects to an IP network, allowing users to view, store or analyze the video footage. On the other hand, analog cameras transmit signals through a coaxial cable to a single central monitoring station (DVR).
In order to convert an analog camera to an IP camera you need a device called analog to IP camera converter. This device is nothing else but a mini computer that runs on a Linux OS and is able to convert the traditional analog signals coming from the analog camera to digital signal and then transmit the converted digital stream over the network.
Analog to IP camera converters
There are many analog to IP camera converters in the market. Below is the one we recommend to use. It does a great job in maintaining a good picture quality once converting to an IP base system. Also it’s easy to install and use.
The guide of converting an analog camera to an IP camera
The set up process can vary between different manufacturers, however the logic of setting up an analog to IP camera converter remains the same. Below there are a few steps that can help you out.
Step 1. Insert the BNC connector of the coaxial cable to an open port of the analog to IP camera converter.
Step 2. Insert one end of the Ethernet cable into the Ethernet port of the converter. The other end should be connected to an open port on your router. By doing this you ensure that your converter is assigned an IP address on the network.
Step 3. The next step requires you to open the web browser on your computer, and then type the IP address into the browser’s address box. Hit enter to access the router’s administration page (use your router’s username and password).
Step 4. Select the DHCP list and you’ll find there a list of the devices running on the network. You should be able to see the IP camera converter there. However, if you don’t see it, consult the user manual on how to find the IP address of the converter. Many of these converters come with a small scanning software that can locate the IP address of your device on the network (you can modify it as well).
Step 5. Once you have the IP address of the converter, you can access it through the web browser to get the live picture. Or you can add the IP address on a camera management software. It depends on your setup and purpose. Basically, the converter will make the analog camera behave like an IP camera.
If you don’t want the trouble of using the analog to IP camera converter to convert your system from analog camera to IP based camera, you can just buy your own IP security system to replace the old system. These systems are easy to install and also, you can even stream live video to your smartphones or tablets for remote monitoring.
