The Internet Protocol (IP) is the most common computer communication protocol today. It is the base protocol used for Internet, e-mail and almost every newly installed network. One of the reasons for its popularity is its scalability. In other words, it works as well in very small installations as it does in very large ones and is supported by an increasingly wide range of high performance, low-cost and industry-proven equipment and technologies.

Based on IP protocol, Axis network video products have the advantage of being able to directly and seamlessly connect to a whole range of wired and wireless Ethernet devices.

In today's offices, computers are most likely to use TCP/IP and are connected via an Ethernet network, either in a wired LAN (Local Area Network), or in a Wireless LAN. Ethernet gives a fast network at a reasonable cost. Most modern computers are supplied with an integrated Ethernet interface or can easily accommodate an Ethernet connection card.

Network video, often referred to as IP-Surveillance for specific applications within security surveillance and remote monitoring, is a system which gives users the ability to monitor and record video over an IP network (LAN/WAN/Internet).

Unlike analog video systems, network video uses the network, rather than dedicated point-to-point cabling, as the backbone for transporting information.

The term network video refers to both the video and audio sources available throughout the system. In a network video application, digitized video streams are transferred to any location in the world via a wired or wireless IP network, enabling video monitoring and recording from anywhere on the network.

Network video can be used in an almost unlimited number of situations; however, most of its uses fall into one of the following two categories:

• Security surveillance
  Network video's advanced functionality makes it highly suited to the applications involved in security surveillance. The flexibility of digital technology enhances security personnel's ability to protect people, property and assets. Such systems are therefore an especially attractive option for companies currently using CCTV.

• Remote monitoring
  Network video gives users the ability to gather information at all key points of an operation and view it in real-time. This makes the technology ideal for monitoring equipment, people and places both locally and remotely. Application examples include traffic and production line monitoring, and the monitoring of multiple store locations.