Anyone know about webcam security?

[kennydoe]

I would like to set up a little network of webcam security cameras in my house.

Is there such a thing as a camera that can be configured to operate without being hooked up directly to the PC? I guess it would have to broadcast to an IP address that we could check what's up on the cameras from any computer...

Among other things, we're finishing our basement and with teenagers in the house, we want to ensure that nothing goes on down there that shouldn't be going on down there.

Any assistance is helpful. thanks.
~Kenny

[elcid]

Are you talking about doing it wireless?

[jemsite]

yes, they hookup to your network directly & are assigned an IP addy. need power and an cat-5 lan cable. search newegg or equivalent for "ethernet camera". Some are wireless) i've seen dlink and panasonic ones i action. we use one in my office waiting room in fact. you can login to the IP via a java viewer locally or anywhere online... glen

[elcid]

For residential CCTV work I always like to run the cameras to a modulator then distribute it throughout the house with channel blockers, but then you cant check from the internet (of course neither could anyone else).

[kennydoe]

Originally Posted by jemsite

yes, they hookup to your network directly & are assigned an IP addy. need power and an cat-5 lan cable. search newegg or equivalent for "ethernet camera". Some are wireless) i've seen dlink and panasonic ones i action. we use one in my office waiting room in fact. you can login to the IP via a java viewer locally or anywhere online... glen

This is exactly what i had in mind! Thanks big Glen.

How secure is it? I wouldn't necessarily want the images from my basement to be seen by a stranger. Also, do any of these camera have night-vision?

[kennydoe]

Also, is this going to take up a line on my router? We have a ridiculous amount of computers in this house and i'm not sure we can spare one.

[jemsite]

You can piggy-back switches (ie. connect switch to your router) and they're real cheap. one camera per connection (i'd pass on wireless myself unless you can't run the wire). the cams are 100% secure locally (assuming minimal firewalls) and if you want to stream them (via internet) you need to use port forwarding and proper passwords... glen

[kennydoe]

@bay item 130096288197 looks great on paper...anyone have any insight?

[jemsite]

don't grab the first thing you see on auction or on sale.

start search here. if you go wireless, make sure they support WPA2 (some might only support WEP 8-bit keys and such)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...nd&Order=PRICE

[kennydoe]

D-Link support is notorious for bad service and the camera was not that well-reviewed.

Also nightvision is a must

[jemsite]

panasonic, d-link, trendnet... lots of brands.

rule of thumb if you need tech "support" with a gizmo like this you're in serious trouble and hire an expert ...glen

[alex10]

Originally Posted by kennydoe

Among other things, we're finishing our basement and with teenagers in the house, we want to ensure that nothing goes on down there that shouldn't be going on down there.
~Kenny

you just buy one of those fake cctv cameras for your basement and just tell them that it's real.

[Distantshore]

I found these that might be helpful, many that see in the dark.
http://www.samsclub.com/shopping/sea...type=0&x=0&y=0

[kennydoe]

Originally Posted by alex10

you just buy one of those fake cctv cameras for your basement and just tell them that it's real.

funny idea...but the kids are a wee bit too savvy for that BS nowadays!

~K

[dannymills]

Anyone see that episode of wife swap where the family did this?

I just hope you're not planning on putting webcams in their bedrooms :s.

And the fake CCTV idea is great !