Understanding Wireless Webcams

There are many different models of wireless webcams on the market today. Things you should consider when comparing options for purchase will affect the quality of your images. A few notable things are the video size and quality, ability to set contrast and saturation settings, options for mounting the camera and how they are powered.

There are now a small number webcams out there that can be used over a wireless wi-fi network, offering you video or still images over the Internet. Here are a few possible uses:
• Portable webcam - position the webcam where you want, so you could hold a video call from the garden, or offer a tour of the house
• Home security - Position a wireless webcam somewhere in your home, and set it to alert you remotely when motion is detected
• CatCam - Set the camera to keep an eye on your pets while you're at work
• Outside surveillance - Point the camera through your window to get a view on your garden or the front of your house (a door entry system, or perhaps for your website)
• Computerless webcam - Use a wireless webcam without the need to keep your PC on (if you have a wireless router)
• Office CCTV - keep a track on the comings and goings in your office over the Internet

The wireless model – This model connects to a computer through Bluetooth or a WiFi connection. It provides greater flexibility and freedom of movement than the previous model. It is also more expensive than the wired model.
For many other people, though, the vast possibilities opened up by using a wireless webcam make getting one very beneficial. For example, home and office video surveillance is often performed these days by a wireless webcam with the captured footage fed directly to the computer.

Set up the Webcam
Follow the setup instructions that come with the Webcam, but here are the basic steps:
• Connect the Webcam to the router with a network cable, plug it into a wall outlet, and then power up the camera.
Note: Installation instructions may tell you to connect or power up the camera at a specific time during setup; be sure to follow these and any other manufacturer's instructions.
• Using a computer on the same network as the Webcam, launch the setup software that comes with the camera, which usually provides a user-friendly wizard to guide you through the process.
Note: If you are prompted to set up an administrator username and password for the camera, be sure to use a strong password, so the camera is secure over the Internet.
• Enter your wireless network information into the setup software. If you are asked to choose between Infrastructure mode and Ad-Hoc mode, select Infrastructure. Note: During setup, you'll be provided with the camera's IP address. Write it down; you'll need it later to access the camera.
• Name the camera. (Use a name that's easy to remember and keep in mind that you may add more cameras later.)
• Once the setup wizard is finished, power down the camera and disconnect the network cable from the router.
After finish with the configuration now you can test the camera. With the camera's network cable still unplugged, power up the camera. On a computer on the same network as the camera, enter the IP address you wrote down during setup into the address bar of your browser, and then press Enter on your keyboard. If all goes well, you'll see the picture from your camera.

If you want to make the camera available from outside your network (over the Internet), you'll probably need to enter an IP address that is unique all over the world (called a Public IP address), not just on your network. If your Webcam has this capability, refer to its documentation for setup instructions.

Related Topics :
How Do You Find The Best Computer Printers For You
Are You Buying the Right Laptop Computer?
Tips for Buying a LCD Computer Monitor
Power Supply Tester
Wireless Barcode Scanner
Understanding Wireless Webcams