With the advent and spread of unlimited Internet, video surveillance via the Internet is becoming more relevant and accessible. Camera manufacturers also do not ignore this topic, and are actively developing such a line of production as P2P video surveillance cameras, which allow you to connect to the camera from any device via a wireless Wi-Fi network or through a cloud service in a matter of minutes. At the same time, it is not at all necessary to have a static IP address - the camera will work even with a dynamic address without setting up DDNS, so even when using the mobile Internet, the device will regularly transmit data to the Internet, and you can view from any gadget what is happening in the field of view of the camera in any minute.

P2P technology (peer to peer, literal translation from English - equal to equal) is based on transmitting a unique number (UID) of the camera to a remote server, as a result of which it is identified. After connecting to the Internet, it automatically sends a request to , after a positive response, you can use special mobile applications to view the video stream from the camera and, if necessary, make its settings. Before connecting for the first time, you will be required to enter the camera's unique UID to gain access to it.

Criteria for selecting P2P cameras

When choosing a video surveillance camera, you need to pay attention to its main characteristics, which determine the scope of its use, as well as the quality of the transmitted image.

We will describe 9 main characteristics that are worth checking before purchasing P2 Camera P:

1. The presence or absence of a protective casing - if you plan to use the camera in outdoor conditions, it is necessary that it have a special casing that will prevent dust and moisture from entering the device. If the camera is purchased for indoor installation, a protective housing is not required;
2. Camera resolution - now you can buy cameras with a fairly high resolution, up to 12 megapixels, but the problem is that it will not be able to transmit a video stream in this resolution to a remote server, since in any case it will be cut down in order to maintain the transmission speed. Therefore, in this case there is no need to chase resolution - a camera with the usual resolution of 1.3 - 2 MP is enough;
3. Availability of internal storage – thanks to the presence of a slot for installing an SD card, it becomes possible to record video information in the absence of an Internet connection, as well as save data to an FTP server;
4. The function of uploading data to FTP is a rather useful function that allows you to save video recordings on a remote server, but it will not work without an SD card, since before posting the recording on the Internet, it must be recorded on the device’s memory;
5. The presence of IR illumination - infrared illumination allows video surveillance even in complete darkness. If there is a need for night photography, pay attention to this point, as well as the backlight power;
6. Photosensitivity – Photosensitivity determines the lighting conditions in which the camera can shoot. For example, to shoot at night under a full moon, the camera must have a photosensitivity of 0.3 - 0.05 Lux;
7. Such a characteristic as the range of operating temperatures is relevant. For example, in our weather conditions it is desirable for this value to have a range of +30...-40°C;
8. Availability of WDR – wide dynamic range. If necessary, look at this parameter - it is responsible for the absence of overexposed and dark areas in the frame. So, if there is a window in the frame, on a regular camera without WDR it would look like a bright white spot, but with WDR the brightness is automatically equalized, and the window is equal in brightness to other objects in the frame, and details become visible;
9. – this parameter determines which area the camera can monitor. For example, a camera with a lens that has a narrow viewing angle is suitable for monitoring a specific object located at some distance, and a camera with a wide-angle lens (from 90°) is suitable for a general overview of an area or the area of ​​a small room.

The choice of a video surveillance camera is not limited to these characteristics; you can read about all the nuances that you need to know before purchasing a video monitoring device.

Main advantages

P2P CCTV cameras have a number of distinctive features that set them apart from conventional cameras.

The main advantages of P2P cameras are:

• Ease of setting up remote video surveillance – all you need is to connect the camera to the Internet and download the application to your smartphone or computer, and then enter the unique camera ID in the program interface, and it will automatically transfer video data to your gadget;
• No need for a static IP address – when setting up video surveillance via the Internet using one, it becomes necessary to obtain a dedicated IP address. P2P cameras do not require it; the device is identified on the network using the camera’s unique ID;
• Possibility of remote viewing – you can view what is happening in the field of view of the camera wherever you are, as long as you have a good Internet connection;
• Scalability and flexibility – you can use the camera as you wish and expand your video surveillance system as much as necessary. P2P cameras can be used as a video baby monitor for a baby, for looking after pets or working staff at home in your absence, for monitoring a personal plot or construction work, as well as for many other purposes.

Setting up cameras

As mentioned above, setting up a P2P camera is extremely simple and does not require the user to have special knowledge of computers and video surveillance systems.

To set up your camera, follow these simple steps:

1. Download the camera application from its manufacturer and install it;
2. Connect the power cable to the camera and install it in the intended location;
3. Connect the device to the Internet via cable or WiFi;
4. Launch the program on a smartphone connected to the Internet and enter the unique ID of the P2P camera, or scan the QR code on the case using the camera of a smartphone or tablet;
5. We select the camera in the program and start viewing the video stream. It's simple!

P2P video surveillance is actively used both in business and in the world, and the affordable price of cameras and easy setup make them very popular among a wide range of users.

Current models

Finally, here are some popular and current cloud P2P video surveillance cameras. In general, the pioneer in the field of cloud surveillance is the IVideon service, so as a first example we will give the ocO camera (you can read the full review of ocO), which has a very stylish design and good technical characteristics. The camera is intended for indoor installation, and is positioned as a device for video monitoring of pets, the elderly, children, as well as household staff; it is also actively used by representatives of small and medium-sized businesses. The device has a wide viewing angle of as much as 120°, which allows you to install the camera in fairly tight spaces and cover almost the entire area of ​​the room. The resolution of the ocO camera is 1280x720, thanks to which the recording is done in fairly good quality, preserving all the details of the objects.

Let's briefly go over the main characteristics of the camera ocO:

• Possibility of video surveillance at night;
• Two-way audio communication;
• High corporate security;
• Sound and motion detector;
• Reasonable traffic consumption;
• No need for a computer;
• Possibility of maintaining an archive on a cloud service.

As an example of another P2P camera, we will give the KARKAM KAM-001 model, with support for the free Camcloud cloud service. The camera does not have a protective housing and is intended for indoor installation. Like ocO, this camera has HD resolution (1280x720). The viewing angle is quite wide and amounts to 90°. The camera also has built-in IR illumination, which allows video surveillance at night. Among other things, you can directly connect a 3G/4G modem to the camera and monitor what is happening remotely via the Internet.

In addition to the above cameras, there are several other manufacturers whose lineup includes P2P cameras:

• Vstarcam;
• Falcon Eye;
• Novicam;
• Hikvision;
• Spacecam;
• CamDrive;
• TP-Link.

That's all for us, we hope that this article will be useful to you and will help you in choosing a P2P CCTV camera. Good luck!

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2 comments

1. If you have a WiFi password or it is open, then of course you can

The term P2P in relation to video cameras appeared thanks to the Chinese, who decided in this format to convey to the average person the simplicity of building a video surveillance system based on their solutions. Some believe that this is a modified abbreviation for PnP - plug and play, which much more accurately reflects the principle of the camera: there is, of course, no peer-to-peer in it. In fact, all you need to do is connect the camera to a Wi-Fi network - it will do the rest itself. To connect the camera in any remote place (on the wall of a house, on a pole, in the middle of a site), you only need 220 volts and Wi-Fi - no other wires are needed. There are also wired P2P cameras - be careful!

All P2P cameras allow you to view images from them from any computer or smartphone with Internet access. It is enough to enter the unique camera ID into the application - and you will have access to the image and control of the camera. At the same time, the camera itself can be connected to the Internet via a gray IP, can sit behind NAT, do not have a static IP address, etc., that is, the camera does not care at all from whom it receives the Internet - this is a distinctive feature of P2P technology, which allows connect the camera without difficulty, having Internet from a cellular operator with a gray IP.

Let me make a reservation right away: there are similar solutions from respected and branded manufacturers (including D-Link) under the classification cloud cameras - that is, cloud cameras.
The decision to start getting acquainted with Chinese p2p cameras was due to several factors: this is my first experience in video surveillance (I wanted to play around without spending a lot of money), the lack of need for video surveillance as such (permanent security of the village, perimeter sensors, remote security, etc. .), lack of serious knowledge in this area. Indeed, the Chinese offer interesting solutions at a price 2-3 times cheaper than everything that is currently sold in Moscow.

A lot of sites in the RuNet have picked up the idea of ​​p2p cameras - and are trying to sell an unsophisticated buyer a Chinese camera for two or three prices compared to the same Aliexpress. On Ali, in fact, I went for the camera.

Key characteristics of a p2p wi-fi camera and my comments on the experience of selecting it.
1. Street or home work option. Here you need to immediately decide where the camera will be installed. There is no point in hoping that a home camera will last a long time in the snow and rain. An outdoor camera costs a little more and has a completely different design.
2. Camera design. Most often this is a dome or classic design. The dome has the ability to rotate and tilt on command. The classic one maintains a constant position.
3. Camera resolution. China offers us resolutions from 0.3 to 5 megapixels.
4. Power of IR illumination - for work at night, the power of infrared diodes and their number determines the distance at which you can clearly see objects in complete darkness. China offers from 5 to 30 meters.
5. Availability of an SD memory card. A very important parameter - it allows you to record video on the built-in card, from where you can later view it.
6. The ability to upload video to dropbox, ftp, etc. is an equally important function that allows you to automatically upload the captured video to the Internet. Doesn't work without an SD card!
7. The presence of a motion sensor function - allows you to start recording or take a photo only at the moment of movement in the frame, which significantly saves space on the card. On the camera screen, you can quite accurately select those zones in which movement will trigger recording. Sensitivity and object size are adjustable.
8. Availability of built-in microphone and speaker. Allows you to have a conversation with the person you are filming.

The funny thing is that the presence or absence of the indicated functions has little effect on the price. That is, it can be a super-sophisticated FullHD camera for 3 thousand rubles, or a model with 0.3 megapixels that is very poor in functions for 7 thousand. With exactly the same output quality.

Practice and pitfalls.
After several hours, a 2Mp P2P wi-fi street camera was selected on Ali. At the time of ordering (mid-January) it cost about 3,400 rubles. In Moscow it sold for about 9 thousand.
For that money I should have gotten the camera with free shipping within 2 weeks max. I arrived on Chinese New Year, delivery took a month, I only received the camera yesterday.

So, the first disappointment. Despite the assurances of the Chinese and the description on the website, this particular model does not save video to ftp and does not send the captured video by email. Moral: read the specifications ten times and check with the seller twenty times in correspondence, fortunately they love to correspond with their passion.
Second disappointment. P2P technology does not allow transmitting video with a quality higher than 0.3Mp to remote devices, that is, with an HD camera resolution of 1600x1200 - on remotely connected devices I only get 640x360. Which looks great on an iPhone, but raises some doubts on a PC. Although everything is still visible normally, I wanted FullHD here too. You can't get more out of the Chinese - they specifically impose restrictions so that the video doesn't slow down and the servers don't overload. If you are on the same Wi-Fi network with the camera, you can use another application with a direct connection to the camera - then everything will be in FullHD, and video recording, snapshots (both by timer and by motion), etc. will be available d.

Conclusion.
Despite two rather serious flaws, I'm pleased. My camera works according to the following scenario:
The camera is always on, I have configured the size of the objects, the sensitivity of the sensor and the areas of interest to me, the movement in which triggers the photo function. As soon as movement occurs, the camera sends me an email of good quality with a resolution of 1600x1200, which allows me to see any little details quite well. Since mail on an iPhone with push technology takes less than 20-30 seconds between motion detection and a letter with a picture. In parallel, the email is redirected to the email2dropbox gateway - and a copy of the photo is saved in my dropbox in a separate folder with timecode. If I don’t understand something from the photo, I launch the program on my iPhone and computer and watch the live video from the camera. At the same time, I can record it or take a screenshot. I'm more than satisfied with everything. Even the quality.

P.S. Since the Chinese broke their promise and the camera does not upload the video to either email or FTP (although it is in the description), I have every right to write them a bad review of Ali. Since the Chinese incredibly value every review and the reputation of their store, they are ready to do a lot to prevent bad reviews from being written to them. They are one of my friends! for free! They sent another camera of a different model, since the first one did not meet their descriptions on the website. I think this is exactly what I will do - and then based on the movement I will receive not only photos, but also videos.
P.P.S. This is my first experience working with video surveillance, so I will be happy to hear criticism from professionals. Please take into account that this is a household level of do-it-yourself observation, which can be organized quite inexpensively in 10 minutes by any person who is not at all technically versed - this is the main advantage of this solution, despite the fact that the quality of the output picture is very good. I will be happy to answer any questions.

P2P cameras operate based on peer-to-peer (P2P) technology. It is based on identifying the camera on a remote server by its unique number. As soon as the device connects to the Internet, a request is sent to the server for identification. The user, by installing special software on a computer or mobile phone, can, through a connection to this server, gain access to the video stream from the IP camera, as well as control it. Thus, when using P2P technology in video surveillance systems, the remote server acts as an intermediary, connecting the user and the IP camera directly. The most popular video surveillance solution on the Russian market is the Zodiak 909w ready-made video surveillance solution.

Using a P2P camera

Technically, using a P2P camera occurs in three stages:

1. Once connected to the Internet, the camera automatically sends a request to the server. Like “Hi, I'm working!” The server, having identified it by a unique number (ID number), responds “OK, I know!”
2. The user launches a viewing application called “Zodiak Video” on their computer or mobile device. In this application, the camera ID number is entered. A request “Hello, I want to watch video from my camera!” is automatically sent to the server from the user’s device.
3. The server connects the user and the Zodiak camera, after which the user can view video online, control the camera, speak through the built-in speaker and use other functions.

Why peer-to-peer technology is used in IP cameras

We, the specialists at Zodiak Wireless Solutions, do everything to ensure that our clients use technical solutions that are at the forefront of technological progress. At the moment, P2P technology is the most advanced for use in remote video surveillance solutions for several reasons:

1) Easy to configure and install video surveillance systems

Easy to install and use video surveillance systems. In most cases, you do not need to use the services of contractors and installers, which allows you not only to get a technically advanced video surveillance system, but also to save on the project. To watch video remotely via the Internet, you do not need a high-speed connection (512 kbps is enough), nor a static IP address.

2) Reliability and security of P2P cameras

Thanks to a distributed server system and sophisticated software, P2P camera solutions are very reliable. Having spent 5 or 10 minutes installing the camera, you can rest assured that this solution will work reliably and flawlessly. The video stream is sent to the user via a secure protocol. By setting a password, you can be sure that the video surveillance system is resistant to hacker attacks.

3) Many different application possibilities

The Zodiak P2P camera product line allows you to use them for completely different purposes. Here are just a few of them:

• A video baby monitor for a child that works not only at a distance of 300 m from the base, like most video baby monitors, but also from absolutely any place;
• Video surveillance of small business facilities;
• Video surveillance of construction sites;
• Monitoring production and industrial facilities. Connectors for connecting sensors allow you to use the camera for notification in case of door opening, flooding, fire and other emergencies.

Our approach to product development

Zodiak Wireless Solutions looks to the future with confidence. We create solutions that allow people of all income levels and skill levels to enjoy the benefits of the latest security solutions. We have no doubt that we are on the right track, creating a simple and understandable product that even a child can use. We do not suggest that you pay a subscription fee to use our cloud service and do not even require that words such as “IP camera” and “cloud” be familiar to you. The most advanced technologies make your life more enjoyable and safe, and you more free. It is you who decide how to use your time, and technology and security are our areas of concern.

Sincerely,

Zodiak Wireless Solutions Company

Video surveillance without remote access today is a waste of money; of course, all recorded video information will be stored on the hard drive, but access to it will be carried out only at the location where the video recording system is installed, which you will agree is not always convenient. Just as practice shows, the ability to view video cameras online opens your eyes to many things happening at a protected facility, for example: what are the staff doing at the moment? How do you work with a client? How is unloading and loading done in the warehouse? How is a car washed at a car wash? etc.

The possibilities for remote access today are endless; all that remains is to choose how to connect the equipment to the Internet. Here, as you guessed, p2p video surveillance service is the easiest way to achieve what you want from video cameras or a video recorder.

Technology P2P allows the device to receive a special permanent name (serial ID number) to communicate with the server using a regular dynamic IP address.

Advantages of P2P.

1. Easy to set up. There is no need to buy static addresses or ddns and do magic with port forwarding; you just need to set the IP address of the p2p camera or DVR that matches the subnet of your router (gateway).
2. Work with any platforms. Access to p2p video surveillance is carried out through special mobile applications, cms or vms clients for PCs, or simply through an Internet browser.
3. No cost required. Static addresses or ddns require an additional monthly payment, while p2p servers live at the expense of video surveillance system equipment manufacturers.

Flaws.

For p2p video surveillance, a good outgoing Internet connection speed is required, since communication with the device does not occur directly, as is the case with a static IP address, but through a server, which first receives a request for a specific command, downloads information from your device and only then transmits it through client application.

P2P video surveillance via 3g\4g networks.

P2P video surveillance can be created in any place located within the coverage area of ​​a mobile operator. To do this, you will need a 3g\4g modem, a router with USB modem support and an external antenna (amplifier) ​​to improve the signal.

In the photo: We created an Internet connection using the Zyxel keenetic omni 2 router (fail-safe wi-fi router, starts with half a turn) using a “Megafon 4G modem” (connected via a USB extension cord) to which it is connected. The panel contains the DVR itself, connected to the router via the wan port.

The next step was to set the registrar with the subnet of the router; by default, the zyxel router has an internal IP address of 192.168.1.1, which means we assign the registrar, for example, 192.168.1.100.

Thanks to the 4g signal amplifier, we received 10 Mb\s outgoing speed, which in principle is enough for 14 video cameras.

In a specific example, we connected a DVR using a p2p serial number, which allows us to view the device from any mobile platform and Internet browser. The downside is that loading recorded material is extremely slow, so for large systems p2p is only relevant for online viewing from mobile devices.

Low speed, but static.

In the following example, our device has a weak Internet of 4mb\s, but receives a static IP address. We gave the device a white address and forwarded two ports on the router (for security purposes, the http port and the last ip value are hidden). Thanks to statics, we can easily access the web interface of the recorder, even at such a low speed, the cameras online operate with a slight desynchronization.

As we said earlier, a static address always wins over p2p, at equal speeds, since here we are knocking directly on the web face of our device. Having a static address, working with the device is possible directly through an Internet browser, for example, if you enter its IP and port 10.12.50.77:8888 or by setting up a special SMS client on your computer.

Statically, 11 video cameras were loaded into cms without any problems, the archive can be viewed and downloaded.

Through the p2p application, the maximum that was possible was to view 4 video cameras without braking; viewing the video archive is difficult and works extremely unstable.

When opening all video cameras with strong braking, 6 streams opened, viewing is unrealistic.

Conclusion: P2p is good for a small video surveillance system and bad for a large one. With a significant number of video cameras, you need a very good Internet connection.

P2P IP CCTV cameras.

All IP video cameras today have a built-in p2p service, which may differ in functionality and adaptation to different platforms. Some services allow you to work on all types of platforms, for example: mobile applications, SMS for PC or through a special client website, while others support work only on mobile devices.

A P2p camera can be an independent video surveillance system if it has a connector for a flash drive. Such a camera can record video, which in turn will be available through a special mobile p2p client.

There are also multimedia IP cameras that have a speaker and microphone on board. Such a device can not only output sound from the microphone to the client application, but also receive sound from the program to output it through the speaker of the video camera.

P2p cloud.

Many people confuse a p2p service with a p2p cloud, naively believing that the camera can write to a cloud server for free. Unfortunately, this is not the case, the p2p functionality supplied with CCTV cameras is very limited, recording can be done either on the DVR’s hard drive or on a flash card, both drives can be connected via a client application.

The innovative solution of our store is to provide the simplest possible access to your video cameras from anywhere in the world. To do this, you only need an Internet connection.

You can activate Push notification (a window will open with a live broadcast of the alarm video clip);

View full review of this model

Here is a model of a personal autonomous outdoor video camera Article, which runs on solar energy in outdoor conditions.

For normal operation of the product, two conditions are necessary:

1. A stable Wi-Fi signal from your local network (with Internet access) at the location where the product is installed;

2. Periodic sunshine to ensure normal operation and charge the built-in battery.

You can see a review of this WiFi video camera.

Our wireless video cameras are not afraid of heat, cold, or tropical rain ().

Some models of our IP cameras have a night vision function and can send a signal to your mobile device if movement is detected in their field of view, you will even receive a photo of the “intruder”.

Also included in the assortment of our online store are:

The design models of these technical devices are amazing. Of course, you can watch them from a mobile device and by touching the screen with your finger, move the all-seeing eye to the desired viewing scene.

For example, model Article: Can be rotated horizontally by 330 degrees.

And also make your home cozy. The camera has a light that you can control from your mobile device.

Adjusting the color and intensity is very easy.

We will be happy to answer your call during business hours; our technical specialists will be happy to answer your questions and select a personal solution for you. For example, here is a video of a panoramic video camera with a lens that covers 180 degrees horizontally and 110 degrees vertically. This model replaces 4 conventional stationary IP video cameras with a fixed viewing angle. She literally sees EVERYTHING and writes it down. here is a model of a panoramic WiFi/LAN video camera with a 360 degree viewing angle, Software for PC VR cam., viewing is similar through a mobile application. Impressive though! Today, it is unlikely that you will find anything similar on the security systems market. Interested? P2P video camera "P2P camera is an IP camera that contains software that allows you to identify it and connect to the camera remotely using a unique number (ID number) without using a static IP address or functions such as DDNS and UPnPct. P2P cameras were designed to facilitate setup remote access to the camera for ordinary users - non-specialists. How does a P2P camera work? When a p2p camera is connected to the Internet (via a router or 3G connection), the camera automatically sends a request to a remote server, which identifies the camera by its unique ID number. To access the camera and view video, the user needs to install a special application from the IP camera developer on their device (computer or mobile devices). In this application, the user enters the camera ID number (or takes a photo of the camera QR code so as not to enter the code manually), after which he can view video from the camera online, view the video archive from the SD card, control the PTZ device and use other functions. The server in this case acts as an intermediary, connecting the IP camera and the user’s device directly. Why is P2P technology needed? This technology is designed to make IP camera installation as easy as possible for the end user. Without this technology, to remotely access the camera, the user needs to connect a static IP address or have special skills. In the case of P2P cameras, an average user spends no more than 10 minutes installing the camera and setting up remote viewing. Application areas of P2P cameras P2P cameras allow you to get a full-fledged video surveillance system with remote access from anywhere in the world and easy to install for little money. The main areas of application of P2P cameras: surveillance of a country house and/or plot apartment security monitoring pet monitoring small business security and point of sale surveillance patient monitoring use in state and municipal institutions, etc......." The section WiF video intercoms deserves special attention Let's see how it works with an example: Stand-alone wireless door kit (7" monitor + call panel) with LAN gateway with DVR + electronic lock control module, HD (Acebell) - A unique product that allows you to distribute a stand-alone kit (ringing device, lock opening module and monitor) from the gateway up to 200 meters. Monitor and The ringing device is autonomous and can operate in standby mode for up to 8 months on a single charge. The gateway itself connects to the local network via a wired connection; it also has a built-in video recorder that records all events + a call bell. You get an excellent picture on your mobile device when you receive a call or the motion detector is triggered (someone is looming in front of the door). Watch the video to see how it works. With respect to you and your business, company .