IP camera systems have become the standard choice for London businesses seeking high-definition, flexible and remotely accessible CCTV. Unlike analogue cameras, IP cameras transmit compressed digital video over standard network cabling, allowing four to eight megapixel resolution, AI-powered analytics and encrypted remote access from any smartphone or browser. CCTV Installation London designs, installs and configures IP camera systems for commercial and domestic properties across the capital.
Our NSI Gold approved engineers specify the right cameras, PoE switches, NVR storage and network configuration for your specific site. This page explains how IP camera systems work, the key advantages over analogue systems, and what to expect from our installation service. Call 0800 000 0000 for a free IP camera survey.
How IP Camera Systems Work
IP cameras connect to your network over Cat5e or Cat6 Ethernet cable. Power is delivered over the same cable using Power over Ethernet (PoE) technology, so each camera needs only one cable run from the nearest PoE network switch. The switch connects to a network video recorder (NVR), which stores footage on internal hard drives.
Modern NVR systems support remote access via encrypted apps, allowing you to view live footage and recorded clips from anywhere with an internet connection. Our engineers configure the NVR, the network and the remote access credentials as part of every installation.
Resolution and Image Quality
IP cameras are available in resolutions from 2MP (1080p) up to 12MP (4K). Higher resolution allows you to identify faces and read number plates at greater distances from the camera. Our engineers recommend resolution based on the specific task for each camera: a camera covering a narrow doorway can use 2MP, while a camera covering a wide car park entrance may require 4MP or 8MP to capture usable detail at the extremes of the frame.
AI Analytics and Smart Features
Modern IP cameras from manufacturers such as Hikvision and Dahua include AI-assisted analytics that can detect line crossing, perimeter intrusion, crowd gathering and vehicle detection without generating false alerts from moving foliage or passing headlights. These features are configured by our engineers at installation and significantly reduce the time you need to spend reviewing irrelevant recordings. See how analytics benefit commercial CCTV systems.
Key Advantages Over Analogue Systems
IP cameras offer several advantages over HD analogue (HD-CVI/HD-TVI) systems. Higher resolution is the most significant: even a mid-range 4MP IP camera produces four times the pixel count of a standard 1080p analogue camera. IP cameras also support two-way audio, allowing intercoms to be integrated into the camera system. Digital zoom on IP cameras maintains acceptable quality at much greater magnification than analogue cameras.
The main consideration is infrastructure: IP cameras require Cat5e or Cat6 cabling and PoE switches, which adds cost if your property has no existing network cabling. Where properties already have coaxial cabling, HD analogue may offer a more cost-effective upgrade path. Our site survey compares both options and recommends the best solution for your specific situation.
NVR Storage and Data Retention
NVR storage capacity determines how many days of footage you can retain. A system with eight 4MP cameras recording continuously at a typical compression ratio requires approximately one terabyte of storage per week. Most of our commercial installations use NVRs with four to eight terabytes of storage, providing two to eight weeks of retention depending on compression settings and motion-triggered recording schedules.
We configure motion-triggered recording zones to maximise storage efficiency: cameras covering static views with infrequent activity record only when motion is detected, while cameras on busy entrances record continuously. Our engineers confirm the retention period achieved at handover. Request a free IP camera survey.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can IP Cameras Work on Existing Wi-Fi?
We do not recommend Wi-Fi for primary CCTV camera connections. Wi-Fi is subject to interference, signal dropouts and security vulnerabilities that make it unsuitable for evidential-quality CCTV recording. We use wired Cat5e or Cat6 connections for all camera installations. In situations where cable cannot be run, we use point-to-point wireless links that operate on dedicated frequencies rather than shared Wi-Fi bands.
Can I Access My IP Cameras Remotely?
Yes. All IP camera systems we install are configured for secure remote access. We set up the NVR's remote access feature, install the manufacturer's app on your smartphone and confirm that live and recorded footage is accessible before we leave. We use encrypted connections and configure access credentials for each authorised user.
How Many IP Cameras Can One NVR Support?
NVR capacity is measured in channels. We install NVRs from 8-channel to 64-channel depending on the number of cameras in your system. All our NVRs include spare capacity to allow the system to expand as your security requirements grow. Upgrading from an 8-camera system to 16 cameras simply requires adding cameras and a larger storage drive, not replacing the NVR.
What Brands of IP Camera Do You Install?
We install equipment from Hikvision, Dahua and Axis as our primary brands. Hikvision and Dahua provide excellent value at mid-range and high-end price points. Axis cameras are used where the highest build quality and most advanced analytics are required, typically in financial services or critical infrastructure applications. We advise on the best brand for your budget and requirements.