Sending images to a server - Internet Connections & Bandwidth

Your camera system needs to be available on the Internet in order for video to be viewed from remote locations. Any Internet connection you might use for your PC is adequate for producing updating images on the web, but broadband connections like cable and DSL are preferred. The bandwidth rule of thumb is: the higher the bandwidth, the better the frame rates will be. High bandwidth equals high quality video streams (high frame rates, less compression artifacts, clear audio, and high resolution).

Bandwidth comes in many forms, from an analog phone line with a modem connection to high-speed frame relay connections (T-1).

• Phone line with modem
• 56k frame relay
• ISDN (128k)
• Cable Modem
• DSL (ADSL or SDSL)
• Fractional T-1
• Dedicated T-1 and above

The simplest, but slowest connection, and not always the least expensive, is a standard analog phone line or POTS line. The advantages of an analog phone line are that it can be easily ordered, installation can happen quickly, and you may already have one available.

A phone line is an adequate last resort solution for installations in locations where nothing else is available. The line should be dedicated to the camera system (not shared with a fax machine or other telephone equipment). Unless the plan is to dial into the camera to retrieve video images, an ISP dial-up account will be required for connection to the Internet. It is not recommended to use a robotic camera with only a phone line connection as the limited bandwidth provides a very frustrating experience. Patience is required.

For a better experience, DSL or cable connections are much more appropriate. Broadband is a great solution for permanent Webcams if it is available in the area. Keep in mind that although the download rates, especially for cable, are very high (sometimes at T-1 speeds or better), it is the upload bandwidth that is most important. There should be at least 256K of upload bandwidth available on the cable or DSL line accessible to the camera system.

T-1 lines provide very stable and reliable bandwidth solutions. If T-1 or better bandwidth is already available at the proposed camera location, then a network drop and an IP address may be all you need.

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