They are essentially the same thing. However, “IP” is just one of many protocols used on a network. A network camera is a device that produces a video image and encodes it for streaming over a network. This device combines a lens, imager, DSP, processor and digital-to-analog converter in a single package. A network video camera will, at a minimum, include an Ethernet connection for the network.

A network camera uses “IP” or Internet Protocol to communicate with the network. Many cameras use file transfer protocol (FTP) to transfer video files associated with events as a separate communications method. Finally, most network cameras use network time protocol (NTP) to make sure their clocks are in sync with the network time.