An "IP" means an Internet Protocol address and it is quickly becoming the most utilised kind of security IP CCTV Camera for domestic and commercial premises due to its ease of use via the internet.
The standard and undoubtedly the most typical camera type is known as an analogue camera and also the back finish /output signal typically used a coaxial cable and BNC connector that may be easily seen on any TV/monitor with video input. An IP CCTV Camera however uses a networked data cable or wireless network and will have to link to software that allows you to view and/or control the video feeds. AEL Systems, who design, supply, install and maintain CCTV North East IP Camera's can provide demonstrations of this remote online software if you are interested in seeing just how well it can perform.
The advantage of an normal analog camera is the fact that frequently they're far cheaper and have been in existence technologies and they are fairly robust, however as they are becoming more and more outdated you may find that maintenance and replacement parts are starting to become more expensive.
The advantage of IP CCTV Camera is they have better quality and can send high definition video feeds via your existing network. They are simple to setup, particularly when a network has already been in position in your home or place of work, and don't require a lot of overhead to maintain.
Some IP CCTV Camera also include a BNC/Analog output allowing you to connect your camera to your existing non-IP Closed-circuit television system. This could permit you to connect the IP CCTV Camera to your digital recording device recording station and have a network connection attached permitting for remote viewing and recording to a local pc or off-site location. However, if you do go down this route you do need to make sure to verify the IP CCTV Camera is able to send video to both BNC/Analog output and through the network concurrently.
So which solution fits your needs? This is really dependent on what you require from a system and what your budget is. Do you need to be able to remotely view/control your cameras from any internet location? Do you need high definition video stored digitally? Do you already have an existing network that can be utilised?