Some IP cameras require support of a central network video recorder (NVR) to handle the recording, video and alarm management. Most IP cameras are webcams, but the term IP camera or netcam usually applies only to those that can be directly accessed over a network connection. They are commonly used for surveillance, but, unlike analog closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras, they require no local recording device, only a local area network.
An Internet Protocol camera, or IP camera, is a type of digital video camera that receives control data and sends image data via an IP network.