IP surveillance is a digitized and networked version of closed-circuit television (CCTV). In an IP surveillance system, an IP camera records video footage and the resulting content is distributed over an IP (Internet protocol) network.

Digitization offers a number of benefits over traditional analog CCTV, including:

• Improved search capability.
• Greater ease of use.
• Better quality images and no degradation of content over time.
• The ability to record and play simultaneously.
• The ability to compress content for improved storage.

Adding networking capability to digital CCTV provides additional benefits, including:

• Improved ability for remote viewing and control. Anyone on the network can potentially see video from any camera connected to the network.
• IP storage makes it possible to store data in any geographic location.
• Greater ease of distribution. An image of a crime suspect, for example, can be immediately distributed to officials.
• The ability to connect to email and other communications systems so that alerts can be sent automatically.

There is a growing industry trend towards replacing analog CCTV with IP surveillance systems.