An Internet Protocol Camera , commonly referred to as an (IP camera), is a digital video camera much like a webcam, which transmits and receives data over a network or the internet. Unlike an ordinary webcam it is a standalone unit with its own IP address that requires nothing more than a network connection in order to transfer images and vidoe analatics. The IP camera connects to a network in exactly the same way as any other standard network device such as a laptop, tablet or printer.