Security Camera Tech Glossary (A to Z)
Clear, jargon-free explanations of technical terms, network protocols, hardware specs, and surveillance standards.
2FA (Two-Factor Authentication) Security
A multi-step verification method requiring users to provide two distinct credentials before gaining access to their camera account (e.g., password + temporary OTP code via authenticator app).
AP Mode (Access Point Mode) Networking
A pairing mode where the camera temporarily broadcasts its own local Wi-Fi hotspot, allowing smartphones to connect directly and transmit home network credentials.
BSI CMOS (Back-Illuminated Sensor) Hardware
An advanced image sensor design that places circuitry behind the photosensitive diodes, allowing up to 100% more light capture for clear, full-color nighttime video.
DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) Networking
A network protocol used by routers to automatically assign IP addresses to devices. Cameras can lose connection if DHCP leases expire without proper renewal.
FOV (Field of View) Optics
The observable horizontal and vertical angle (measured in degrees) that a camera lens can capture without rotating. Standard wide-angle lenses typically offer 110° to 135° FOV.
H.265 / HEVC (High-Efficiency Video Coding) Compression
The modern video compression standard that cuts bandwidth and storage consumption in half compared to H.264 while retaining identical HD resolution quality.
IR-Cut Filter Optics
A mechanical shutter that blocks infrared light during the day to ensure natural color reproduction, and automatically swings open at night to enable infrared night vision.
Lux Rating Sensor
The unit measuring light intensity. A lower Lux rating indicates better low-light performance (e.g., 0.001 Lux cameras capture color in near-total darkness; 0.0 Lux requires infrared LEDs).
NVR (Network Video Recorder) Storage
A dedicated hardware appliance with hard drives that records, manages, and stores digital video streams transmitted over IP networks from multiple cameras simultaneously.
ONVIF (Open Network Video Interface Forum) Standard
A global open industry standard that ensures IP cameras, software, and NVRs from different manufacturers can communicate and stream seamlessly with one another.
PIR (Passive Infrared Sensor) Sensors
A thermal sensor that detects body heat emitted by humans and animals, drastically reducing false motion alerts caused by wind, rain, or shadows.
PTZ (Pan-Tilt-Zoom) Hardware
Cameras equipped with motorized mechanical gears that allow users to remotely rotate the lens horizontally (Pan: 355°), vertically (Tilt: 90°), and zoom optically/digitally.
RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indicator) Networking
A measure of how well a camera receives the Wi-Fi signal from the router (measured in negative decibels - dBm). Values between -30 dBm and -60 dBm represent ideal signal strength.
RTSP (Real-Time Streaming Protocol) Streaming
A network protocol designed for controlling media streams. Allows third-party software (like VLC Player, Home Assistant, and Synology NAS) to pull live video feeds directly from IP cameras.
WDR (Wide Dynamic Range) Processing
An ISP imaging feature that balances exposure in high-contrast scenes, preventing shadows from being too dark or sunny backgrounds from being washed out.