P2P surveillance cameras are some of the easiest as well as access security solutions on the market. If you want a DIY solution that you can set up with a simple scan of a QR code or view remotely at the tap of a button, a P2P camera is a way to go.
We’re going to break down everything you need to know about P2P as well as top recommendations and more!
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What is a P2P Camera & What Are Its Functions?
P2P stands for peer-to-peer. Feel like an industry insider now with that bit of jargon under your belt? Not exactly? Let’s take a closer look.
This is an accessible network technology that makes linking your IP surveillance camera and your mobile device as simple as possible. As a result, you can view your footage locally or remotely, on multiple devices, with ease.
Each P2P camera and NVR is unique and designed to connect with the P2P server via our free mobile app.
After you connect your P2P camera, you can view your live stream footage as well as review your recorded footage from anywhere.
Hold Up: Still confused about the configuration? Click here to find a step-by-step guide on P2P IP camera setup.
Important: Traditional Analog cameras aren’t equipped with a P2P system. They simply capture your HD footage as well as transmit that to your DVR (digital video recorder). Conversely, our HD Analog Cameras feature DVR’s with built-in P2P capabilities. This mixes the time-tested, traditional tech of Analog Security Camera Systems and the easy accessibility of P2P.
What is Unique About P2P Cameras?
Remote viewing wasn’t always so easy. This has become an essential function of DIY security solutions in recent years, but prior to the P2P camera, remote viewing was a hassle. It required users to jump through all kinds of hoops, including tricky configurations on the camera, connection via a DDNS server, complex port forwarding/configuring with the router, working around the network firewall, and more.
As a result, P2P camera technology was a necessary upgrade to simplify remote viewing. There are plenty of benefits of P2P cameras. Below are some of the main benefits:
1. Hassle-Free P2P Camera Setup
P2P camera networking takes care of one of the essential issues that CCTV cameras had in the past.
As we mentioned before, the multi-step, knowledge-intensive process to remote view your surveillance camera footage.
P2P cameras are now fully optimized with easy setup processes. For example, our ONE Link Battery Powered P2P Camera System is one of the most user-friendly solutions on the market! Connecting to your wireless network and mobile app entails the single touch of a button with the Smart Station and scanning a QR cold on the bottom of the camera. For example, C1 P2P IP camera, it’s that simple!
2. Accessible Remote View with P2P Cameras
Easy connections between your PC/mobile devices and your P2P camera make it easy to view your live HD feed as well as stored footage from anywhere! This is a simple answer to the common questions, “Can I use an internet connection to view my camera footage when I’m outside of my home wireless network?” and, “Can I access my P2P camera when I’m at the office or on a trip?”
With our free ZOSI app, you can live to stream your P2P IP cameras while you are on the go to ensure the safety of your property and loved ones. Video communication, even when you are in a remote location, will be smooth and full of HD detail. (Read this to learn how).
Keep in mind that if you want to use a web browser to view your security camera remotely, you will need to do so via port forwarding. Web browsers do not have built-in P2P technology like our apps.
3. Seamless Playback of HD Video
A lot can occur during the course of the day. When you are at work, you may not always have time to check your livestream footage. P2P camera technology isn’t just about watching what’s happening live. It’s also about having instant access to important recorded data.
What’s more, you can even record videos remotely and save the P2P cam footage to the SD card or NVR remotely through the IP camera P2P viewers and software.
Even you’re not physically there, you can playback historic videos of the P2P WiFi cameras to ensure you miss no single detail.
4. Simultaneously Connect Several Devices to P2P Cameras
In this day and age, easy device connectivity is key with technology. Anything people can easily integrate when it comes to smart home setups, entertainment devices, and mobile tech is always a priority.
With a P2P camera, you can view your HD footage on several devices at the same time. Livestream or playback on your mobile phone, tablet, PC or mac all concurrently.
With P2P technology, you and your family can all view camera footage at the same time with no effect on the clarity or smoothness of your feed. (Click here to learn the detailed procedures.)
5. Reliable HD Video and Top-Tier Performance
P2P networks provide some of the best video streaming to your mobile devices. Your feed will have top-of-the-line HD quality video standards with full clarity as well as fluid movement with no lag or disturbances.
Comparing P2P IP Cameras and Traditional Security Cameras
You may be wondering about the difference between P2P cameras and traditional CCTV cameras. What are the pros and cons of each? Along with that, have P2P cameras become the optimal form of visual security in the modern world?
Wired and wireless P2P IP Cameras:
- Simple setup with QR code scan.
- Port forwarding/mapping is unnecessary.
- DDNS server is not necessary.
- Connect P2P cameras remotely, anytime/anywhere.
- An encrypted stream allows you to securely record and view.
- Reliable and consistent video feed.
Common/Traditional Port Forwarding IP cameras:
- Require DDNS server.
- Port forwarding/mapping neccessary.
- Potentially unstable video feed.
- Network at risk with disabled firewalls.
Best P2P Cameras Recommendations
With more and more P2P cameras coming out each month, it may be difficult to navigate the options as a consumer.
To help, we’ve made a shortlist of our best quality P2P camera options that boast better prices than their counterparts on the market.
Best Battery-Powered Outdoor P2P Camera – ZOSI C1
ZOSI C1 is a 100% wire-free battery-powered P2P WiFi Camera and it can be set up in a minute. After scanning the QR code on the back, a voice prompt walks you through the whole setup and WiFi settings.
Features:
- Wireless & rechargeable battery-powered
- Motion alerts & siren
- Remote access & live stream on smartphones (iOS & Android)
- 2-way communication with built-in mic & speaker
- 130 degree wide viewing angle
- Could see in the dark
Besides, you can stream live videos remotely or playback pre-saved motion recordings stored on your SD card with a few taps on the ZOSI P2P IP camera app.
C1 - Wire-Free Spotlight Camera - IPC-696
- Wifi Connection
- Motion Activated Light & Siren Alarm
- Rechargeable Battery Powered
- AI Human Detection
- Two Way AudioAI Human Detection
- Proactive Sound & Siren Alarm
- 100ft Color Night Vision
Best Indoor & Outdoor P2P IP Camera for Home & Business – ZOSI C190 Pro
ZOSI C190 Poe, a 5MP HD P2P security camera, is one of the best-selling IP cameras of 2021. With ZOSI P2P app and desktop software, you can stream live videos effortlessly.
Features:
- Proactive Light & Siren Alarm
- 5MP HD video quality
- Motion alerts via email or app
- Remote viewing on smartphones, Mac, Windows PC, or Web browsers
- Could record audio & sounds
Better yet, this P2P IP camera price is pretty budget-friendly – at $49.99, a best-valued quality security option for home and business.
Smart 3MP Super HD WiFi Security Camera - C190
- 2.4/5 GHz WiFi
- Light & Siren Alarm
- Color Night Vision
- AI Human Detection
- 2-Way Audio
Best Wireless P2P WiFi Camera – ZOSI C289
ZOSI C289 P2P WiFi camera can be set up easily by scanning QR code or entering UID. This dual-band WiFi P2P IP camera (2.4/5 GHz) can ensure stable video streaming locally & remotely, and it helps cut down bandwidth pressure on home broadband as 5 GHz is less crowded than 2.4 GHz which is widely used by other home appliances.
Features:
- PTZ, simple setup
- 2MP HD video quality
- Motion alerts via email or app
- Remote viewing on smartphones, Mac, Windows PC, or Web browsers
- SD card (not included) for motion-based recording
Viewing live video feeds and accessing footage saved on the SD card is easy and painless on ZOSI P2P IP camera app & desktop software (PC/Mac).
C296 - Pan Tilt IP Security Cameras
- 4K Ultra HD/5MP Super HD
- Starlight Color Night Vision
- Pan & Tilt
- PoE/WiFi Connection
- Light & Siren Alarm
- Upgraded AI-Powered Detection
- 2-Way Audio
FAQ about P2P IP Camera
We’ve provided some important questions about P2P cameras to help you further understand the technology.
Question 1: Are P2P Cameras Completely Secure?
Even though P2P camera technology is extremely advanced, there will always be some vulnerability to cyber attacks.
This goes for any device that connects to the internet. We make it difficult for others to gain access to your cameras by adding login credentials needed for access to your particular account within our apps. Any new person trying to access your cameras would need your unique password.
The best thing you can do in this situation is buy from a brand that had a reputation like ZOSI. We are trustworthy developers who take all the steps to making user-friendly secure P2P cameras for our clients!
Besides, using VPN to live stream video live feeds also helps reduce the risk of having P2P network IP cameras being tapped or hacked. Learn more about how to prevent your IP camera from being hacked.
Question 2: What Should I Do If My P2P Camera Failed To Connect?
There are many factors that could contribute to connection issues. Usually, P2P cameras should connect seamlessly. If they don’t, it could be overall network issues, incorrect password, or issues with you WiFi network communication.
Follow the useful troubleshooting tips below if you can’t connect to your P2P wireless cameras remotely using the P2P IP camera App.
- Make sure your P2P IP camera is connected to the internet.
- Check to see if your mobile device is connected to the Internet.
- Verify the P2P feature of your camera is enabled.
- Make sure you have entered the right username and password of your P2P client IP cameras.
- Update your P2P network camera and the P2P IP camera software to the latest versions.
Bonus: Find more feasible ways to solve the “connection failed” on P2P WiFi security cameras.
Question 3: Do P2P Cameras Take Up a Lot of Bandwidth?
A given P2P camera will not consume too much bandwidth on a regular basis. Even when you are viewing your cameras remotely, the demands are not that high. Plus, the cameras send you motion notifications so that you will only view your cameras in the crucial moments or whenever you decide to look in on your property.
Question 4: Why Does My P2P Camera Show “Invalid ID”
P2P network cameras are normally registered with a P2P server and can be accessed by P2P IP camera viewers or apps (mostly proprietary).
During setup, if you encounter a problem like “invalid ID” or “offline”, try to delete the device and try a couple of times later.
Besides, many so-called P2P cameras sold by resellers are prone to “Invalid ID” or connection problems. It’s important to purchase P2P cameras from top security camera brands.
What’s more, running P2P IP cameras on third-party apps or software, you are likely to bump into “invalid ID” due to compatibility issues.