 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, usually used for surveillance.Some IP cameras require support of a central network video recorder (NVR) to handle the recording, video and alarm management.Others are able to operate in a decentralized manner with no NVR needed, as the camera is able to record directly to any local or remote storage media.