iApplianceWeb-OEG

Now the fun begins. The wireless revolution is just starting to hit and the cost in adding wireless connectivity especialy Wi-Fi is dropping fast. Wireless adds ease of use, particularly for iAppliances going into the home, where it can be a nightmare stringing Ethernet throughout the house. D-Link has integrated 802.11b into their DCS-1000W web camera without sacrificing much in cost. The price points come pretty close to a typical consumer electronic device. The camera can be used for home security or just as anxiety relief in making sure everything is OK in the house.

The DCS-1000W comes with some unique features. It has a scheduler to set the camera to take pictures at specified intervals. It also has a digital I/O interface to connect infrared, motion or magnetic sensors. These sensors trigger events that will cause the camera to take a snapshot of the immediate area. Email notification works in conjunction with triggered events to email pictures whenever an event occurs.

The camera comes with Ethernet and wireless 802.11b connectivity. The wireless connection allows the camera to be mounted anywhere there is a power outlet without the need for a network cable connection. Along with email, other networking features include a web server and FTP. The web server allows users to remotely access the camera across the web. Username and password authentication limits access to the web site. FTP allows pictures to be transferred from the camera.

Camera features include a CMOS VGA sensor with 24 bit color. It provides video resolutions of 160 x 120, 320 x 240 and 640 x 480. Frame rates are dependent on the video resolutions and can reach 20 frames/sec. The camera allows automatic or manual control of white balance and gain control.

Setup and management of the camera is done through a web base console. Web pages provide a means to change the configuration and network address information. The camera is pre-configured with an IP address that is used to initially access the camera. The camera interoperates with other wireless devices operating with 802.11b. In most cases an access point will be used to bridge the connection to the LAN. Access points are sold separately.

Pricing and Availability

The D-Link DCS-1000W is currently available and comes in at a low price of $449.

(For access to more than 4,500 other hands-on product reviews on all variety of wired and wireless appliance and consumer devices, go to the iAppliance Web Portal Page. )