How to Convert a USB Webcam into an IP/Ethernet Camera
Have an old USB webcam lying around and wish it could work as an IP camera? You’re not alone. Many users—from security enthusiasts to drone developers—want to stream or monitor video over a network rather than through a USB cable. Fortunately, there are reliable ways to convert USB webcams into IP/Ethernet cameras, and in this post, we’ll show you how.
Why Convert a USB Webcam to IP?
Traditional USB webcams are designed for direct connection to a PC. This limits their flexibility—especially if you want to monitor a remote location, connect multiple cameras, or stream video to a network recorder (NVR).
By converting your USB webcam into an IP camera, 你可以:
- View the video feed from any device on your network
- Integrate it with NVR systems, RTSP/ONVIF software, or cloud services
- Enable 24/7 surveillance without keeping a PC running
- Use it in UAVs, 機器人, or industrial inspection systems
Option 1: Use a Hardware Encoder (受到推崇的)
The most reliable solution is a USB-to-IP encoder board that supports UVC input.
例如, 的 UVC USB 相機轉 IP 以太網流編碼器板 converts standard USB video into an IP stream that can be accessed via Ethernet.
How it works:
- Connect your USB webcam to the encoder board’s USB port.
- Plug the 以太網端口 into your router or switch.
- Access the live stream via RTSP, RTMP, HTTP協議, or ONVIF protocols.
The encoder handles real-time H.264/H.265 video compression and supports resolutions up to 1080p@60fps, offering smooth and low-latency streaming.
好處:
- 插頭 & play, no PC required
- 超低延遲 (低至 100 多發性硬化症)
- 技術支持 24/7 continuous operation
- Compatible with VLC, OBS, NVR, Youtube, 還有更多
This approach is ideal for network upgrades, UAV video links, mobile surveillance, 和 工業自動化.
Option 2: Use a PC as a Software Bridge
If you prefer a software-based setup, you can use your computer as a bridge between the USB camera and the network.
Recommended software:
- OBS Studio (with RTSP/RTMP plugin)
- Yawcam, iSpy, 要么 WebcamXP for Windows
- Motion 要么 ZoneMinder for Linux
Steps:
- Connect your USB camera to your computer.
- Use one of the above applications to generate an RTSP 要么 HTTP協議 stream.
- Access the stream over your local network using your PC’s IP address.
While this method is more budget-friendly, it requires your PC to stay powered on and can consume more CPU resources.
Common Streaming Formats
Most hardware encoders support multiple output formats:
- RTSP: Ideal for NVRs and IP camera software
- RTMP: For live streaming to YouTube, Facebook, or Twitch
- HTTP/MJPEG: View directly in a web browser
- ONVIF: Ensures compatibility with most IP camera platforms
常見問題解答
Q1: What is the easiest way to convert a USB webcam into an IP camera?
A1: The easiest and most reliable way is to use a UVC USB to IP Ethernet encoder board that directly converts USB video into RTSP or ONVIF streams without needing a PC.
第2季: Do I need special drivers for my USB camera?
A2: 不, most USB webcams are UVC-compliant, meaning they work plug-and-play with standard encoders and streaming software.
Q3: Can I access the stream remotely over the Internet?
A3: 是, you can view the video remotely by enabling port forwarding on your router or using cloud streaming options supported by your encoder.
第四季: Can any USB webcam be converted to IP?
是, as long as it’s 符合 UVC 標準, which includes most modern webcams.
Q5: Can I use a thermal USB camera?
是, if the camera outputs a standard UVC video stream. Non-UVC models may need special drivers.
Q6: Does the encoder need extra power?
Most boards require 12V DC input, either via USB or an external adapter.
Q7: Can I access the stream remotely?
是. By forwarding ports or using DDNS/cloud relay, you can view the video from anywhere.
最後的想法
Converting your USB webcam to an IP camera opens up countless possibilities—from upgrading an old webcam for home surveillance to building custom drone or robotics vision systems.
If you’re looking for a plug-and-play hardware encoder that delivers professional-grade performance, check out the UVC USB 相機轉 IP 以太網流編碼器板 — a compact and cost-effective solution for turning any UVC camera into a network camera.
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