Question:
Do webcams "call" 1 computer to 1 computer, or does traffic typically go through a chat server?
anony8472
14 years ago
I just bought a new webcam and I'm not sure how they work exactly. I know I can use the software that came with it (Logitech's) or Skype or Google Chat or whatever, but how does that software work? Is it direct IP to IP, or is the stream routed through that company's server?

I'm not using it for naked time or anything, so it's not that. Actually it's because my wife and I are divorcing and we both want to be able to connect with our son when he is at the other parent's home. But I would like to know how the technology works before using it.

Thanks.
Four answers:
centsless
14 years ago
Everything that is sent over the internet, including video, passes through a "server or servers" of some type. LogiTech is a manufacturer, so it doesn't act as a server.
?
14 years ago
It does depend on your webcam client for most do call computer to computer without going through a chat server - For instance Windows Live Messenger (as long as you are using the Windows Live official client) is Computer to Computer. When you are not using the cam it MAY go through a chat server.



So a lot of video chat uses technology such as SIP or similar. When you use this type of technology there is a holding server that sets up the call - that is assists with the first connection, to know where both parties are etc, then once the call is established the only devices in the chain are the end points.



Obviously all the above excludes the actual hardware needed to route the packets from a to b but you said you know the principle of this already
Zarn
14 years ago
The webcam itself doesn't control what happens to the data stream - that's all controlled through the software you use. So the answer is different from Skype, to MSN, to Google Chat, to Chat Roulette.



Skype, for instance, uses a load-balancing algorithm, so it isn't quite IP to IP. Same goes for most of the other services I can think of. Usually, it is encrypted, so there's very little reason to worry about interception.



For a more in-depth answer, I'm afraid I can only recommend taking a computer networks course - there are way too many details to get into here.
8 years ago
ok, now, hassle-free networking concept time. you won't be able to connect greater then one computing gadget over a modem, certainly. you are able to regardless of the undeniable fact that use a 2d networking card in the computing gadget. thats 2 connections, you will get a good undemanding PCI Networking card for approximately 30 greenbacks. and you desire a CAT5 bypass over twine, it quite is a particular twine. it is going to say "CAT5 bypass OVER." in the journey that your working homestead windows 2000, homestead windows xp, your good... the rest, you won't be able to do connection shareing. Your going to would desire to pass to the community setup wizard, and the grasp computing gadget with the alternative, this computing gadget connects to the internet and different desktops on my community connect concept this computing gadget... on the 2d computing gadget same deal, yet, set it up this comuter connects to the internet nonetheless yet another computing gadget, and then it might all be good.. *******2d way************* (swifter) Its stated as a community team change..... its basicaly a spliter. You plug the modem in the port stated as up-hyperlink, now it has a minimum of three ports left, they're the ports to connect the two desktops. Port one, computing gadget one. Port 2, computing gadget 2... quite hassle-free. The the artwork team change is approximately 20-60 funds, relies upon on the quantity of ports your searching for.


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