Replace with AI cameras
Analysis takes place in each camera. Relevant for a new site or for cameras at the end of their life; on an existing installation, it means replacing and reconfiguring the cameras.
Guide · choosing an approach
AI cameras, analysis server or IA-N: how to choose?
There are three main approaches to adding AI to video surveillance: replacing the cameras with models that have built-in AI, analysing the streams on a server, or equipping the existing cameras with an on-site analysis unit or software such as IA-N. The right choice depends mainly on the condition of the cameras in place, the number of cameras and how the site is organised.
Updated on 7 October 2026
The three approaches
Three ways to add AI.
Analyse on a server
The camera streams are sent to an analysis server, on site or in a data centre. Suited to sites that have a technical room; the server is sized according to the number of streams to decode and analyse.
Equip existing cameras with IA-N
An IA-N box, or the software alone on an Intel N-series mini PC, analyses the IP cameras already installed, on site. The cameras, cabling and recorder stay in place.
Criteria
The criteria, side by side.
| Criterion | AI cameras | Analysis server | IA-N on existing cameras |
|---|---|---|---|
| Existing cameras | Replaced | Kept | Kept (most ONVIF® / RTSP IP cameras) |
| Where analysis takes place | In each camera | On a server | On site, in the box or on the Intel N-series mini PC |
| On-site work | Removing and installing cameras | Installing the server and the network that feeds it | Connecting a device to the camera network |
| Cameras of different brands | AI functions vary by model | The same analysis for all streams | The same analysis for compatible cameras |
| Scaling up | One AI camera per viewpoint | Depends on the server's power | Up to about thirty cameras per box (internal measurements); software only: depends on the machine |
| Alerts and integrations | Depends on the manufacturer | Depends on the software | Phone with photo, SIA DC-09 and Contact ID alarm monitoring (with the box), VMS through ONVIF events and API |
This comparison describes approaches, not brands: functions and capabilities vary from one product to another and are checked project by project.
How to choose
Three common situations.
Recent, well-positioned cameras
They provide an RTSP or ONVIF stream and a sharp image: adding analysis on site avoids replacing them.
Old or poorly positioned cameras
An image that is too dark, blurred or poorly framed limits any analysis: replacing or moving some cameras may be necessary, whatever the approach.
Site with a central VMS
The VMS stays in place: IA-N can send its alarms to it through ONVIF events and API, alongside the site's other tools.
Frequently asked questions
Comparison
Another question? Our sales team will answer.
Do cameras need to be replaced to benefit from AI?
No, not if they are IP cameras that provide an RTSP or ONVIF stream and a usable image: the analysis can be done alongside, on site, with IA-N.
Can a camera that already has its own AI be analysed by IA-N?
Yes: IA-N analyses the video stream of an IP camera, whether or not it has its own AI.
How can the costs of the approaches be compared?
Compare the total cost over time: hardware, installation, configuration, licences and maintenance. IA-N installer prices are in the installer account, once the account is validated.
Also worth reading
To find out more.
Need an opinion on a project?
Describe the site and the cameras in place: we will tell you frankly whether IA-N is suitable.