An IP camera digitizes video inside the camera and sends it as a network stream. Each camera is addressed individually, records to an NVR or VMS, and can be powered over the same cable. The system design shifts from cabling to network capacity, addressing and storage.
A single IP camera is simple. A hundred of them is a network project with bandwidth, switch ports and security implications that a coax system never had.
What each camera needs
A switch port with sufficient PoE budget, an address, a recording destination and a rule about who may view it. Missing any one of these becomes a support call.
Where IP earns its cost
Higher resolution, onboard analytics, remote viewing and per-camera credentials are the usual reasons. Analog remains viable where coax already runs and detail needs are modest.