The NVR or Network Video Recorder is a stand alone unit that can be used with IP or WIFI network cameras. Many NVRs feature PoE or power over Ethernet ports that also provide power to the cameras. We typically recommend the use of an NVR instead of software based recording when stability or ease of use is important. Also known as an embedded NVR, these stand alone systems run their own internal operating system rather than relying on windows.