An Ethernet-based Security Camera System built with FastAPI and OpenCV + ESP32-CAM
SentinelNet is a lightweight, scalable security camera platform that allows multiple IP camera devices (such as ESP32-CAM) to stream video over an Ethernet or Wi-Fi network. It provides a centralized server for receiving, processing, and viewing camera feeds with optional intelligent motion detection.
- Multi-Device Support: Connect and manage multiple cameras simultaneously.
- Real-Time Video Streaming: View live feeds via a web interface.
- Custom Frame Processing: Analyze incoming video frames with pluggable logic.
- Easy Device Management: List and track all connected camera devices.
- Motion Detection: Integrate the
MotionDetectorclass for smart, event-driven recording. - RESTful API: Well-documented endpoints for easy integration.
- Python 3.7+
pip(Python package manager)
-
Clone the Repository
git clone https://github.com/al-chris/SentinelNet.git cd SentinelNet -
Install Dependencies
pip install -r requirements.txt
-
Run the Server
uvicorn app.main:app --host 0.0.0.0 --port 80 --reload
The server will be available at http://localhost:80
| Endpoint | Method | Description |
|---|---|---|
/ |
GET | Home endpoint (welcome message) |
/upload/{device_id} |
POST | Upload a video frame from a camera |
/stream/{device_id} |
GET | Stream video from a specific device |
/list_devices |
GET | List all connected camera devices |
import requests
import cv2
# Capture frame from camera
cap = cv2.VideoCapture(0)
ret, frame = cap.read()
cap.release()
# Encode frame as JPEG
_, img_encoded = cv2.imencode('.jpg', frame)
device_id = 'camera1'
files = {'file': ('image.jpg', img_encoded.tobytes(), 'image/jpeg')}
response = requests.post(f'http://localhost:8000/upload/{device_id}', files=files)
print(response.json())Paste this in your browser or HTML page:
<img src="http://localhost:8000/stream/camera1" alt="Camera Stream">
Follow these steps to connect your ESP32-CAM device:
- Open Settings > Search for "hotspot" > Turn Mobile Hotspot ON.
- Note the SSID and password.
- Open Command Prompt (
cmd). - Run:
ipconfig - Find the IPv4 Address under "Wireless LAN adapter Local Area Connection*".
Open wifi_sketch.ino in the Arduino IDE and update:
const char* ssid = "your_hotspot_ssid";
const char* password = "your_hotspot_password";
#define SERVER_IP "your_server_ip"
String deviceId = "your_device_id";- Replace placeholders with your actual values.
- Connect ESP32-CAM to PC.
- Upload
wifi_sketch.ino. - The device should connect to your hotspot and stream to the server.
<<<<<<< HEAD
Below is a schematic diagram for the hardware connections.
Make sure to connect the ESP32-CAM board as shown:
9515ae535d0f975471eda8da0719408f7dd51d5d
Tip: Ensure your firewall allows incoming connections on the server port. Power the ESP32-CAM with a stable supply.
Integrate the MotionDetector class for advanced motion-based recording:
- Automatic background subtraction
- Event-driven recording (only important moments)
- Configurable sensitivity and buffer windows
See app/motion_detector.py for usage.
SentinelNet/
├── app/
│ ├── __init__.py
│ ├── main.py
│ └── motion_detector.py
├── tests/
├── requirements.txt
├── sketch.ino
├── wifi_sketch.ino
├── LICENSE
└── README.md
- fastapi – API framework
- uvicorn – ASGI server
- opencv-python – Image processing
- python-multipart – Multipart form support
- cryptography – Secure connections
Install them all with:
pip install -r requirements.txtMIT License – See LICENSE for details.
Contributions welcome! To submit a feature or bugfix:
- Fork the repo
- Create a branch:
git checkout -b feature/your-feature - Commit your changes:
git commit -m 'Add feature' - Push your branch:
git push origin feature/your-feature - Open a Pull Request
- User authentication & device authorization
- Web-based motion detection configuration
- Email/SMS alerts on detected events
- Mobile app for remote viewing
Need help?
- Check firewall settings if devices can't connect.
- Power and reset ESP32-CAM if not detected.
- For more, open an Issue.