Can we control (start/stop) webcams from the Internet (http requests). Are there other similar devices.?

I want to have a better understanding of how we can access other devices connected to a PC, from the Internet (http requests). Can we actually start/stop and control them with these requests. If so, please provide links or info.Can we control (start/stop) webcams from the Internet (http requests). Are there other similar devices.?
Any device that is ';IP enabled'; can be controlled over the internet. Using your webcam example above you could look at www.axis.com they make some of the best webcams around.


If you had an IP enabled webcam connected to your PC you could enable your firewall to ';port forward'; to the IP enabled camera and see/control it's functions.