Can Wireless Security Cameras Work Without Internet?

When it comes to improving security at home and the workplace, wireless cameras have been a favorite of many. The security devices don’t need wires to transmit data. So, their installation is simple and quick to do without any professional help. But if they don’t need wires to transmit their video recording, can wireless cameras work without Internet? If they don’t need it, will their footages be as clear as that of wired cameras or is it better?

Well, these are some of the aspects we’ll be looking at today as people have been misinterpreting the concept of wire-free cameras.

What Exactly Are Wireless Cameras?

Now we’re on the high rise of contemporary technology, “wireless” is a term that has begun losing its true meaning. When we hear about a wireless device, the first concept to come into the mind of many is all about Wi-Fi. As for the fact, this misconception largely is in the industry of security systems.

Wireless communication is often defined as the transfer of data or power between two or more points that aren’t connected by an electrical conductor. The points usually connect by radio waves or microwaves, with one end being the sender and the other receiver.

When we come to a wireless camera, the device works by transmitting a video and audio signal to a receiver via a radio band. This is what means with a wireless camera and not being totally free of wires (as many usually think). Even if we have those powered by rechargeable batteries, many wireless cameras do need at least one cable to connect with the power source.

Similar Article: How to Install Wireless Security Camera System at home

Typically, there are various modes of radio frequencies, including 900 MHz, 2.4 GHz, and 5.8 GHz. The majority of wireless security cameras often use the 2.4 GHz frequency since its coverage is longer than that of 5GHz and faster than 900 MHz. Higher frequencies are usually faster in transmitting data but weak in penetrating solid objects. Lower frequencies, on the other hand, transmit data slower but has a higher penetrating ability.

So, the 2.4GHz frequency is at the center of the two, hence, its wide use in wireless cameras.

Do Wireless Cameras Really Need the Internet to Work?

Well, not really. Wireless cameras don’t necessarily need the internet to work since they have their individual built-in video transmitter and antenna. Once connected, the security camera usually sends the video (and audio) to a receiver box wirelessly using radio waves. The receiver, then, turns this radio signal back into a standard composite video signal that can you can plug into a monitor. Or else, plug into a device like Digital Video Recorder to keep the recorded captions for future use.

With the subject of wireless cameras, though it’s worth to note it can apply to both the standard radio models and also the Wi-Fi cameras. With the latter, a router is used instead of a receiver and the signal redirected to a Network Video Recorder for optimal functionality. So, wireless wifi cameras must have an internet connection to function.

How Far Can A Wireless Camera Transmit?

That depends on two things: the type of camera that you have and the true line of sight. When we speak of the True line of sight, we don’t just mean the antenna of the transmitter seeing the receiver’s antenna. No. The transmitter and receiver’s antenna can be seeing each other and still you get a week transmission coverage.

Wireless cameras usually use the standard omnidirectional antennas to make sure they can radiate and receive energy in all directions. To have a maximum reception, this kind of antennas will need about a 30ft diameter clearing between them. This means the two antennas will need to be some few feet off the ground too as the surface itself will attenuate the signal.

Anyhow, the video signal of a standard wireless camera system is usually in a range of 250 to 500 feet in an open field. When the signal comes across some obstructions, it becomes weak and that’s why the transmission range is often around 100 to 165 feet inside the house.

The strength of the signal is what determines how smooth your video will be. Thus, you have to ensure there are fewer obstructions between the transmitter and the receiver to get the most from your cameras.

How Barriers Can Affect your Wireless cameras

As we have just stated, barriers in between the receiver and transmitter antenna can weaken the wireless signal and cause poor video quality. This interference usually takes various forms depending on the type of material. Drywalls/ plasterboard and windows don’t seriously affect the signal strength since the materials are thin and light.

The signal reduction of wood and brick is also not very bad, with both featuring a rate of 10-30% and 30-40% respectively. Concrete and metal, nonetheless, can seriously affect the strength of your wireless camera. The former has a signal reduction rate of 50-70% and the latter 70-90%.

The various materials usually affect the signal strength in different manners using laws like those of physics. This includes:

• Reflection: involves the signal reflecting back off the object of impact, just as a ray of light does after falling on a polished/ shiny surface.
• Refraction: the signal hits and passes through the object but changes its direction.
• Diffraction: the wireless signal changes its direction as it passes around an object
• Scattering: after hitting on the surface, the signal scatters into multiple new signals.
• Attenuation: this one involves signal reduction due to increased distance between the transmitter and receiver antenna. The reduced signal strength can also occur due to the number of objects it will be passing through.

I hope you got how do wireless security cameras work and also you understand hoe does work security cameras without internet? Let’s see a few more things about wireless security cameras.

How to Extend the Signal Range of your Wireless Camera System

For you to enjoy a smooth video (and audio if equipped) from your wireless camera, you have to ensure the wireless signal is strong and stable. One of the best ways of doing this is by reducing the obstacles between the transmitter and the receiver. Some of the ways you can do this include:

Use of Extension Cables to connect the analog receiver closer to the transmitter.

Installing weatherproof Receiver outdoors so that you can maintain a better line-of-site with the outdoor wireless camera

Using a Directional or Omnidirectional Wireless Range Extender Antenna to boost the signal of your cameras.

While in the process of improving your wireless signal, you have to avoid placing the receivers and cameras near competing signals. This includes other devices like microwave ovens and cordless phones, which also use radio frequency to function.

Benefits of Using Wireless Cameras

As we stated earlier, wireless cameras don’t require any wire for the transmission. As such, they are very easy to install on your own without the use of a professional. This helps save on time and most importantly on the money that you would have used on the technician.

Other benefits that you can enjoy from using wireless cameras include:

Affordability: In the security cameras market, a wireless camera usually costs less than the wired model. This comes as the wireless camera requires fewer devices and accessories to be fully operational.

Easy to Relocate: the cameras can be installed and uninstalled in a couple of minutes. Hence, very easy to move to a new location.

Flexibility and versatility: considering they don’t require heavy wiring as with the wired models, wireless cameras can be placed almost anywhere. With the battery-powered models, you can even use them as a hidden third eye for you.

Reduced Maintenance: this aspect is greatly enhanced by the fact that the cameras don’t require wires to operate.

Remote Access: if you’re using wireless Wifi Cameras, you can be able to access your device’s recordings from anywhere and at any time. To use the feature, though, you have to connect the cameras with your internet.

5 Best Wireless Cameras To Look Out For

Arlo Pro Wireless Home Security Camera System: it’s 100% wire-free and provides clear HD video. The wireless camera has rechargeable long-lasting batteries and it features a smart siren to scare off the burglars. The wireless surveillance camera without Internet.

AngelaBaby Wireless Video Baby Monitor: Transmits super-clear pictures via 2.4GHz FHSS wireless connection up to a range of 1000ft. The system can link with up to 4 cameras and has two-way audio to ensure optimal security of your kid/s.

Firstrend Home Security Camera System: this is a plug and play camera system that can you can live-stream or watch playback recordings from the NVR. The wireless cameras are ultimately weatherproof and support night vision up to 65ft.

OOSSXX 8-Channel 1080P HD Wireless Security Camera: This wireless security camera system is pretty easy to set up and can function with up to 8 cameras. The device has a motion detection feature that can automatically alert you of any detected movement through the email.

LeeKooLuu HD Digital Wireless Dual Backup Camera: this is a highway observation camera system that you can use in high-speed driving and slow-speed driving/ reversing. The included camera is sturdy, high-quality, and very convenient, particularly when parking your vehicle. no internet security camera.

Conclusion:

Wireless cameras are very convenient when it comes to the security of your property. They are very easy to install as a personal DIY project and they’re more affordable than their counterparts- wired models.

For the question of wireless cameras working without the internet, it predominantly depends on the type of system that you have. The standard wireless cameras rely on radio frequency, so they don’t need the internet to work. For the wireless Wi-Fi models, nonetheless, internet connection is a must so that you can even remotely monitor your pooch while at work.