How Do Wireless Security Cameras Work

In the 2000s, many of the security cameras relied on wired connections to transmit feed. But today, wireless security cameras have become a favorite of many owners who need a simpler means to keep an eye on their properties. Just as the name, this type of camera lets you enjoy the beauty of CCTV system while using “wires less”. That’s the device doesn’t need cables to transmit the video, and sometimes even audio data, to the viewing or recording unit.

Nonetheless, many users tend to confuse wireless surveillance camera with “wire-free” battery-powered security cameras. With our high level of video surveillance expertise, however, today we’ll share with you everything you need to know on how do wireless security cameras work.

Also, most of us come to translate a wireless camera must be WiFi supported. So, we’ll also look at the different types of wireless technology you can find on CCTV and some examples.

Wireless vs Wired Security Camera system

In general, both wireless and wired security camera systems are spectacular when it comes to performance. But the latter has to be hardwired into your internet router, power source, and recording device (NVR/ DVR). So, its connection is pretty much stable and with few issues of dropped signals.

Meanwhile, wireless security camera systems only need to connect to a power source. They need no cord to the monitor, recorder, or internet router. Thus, they are quick to install, require less maintenance, and don’t dictate where to be installed as wired counterparts.

Here’s a quick summary between wired vs wireless security cameras

Wireless Security cameras Wired Security Cameras

Wireless vs Wire-Free Security Cameras

Wire-free is yet another category of security cameras but not many bloggers talk about it. Just as the name, the type of system is “free of wire”, which means no cable connection for data, internet, or even power. So, it must have a rechargeable or non-rechargeable battery to run and transmit the data.

This means the camera’s not limited by wires in any way and you could put it in just about any place. On ceilings, walls, trees, or even inside an object- you can set up wire-free cameras practically anywhere. Even better, they don’t have to be near a power outlet, which makes them perfect for areas with no access to electricity, such as barns, fields, or construction sites.

Regardless, a wire-free security camera system can be wireless or not. True, many designs that we have today now come with Wi-Fi support, but some makers do include a local storage means (SD card slot). So, you necessarily don’t have to rely on wireless transmission to know what has been happening on your property.

Therefore, we can say a wire-free security camera differs from a wireless model by having no wires. Other than that, the devices could use a Wi-Fi connection to send the feed to the viewing or recording device.

Who Needs a Wireless Security Camera

As mentioned, wireless security camera systems rely on fewer cords to run and display the footage. So, they’re not just easier to install but also quick to dismantle when you need to transfer or relocate. In other words, this is to say they’re the best choice for renters or newbies to home security.

Another thing, wireless surveillance cameras are so easy to maintain from the use of less wiring. Of course, the purchasing pricing might be is a little high than the wired category. But since there are no wires to get cut or that needs hiding, the cost of labor is low.

Speaking of labor, by the way, wireless cameras necessarily don’t need professional installation. But if you feel you don’t have the time to complete the project, installers charges as low as $50, unlike wired systems that will demand $300-$1,000+.

Therefore, one could also go wireless if she/ he is on a tight budget and have a small area that needs the extra eyes.
Last but not least, going wireless is the best chance if you would want to monitor your property with the most cutting-edge tech. In particular, most of the advanced video analytic features are usually on WiFi cameras.

Let’s say a model like YI YHS.5020, for instance, you can enjoy audio recording, 2-way talk, sound detection, facial recognition, smart home integration, and much more. Meanwhile, many analog wired CCTV even lacks basic functions like audio, yet the feature has proven very useful in many scenarios.

Or would you rather sit and watch a boring “muted” feed without knowing what the culprits are planning?

How Do Wireless Security Cameras Work?

WiFi or else wireless Local area Network is currently one of the most loved internet connections. It provides high browsing speeds, plus the user can share with multiple devices from one source simultaneously.

When it now comes to a wireless security camera system, many people only think of it as “WiFi” operated. However, this is not the case as WiFi is just a type out of three common wireless technologies. The other two types of connections used in cameras are radio and point-to-point line-of-sight beam.

At this point, radio frequency cameras are somewhat not the best, to say less. They transmit analog video while using radio signals, more like the walkie-talkies do for audio conversations. So, the more powerful the transmitter, the more likely your video feed will reach the other side.

Also, radio frequency cameras tend to work on very low resolution and have high chances of having static interferences. So, they don’t have the key qualities we’d expect for a good security system.

Point-to-point Line-of-sight Beam wireless

If you would want to monitor your property in an area with no internet connectivity, point-to-point technology may be what you need. The type of connection is simply a wireless distribution system that lets your cameras communicate with the receiver via antennae.

Both the transmitting system and the recording/ viewing have to be in a clear line-of-sight for this to work. So, it doesn’t matter if the two are kilometers apart for as long they can reach each other. But the type of cameras is slightly more expensive than the standard video surveillance systems. So, they probably may be unnecessary for home use.

In any case, there are affordable, small-scale P2P wireless security cameras that are a better choice for home installation. They also don’t require the internet to function, unless you would want to access the feed remotely while away from home.

WiFi Wireless

For this one, we believe it’s pretty straightforward now that smartphones, laptops, and tablets have become our part of life. WiFi security cameras communicate with your internet router the same as these devices do.

They will use the connection to operate, in which case each attains a pass to the manufacturer’s cloud storage system. But most security companies charge for cloud services. Hence, whenever the cameras are triggered to record, they’ll first reach out to the cloud servers, then act as instructed by you or the manufacturer.

If you have an active storage plan (free or paid), the camera will record the caption and may also send you an alert to your device. But if you haven’t paid for the plan as the maker’s desire, you won’t have access to the recorded captions.

Unlike the P2P cameras, WiFi wireless security cameras depend on the internet and won’t work if there’s none. This means the gadgets are useless whenever the WiFi connection goes down or is unstable.

Anyways, here are several examples that can help you better understand the difference between WiFi and P2P wireless cameras.

How Secure are Wireless Security Cameras?

Truthfully, a wired security camera is the most secure system. You necessarily don’t need to connect with WiFi or cabled internet, which means it’s less vulnerable to issues of hacking.

On its end, a wireless security camera is highly prone to hacking and jamming using signal jammers. If you love spycraft movies, you might have seen it severally as the characters even replace a current feed with a duplicate or a fake one. Believe me, that’s no longer an illusion rather something very possible in real life.

Nevertheless, a wireless camera still is the most accessible security camera system for most of us. So, what we can do now is learning how to protect your devices from hackers and potential burglars. Some of these ways include:

• Get your devices from a trusted source
• Strengthening your home wireless network protection
• Giving your security cameras a stronger password
• Have your camera’s firmware up-to-date
• Beware of password recovery emails
• Make sure your security camera supports SSL encryption

Conclusion

As you prepare to add your property with a security system, you have to understand the differences between wired and wireless. that way, you can easily choose what’s best for your needs, and also you’ll know what to expect from your purchase.

A wireless security camera needs not to hire a professional for the installation as it takes less than thirty minutes to have running. The design is also economical to own when you withdraw all the accessories that the wired counterparts require.

As from our chart above, however, not many wireless cameras have a high resolution. This is so as several factors, one of them image quality, can inhibit the way the cameras transmit and record wirelessly.

The amount of bandwidth a 4k Ultra HD signal requires to cross to the receiver is not the same as that of 1080p full HD. 4K picture contain a lot more data, which means you’ll also need an even stronger WiFi network to transmit to greater distances. Are you still confused about how do wireless security cameras work?