Security

Choosing the Right Wireless Cameras for Security

Wireless cameras are a convenient option for monitoring activity around a home or a business, watching for intruders both human and animal. They're easier to install since they don't require additional cabling to connect them to a hub, like some thermal cameras, and you can often control them through your computer or even a mobile device, such as a smartphone or a tablet. You can place them inside or outside, with outdoor models featuring rugged, weatherproof housing.

How Do IP Cameras Work?

IP cameras work via the internet protocol (IP)—a set of rules that governs data transfer online. The cameras connect to your home or business network via Wi-Fi, cellular modem, or Ethernet, and for this reason, they're also called network cameras. This decentralized setup also means you don't need a central control unit, as you can access each camera individually over the internet from any location using a laptop, desktop, tablet, or smartphone. In addition, video output stored in the camera unit itself using onboard storage, such as a memory card. You can choose to have your Wi-Fi and wireless cameras work in centralized mode and hook them up to a network video recorder, or have them work in both centralized and decentralized modes.

Why Use Wired Security Cameras?

Since they don't connect to the internet, video feeds captured by wired cameras won't glitch, freeze, or lag when your internet connection is bad. Additionally, you can install the security cams farther away from the router, as they aren't limited by Wi-Fi range. This gives you high-quality video feeds 24/7. Hard-wired security systems can also support several HD cameras without compromising on video quality.

Analog Security Cameras vs. IP Wired Cameras

Analog cameras capture analog video signals and transfer them to the DVR via coax cables. The DVR converts the analog signals into digital, and stores them in a hard drive for future retrieval. You'll also need to connect the analog PTZ cameras to power cables during installation. These camera systems are more affordable and easy to install. IP wired cameras, on the other hand, only need to connect to one cable for both power and data. An IP camera also comes with several sensors, meaning you can use it to cover an area that would normally require multiple security cams.

What to Look for in a Wired Security Camera System

If you'll want remote viewing of your security video feeds, shop for IP cams with default apps and software support. While dummy cameras only deter would-be burglars, HD wired security cams go the extra mile to record the activities in high-quality resolution. Choose from a range of HD cams, from 1080p to 4K resolution.

How to Power Your IP Cameras

As with all electrical devices, network cameras require a power source, usually one that delivers 12 volts of DC or 24 volts of AC. Traditionally, this would be supplied by fitted wiring or via an adapter located nearby, and IP cameras that connect wirelessly still need a separate power source. However, as most units communicate via Ethernet, one solution is to use power-over-Ethernet (PoE). By using a PoE power injector or midspan, the power is delivered along the Ethernet data cable, such as with PoE IP cameras.