When you are choosing a video security system, the ease of installation is usually the first thing that comes to mind, especially if you are planning to install the system yourself.
Wireless cameras use Wi-Fi signals to transmit video and data. What you need is finding a place with a good Wi-Fi signal broadcasting from your router, and a power outlet within the reach of the camera's power cord. If it is a wire-free camera, a battery-powered Wi-Fi camera, you can literally place it anywhere within the Wi-Fi range.
Sounds easy, right? Before you go out an buy a wireless camera system, consider the following factors:
Is the Wi-Fi signal strength strong at the locations where you plan to place the cameras?
Test it by connecting to the Wi-Fi network on your mobile phone and check how many bars you get on your phone. Although the signal strength on your phone may not be 100% true for your cameras, it is a good indication. If the signal is weak or unstable, it may not work for the cameras which require 24/7 connectivity and steady bandwidth to stream video. In this case, you may add Wi-Fi repeaters or mesh Wi-Fi to expand the Wi-Fi range, or choose a wired system instead.
Are you planning to place the cameras outdoors?
While the wireless camera is easy to install, it may be easy to be stolen or vandalized. If you are placing the cameras at a business location, you probably don't want to place a wire-free camera onto its magnetic base anywhere with easy access. The cameras should be firmly attached on the walls. In addition, you may want a camera with an IK10 rating especially for outdoor installation. IK10 means the camera is rugged enough to be vandal resistant, protected against high impact of 20 joules. IK10 camera enclosure is usually made of metal to reach the ruggedness. However, the metal enclosure blocks the wireless signal. Therefore, most IK10 cameras are wired ones.
Most commercial video security systems are wired because the wired systems can reach farther, maintain stable connectivity, and protect your investment against vandalism. If you are considering to invest in a wired video security system, here is a check list that may help you.
- Is it an IP or analog system?
Although the resolution and the transmission distance of the HD analog systems are improving, all the cameras have to be wired directly to a compatible DVR. Where you can place the cameras is limited to where the DVR is located. IP camera system design is far more flexible. You can connect the IP cameras to switches and then add them to a NVR through IP network. - Does the system support POE?
POE, Power over Ethernet, is a great way to connect your IP cameras to NVRs. POE is a technology that lets network cables transmit data and carry electrical power at the same time. If the NVR has a built-in POE switch, you need only one network cable from the camera to the NVR for data and power.