Time and Security World

Wireless Security Cameras

Wireless security cameras are closed-circuit television cameras (CCTV) that transmit a video and audio signal to a wireless receiver through a radio band. Many wireless security cameras require at least one cable or wire for power; "wireless" refers to the transmission of video/audio. However, some wireless security cameras are battery-powered, making the cameras truly wireless from top to bottom.

Wireless cameras are proving very popular among modern security consumers due to their low installation costs (there is no need to run expensive video extension cables) and flexible mounting options; wireless cameras can be mounted/installed in locations previously unavailable to standard wired cameras.

Analog wireless

Analog wireless is the transmission of audio and video signals using radio frequencies. Typically, analog wireless has a transmission range of around 300 feet (91 meters) in open space; walls, doors, and furniture will reduce this range.

Types of Analog wireless Analog wireless is found in three frequencies: 900 MHz, 2.4 GHz, and 5.8 GHz. Currently, the majority of wireless security cameras operate on the 2.4 GHz frequency. Most household routers, cordless phones, video game controllers, and microwaves operate on the 2.4 GHz frequency and may cause interference with your wireless security camera. 900 MHz is known as Wi-Fi Friendly because it will not interfere with the Internet signal of your wireless network

Pros

• Affordable: the cost of individual cameras is low
• Multiple receivers per camera: the signal from one camera can be picked up by any receiver; you can have multiple receivers in various locations to create your wireless surveillance network

Cons

• Susceptible to interference from other household devices, such as microwaves, cordless phones, video game controllers, and routers
• Signal is not secure—neighbors can pick up the transmission on their radios or other devices on a similar bandwidth
• Quality of video and audio is average/poor; image can degrade significantly with interference

Digital wireless cameras

Digital wireless is the transmission of audio and video analog signals encoded as digital packets over high-bandwidth radio frequencies.

Pros

• 100% secure: neighbors cannot pick up the signal on a radio
• Wide transmission range—usually close to 450 feet (open space, clear line of sight between camera and receiver)
• High quality video and audio
• Two-way communication between the camera and the receiver
• Digital signal means you can transmit commands and functions, such as turning lights on and off
• You can connect multiple receivers to one recording device, such as security DVR

Cons

• Usually more expensive than similar analog setup