Wired Or Wireless?

How to Choose the Right System for your home?

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Wired Or Wireless Cameras?

Wireless Cameras communicates with the Network Video Recorder via the network WiFi.  So when we are comparing wired with wireless, we need to check and consider how strong and stable is the wifi signal. A weak wifi network means that critical camera footage may not be captured, or you may not be able to view that camera when accessing remotely on your mobile phone.

This is why we recommend wired cameras than wireless where possible.  With wired, we are not subjected to interference from the physical environment or the possibility of crowded wifi channel bandwidth.  (Click here for a good discussion on wired or wireless cameras)

Wired or wireless cameras? Where possible, choose wired

What is a Wired CCTV System?

Wired cameras send video and audio signals through a wire to the recorder via network hubs. The Network Video Recorder saves the video onto hard disks for storage and remote video viewing.  We size the hard disk to keep the storage for up to 30 days.

Wired or Wireless Camera? Wired better as more stable and reliable

PoE Cameras

Wired cameras receive their electrical power via a hardwired cable. This power can be from a 12Vdc power adaptor plugged into a power outlet. Or the power can come from the network hub through the same wire that carries the video (Power Over Ethernet – PoE).  

Many of our designs utilise PoE Cameras that get their power from PoE Switches.  This simplifies the cabling structure as well as reduces the cost of installing ac power outlets.  

PoE Network Switch powers IP Cameras

CAT6 Network Cabling

The wires that connect the cameras to the PoE switches must adhere to Cat6 standard.  The maximum length of the wire from camera to hub must be less than 150 meters. And if the distance is more than 150m, repeaters and hubs must be added.  For our design, we keep the distance to under 100m.

PoE switches can be located near cameras.  All PoE Switches are linked to a gigabit switch which is usually located near the internet router. The Network Video Recorder (NVR) is connected to the router for remote access via the internet.

Cat 6 Network Cable for IP Cameras

Wired Camera Preferred

A wired CCTV System is preferred for its reliability. As wires needed to be run, it is ideal for premises undergoing renovation as cabling can be embedded in walls or partitions.

But if the premises are not going through renovation, it is still possible to run cables neatly tucked in trunking and conduits.  

Wired Camera is preferred

Advantages of Wired Cameras

  • Clear video and audio signals
  • Stable and reliable signals not affected by the environment
  • Constant power to cameras either via power adaptor or PoE
  • Wireless hacking is not possible

Disadvantages of Wired Cameras

  • Location is fixed. Not portable
  • Need to run cables from switch to camera location
  • Some crucial location may not be able to install camera

What is a Wireless CCTV System?

Wireless cameras send video and audio signals wirelessly via the wifi network.  In our design, we will need to ensure that there is sufficient wifi bandwidth and signal.  Where it is weak, the wifi signal may be strengthened with wifi extensions and boosters.  

While the transmission may be wireless, the camera must still be wired to a power outlet for power. Most cameras use dc power adaptors which are plugged into ac power sockets. 

Wireless Camera can be mounted where cabling is difficult

There are some camera models that are equipped with their own power source.  One could be like the one in the picture showing a built-in solar panel.  Others could have a built-in battery.

solar-powered-camera

Wireless if cannot run cables

Wireless can be considered if cabling is difficult.  For example, the camera is far and remote, and its running wires means digging up roads.  Or it is difficult to run cables on the exterior of the premises. We can also consider wireless if the cameras are meant to be placed on tabletops and needed to be portable.

But in all these cases, we need to ensure that the Wifi is stable to provide steady video streaming.

wireless-camera-where-cabling-difficult

Advantages of Wireless Cameras

  • Easy to install
  • More flexible
  • More portable

Disadvantages of Wireless Cameras

  • Possible WiFi interference from nearby devices
  • Risk of being hacked
  • More expensive
  • Still need to run wire for power unless powered by battery

Did you find what you need?

Feel free to call or WhatsApp us on an issue you may be facing.  Or send us an email and let us get back to you.  Contact Us

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