Wired vs. Wireless Security Cameras

Security Camera Options

As you examine all of the different security camera options available to you, the first decision you’ll need to make is whether to go with wired security cameras or wireless security cameras. It’s best to put together your own pros and cons list so that you can make sure to purchase the home camera system that’s best for you.

The Advantages of Wired Home Security Cameras

Wired systems definitely take longer to install; however, they are more reliable in general. Wired security cameras are also less expensive than their wireless counterparts, and the number of cameras you can have depends on the number of jacks available on the DVR (hub) that will be capturing the video signals. However, there are quite a few advantages for wired home camera systems, especially if you live in a more rural area.

Wired Home Security Camera Advantages:

• Uninterrupted camera feed and images. The wired connection ensures that information is being received at the hub.
• Incorporate multiple rooms. A wired home camera system makes it easy to connect multiple cameras and the signal will not be impeded by things like exterior walls. The feed to the camera is safe as long as the wired connection is secure.
• Clear signal. The audio and visual signals received via a wired network will remain clear. Also, hacking into a wired system is not possible, so the system is more secure than wireless.
• Powered cameras. Wired security cameras are always powered. They do not operate off of batteries, like their wireless counterparts.

Wired Home Security Camera Disadvantages:

• Installation and set-up fees. Most homeowners choose to hire an installation company to run their security feed wires and set up the system as it requires quite a bit of poking and patching drywall to hide the different wires.
• Cost. While an installation team will up the cost, even if homeowners do it themselves, there is still the upfront cost of the cable. Your cables will need to physically run to all cameras you’re setting up, and that could be hundreds of feet.

The Advantages of Wireless Home Security Cameras

Let’s shift our focus to wireless systems. A wireless security system relays information via a Wi-Fi signal. Normally, these wireless cameras are battery-operated, meaning they will conserve power by only recording images when they detect a signal or movement. Here are a few more advantages.

Wireless Home Security Camera Advantages:

• Less set-up time and cost. Most wireless security systems are easy to set-up, meaning many homeowners or renters choose to do the work themselves, cutting down on cost. There also isn’t any need to purchase wire, as the connection is bounced to each camera via Wi-Fi.
• Easy to move. Wireless networks are also easy to move and set-up somewhere else, making wireless security cameras a great choice for renters. If you invest in this type of system, you won’t be wasting money if you move since all of the technology is portable.

Disadvantages of Wireless Home Security Cameras:

• Unsteady signal. If your Wi-Fi is spotty or not reliable, then there’s a good chance your security cameras will not work when you need them. The signal cannot be captured or sent to the wireless hub if there is no Wi-Fi detected. This makes wireless systems difficult to rely on for rural areas, where Wi-Fi is not the strongest.

The signal can also be disrupted by walls or ceilings, especially if they are made of denser building materials like concrete or brick.

• Lack of power. Most wireless cameras are battery-operated, so you will need to be sure to replace the batteries or recharge them on a regular basis. Some systems might offer a plug-in power option, but that is also disadvantageous because now the camera must be situated near an available outlet.
• Hacking and snooping. Wireless signals can be hacked, and that means you could get spied on by others. It is recommended by the FTC that most people with wireless home camera systems make sure the data is communicated across an encrypted channel. You should also make sure that your wireless connection is adequately encrypted too.

How to Choose Between Wired and Wireless

With all of the advantages and disadvantages described above for each home camera system, hopefully it will be easier for you to choose the right system for your situation. Deciding to install security cameras is a personal choice and you should be comfortable with the decision you make.

For the most part, people who do not own their home (renters), live in an area with a strong Wi-Fi connection and want a quicker and more flexible solution will choose a wireless security camera system.

People who own their home, have the time and money to devote to a more intensive installation process and don’t want to worry about keeping the cameras powered by batteries, will choose a wired security camera system.

Home security companies can be a great resource when looking for advice on the type of home camera system to install. It’s also possible to find quite a bit of information online regarding different options and the pros and cons of each. Kudox Network is happy to answer your questions regarding security camera options and can provide a quote if you’re looking to move forward with installation. Call today (310-827-2288) or contact us to schedule a quote and enhance your peace of mind.