The mountains of Western North Carolina are one of the most beautiful places in the world (in our humble opinion) but do provide some unique challenges when it comes to cameras and connectivity. When determining the type of security cameras or system you need, it is best that you understand the difference between wired, wireless, and wire-free systems, what is needed to make each system operate, and if a particular system will meet your needs.
Wired Cameras
Wired Cameras are the most traditional type of security camera, and are primarily used on large residential or commercial properties. As you can guess from their name, wired cameras require a wire to power and connect the video transmission back to a DVR (Digital Video Recorder) or NVR (Network Video Recorder). DVRs require coaxial cabling, along with a power wire that runs from the back of the camera to the recorder. A power supply is required to power each camera. These camera systems are older and broadcast analog camera footage. The recorder can be connected into your router for remote viewing of your camera’s video recordings.
Pro: Dependability
Wired camera systems are dependable and are not susceptible to Internet outage or wireless interference.
Pro: Great for Large Camera Systems
A wired camera system is one of the best solutions for large properties or a business or individual that needs a large quantity of cameras (six or more). DVRs or NVRs can have up to 64 cameras on a recorder. Having a camera system that is recording to an NVR will not slow down your Internet, unlike wireless or wire-free cameras that will slow your Internet speed by sending video clips to the cloud.
Pro: 24/7 Recording
When you want 24/7 recording, a wired system is the way to go. Because wireless and wire-free cameras store their clips to the cloud, they are unable to record 24/7 because of cloud storage capacity. Many commercial facilities and some residences want continuous recording. The length of video storage will depend upon the size of the hard drive. With a standard 4-camera 1TB NVR camera system, you should be able to get a couple of weeks of recording before the recorder will overwrite the oldest footage.
Con: Installation Time
One drawback to wired systems is the installation process. A wired system requires a clear path where the wires from the camera locations are run to and tied into the recorder. If the home or business is already finished, this can be difficult, time consuming, and depending on the location, sometimes impossible. While hardwired cameras are a great long-term solution, it may not be feasible depending on what you are looking for.
Con: Flexibility
If you need to move camera location or need a temporary solution, a wired camera system is not the route to take. Wireless or wire-free cameras could be a better option for you.
Note: Wired cameras are the best solution if you are building a house or can easily get wires to the locations you need. You will have cameras that last and provide consistent service.
Wireless Security
Wireless security can be a great alternative to wired systems under the right conditions. Wireless systems address the biggest downside to wired camera systems: installation. As we know in the Asheville area, Internet connection can sometimes be unreliable depending on where you are located. The difference between wired and wireless security is how the recording is transferred. Wireless cameras transmit clips of activity over your Wi-Fi network and are stored in the cloud for your viewing. Depending on your camera provider, clips will be stored for a varying degree of time. Wireless cameras are not completely wire-free, however; they still need a wire connected to an outlet to be powered. All wireless cameras are accompanied by an app, which allows you to view previous clips or view live footage at any time.
Pro: Installation
Installation is one of the benefits of having a wireless camera. If getting power to the location you would like to have a camera installed is easy, the process to set up a wireless camera can be a breeze. All wireless cameras are accompanied by an app, which allows you to view clips or view live at any time.
Pro: Versatility
The ability to move cameras to different locations is a breeze. You can set up, move, or transfer with very little effort.
Con: Reliant on Strong Wi-Fi Signal
The biggest issue with wireless cameras is that they require a strong Wi-Fi signal. Many people want cameras on the exterior of their home looking at their driveway or front lawn. Your Wi-Fi signal may not be strong in this location, which many require adding a Wi-Fi extender or replacing your router with a more powerful router (which adds cost). The good news about wireless cameras is that most have an onboard SD card that will save the clips on the camera until a lost Wi-Fi connection is restored.
Con: Limit on Number of Cameras
When it comes to the number of wireless cameras you have in your home, you want to be cautious of adding too many. As activity occurs, the cameras record a 30-second clip and store it to the cloud, sending data over your Wi-Fi network. The more cameras you have, the more data will be sent and the slower your Internet connection. You want to ensure you have adequate Internet speed.
Con: Power Outage
Since wireless cameras rely on power, you will lose connection if you lose power. If power loss is a common occurrence, you may want to consider adding a back-up power supply to power through short outages. This is true for wired systems as well.
Note: Wireless cameras are a dependable option if you are unable to hardwire your cameras, as you will receive quality service as long as you have Wi-Fi.
Wire-Free Cameras
Wire-free cameras are the simplest to install but do come with some drawbacks. These cameras are powered solely off battery power. Thankfully, battery technology has come a long way.
Pro: Easy Installation
Wire-free camera systems are the easiest to install, as they do not require a power source. Keep in mind that you will need to change their batteries, have reliable Wi-Fi, and mount the systems out of a burglar’s reach.
Pro: Not Reliant on Power
Wire-free cameras will continue to work through a power outage. You will lose connectivity to the Internet if you do not have power, but the camera should store clips on the onboard SD card until power is restored. However, you will lose your ability to live view if you do not have an Internet source.
Con: Changing Batteries
The downside of these cameras is you will need to change batteries. Depending on the amount of activity, you could be changing batteries frequently. And if the camera is out of reach, you will need use a ladder frequently. If this becomes too much of a nuisance, you may stop using the cameras, which of course defeats the purpose.
Con: Not a Great Solution for Vacation Homes
If you’re considering using a wire-free camera to watch a vacation home property, you may want to consider another option. If you are not able to change the batteries frequently enough, you will end up with a camera that doesn’t work for periods of time, unless you’re able to get someone else to change the batteries for you.
Note: Wire-free is a great option for those who are unable to get wires to the location they desire.
Conclusion
Before you add security cameras to your home or business, consider your needs. If you are building a home or it’s easy to run wire in your existing home, we highly recommend a wired system. If you have a home that is built and you’re able to get power to the cameras but may not be able to run wires back to a central recorder, wireless is your next best option. Lastly, if you are looking for a quick install, have hard-to-reach locations for your cameras, and don’t mind the maintenance, wire-free is the way to go.
If you have any questions regarding cameras, feel free to call Southern Alarm & Security to request more information; we’ll be happy to help. We have been providing security cameras to Western North Carolina since the 1980s.