Wireless Home Surveillance Systems

There are only two types of wireless cameras. Wireless refers to the transmission of the signal from the camera to a receiver or router. A wireless IP will send a signal to a router or through an ethernet connection on to a cable system then to the internet. Stand alone and current carrier camera systems appear to be wireless systems but are not. A stand alone system and current carrier systems are wired camera systems appearing to be wireless. With a stand alone or current carrier system a wire carries the signal from the camera to a storage device or receiver then viewed on a monitor.

Wireless Receiver System

The receivers are located inside of hand held monitors, near a Television, in a DVR or at a fixed monitor. The signal is transmitted at 900MHZ, 1.2GHZ, 2.4GHZ or 5.8GHZ. Other appliances such as microwave ovens and portable telephones transmit on the same frequencies creating the possibility of interference. There is a limited range (maximum 300 feet) of transmission. The DVR has an option of being connected to a computer as well. Wireless receiver camera systems are often used indoors for a baby monitor or a nanny cam.

Wireless IP System

A Wireless IP Camera has an on board computer and transmits a signal at 802.11GHZ to a router at the desk top. Often defined as a WIFI connection. The camera may also be connected directly to a high speed internet connection. The router picks up the signal. Software is installed to the camera used to monitor the activities and manage the recorded files. The transmitted video is viewable on computers within the wireless network. When a wireless IP is connected to an ethernet cable it is actually a hardwired system. Only when the cameras transmits a signal to a router is an IP camera a wireless camera. The communication transmission of the IP camera will have less interference than a wireless camera. The question is, "Is a wireless IP camera a hardwired camera when it is directly connected by an ethernet cable?" A wireless IP has a limited range of transmission as well.

Differences

Even though both systems are wireless they are two very different systems. Wireless systems operate on a much lower frequency than IP cameras. Therefore the picture quality is better on an IP camera. With a Wireless IP camera the signal is transmitted or connected directly to a cable network then is sent to a router. The router transmits the signal to a WIFI connection on the computer. and transported over the internet. IP cameras are capable of many more functions than a wireless camera providing a better result. Pan, tilt, zoom, speakers, and a microphone are all possible features of a wire less IP camera.

Wireless home surveillance systems are used to accommodate a specific need.