Features of a Home Security Wireless Camera
Home security wireless camera systems transmit footage to a central hub over a Wi-Fi signal. This allows them to be placed almost anywhere without the hassle of running expensive video extension cables.
Most models feature night vision, two-way audio, and digital assistant integration. They can also send alerts if they detect motion, sound, or an unrecognized face.
Motion Detection
The ability to sense motion and send an alert is one of the most important features of a home security camera. When a potential threat moves into the area, you want to be immediately notified so that you can watch what’s happening and call the police.
Many wireless cameras communicate, both receiving instructions and sending video, through a home’s existing Wi-Fi network. This makes it easy to install them without having to run wires throughout your home or pay for a professional installation. However, the quality of that communication can Home Security Wireless Camera vary, depending on how well your home is built and whether there are other wireless devices—like cordless phones and video game controllers—in the vicinity.
Additionally, some wireless cameras use cellular networks as backup, if they don’t have Wi-Fi available or the Wi-Fi signal is unreliable. However, this type of connection comes with additional fees and will require you to pay for a cellular data plan.
If you’re concerned about the reliability of your wireless connection, consider a wired camera system instead. These are typically less expensive and offer a consistent, reliable signal that isn’t affected by network outages or changes in bandwidth. Some models also come with geofencing technology, which activates and deactivates based on the location of your smartphone. This can be particularly useful if you’re only interested in monitoring your home while you’re at work or on vacation.
Panic Button
Panic buttons allow employees to send emergency alarms when they feel threatened or are observing an emergency situation in which it is not safe or prudent to use the telephone. The panic button can be a wired or wireless device. It is normally installed in a location that can easily be reached, yet is out of view.
Workplace violence can strike any business at any time, and it is a growing problem in many industries, including the health care industry. Some hospitals equip their staff members with badges that can call security or other designated contacts for help when they are attacked on the job. Other companies that employ lone workers such as social workers, home healthcare providers, real estate agents, technicians, or construction workers are at risk from violent attacks. A panic button app that allows them to alert their employer and share their location in a moment’s notice can provide some peace of mind.
When selecting a panic button, choose one that offers multiple contact options and requires a single tap to activate. This feature is important for someone who might not be able to quickly navigate the user interface of a phone in a crisis. In addition, be wary of apps that do not have SOS delivery confirmation. One review for a free panic button app stated that the user “had to press the button multiple times just to get a response.” It is essential that any employee who is using a panic button feels comfortable with its functionality and knows exactly how to use it in an emergency situation.
Night Vision
Some wireless cameras have night vision to help you see what’s happening around the camera. Night vision also helps deter intruders from breaking into your home. Some of these cameras have two-way audio so you can talk to someone intruding on your property. Other features can include motorized pan-and-tilt so you can remotely move your camera’s view, monitoring zones, person detection, and voice control with Alexa or Google Home/Assistant.
Most wireless security cameras require a power source, either from batteries or solar panels, and connect to your home’s Wi-Fi network to transmit video and other data. These cameras can be easily moved from Home Security Wireless Camera room to room and are usually less invasive than wired security cameras, which need to be hardwired into your home’s electrical system.
Wired security cameras offer more reliability because the camera, video recorder, and router are physically connected. They can also be harder to steal or cut, and have a greater range because of the reliable wired Internet connection. Wired cameras work better for homeowners who are concerned about reliability and those who have large homes or outdoor areas that need to be covered.
For those who are looking for portability, a fully wireless security camera is ideal. Battery- or solar-powered, these cameras are easy to install and can be placed anywhere. However, they may not always be within range of a power outlet and will need to be recharged or repositioned regularly.
Cloud Storage
A few security cameras can record to the cloud, allowing you to access them whenever you have an internet connection. This is often the best option if you want to watch your home from work or on vacation, as well as if you have an unreliable Wi-Fi signal at your house. Cloud-based systems typically require a monthly subscription to use their services.
Some models include memory card slots to allow you to store video locally without cloud storage. This eliminates the need for a monthly fee, but it can be a problem if crooks steal your camera because they take your forensic evidence with them.
Smart wireless cameras with machine learning help you get more accurate notifications about what the camera is seeing. For example, a camera that recognizes people or cars can avoid sending you alerts about things like squirrels or birds that are not a threat to your home.
In addition to Wi-Fi, some security cameras can connect using Bluetooth or Zigbee. These technologies are not suited to transmitting video over long distances because they don’t have enough bandwidth to transfer high-resolution images. However, they can be useful for connecting security system hubs that control the camera or for connecting components of a wired security system. In some cases, these technologies can interfere with your Wi-Fi signal, reducing its performance and speed.
