Wired Vs Wireless Cameras. What's Better.

Ahh yes, a simple but rather difficult question someone intending to get a CCTV camera always asks. Which should I get...

a wired or wireless security camera.

I can make this topic complex for our geeks out there but I would rather make it as simple as possible so that just about anyone can understand everything I right here.

By the time you finish reading this post, you will have more information and will therefore be able to make an informed decision on which to go for.

Below are very simple pictures of what a wired vs wireless CCTV camera looks like.

Both of these types of CCTV cameras have their advantages and disadvantages.

First, let's take a look at the advantages of wireless security cameras.

Advantages of Wireless Security Cameras

Easy to Set Up

One of the biggest advantages of a wireless security camera is that it is easy to set up.

Of course, this can require some expertise to make the installation flawless but, if you are willing to follow instructions you can set it up yourself.

This is because, unlike wired security cameras, you do not need to mess with wires.

You only need to install the camera where there is a good wifi or mobile network, and then link the camera to a mobile phone.

See From Anywhere

Another reason why a wireless security camera is very convenient is that you can view the camera's video from your computer or phone from anywhere in the world.

Isn't that extremely convenient?

You just need to make sure wherever you are has a good network and your CCTV camera is also hooked up to a good network.

You can view your home your business or whatever your security camera is monitoring from anywhere in the world.

Looks Clean And Nice

In my home, I make sure every wire is hidden which is why if given the option to get an equipment without a wire I would gladly go for it. 

This is a huge advantage a wireless camera has over a wired security camera.

This makes it easy for most persons to be able to install the camera on their property without having to hire a professional to do it.

Take a look at the image below.

This looks very neat.

The wires present in most of these wires cameras are just the wires required to make the camera be on 24/7.

Take for example a solar-powered CCTV camera.

These cameras to stay on or charge their batteries require a power source which in this case would be the sun.

The solar panel uses the sun's energy to charge the battery of the camera which in turn keeps the camera always on day and night.

Easily Move Them Around

This is quite obvious. An item wired would be easier to move around than an item not wired.

For a wireless CCTV camera, you can change its location easily if you probably want to place it in another location.

You just have to unscrew it from whatever is holding it and reinstall it in the new location you intend to place it.

This can be done within a very short time compared to if the security camera is wired.

This is a very important advantage of a wireless security camera when compared to a wired security camera and one of the reasons most people prefer it to a wired CCTV camera. 

Disadvantages of A Wireless Security Camera

As there are advantages to this camera, there are also disadvantages.

Below are some of the disadvantages of a wireless security camera.

Battery Hassle

The wireless CCTV cameras we install at Irish Access Limited are solar-powered.

Just like every electronic device, for a security camera to function it needs a power source.

This power source supplied to the camera keeps the camera on and for a CCTV camera, it is paramount that the camera be on 24/7.

To ensure this continuous power supply, the camera harnesses the energy of the sun using the solar panel. 

The solar panel converts sunlight into electricity and this electricity is stored in the battery of the camera ensuring a continuous supply of power for the security camera.

Now this is for solar-powered CCTV cameras.

If the camera is not solar-powered, it can be challenging to constantly charge the battery of the security camera.

Of course, there are alternatives to make it easier such as charging the camera using a wall socket but moving the camera to a different location can be quite challenging if the wall socket isn't close to it.

To avoid this, we install solar-powered security cameras for our clients so they never have to worry about charging the battery of the camera because it charges on its own through the sun's energy.

Weak Signals 

Wireless cameras depend on wireless signals for data transmission, unlike wired cameras which depend on cables.

The sim card used in these wireless cameras allows them to access cellular networks to connect to the internet through mobile data networks.

They transmit data wirelessly through cellular networks which ensures remote access and control of the camera from anywhere in the world with cellular coverage. 

The ability of the camera to be viewed worldwide depends on how strong and stable the network at the camera's location is. 

A weak signal would affect the quality and reliability of the remote access and because of this, a user can experience lag in the video feed, buffering, or even complete loss of connection while viewing the feed.

This is one of the disadvantages of a wireless security camera over a wired security camera which is why before we install these cameras for our clients we ensure to ask them for the strongest mobile data network in the area they intend to install the CCTV camera.

Wired CCTV security cameras.

A wired CCTV camera isn't all bad as it has advantages which makes it a better choice when comparing a wired vs a wireless security camera.

Advantages Over Wireless Cameras

Strong Stability and Reliability

Unlike wireless security cameras, wired security cameras are well known for how reliable they are when it comes to maintaining stable connections.

Wired CCTV cameras are more consistent when it comes to connectivity, 

Because of this, they are considered ideal for critical monitoring situations without many interruptions that are due to fluctuations in signal.

Less Battery Life Concern

I am reluctant to put this here as an advantage but with the exceptions of solar-powered CCTV cameras, wired cameras provide less concern about battery life.

Of course, this would depend on whether its location has a consistent power supply but if the power supply is consistent they can get power through a physical connection to an electrical outlet or a power system.

With this, the camera would remain operational without interruptions.

Manage Multiple Cameras

Wired cameras seem to be the preferred choice for businesses especially large businesses or establishments.

These cameras normally combine well with other existing security systems and allow businesses to manage and monitor multiple cameras from a central location, such as a control room.

Disadvantages Over Wireless Cameras

Involves the Use Of Cables

Wired security cameras involve running cables from the cameras to a monitoring device.

Unlike wireless cameras, these might require professional assistance to run the cables from the camera to a monitoring or recording device like a DVR (Digital Video Recorder) or NVR(Network Video Recorder).

This comes with its disadvantages such as lack of flexibility in terms of placement of the camera and even additional costs in getting cables depending on the location of the monitoring or recording device.

Takes longer To Install

When comparing the preferred option between wired and wireless security cameras, the time it takes to install the cameras can play a part in your decision.

Wired cameras involve connecting wires to the cameras and then drawing these wires to a monitoring device. This is not the case for wireless cameras which is one of the reasons wired cameras fall short when considering a security camera.

They Cost More To Install

Unlike wireless cameras, wired cameras are mostly fixed by professionals. Of course, you can do it yourself but for it to be installed right due to its slight complexity over wired cameras you would need to make use of the services of a professional.

This can incur more costs. You would also have to get cables and other items for the installation.

This is rarely the case for wireless cameras.

Can't Move Them Easily

The ease of moving a wireless camera from one spot to another is one of its greatest advantages.

Once you install a wired camera, moving it to another location can be quite challenging and might even require you to spend money to get additional cables and other items.

Conclusion

I can certainly tell you my preferred option when it comes to the type of CCTV camera I prefer when comparing wired vs wireless security cameras.

They both have their pros and cons and I am sure by reading this post you have a better understanding and will be able to make an informed decision on the option to go for.

If you have any questions or contributions to make you can leave a comment in the comment section below.

You can also check out our social media pages to see the installations we carry out for our clients.