What are the differences, similarities, pros, and cons of wireless security cameras vs traditional wired security cameras? Both systems have their benefits and drawbacks. But what is the main difference between the two?
As is to be expected, wired cameras are cameras that are connected to the internet and power source via cable and are the more traditional type of camera. Wireless on the other hand, are cameras that are connected to the internet via WiFi but are still connected to their power source via cable.
Wired Security Cameras
Wired security cameras are how security cameras have been deployed since they were first invented. There have been many innovations in camera technology, video resolution, and camera quality over the years, but the premise of wiring up a camera to a power source and having an internal connection and storage for the video has been around for a long time. With all of this history, wired security cameras are reliable and still the most common. And, since the connection is internal and hardware-based, they’re typically more secure. However, that doesn’t mean they’re not without their cons.
Because they’re not connected to the internet via WiFi, it can make getting them connected to any kind of cloud storage harder. There are ways to do it, but it can be more difficult and expensive than with wireless. This lack of a WiFi connection also limits the cameras themselves when it comes to accessibility. WiFi allows for more ease of accessibility from anywhere, and with wired cameras lacking that internet connection, it can be harder to set up things like remote access.
Wireless Security Cameras
The wireless security camera was somewhat of a revelation when it was first being rolled out into the world. For the first time, remote access and off-site video storage were becoming more and more of a possibility…and more affordable every year. The wireless camera turned video security on its head. Business owners could now monitor their security remotely, integrate it with tools like Alexa, set up off-site cloud-based video storage much more easily, and even have easier integration with machine learning tools. However, like with wired security cameras, there are pros and cons to it.
Because the cameras are connected to the internet, they are potentially less secure. An internal, wired connection will almost always be more secure than a wireless, cloud-based connection. The cost and maintenance of cybersecurity are things that simply don’t exist with wired cameras. In some instances, the camera quality can sometimes be spotty and worse overall due to its dependence on a WiFi signal.
Which is Better?
Unfortunately, there’s no right or wrong choice for security cameras. It’s all about what your business values and needs. If your business trafficks thousands of people a day and you need reliable, high quality video, you may want to consider a wired camera system. However, if you’re out of the office a lot or have multiple properties to monitor, you may want to consider the wireless option. Either way, LaMarco can help with any of your security camera needs. From formulating a plan, to professional installation, we can help set up the best security system for your needs.