Wires running across walls or floorboards are slowly becoming obsolete in favor of wireless security cameras. These cameras work by using Wi-Fi as a method to communicate to smart devices or a control panel.
A wireless camera is easier to install, providing greater flexibility regarding placement. But before you install your new wireless security system, you’ll want to know how far a wireless security camera transmits.
How Does a Wireless Security Camera Work?
When security equipment first entered the market, it needed to be wired to function. Some setups requiring multi-cameras still operate in this manner. Any wired camera relies on a video camera to transmit a video signal to a device to view the footage. This can be a television or computer monitoring station.
Wireless security cameras use a video or audio signal to transmit footage through a wireless network or over the internet to a receiver. This receiver connects to a device for recording and viewing. Many individuals use cloud storage or computers to save video footage for viewing later.
Does a Wireless Security Camera Require an Internet Connection?
All wireless cameras must maintain a good connection and signal to the network to capture and record footage. If there are any disruptions to the connection, the camera will not be able to send the feed.
Benefits of a Wireless Security Camera
Wireless cameras are easier to install than a wired security system. Wired systems require professional installation since they connect to the home’s electricity, which costs additional money on top of the cost of the camera system.
On the other hand, wireless systems are ideal for those renting property, who are on a budget or are new to home security systems. They are more cost-effective than a wired security system. However, they are easier to transport and move. All you need to do is unplug the device, and it can go just about anywhere.
How Far Can a Wireless Security Camera Transmit?
When considering wireless systems, you should know that there are limitations. For example, they require batteries for power. To keep the camera active, you will need to replace or recharge the batteries before the camera loses power. Solar cameras are a good alternative and incorporate a solar panel to charge batteries during the day.
Wireless cameras must be placed close to a wireless router or the main hub. The range of a wireless camera from the hub can be up to 500 feet with a direct line of sight. Within homes, the range tends to be lower, closer to 150 feet, but it depends on the construction of the home.
The signal range will vary based on the building’s materials, walls, objects the signal needs to pass through, and if there is another wireless device in the vicinity.
Glass windows and standard drywall may not negatively impact the wireless signal coming from the camera. However, concrete and brick can weaken the signal. The signal strength will probably weaken if there are concrete floors, brick walls, and large trees between the camera and the receiver.
Detect, Observe, Recognize, and Identify is also known as DORI. It is possible to compare the visibility of various cameras using this standard. We can choose which cameras are a better fit for our needs by contrasting DORI distances.
Finding a camera with a “Recognize” distance that is similar to what we’re looking for is important if, for example, we want to be able to recognize faces or license plates from a distance.
What to Look for in a Long-Range Security Camera
Long-range outdoor security systems allow homeowners to record exceptionally clear videos hundreds of feet away from where the camera is mounted. Long-range cameras are necessary to monitor farms, barns, front and back yards, deep driveways, and large parking lots. They can even help identify license plates and faces.
You will need a camera that monitors your property both during the day and at night. Here are some things you need to have in a long-range camera:
High-Definition Capabilities
Cameras equipped with long-range capabilities need to have a high-definition aspect to them. A CCTV camera can have a higher definition, like 4K, 5MP, 4MP, and 1080p. These systems outshine their competitors by capturing video or images with incredible clarity, even when monitored at a distance.
The camera’s viewing distance can be calculated using pixels per foot. To calculate this, divide the camera’s resolution by the field of view. Long-range cameras require a minimum of 40 PPF to see plate numbers or facial features clearly.
Good Night Vision
Daytime quality just isn’t enough for a security camera. To be able to identify someone when monitoring an area at night – especially in the absence of streetlights – you need to have night vision.
The quality of your night video will determine the distance you can see with your security camera under low-light or dark conditions. Security cameras with night vision contain infrared lights, which can identify activities and people at night. Cameras with a greater quality and quantity of infrared light will be able to monitor longer distances with clearer footage.
The best type of long-range camera with infrared technology is the Reolink outdoor security camera On Amazon – Paid Link. These cameras have an infrared distance of 100 feet and can capture up to 190 feet.
Optical Zoom Lens
Opt for a camera with a varifocal zoom lens instead of a fixed one. This lens will allow you to view footage in more detail and zoom out to see a broader swatch of footage. Optical zoom lenses are more advanced than digital zoom. Digital zoom is known to destroy video quality, while optical zoom will not.
For a long-distance camera with night vision, look for one with a 4x optical zoom. It will provide you with viewing angles of 36°-100°. You will also need to consider the length of your outdoor area.
Long Wi-Fi Range
Since many homeowners prefer to use wireless cameras, you will need one that has a good distance and a longer Wi-Fi range. The most frequent complaints with wireless security cameras are regarding poor connectivity and low signal strength. Therefore, the best thing to use is a dual-band wireless security camera.
This permits long-range radio signals and video transmissions that transmit to 250 feet.
Final Thoughts
If you are wondering how far a wireless security camera can transmit, the general answer is 500 feet when in direct sight of the hub or 150 feet when placed indoors. Several things factor into this equation, but this is the general rule.
When purchasing a long-range security camera, keep in mind the features needed for a crisp, clear picture and to ensure you cover the area you want monitored on your property.
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