As the number of Wi-Fi cameras on the market expands, this question is reasonable. The answer may depend on the router’s bandwidth, the type of router, and the camera’s size and quality.
Some routers can handle up to 250 devices, but that’s the absolute maximum. Generally, a router can only take four to five Wi-Fi cameras for the reasons we explain below. The more devices you distribute across a router, the weaker the signal gets.
There are other factors involved, however, namely bandwidth. Bandwidth is defined as the amount of data a device (in this case, the router) can handle. Every wireless network or internet connection has a maximum amount of bandwidth. IP, PoE, and Wi-Fi wireless security cameras have high resolutions and processing power so they will take up a lot of bandwidth.
Businesses with multi-camera and multi-megapixel systems run the risk of overburdening their routers and networks. As a homeowner, however, you shouldn’t worry too much about overloading your router and wireless network because your system likely won’t be as energy-consumptive or complex.
How Many Cameras Are Recommended for Different Sized Properties?
Apartments
Unless you own the apartment, you cannot set up a camera independently. If indeed you own the apartment, depending on its size, you can calculate the number of cameras you need based on the number of high-volume areas.
Single-Family One-Story Homes
For your prototypical, conventional home, you’ll need between two and six security cameras, though you likely won’t need more than two or three.
Larger Homes with Staircases and Balconies
You will definitely want to target the upper limit of that two to six range for these homes. Consider that you have a front porch, driveway, backyard, staircase, balcony, living room, hallway, and more. While it seems like you might need a camera for each spot, that isn’t the case – the best cameras cover a wide range so that you can consolidate.
How to Increase the Capacity of a Router for Larger Homes
Your router will be overloaded when your whole family is home and up and down the house. This is especially true if you have children who are gamers – the latest technology in video games takes up a staggering amount of processing power. Here, we outline nine ways for you to boost the effectiveness of your router in larger homes so that you can maximize the potential of your security camera system.
- Reboot the router as needed.
- Move your router to a different location in your home. Centralize it.
- Check the temperature. You want a nice and cool router, not one that’s too hot because it’s working too hard.
- Change the channel. Routers use radio frequencies to upload and download data, and a more limited 2.4Ghz-spectrum frequency setting can often get jammed by multiple users in a dense urban environment, all on that plan. Consider purchasing a 5Ghz spectrum plan, which opens up the router’s bandwidth.
- Upgrade Wi-Fi drivers.
- Check your QoS (Quality-of-Service) settings.
- Upgrade the firmware for your router.
- Purchase a better antenna.
- Add a range extender.
Product Reviews
Here are some great security systems we found to protect your home while maximizing the use of your available bandwidth.
Arlo Pro 4 On Amazon – Paid Link
Recording in ultra high-definition 2k resolution, integrated with a spotlight for color night vision, automatic tracking, and a wireless hub to store footage to the cloud, this camera is power-packed with features. It is arguably one of the best all-around Wi-Fi cameras on the market. Its MSRP is $158.
Nest Cam 2021 On Amazon – Paid Link
This security system is designed for a Google Smart Home. Its setup process is straightforward, has an aesthetically-appealing design, works indoors and outdoors, and can operate both A/C or battery-powered. Overall, its performance is superior under any lighting condition. Its MSRP is $179.99.
Ring Spotlight Cam On Amazon – Paid Link
This camera is designed for Amazon Alexa Smart Homes. It is available in various charging formats, from plug-in, wired, and battery to solar-powered. With radar-based motion detection and high functional integration into Amazon’s ever-expanding repertory of home security equipment, it’s a great buy at an MSRP of $229.99.
Deep Sentinel
This is arguably the best AI and professionally-monitored Wi-Fi security camera on the market. Live agents monitor outdoor activity, AI distinguishes between criminal and benign activity, and the system creates a security perimeter for your home. At an MSRP of $699 plus a $100/month subscription, it’s at a peak price point but worth the investment.
Wyze Cams
Pan V2 On Amazon – Paid Link
This is a budget-friendly Wi-Fi camera option. It gets the job done at an MSRP of $39.99, though it still doesn’t have a 5Ghz Wi-Fi integration – only conventional-speed networks. And it’s only functional as an indoor camera.
Pan V3 On Amazon – Paid Link
Functioning at a high level as both an indoor and outdoor camera (despite the lack of battery-powered integration), the V3 requires AC power. However, with the subscription plan, it has back-to-back recording and color night vision. Its MSRP is $35.98.
Conclusion
Many great Wi-Fi cameras on the market run the gamut of price points. Depending on your needs, you can buy up to four or five great cameras to plug into a single router. Make sure to consult the setup, installation, and functionality guide to get the maximum efficiency from your router, given the amount of bandwidth your total system consumes.
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