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The use of wireless security cameras has become increasingly popular
over recent years. This surge in interest is due to many reasons. Some
people use wireless security cameras for their ease of installation.
Other people use them because running wires is impossible or not cost
effective. Whatever the reason may be, wireless security cameras are
quickly becoming the preferred method of surveillance for many people.
Wireless security cameras are so popular because users can literally
put them anywhere added protection is needed -- and the user doesn't
have to worry about wires. The placement of a security system is very
flexible and easy to install, as long as the installer does his or her
homework. Wireless security cameras have a very high failure rate on
initial install if precautions are not taken.
What sort of failure? Say you install the camera and give it power, but
there is no signal picking up on the receiver side. Luckily, this
problem can be solved with some due diligence. And when you are
thinking about installing wireless security cameras (whether on your
own or with some assistance), there are three frequencies that are on
the market for the general public.
Choosing a Security System: 900MHz, 2.4GHz and 5.8GHz
The lower the frequency number, the more walls/objects your security system can pass through (except for concrete and metal).
- 900MHz wireless security cameras can be used in installs
where the signal has to go through trees or dry wall in order to reach
the wireless receiver. This bandwidth doesn't have that much
interference from other devices, and as a result, the signal can be
relatively strong. The drawback is that right now there are only two
channels available on this frequency, making its use very limited.
- 2.4GHz wireless security cameras are the most common on the
market. So are 2.4GHz phones, wireless routers, keyboards, and mice
that we all use. Basically, if you see something wireless on the
market, there is a good chance it is on a 2.4GHz frequency. As a
result, a lot of the wireless 2.4GHz security cameras fail. There are
up to 12 channels available on 2.4GHz frequency that you can select for
transmission, but the reality is that if you live in a city like New
York or Los Angeles you won't find a single channel that is not
occupied by a wireless device.
To fix this issue, some manufacturers have started using 5.8GHz
transmitters and receivers in their wireless security cameras. The
5.8GHz frequency is relatively clean, and subsequently, the successful
wireless camera installation rate is higher. You can have up to eight
analog wireless security cameras on 5.8GHz frequency. But the 5.8GHz
frequency has an issue. It does not go through walls as effectively as
the 900MHz or 2.4GHz frequency. This is a huge disadvantage.
So right now, we have 900MHz, where you can only have two
cameras on it (not very practical), and 2.4GHz, which has almost every
device known to man on it, and 5.8GHz, which is relatively clean, but
fails when you try to send the signal through walls. To resolve this
issue, some security camera manufacturers have started placing high
power 5.8GHz transmitters and better quality antennas in their wireless
cameras. As a result of this addition, 5.8GHz wireless security cameras
can now send a camera signal through a wall.
If you find a 5.8GHz camera and receiver on the market for under $200,
chances are it has a 10 milliwatt transmitter in it, which is the
lowest power transmitter on the market. In ideal conditions with line
of sight, you can stretch it to 300 feet (in theory). In reality
though, that is never the case. The signal strength is reduced by
interference and walls. If you are looking for a camera that can
transmit video up to 500 feet away, you need a camera with at least a
100mw transmitter. For a distance greater than that, let's say 1,000
feet to 2,000 feet, you need a system with a one watt transmitter.
These are very general numbers and can change based on the
distance, weather, and availability of a clear line of sight. A good
way to increase the odds of success is to put the security camera and
receiver antenna as high as possible so that they have a clear line of
sight. Before making any purchases however, ensure that you identify
your own specific needs for a security system so that you receive the
proper protection for your home or business. And if you still need a
little help selecting the right system, don't be afraid to ask the
professionals!
About the Author
Chris Pappas, the Security and Network Manager for 247 Security Cameras,
started off in the information technology department of a major
financial software provider on Wall Street, where he received hands on
training from the experts in the IT field. While employed there, Chris
was introduced to video surveillance and was called upon to design and
install high-tech video security measures after the September 11
attacks. Since 2005, Chris has worked exclusively in the security and
surveillance industry. His expertise includes all types of wireless and
IP security cameras
and accessories, point-to-point communications, network architecture
design, security, and installation. To find a surveillance system or
camera for your home or office, please visit www.247securitycameras.com.
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