Jan 4, 2019

DIY Home Security Surveillance System - Part 2

Updated: Sep 21, 2019

WiFi Cameras or Power over Ethernet Cameras - Which are best?

This is the second in a series of six articles written to arm you all of the required information needed to install a good and reliable camera system while helping to remove any uncertainty associated with purchasing the proper hardware. Simply put, the goal of this series is to help you determine the appropriate system hardware and components to ensure proper protection of your most valued assists.

In this article intend to explain why I purchased Power over Ethernet cameras, (referred to as PoE Cameras) and why I highly recommend that you purchase PoE cameras for your outdoor surveillance needs rather than the various wireless cameras that are often promoted as acceptable solutions for your home security system.

As evidenced in my introduction to this segment , my answer to this question of the best security cameras is Power over Ethernet or (PoE) cameras, particularly if you are planning to install cameras outdoors for the protection of your home’s parameter. WiFi cameras can definitely have a place in your security system. More on that later…

Why PoE Cameras for Outdoor Surveillance?

Allow me to support my recommendation for PoE cameras for the exterior of your home. First, allow me to explain how the two PoE or Wireless cameras get their power. PoE Cameras are designed to work with PoE capable Network Video Recorder (often referred to as NVR). A Power over Ethernet camera receives both data and power supply over single Ethernet cable. You can use either a Cat5e or Cat6 Ethernet cable. I purchased Cat5e network cable in bulk and I made my own wire runs. Ethernet network cables are very easy to make with the proper tools.

Other Important Differences between Wifi & PoE Cameras

Amcrest ProHD WiFi Indoor Security Camera

Wireless cameras are able to connect to your network without network cables, however they still need to be connected to a power source. The power must be supplied either by a power cord or it must be supplied from an installed battery, which would need to be replaced from time to time.

Another substantial difference between WiFi and PoE cameras is that PoE cameras are able to be installed with a connection distance up to 100 meters, which converts to approximately 328 feet. WiFi cameras have a connection distance of about 10 meters or 32 feet. This distance assumes that you are connecting to a typical router and not using a WiFi extender to advance the wireless signal. Therefore PoE cameras have a connection distance which is ten times the distance of wireless cameras.

Barriers & Distance can Impact WiFi Signal

Still another factor to consider is signal interference. Since data transmission over PoE is through wired network cable, there is no signal interference or signal jamming. Therefore PoE is much reliable than WiFi in terms of data transmission.

Finally, an IP camera system based on PoE is much easier to manage. BOTTOM LINE: If you want extremely stable network signal for your exterior cameras you need to buy PoE Security system.

So is there a place for WiFi cameras in your home’s security system? Absolutely! WiFi cameras work best indoors where they can be placed within a comfortable range of your router signal and be plugged in to standard power source. Because they connect via a WiFi signal they can transmit data without a hard wired transmission wire. Since these cameras are using your WiFi signal it is best to limit the number of cameras to one or two or you could experience connection issues. So if you are looking to get a couple of indoor cameras and you want to be able to plug and play with out all of the wiring work associated with installing Ethernet wires, the plug in or battery-powered, wire free WiFi cameras should top your list. However, if you want stable and reliable outdoor security camera system you should definitely select PoE cameras.

I trust the information presented in this article has gotten you a little more comfortable with installing your own surveillance system. If you are currently considering the installation of security cameras, I am certain that you will eventually come to the same conclusion that I did; the relatively low cost and minimal effort needed to install a good and reliable camera system is not only a good idea, it is also a very wise investment. The peace of mind I have gained by after installing my Amcrest system is invaluable to me. If you are contemplating the purchase of a good and reliable surveillance system be certain to check out the component list for my system listed below.

Thanks for reading this intro segment on Home Video Surveillance. Be sure to subscribe to this website so that you'll get notice of the additional articles in this series!