| Wireless security cameras are used in closed-circuit | | | | Transmission Power |
| television systems (CCTV) for surveillance and | | | | Lower cost 5.8 GHz systems most likely have a 10 |
| monitoring. They transmit a video and audio signal to a | | | | milliwatt transmitter, which ideally can transmit to 300 |
| remote receiver using radio frequencies. Most of these | | | | feet with line of sight between the transmitter antenna |
| cameras do require wired power, although some | | | | and the receiver antenna. This rarely happens. This is a |
| models may use batteries or even solar power. | | | | broad generalization and conditions such as distance, |
| Analog wireless security cameras | | | | weather and clear line of sight affect this greatly. |
| Analog wireless cameras transmit their signal in the | | | | When selecting an analog wireless security camera |
| lower, radio frequencies of 900MHz, 2.4GHz and 5.8 | | | | system, make sure you find out the transmission |
| GHz. Note that most of them operate over the 2.4 | | | | power and determine whether this will be enough to |
| GHz band, the same band that a lot of household | | | | overcome any obstacles in your system. |
| wireless appliances, such as cordless phones and | | | | Digital Wireless Security Cameras |
| video game controllers, operate on. Interference may | | | | Digital security cameras transmit digital information over |
| result when using in the home. | | | | high bandwidth radio frequencies. |
| The advantages of analog wireless security systems | | | | The major disadvantage is the cost of the system. |
| is they are lower cost than their digital brethren, and | | | | This maybe offset by the many advantages. |
| you can use multiple receivers. | | | | - Advantages of a digital system are as follows: |
| The disadvantages are they may cause interference | | | | - Long range transmission of signal with no degradation |
| with other devices in the home. The transmission is not | | | | - can go 450 feet with line of sight between camera |
| secure. the video signal quality is lower than digital, and | | | | and receiver |
| any interference makes it worse. | | | | - Very high quality audio and video signals |
| 900 MHz systems can be used in installations where | | | | - Can have two-way communication between camera |
| the signal must go through drywall or even trees to | | | | and operator |
| reach the receiver. There is also not a lot of | | | | - High security of the signal. |
| interference with other devices. Unfortunately there | | | | Wireless IP Security Cameras |
| are only two channels available at 900 MHz. | | | | Wireless IP cameras are now available that can |
| 2.4 GHz systems are more common, and there are 12 | | | | connect through a local area network over IEEE |
| channels available, however, it is rare that you can find | | | | 802.11b/g WiFi systems. These include 2-way audio |
| a channel that is not already in use by another wireless | | | | feeds, encryption, pan, tilt control and automatic night |
| device. | | | | vision. These types of cameras have replaced the |
| 5.8 GHz setups have a better chance of success, | | | | older digital wireless cameras, due to prevalence of |
| since there is less interference and there are 8 | | | | Wi-Fi networks. |
| channels available (so you can have up to 8 cameras). | | | | These are some things to consider when laying out |
| The biggest challenge is the signal cannot go through | | | | your system. |
| many walls without lots of degradation. | | | | |