Everything You Need to Know About Wireless Outdoor Security Cameras before Buying

There are many different options when it comes to outdoor surveillance systems, but when you have to choose one, you may need to consider factors like reliability, easy set-up, and cost-effectiveness. Wireless outdoor security cameras are among the leading choices for surveillance systems due to their versatile mounting options and low installation costs. Wireless security cameras are CCTV (closed-circuit television) cameras that transmit audio and video signals to the wireless receiver via a radio band.

Wireless outdoor security cameras ensure continuous monitoring of your home or office’s external areas, especially when you are indoors or away. They can serve as crime deterrent, especially when visible, but they must be installed properly or come with durable, tamper-proof, and weatherproof housing. Wireless outdoor security systems can be helpful in monitoring suspicious activity around your property, too.

Many complete security camera systems will require at least one wire or cable for the power, and the ‘wireless’ aspect of the name pertains to the way audio and video is transmitted. However, there are now wireless outdoor cameras that run on batteries, resulting in an entirely wireless system. The flexibility of wireless outdoor security cameras enable them to be used with broadband wireless internet access to enable video to be streamed seamlessly online, so you can view real-time footage remotely.

Wireless outdoor security cameras are either analog or digital. Analog wireless transmits video and audio signals via radio frequencies. The transmission range is about 91 meters or 300 feet in open spaces. Furniture, doors, and walls may reduce that range, so the camera must be strategically positioned to prevent any obstructions. Analog wireless cameras come in three frequencies: 5.8 GHz, 2.4 GHz, and 900 MHz, with 2.4 GHz being the most common. However, other devices that run on the same frequency such as microwaves, cordless phones, and Wi-Fi routers may interfere with the wireless camera.

Digital wireless outdoor security cameras can be another alternative to analog wireless. This time, audio and video signals are encoded as digital packets and transmitted over radio frequencies with higher bandwidths. This way, digital wireless cameras are able to transmit at a wider range, up to almost 450 feet, and they can produce higher-quality audio and video. The receiver and camera can communicate with each other, and the system makes it possible to integrate with home automation systems.

This article is written by Gustavo Paluci, president of Security Camera Distributor.