Wireless security cameras are a great way to keep an eye on your property without having to worry about running cables all over the place. But how far can they transmit their signal? And how well will they work in different environments? In this article, we’ll answer the question, of how far can a wireless security camera transmit, and share some tips to extend the range of your WiFi cameras.
Factors That Affect The Range Of Wireless Security Cameras
Wireless Protocols
The first thing to be aware of is that there are two common types of wireless protocols: WiFi and cellular. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages when it comes to range.
WiFi has a shorter range than cellular, but it’s much less expensive. On the other hand, cellular security cameras usually have a better range because they can connect to towers that are farther away. However, cellular cameras require a monthly subscription fee for data usage.
In the rest of this article, we will be discussing WiFi security cameras.
Distance And Location
The distance a WiFi security camera can transmit also depends on its location. If the camera is placed too close to a wall or other obstacles, its signal will be obstructed and the range will be decreased. The further away the camera is from obstructions, the better its range will be.
Environment And Weather Conditions
Your wireless WiFi security camera’s range will also be affected by the environment it’s in. If there are a lot of trees, buildings, or other obstacles around, the signal will be weaker and the range will be shorter. Conversely, if the camera is in an open area with little to no obstructions, its range will be much better.
Weather conditions can also affect the range of wireless security cameras. For example, if it’s raining or snowing, the signal will be weaker and the range will be shorter.
Quality Of Signal
The quality of the signal also plays a role in how far can a wireless security camera transmit. If you have a weak or intermittent signal, the range will be shorter. A strong and consistent signal will result in a better range.
To get the best possible range from your wireless security camera, it’s important to choose one that supports both WiFi and cellular protocols. This way, you’ll be able to connect to the internet no matter where you are.
Type Of Material
The type of material your camera is made out of can also affect its range. If the camera is made out of metal, the range will be shorter because metal blocks signals. If the camera is made out of plastic, the range will be better because plastic doesn’t block signals as much.
Quality Of Camera
Even though the specifications of the two cameras may be similar, this does not imply that they are of comparable high quality or function in the same manner.
You should purchase long-range WiFi cameras from recognized and reputable vendors if you want the finest outcomes. Arlo, Reolink and Lorex offer some good models. They will not only provide high-quality materials, but their support desks can assist you with your CCTV installation.
Resolution
OK, so this isn’t truly a factor affecting the range of your WiFi camera. But, the resolution of your camera can help you distinguish objects further away. So, that can mean that your camera does not have to be placed as far from the router to get a decent image of an object further away. You can always zoom in and see the object in decent detail even though the camera isn’t as close to it.
The term “resolution” refers to the number of pixels in your picture. The higher the resolution, the greater the number of pixels in an image. The more pixels you have, the clearer and more detailed your photographs will be. Images taken with a low-resolution camera will appear blurry or blocky.
With the cost of high-definition security cameras plummeting, you may now utilize 4MP or 5 MP cameras with even 4K surveillance camera systems for a detailed video. When you have a higher resolution, you’ll be able to see more details when the thing is far away.
How Far Can A Wireless Security Camera Transmit?
There’s no hard and fast rules. It depends on the camera, it’s components and the receiver/router it is communicating with. But, when there is a direct line of sight between the cameras and the receiver, wireless security cameras perform better.
With an unobstructed field of view, a typical wireless camera has a range of 250 to 500 feet in an open area.
The range of a wireless camera, such as one mounted on the ceiling, varies from 100 to 165 feet in a small space, such as an apartment.
A wireless security camera’s ability to transmit unhampered data is affected by a variety of factors. For example, the strength of a wireless signal in the field of view of the camera and receiver might be impeded by walls or trees in the field.
Tips to Extend Your Camera’s Signal
There are several ways in which a security camera’s wireless signal can be boosted. Pay attention to these and your camera’s range will be extended.
1. The Location of Your Router is Important
Although routers are often considered ugly, many people hide them behind cabinets or other objects to reduce their impact on the performance of their wireless network. Your wireless network’s performance is directly affected by the location of your router. Wireless signals only have a limited range so it is important to place your router in a central area. A central location with few obstructions and walls is the best place to put a router. Consider the following when deciding where to put your wireless router:
- Is it possible to see the router where the security camera is being installed? If you cannot see the router from where you are installing the security camera, it means that signal must overcome many obstacles.
- Brick or concrete walls can be used as a wall material.
- The ground is the most common place where interference to wireless signals occurs. It is recommended that your router be located as high as possible.
- Avoid placing routers near metal surfaces like mirrors or file cabinets. Obstructing the wireless signal can be caused by objects made of metal.
- To minimize interference, position your router at least three feet from any other wireless devices. These appliances include baby monitors and microwaves.
- It is best to keep it away from windows.
- Avoid placing your router near large bodies of water or aquariums. High-frequency signals can be disrupted by water and could cause interference to your Wi-Fi signal.
2. Use the Right Wireless Channel
Your router may be interfering with other wireless devices and routers of your neighbors, which could lead to a reduced wireless signal. Wireless routers can be used on multiple channels. By selecting the right channel, you can decrease interference and improve signal quality. You will need a dual-band router and a wireless security device that allows you to connect to less popular channels. Swann’s wireless security camera lets you choose the 5GHz band that is less used to minimize interference and boost your wireless security.
3. Boost Range with WiFi Extenders
Your signal strength and wireless connection will decrease the further you are from your router. Wi-Fi range extenders can be used throughout your property to combat this. These devices, as their name suggests, increase the range that your Wi-Fi signal can travel. Wi-Fi range extenders can be used to connect multiple security cameras to the router, whether you need them to place them far away from the router (such as outside) or to link several cameras together. Not all wireless security systems work with wi-fi extenders, so bear that in mind. I have successfully used a Netgear WiFi extender with Arlo Pro 2 cameras and their hub. This extender has an ethernet port, so the Camera hub can plug into it. The next evolution of WiFi is mesh, and that is the next option…
4. Switch to a Mesh Wi-Fi Kit
A mesh network is a set of routers that work together to provide substantially more Wi-Fi coverage than a single router can. It replaces the old router’s Wi-Fi and is simple to set up. One of the units from a mesh Wi-Fi kit is connected to a spare port on your current router, and a new Wi-Fi network is established for all your wireless devices to connect to.
Next, you set up the second (and third) mesh device(s) in another location inside your house – typically upstairs or on the other side of the building. All devices communicate with each other to establish a single powerful Wi-Fi network that also has excellent range and can extend into your backyard, if you have one.
The TP-Link Deco P9 combines Wi-Fi and powerline networking to offer great coverage and speed. It’s still pretty reasonable too.
5. Update Firmware
To ensure that your wireless network runs smoothly and is reliable, make sure you have the latest firmware installed. You will receive an update notification in the app.
6. Secure Your WiFi Network
Protecting your Wi-Fi network’s passwords can help keep hackers and neighbors away. It can also prevent unwanted users using your bandwidth and choking your network and causing your devices to become slower and less efficient.
You should change your default password and username immediately after setting up your router. WPA2 password protection is more secure. To prevent default password problems, many routers will use a unique Wi-Fi key.
Wireless security depends on Wi-Fi signal strength, as we have discussed. To get the best coverage, your wireless security system can be easily increased in Wi-Fi range.
Advantages Of Wireless Security Camera
A wireless WiFi security camera has many advantages. While it cannot compete with the stability of a hard-wired camera system, it does offer many benefits.
More Flexible
Wireless security cameras may be positioned in any location since there are no wires. The wiring on a regular security camera might restrict the places where it can be used, leaving parts of your facility unmonitored. You won’t have to deal with dangling cables, so going wireless makes hiding the cameras much easier.
Lower Maintenance Costs
The lack of wires also means there are no broken or damaged wires to repair or replace. This can save you a lot of money in maintenance and repairs over time.
Better Image Quality
Wireless security cameras have come a long way in terms of image quality. You can now get high-definition images from wireless cameras. This is perfect for identifying faces or other details that might be important in security footage.
Easy To Set-Up
One of the best things about wireless security cameras is how easy they are to set up. With a wired security camera, you have to deal with running wires and drilling holes. This can be time-consuming and difficult, especially if you’re not familiar with electrical work.
Wireless security cameras don’t require any wiring, so you can set them up in minutes. All you need is a power outlet and a Wi-Fi connection, and you’re good to go.
The Final Score
Wireless security cameras are a great addition to any security system. They’re easy to set up, have great image quality, and are more flexible than wired cameras. If you’re looking for a way to improve your security, then wireless security cameras are the way to go. But be aware of the range at which you expect these cameras to work. Their WiFi signal is limited and can also be hampered by obstacles such as concrete walls, and interference from other wireless devices like cordless phones. Following the tips above will help ensure your cameras have adequate range and reliability.
Be smart and stay safe.
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