Advances in technology have brought homeowners wireless security cameras for the home. The flexibility in placement and recording capabilities make them ideal for any situation. There is a multitude of options from which to choose. From built in digital video recorder or DVR to ones that can transmit to a personal computer or cellular phone. Homeowners and parents will always be in touch no matter where they are.
Components of a Wireless System
§ Multi Channel Receiver With Built in Wi-Fi
§ Camera With a Transmitter Using Encrypted Wi-Fi
§ Battery Packs and Alternating Current or AC Adapter For the Cameras and Receiver
§ USB Connections For Smart Phones and Personal Computer
§ Optional DVR for Time Lapsed Recordings or Real Time Monitoring
Many receivers come equipped with a monitoring screen, or it can be connected to a computer for viewing. You can also connect the receiver to a home computer and access that computer from work or virtually anywhere.
Where Wireless Security Cameras for the Home Can Be Placed
§ Front Entrance to Monitor Guests
§ Children’s Rooms
§ Back Entrance
§ Security Gates or Gate House to Identify Visitors
§ Swimming Pool Area
§ Anywhere Inside or Outside the Home
The Benefits of a Wireless System
Flexibility is the main advantage. You no longer have to worry about pushing cables through walls or climbing around in the attic. The receiver can capture the signal from multiple cameras, and it can be placed anywhere within signal range. The cameras themselves, for greater security, can be plugged into an AC outlet. This eliminates the worry about batteries running low. However, they can run off the battery pack as needed.
The cameras can come equipped with night vision capabilities for viewing in low light. Generally, the cameras are weatherproof for outdoor use, as well. The cameras transmit to the receiver, which gathers the images and either records them, or sends them to a computer for storage and viewing. Typically, the receiver has real time monitoring capabilities. Reduced insurance rates are also another advantage. This is particularly important when the wireless security cameras for the home are installed in conjunction with a monitored alarm system.
What Is Real Time Monitoring and Why is it Important
Real time monitoring means that when you are watching the monitor there is not a time lapse, or you are not viewing recorded images. Everyone has seen the cameras mounted on poles in many parking lots. The cameras, for the most part, are hardwired, and they send the images to a DVR that records everything. Usually there is not anyone watching the monitors. The cameras are used as a deterrent. Generally, they provided video after the fact. It would take a tremendous amount of personnel to watch and send responders to interrupt situations as they unfold. The business would essentially need guards stationed around the parking lot 24 hours a day, to include someone to monitor the cameras.
The wireless security cameras for the home provide real time or recorded images for viewing later. You may at times need to monitor the street in real time, because of a suspicious vehicle or person. At other times, you may simply want to know whose neighbor’s pet is getting into your flowerbed.
How They Operate
The cameras themselves can operate from battery packs or an AC adapter that plugs into any common household receptacle. The batteries are ideal for short term monitoring. For example, you may want to find out what animal is getting into the garbage cans. Simply install a camera with night vision technology that covers the area and set it for motion only. This saves on battery life. The battery can last for several days unless there is a lot of activity.
Several advanced systems can receive a signal from up to eight cameras. The Wi-Fi frequencies are limited to prevent interference from baby monitors, cordless phones and so forth. The signal is dedicated and encrypted. The standard system typically has four cameras however. Many homeowners have bridged their fixed hardwired camera systems with a wireless one expanding the coverage area.
Depending on the number of wireless security cameras for the home that are installed, you can set them up on a loop. A loop is one camera view shown for a few seconds and then it switches to another. This is used for real time monitoring. You can use a computer as a monitor, or the receiver screen. The views can be a random shuffle or set for specifics lengths or cameras. 
Conduct Your Own Security Evaluation
Walk to the front sidewalk and face the home. Have a note pad and began sketching the layout. Note the entrance points, front door, upper story balcony and windows. Measure the length of the driveway, and make note of any trees, shrubs or hedges that can be used as cover. The military and law enforcement use the term field of fire when setting up a security perimeter. You can do this, as well. Place the camera positions on the diagram and draw expanding lines out from the lens. The lines should indicate the field of view of each camera lens. You can find this information in the owner’s manual, or by conducting research. The lines should resemble a funnel with the farthest lines indicating maximum range. When completed each camera lens should have a line that overlaps another camera’s line.
Use the same technique for the backyard or any other area that requires coverage. Keep in mind that the cameras are easily moved to a more suitable location. It is common to have moved them a number of times after viewing the angles. Subsequently, the transmitting range will play a role, so this too can be experimented with and adjusted.
Obviously, the number of wireless security cameras for the home that are needed may be more than what is available. This is called maximum coverage, but it can be adjusted to fit the number of devices available. Note mounting locations on the structure. Will the cameras be out of reach of curious children, or anyone attempting to disable them? Consider whether you want a concealed system or one that is obvious. The ones that stand out can act as a deterrent for many people with ill intent. On the other hand, you may want to conduct surveillance in secret. This must be factored in when deciding on the locations.
You can have a security evaluation conducted by a qualified security specialist in lieu of doing it yourself. Hire a professional that is not attempting to sell you a system though. This way you get an unbiased evaluation. Contact a local private security firm, they are usually run by retired law enforcement personal.
Placement of the Wireless Security Cameras for the Home
A camera should be placed so visitors can be screened before opening the front door. One should also cover any children’s play areas inside and out. Have one positioned to monitor vehicle traffic if there is a front security gate. Homes with small children that require a babysitter will need a camera to monitor the care of the child. You may have to experiment with the camera placement to find the best signal reception and viewing area. Typically, the cameras can transmit up to 300 feet under ideal circumstances. Things that can interfere with the signal include block walls and heavy foliage. The home’s walls for the most part will not be a hindrance, but can reduce the range, in some cases.
Larger homes or estates may have a need for perimeter surveillance. The wireless security cameras for the home can be used outdoors. Ensure the ones used are weatherproof and have night vision capability. Motion activated ones are ideal for monitoring driveways, and back yards. There are advanced systems for large areas that can transmit a signal much farther. The transmitting range is dependent upon terrain and at times atmospheric conditions. Walk to the farthest point you want a camera installed and check the signal strength.
Cameras that are able to pan provide the most coverage, and they are ideal for perimeter surveillance. A fixed camera should be installed to provide coverage for dead space however. Dead space is created when a camera moves from one position to another. Many models have zoom capability as well, which is ideal for front door monitoring. Cameras that pan randomly though, are not recommended for the front door. Intruders would simply time the movement and slip under the viewing area.
Wireless Security Cameras for the Home Really Do Provide Security and Peace of Mind
You must always keep in mind that when there is an intrusion the images can be used to aid in apprehension of the criminal. Break-ins are traumatic and are made more so by the fact the intruder may get away with the crime. Having the right equipment properly placed can lead to the intruders capture by law enforcement. The images can also be used to expedite insurance claims.
Anyone that has been home alone at night and hears the doorbell ring knows what it feels like. How do you see who is there without revealing the fact someone is home. The wireless camera mounted to monitor the front door solves the problem. It is not recommended that anyone open the front door without knowing who may be there. Inspect the visitor from a safe distance using the camera’s monitoring screen located inside the home.
Access the system when at work to ensure your children arrived home from school. Make sure the receiver is connected to the home computer using the USB cable provided. Sign in to the system from work at any time to view real time images. Obviously, the same procedure can be used to check in on the babysitter, cleaning crew or anyone else working in the home.
You may find items missing at times and simply want to identify the guilty party. The system can record all activities during the day while you are at work. Once home you can view the recordings at your leisure.
Any wireless security cameras for the home located outside the house can alert homeowners to a possible problem. This allows time to activate the home’s alarm system, seek shelter in a safe room or phone the police. The wireless system will, in the meantime, track and record all of the intruder’s activities.
The Final Decision
It comes down to how many wireless security cameras for the home are needed, and where they can be placed for maximum coverage. You can tailor any system by adding to or taking away from it. Evaluate everyone’s work schedules, house cleaners, lawn maintenance and so forth. You may not want the wireless receiver in plain view in some cases. Have a secure area for when contractors or others may be in the home. You may want to deny access to children, as well. You as a homeowner can install the system yourself or have it installed. One word of caution, security companies and technicians must be licensed and bonded in most states to install or repair any security system. Remember anyone installing the system will have knowledge of its weak points.