The Working of Wireless Cameras

Wireless cameras come with built-in transmitters to send footage over the air instead of using wires. While there are many cordless devices, which need a power source, some have batteries making them truly ‘wireless.’ How the device works is simple. Having a wireless radio (RF) transmitter, it broadcasts data which is picked up by a receiver, connected either to a recording device or a monitor.

Read about how IP Cameras Work

Understanding RF Transmissions

The two basic RF transmissions are analog and digital. The former sends a string of data when transmitting, which can be picked by any receiver that is within frequency range. Interference is more likely with analog as the presence of multiple transmitters would cause the strongest signal to knock the others out.

However, digital wireless cameras modulate their signal, moving through frequencies in order to avoid interference. Transmissions are more secure as a receiver needs to be paired with the device in order to receive the feed. A wireless connection broadcasts at a range of either 2.4 GHz or 5.8 GHz. Both these types of cameras have transmitters that send a message to the receiver, which can be connected to a monitor for viewing.

The 2.4 GHz has a range of 700 feet and can carry maximum four transmission with its single receiver. Most wireless devices transmit on this frequency so analog devices experience interference. A 5.8 GHz on the other hand, can carry 8 transmission with a single receiver. Since it’s used by less households, the disturbance is less. Its maximum range is 2000 feet and its analog signals can be picked by outside receivers.

WiFi camera’s use a wireless router to network multiple devices together and access a local area network. They are wireless IP cameras. The router can send information back and forth between devices as well as to and from the internet. It usually has a range of 150-300 feet and can support quite a number of devices. These cameras are popular because they provide access to a video feed, even from outside the network. However, setting up of WiFi camera systems can be quite complicated and requires a PC for set up.

Cellular cameras are those fitted with a cellular transmitter that use a cellular network to send footage. Quite similar to WiFi cameras, this new technology depends largely on network conditions and therefore is not very dependable. It is also quite expensive considering that a cellular data plan is needed to transmit videos. If there is no cellular coverage, the device is pretty much inoperable. However, if these hitches are plugged, this device will certainly be in demand.

Changing a wireless camera into a wired one

By connecting a transmitter to an existing camera and a receiver to an analog camera, users can easily convert their wired cameras into wireless ones. To increase the range of a wireless camera, devices called repeaters are used. They get a camera signal and re-transmit it. This doubles the range of a wireless camera. However, using multiple repeaters would not be wise as it would degrade the quality of the video.

The camera range is usually determined by Line of Sight. As long as the transmitter and receiver have no obstructions between them, the data will effectively travel as obstacles weaken the signal and reduce the transmission range of wireless devices.