Ensuring the safety of our loved ones and our home is always our top priority. The best way to achieve this is by installing a home security system. Choosing the right home security system is a critical decision. One of the primary considerations you'll face is whether to choose a wired or wireless system. Both systems have pros and cons; your best choice purely depends on your needs and preferences. Data indicates a 60% decrease in break-ins and robberies with the installation of home security cameras. We have prepared this blog to help you choose between wired and wireless security cameras for your home security system.

A wired security camera consists of a network of wires primarily connected to a central control panel. They consist of a video and audio recording system; the collected data is transmitted through high-speed cables and stored in the DVR. The stored data can be viewed later. Since they use a wired network, wired cameras don't need a Wi-Fi connection to perform, so two-way communication is not possible in these systems.

Wireless systems are more advanced than wired systems. They operate with the help of Wi-Fi or a mobile network. Wireless surveillance systems utilize radio waves to connect sensors with the main control panel. As they are more advanced, wireless surveillance systems have many features, such as motion detectors, alarms, etc.

Factors to consider

The most important factors to consider when choosing between a wireless or wired surveillance system are time, cost, and reliability. By analyzing these three factors, you can select the one that is ideal for your home.

TIME

Installing a wired system is often time-consuming, requiring more workers to drill holes, wire the network and hide the wires.

A wireless system can easily be installed by connecting it to a Wi-Fi network. If time is a priority for you, choose accordingly.

COST

The cost of security cameras is more than just the cost you need to spend while installing surveillance cameras. The cost of the installation, maintenance, and battery is also considered. Usually, wireless cameras are cheaper than wired cameras because of the simplicity of installation. The installation cost of wired cameras is more than that of wireless cameras, but wired cameras don't need any future maintenance compared to wireless ones. Analyze the current and future costs and choose your ideal surveillance system.

Reliability

While both wired and wireless systems have a risk of getting hacked, wireless ones are more prone to getting hacked since they use Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. Wired systems do not experience signal dropouts or range issues, making you less likely to lose footage. 

Analyze your purpose and the level of security you need before choosing between wired and wireless surveillance systems.

Advantages and Disadvantages of  Wired Home Surveillance Systems

Let's dive deep into wired home security systems.

PROS

LONG-LASTING

Wired surveillance systems are designed to last a long time. Although these systems require a higher initial investment cost and more installation time, they are highly reliable and long-lasting.

More Safety

They are safer and less prone to hacking since they use a wired network instead of Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. Wired surveillance cameras are more difficult to hack compared to other home security systems.

Reliability

Wired cameras are outdated but are the best in giving output. A wired camera provides accurate visuals without fail. These systems are less likely to fail and provide false alarms, and the system will never experience data outages.

Suitable for large areas

Wired cameras are ideal for covering large and isolated spaces. They can provide consistent output in remote places without a regular internet connection.

Cons

Not suitable for rental properties

As installing a wired surveillance system needs drilling holes and fixing low voltage wires, installing the system in a rental property may not be comfortable for landlords.

Wired surveillance systems require professional help to be moved due to the wires in the system, making it expensive and not very mobile. Uninstalling the system also requires both time and money.

Messy

As the wired surveillance system uses wires to connect cameras throughout your home, it can be messy and affect the house's aesthetics. While wires can be hidden, they make the system less mobile.

Advantages and Disadvantages of  Wireless Home Surveillance Systems

Pros

Easy to install and uninstall

Installing the wireless system is incredibly simple, and you don't need professional help to set it up. Managing, repairing, and updating the system easily through the Internet. Since no wires are involved, anyone can uninstall the device by simply turning it off and removing it.

Easy to access

like all other automated devices, wireless surveillance systems give access to live visuals of your home from any part of the world. You can check your home from any part of the world through your smartphone with the help of the Internet.

Cons

Batteries

Wireless cameras require power to record visuals. Typically, this power is supplied through a battery. But continuous running may cause the battery to drain out, which will stop the recording.

Safety

Wireless cameras have a greater chance of getting hacked because they operate with the help of Wi-Fi and mobile data, which can be easily hacked.

There is no straight answer to which is best. Both systems have their pros and cons. Choosing which one is ideal for securing your home depends on your requirements. Wired systems are known for their reliability and long lifespan, and wireless systems are known for their aesthetics and user-friendly nature. By aligning your choice with your requirements, you can create a home security system that provides the optimal balance of convenience, reliability, and peace of mind.