#Security camera system how to#
#Security camera system software#

What to look for in a wireless security camera You may want to look for a camera that has power over ethernet (PoE) as a feature, as this will let you power the camera from the same ethernet cable used to carry data, avoiding the need for both ethernet and mains power cables to the camera (though you'll need a PoE connection box).

While Wi-Fi is more convenient, wired ethernet is still faster and generally provides a more stable network connection. If you do have the opportunity to use ethernet cabling, many Wi-Fi cameras have an ethernet port, so you can plug in directly. It's generally easier to do this than to have a long run of unsightly blue ethernet cable, unless your home is properly wired for ethernet through skirting boards (relatively few homes are). You can move them from room to room on a whim, or even deploy them outside the house if they're outdoor-capable models.īut most wireless units will need access to a power point. Some even run on batteries, to make them totally wireless – you'll see them marketed as ' wire-free' cameras. Most connect to your home Wi-Fi network, so you can place them just about anywhere in the home without having ethernet cable running all over the place.

One of the benefits of wireless security cameras is that they're generally small and unobtrusive. Setting them up takes just a few minutes and just about anybody can do it.

#Security camera system software#

Most now come with software that allows you to access photos and videos through your smartphone, as well as a web-connected computer, no matter where you are in the world. Once largely disregarded because they were too technical for the average user to set up, wireless security cameras have come a long way. Some of them can even upload pictures and video instantly to the cloud for safekeeping and immediate viewing.Īs well as calling up live video of your home any time you like, most cameras have motion sensing capability and tell you if something's amiss, notifying you via email or SMS when there's unexpected movement. They will notify you immediately via SMS or email when there's footage to be viewed. Wireless security cameras work through your home internet connection, taking still pictures and/or video (usually 30 seconds or less) when they detect movement.

#Security camera system how to#

See our guide to Security tips for your smart home – How to stop cyber criminals from accessing your home network through your smart devices. You may have heard stories of cameras or other devices being 'hacked', though in most cases this is due to not setting up proper security on the camera and network router.

Of course, any home security camera or other internet-connected device needs to be set up securely to prevent anybody else gaining unauthorised access. They can also send you alerts if they detect motion, such as someone in your home who isn't supposed to be there.Ī security camera must be set up securely on your network to prevent unauthorised access Wireless home security cameras can be used for all sorts of reasons, but typical uses can be keeping an eye on children, looking in on a sleeping baby at home, seeing what your pet gets up to while you're at work or even just checking who's at the door. With this kind of camera, you can keep watch on your house from around the corner or from another country via a computer, smartphone or tablet, helping to ensure peace of mind that comes from knowing your home is under a watchful eye. Or Learn more How do wireless security cameras work?Ī wireless security camera is like a webcam, except it can sit anywhere in your house and connect to your local wireless network as well as the internet.