We receive many requests for wireless camera streaming for security and other unrelated applications such as monitoring manufacturing processes or placing cameras on UAVs. Until 2012, the options available were limited to analog D1 resolution wireless video transmitters of 2.4GHz and 5.8GHz frequencies such as the one found in this outdoor wireless security camera. These RF or Analog wireless transmitters were limited to clear line of sight, meaning there must be a unobstructed view between the antennas connected to the receiver and transmitter. While this requirement was doable for outdoor applications, it made it impossible to use these devices for other applications because of interference from obstacles. The main advantage of using analog video transmitters which still holds true today is for Real Time video transmission; if you want delay free video for a manufacturing process then they are still the equipment of choice.

The recent advancements in cmos camera sensor technology have allowed great reductions in pricing for megapixel IP cameras, thus enabling the average consumer to afford high definition video. At the same time, prices for wireless access points have become affordable and WiFi radio technology has become more reliable. Gone are the days of access points over heating, and intermittent data streaming because of issues with poor R&D from the factory. As of 2015, it is affordable to combine a IP camera with a access point and make the camera wireless. You can use any ip based network camera and use either a 2.4GHz or 5.8GHz WiFi access point such one of the following:

 

Advantages of using WiFi Access Points for making security cameras wireless

Using a WiFi based IP cameras and access points has several advantages over analog transmitters:

Better signal penetration

WiFi signals just like your home router have better penetration through obstructions without loss of video signal. That's why you can have your router on the ground floor and still watch Youtube on the second floor. Of course, the stronger the transmitter inside the router or AP, the farther it can transmit the signal. Since video sent over WiFi is a data signal, as long as there is signal penetration you will see a clear picture without interference lines. The worst that will happen is the video refresh rate will be low, meaning the video will be choppy and it will not be real time video transmission. When compared to analog transmitters, if there is even a single obstruction, it would cause lines to appear in the video.

Less interference

By selecting specific channels within the AP, it is easy to avoid interference from nearby WiFi sources. In addition the choice of 2.4GHz and 5.8GHz radios along with use of MIMO based AP it makes it easy to avoid interference from regular WiFi signals.

Camera Density

Wireless access points can handle multiple network based devices. Depending on the strength of the radio inside, its constant throughput, the distance of transmission, and the resolution of the video being transmitted, it is possible to place up to four ip cameras on one radio.

Disadvantages of using WiFi Access Points for wireless IP video transmission

There is only one disadvantage that we could think of really, i.e. video is delayed and not Real Time. Depending on the strength of the signal being received, the camera type and resolution, and the software you are using, there will be some delay in video. If you wave your hands in front of the camera, it could take anywhere from a 50ms to a couple of seconds for the action to be reproduced on the receiving end.

How to setup a wireless IP camera system?

Wireless IP technology allows numerous ways to setup a wireless camera system. We will update this guide as we find more ways of establishing reliable wireless camera setups, but here are some of the most common methods.

Wireless Security Camera System Setup Guide for Long Range Transmission

In this setup we will show you how to setup a wireless camera system for long range wireless transmission using a WiFi security camera that already has a built-in WiFi radio and a powerful outdoor wireless access point. Clear line of sight is recommended as obstructions can cause signal degradation depending on the density of the obstruction. This setup is great for outdoors where you can mount a radio on the exterior surface of a building and broadcast WiFi to cameras mounted in the signal path. By using one AP, you can connect to up to four 1080P HD security cameras and view them using your computer, or integrate them in to a NVR for recording. Click here to read more.

WiFi Camera to AP Setup Diagram

Using wireless ip cameras with wireless access points for long range wireless transmission.

 

How to make wired IP cameras in to Wireless IP Cameras

In this setup we will discuss how to make your wired IP camera in to a wireless security camera so you can view it on any WiFi enabled device. You will be able to use a laptop, iPhone, iPad, or Android Phones and Tablets to view the camera as long as you are within range. Below is what the setup looks like. We will connect a camera to a wireless access point that broadcasts the video to any computer or mobile device that can log on to the WiFi AP using a special security key. Click here to read more.

IP camera to Access Point Setup

Using IP cameras with Wireless Access Points for viewing on WiFi enabled devices.

 

How To Setup a Point To Point Wireless Link for IP Cameras

In this guide we will discuss how to make your IP cameras in to a wireless security camera so you can deploy it anywhere there is electricity and send the signal back wireless to a NVR for recording and webserving. We will show you how to use two wireless APs and configure them to Point to Point mode for long range wireless data transmission. Click here to read more.

Using two access points for the stable and long range wireless transmission.

Using two access points for the stable and long range wireless transmission.

Recommended resources

Feel free to use the comment section below to post your questions. We look forward to hearing from you.

Don Stephens is a Technical Support Manager at CCTV Camera World, a leading Security Camera distributor located in Buffalo, NY. His area of expertise is in designing professional security camera systems for medium and large scale businesses, schools, and government projects.

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