Factors to Consider When Selecting Wireless IP Camera Solutions

MCA CNS TeamCradlepoint, MCA News

4G and5G Unlock Various of Benefits for Protecting Valuable Company Assets

While the use of cameras for security purposes is not new, the introduction of wireless IP cameras has significantly expanded security possibilities in a wide range of industries. Companies considering upgrading to wireless IP cameras need to consider several key elements before deciding on a solution.

What Are The Wireless Options For IP Cameras?

When we reference wireless IP cameras, we are talking about several main setups:

  • A camera with built-in Wi-Fi that is connected to a Cradlepoint router via Wi-Fi and using 4G LTE or 5G as the WAN source
  • A camera with Ethernet/PoE connected to a Cradlepoint router and using 4G LTE as the WAN source
  • A camera featuring built-in 4G LTE or 5G capabilities
  • A camera with built-in Wi-Fi

What Industries Are A Good Match For This Technology?

There are different types of Wireless IP cameras - those that are fixed/stationary and those that are mobile.

Wireless IP cameras are an excellent solution for industries or companies that need their physical assets monitored, including retail stores and restaurants, water towers, power sources, parks and recreation areas, airports, and shipyards.

On the mobile front, wireless IP body cameras are used in the law enforcement, military, and transportation fields, where constant monitoring is required, and the focal point of the video may also be in constant motion.

If your company, organization, or industry requires regular, reliable monitoring, consider wireless IP cameras as part of your technology and security plans.

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What Are The Benefits Of Wireless IP Cameras?

Wireless IP cameras have several benefits and advantages for organizations that must constantly watch their materials, inventory, or those left in their care. Some of those benefits include:

Easy to Conceal

They can be hidden in locations — poles, for example — where they can't be vandalized before criminal acts. Because a wireless camera's presence can be concealed, intruders often will be unaware that their moves are being recorded.

Simple Installation

For many security cameras, you not only need to construct or assemble something to physically hold the camera, but you also have to drill holes in walls and run the wires through to their data stores. With a wireless camera, installation is extremely easy, and you can angle the camera in whatever direction you choose.

Increase Flexibility

Wireless cameras eliminate the limitation of network ports, the challenges of running cable to remote locations, the burden of managing a camera manually, and the inability to place a camera in an undetectable location.

In many cases, running long cables over large areas, such as a shipyard is not feasible. Even if cables can be run, the lines can break down over time or be cut —intentionally or unintentionally. If a wireless camera also has a failover solution, the risk and worry of data loss or cameras going offline is virtually eliminated.

In essence, wireless IP cameras allow users to focus on the data they provide instead of the management they require.

Wireless IP Camera Connectivity Solutions

Additional Questions About Wireless IP Cameras

What Challenges Do They Present?

The biggest challenge with wireless IP cameras is that they require a power source. For a truly wireless experience, some models are available that operate on solar power or rechargeable batteries. Depending on the camera's location and your organization's specific needs, there are multiple solutions to choose from.

How Many Cameras Are Needed?

In order to determine the number of cameras you'll need, you first need to determine how large an area needs to be surveilled and whether multiple perspectives are required. Once you have that information, you can determine how many cameras will be needed and where they'll be placed to ensure you achieve the correct viewpoints. Similarly, your company must determine which perspectives are most important if you have a smaller area, such as a bus. For example, is a camera in the front of the bus sufficient, or is a rear camera needed, too?

How Important Is Video Quality?

If you plan on potentially using your wireless IP camera footage for legal purposes - such as evidence in a criminal matter - you'll need to ensure the pictures and data you collect are high resolution. Similarly, suppose your company is using cameras to trigger movement alerts. In that case, the images must be able to reach a certain quality level in order to capture even the smallest, most stealthy movements. Your team needs to determine how many frames per second and what level of video compression, or video codec, are necessary.

How Much Bandwidth Is Required — And Available?

Online bandwidth calculators, which are easily accessible, can be quite useful in helping IT staff determine how much bandwidth is needed for different components of a wireless IP camera system. When IP cameras are installed along with cellular routers, things like Cradlepoint's NetCloud Manager can be used to monitor and manage cellular data usage and more remotely, saving organizations a lot of money.

How Will The Cameras Be Housed And Protected?

The best scenario is to place your wireless IP cameras inside an enclosure or other concealed area, which will protect against potentially harmful sunlight, rain, water, and even graffiti and related vandalism.
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About USAT

USAT, part of the MCA family of companies, specializes in designing and deploying fixed and mobile wireless data connectivity solutions for organizations of all sizes — complete with implementation, training, proof of concept (POC), system auditing, and on-site RF surveying services with optional engineering maintenance contracts. 

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Our team not only helps you select, provision, and activate devices, we make sure they work in practical applications and real-life situations.

For over 25 years, USAT has provided cellular communications solutions for various surveillance and security applications across the USA. With our extensive catalog of world-class routers, gateways, and software designed for remote monitoring and management in even the harshest environments — you can count on us to get and keep you connected.

Our connectivity solutions translate to less manual equipment maintenance, reduced downtime, and an overall increase in your business's ROI. Contact the experts at USAT to learn how our wireless networking solutions can help meet your organization's exacting needs.

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