Enhance Security With Reliable Wired Security Cameras

Wired cameras are the foundational technology for traditional security and surveillance systems. Unlike their wireless counterparts, they rely on a physical cable connection to transmit video data to a recording device, typically a digital video recorder (DVR) or network video recorder (NVR).

Wired cameras receive power directly through the cable, eliminating concerns about battery depletion or inconsistent Wi-Fi signals, which ensures uninterrupted recording, even during power outages with a backup battery in the recording device. This physical connection also guarantees consistent and secure video transmission, minimising lag, buffering, and dropped frames – crucial for capturing critical events in their entirety.

There are other benefits, too. Wired systems can easily accommodate multiple cameras, ideal for large-scale surveillance applications, and the wired connection itself often acts as a physical deterrent to tampering, making it harder for intruders to disable the camera or disrupt its recording capabilities.

Wired cameras consist of several components:

Camera Unit

The camera unit is responsible for capturing and processing the visual data that becomes your security footage. The camera includes an image sensor, a fixed, varifocal or zoom lens, an image processor, and a video encoder. Some camera units include advanced features, such as night vision that can illuminate its surroundings with infrared LED to record footage at night or motion detection that triggers alerts or recording based on movement within the camera’s field of vision.

Cabling

Think of cables as the veins carrying vital information throughout your wired system. Choosing the right ones ensures smooth data flow and optimal performance:

• A coaxial cable is a traditional choice for analogue cameras, transmitting video and power in one cable. It's affordable but susceptible to interference and has limited bandwidth.
• A twisted-pair cable is more often used with IP cameras, offering higher bandwidth and longer distances. PoE (Power over Ethernet) enables both video and power transmission through a single cable.
• A fibre optic cable is used for long-distance installations due to minimal signal loss and immunity to interference. However, it's the most expensive option.

Recording Equipment

The recording equipment acts as your system's memory bank, storing and managing captured footage for later review and analysis. Two main options exist:

• A digital video recorder (DVR) records video directly to a hard disk drive (HDD). It's ideal for smaller systems with limited storage requirements and budget constraints.
• Network Video Recorder (NVR), which records video from IP cameras onto a network storage device (NAS) or cloud storage. It offers centralised management, remote access, and scalability for larger systems and budget flexibility.

You can also opt for a hybrid recorder that combines the features of DVRs and NVRs, offering flexibility for different camera types and storage options or cloud recording that stores footage directly in the cloud for secure access from anywhere.

There are other components to consider as well:

Connectivity

Wired cameras communicate with recording equipment using different languages, each with its strengths and limitations.

Analog is the traditional choice, transmitting video as a continuous electrical signal through coaxial cable. It’s simple, affordable and easy to install, but it’s more susceptible to interference, and image resolution is generally of a lower quality.

More advanced analogue technologies include HD-TVI and HD-CVI, which offer high-definition video over coaxial cable. This technology offers higher image resolution and longer transmission distance than traditional analogue, but it’s not as widely supported as IP cameras.

This brings us to IP (Internet Protocol), the modern standard in connectivity. IP transmits digital video data as packets over Ethernet cables and offers superior image quality, supporting high resolutions and advanced features. It’s flexible and scalable, allowing for easy integration with existing networks, but it requires Cat5/6 cables and network infrastructure and can be more complex and expensive to set up and manage.

Power Source

Wired cameras need power to operate, and the options available impact performance and installation. For example, Power over Ethernet (PoE) sends power and data through a single Ethernet cable, eliminating the need for separate power cords and allowing for a simple and clean installation and centralised power management. You can also use individual power cords to connect cameras directly to electrical outlets.

Data Transmission

Data transmission ensures that footage reaches the recording equipment in its entirety. The quality and stability of the video transmission depends largely on the strength of the electrical signal, which in turn is impacted by your cable length and quality, as well as interference from other electrical sources and your bandwidth requirements.

Wired cameras maintain stable data transmission through:

• High-quality cables and proper grounding to minimise interference.
• PoE switches or injectors with adequate power capacity.
• Network infrastructure designed for video streaming.
• Choosing the right data compression settings to balance quality and storage.

It’s important to understand the technical aspects of the cameras you choose so that you can pick the best camera for your needs.

Consistent Performance

Unlike their wireless counterparts, wired cameras are immune to signal dropouts and interference, which ensures a continuous and uninterrupted video feed. This makes them ideal for scenarios where consistent performance is crucial, including high-security environments like banks and government buildings, remote locations with unreliable signal strength, and areas that are prone to weather interference.

Stable Connection

Wired cameras boast a solid connection compared to the potential challenges faced by wireless alternatives. Their physical cable connection guarantees a continuous and secure video feed, free from the risks of Wi-Fi fluctuations, weak signal strength, network overloads or even cybersecurity vulnerabilities.

High Resolution

Wired cameras often offer higher resolution options than wireless alternatives, which means you can enjoy clearer, more detailed images. This is crucial for identifying individuals, objects, and licence plates. Higher resolution also allows for zooming in on specific areas without compromising image quality, which further enhances surveillance effectiveness.

Reduced Interference

Wired cameras experience minimal interference compared to wireless solutions. Their physical cable connection avoids issues like wireless signal congestion that can disrupt signals and lead to lag or physical obstruction by walls and foliage.

Security and Privacy

Data transmitted through cables is less vulnerable to hacking compared to wireless signals, which can be intercepted and manipulated. Wired cameras offer more control over data transmission, allowing you to choose where your footage is stored and who has access to it.

Longevity and Durability

Wired cameras are built to last. Robust construction and minimal reliance on external components make them more durable than wireless options, which may face issues like battery degradation or weather damage, minimising the need for frequent replacements or maintenance.

Mounting and Placement

Proper mounting and placement are key for effective surveillance. Start by determining which areas require monitoring and potential blind spots to eliminate. Next, consider the camera's field of view and adjust the angle for optimal coverage, minimising blind spots. Choose secure and stable locations with good weather resistance, ensuring cameras are not easily accessible or tampered with.

Wiring Procedures

Select a cable type appropriate for distance, weather exposure, and power requirements, as we’ve covered in the earlier section on components. Next, map out the cable path, avoiding obstructions and potential damage points. Try to avoid running CCTV cables parallel with mains or high voltage cable.

Keep these tips in mind:

• Length: Choose cables based on the distance between the camera and recording equipment. Longer cables may require signal boosters.
• Quality: Opt for high-quality cables with proper shielding to minimise interference and ensure reliable data transmission.
• Weather resistance: Choose cables rated for outdoor use if cameras are exposed to the elements.

Always use appropriate clips or conduits to protect and secure the cables from weather and accidental damage.

Connecting to a Monitoring System

Connecting your wired cameras to a DVR or NVR is straightforward. Connect the camera cables to the recording equipment's corresponding ports. Follow the device's instructions to configure camera settings like resolution, recording schedule, and motion detection.

Finally, ensure all cameras are online and functioning properly, adjusting settings as needed for optimal performance.

Remember, consulting a qualified installer can provide valuable assistance with complex setups or challenging environments.

Wired cameras stand out for their reliability, consistent performance, and advanced features, making them a robust choice for home security. Whether for indoor or outdoor use, the right wired camera can provide a secure and stable surveillance solution for your specific needs.

If you are considering setting up an alarm system (including burglar alarms with home security cameras), don’t hesitate to contact us. We provide UK coverage and will be happy to give you a free no-obligation quote.