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Guide to Video Surveillance Systems

WiFi security cameras have brought a new level of freedom and flexibility to the world of safety and surveillance. Because they can operate apart from a wired network, you have the ability to install them farther and wider than ever before. This means that you can have all the power of high-end video security — including 4K resolution, high-performance sensors, advanced zoom, motion detection, and more — even for applications like construction sites, events, parking lots, or temporary facilities that are out of reach from ethernet cables. With a wireless WiFi security camera system, you get everything you need plus the versatility of an untethered experience.

Jump to each section to learn more:

• Where Are WiFi Security Cameras Used?

• What Are the Types of WiFi Security Cameras?

• What to Look for in a WiFi Wireless Security Camera

• What Features Will Extend the Lifespan of WiFi Wireless Security Cameras?

• What to Consider When Buying a WiFi Security Camera

WiFi Security Cameras Are Commonly Used in:

• Construction
• Events
• Temporary Facilities
• Parking Lots
• Patient Monitoring
• Pop-Up Stores and Sites
• Anywhere Requiring an Outdoor Security Camera

Types of WiFi Security Cameras:

• WiFi Dome Cameras: Ideal for indoor environments, WiFi dome cameras can leverage the wireless network distributed throughout a building. Some dome cameras with advanced sensors can capture a high level of detail while covering a massive area. Since the lens is protected by a spherical casing, dome cameras tend to be more durable and more resistant to vandalism than other models. Dome security cameras have become popular to deploy due to their discreet appearance and are effective in both indoor settings and anywhere you might need an outdoor WiFi camera.
• WiFi Bullet Cameras: Bullet cameras are named after their long, cylindrical shape that faintly resembles a bullet shell. Once installed, users can adjust the WiFi bullet camera to point to the area they want to monitor. Because of their design, they are intended to focus on a specific area (e.g., an entryway or traffic intersection) and can leverage a combination of high resolution and zoom to capture greater detail. Compared to dome cameras, they’re more prone to being tampered with or manually repositioned to point in a different direction.
• WiFi 4K Cameras: 4K security cameras use 8 megapixel (8MP) image sensors, allowing them to record footage with better contrast, color, and low-light performance than what was previously possible. With 2160p ultra-high-definition (UHD) image resolution, they can produce videos that are four times sharper and higher in clarity than 1080p HD security cameras. The high pixel density of the best WiFi camera will allow you to zoom in on distant objects without reducing image quality. When incidents do occur, 4K security cameras offer the best chance of capturing useful evidence — a feature of all of today’s best wireless security camera systems.
• Mini WiFi Cameras: Mini WiFi security cameras offer the same benefits, flexibility, and freedom of their larger counterparts — all in a smaller package. Given the popularity of WiFi camera systems in temporary facilities or events, the smaller size and lighter weight only adds to their versatility and practicality. This is why many users are now looking for mini wireless cameras when designing the best security camera system. Mini WiFi cameras are even easier to install and deploy in almost any area, giving you the power to never sacrifice security even when real-world conditions would otherwise make it challenging. Using smaller-sized devices can also help companies make a big difference when it comes to building the best budget security camera system.

What to Look for in a WiFi Security Camera:

The following are a few of the best features and baseline specifications for the leading WiFi security cameras used in video surveillance:

• Cloud and Built-In Storage: One drawback to WiFi security cameras is that WiFi is inherently less reliable than an Ethernet connection. Because there is less reliability during downtime, this means that network access is likely to be dropped more often. This is a known tradeoff, but you can minimize any actual impact by ensuring that the data is stored locally on the camera in a Solid-State Drive (SSD) along with its capability to upload to the cloud. That way, even if the connection is lost temporarily, the footage never will be. This “hybrid cloud” method can be considered safer and more reliable than systems that rely on just one method, and is something all wireless security camera systems should have.
• Video Data Encryption: To protect from tampering or theft, WiFi security cameras need to have safeguards in place. Video data encryption is a way to conceal information by scrambling data so that only authorized parties can decode it. This goes far beyond just physical attacks, as IP cameras are often targeted in IoT breaches, and the top modern cybersecurity standards will protect both data at rest and data in transit.
• Secure Remote Access Monitoring: With traditional video camera security, a company would typically set up, manage, and operate its entire surveillance system onsite. But today, everything needs to be handled remotely, and this capability is even more essential with WiFi security cameras that are often deployed in temporary or outdoor areas apart from the local area network. The key when buying any remote security camera is to choose something that is convenient for authorized users to access while remaining highly secure.
• Motion Detection: Many modern wireless security camera systems incorporate motion detection, which allows the device to only record footage in high resolution if meaningful activity is detected in the frame. Because cameras that record continuously sometimes can require a considerable amount of bandwidth, having an outdoor WiFi camera, in particular, with this feature is highly beneficial. It can be a powerful tool for intelligently reducing any connectivity complications while still retaining high-quality video footage at the most important times.

Features that Extend the Lifespan of WiFi Security Cameras:

Given their high value and your need for long-lasting performance, buyers should always consider the expected lifespan of any WiFi security camera. The following factors will play a role in the lifecycle and functionality of your device in the years to come:

• Product Warranty: A WiFi security camera warranty is a form of accident insurance that protects your investment in case the device breaks down from regular usage. The length of the included warranty varies across brands and product lines, but it is a noteworthy consideration when making any significant purchasing decision. The longer the WiFi security camera warranty, the more value it adds to your total cost of ownership.
• Vandal Resistance (IK): The extent to which a wireless security camera can withstand external impact is classified by the Vandal Resistant Rating. Also known as an IK Code, this international standard provides insight into the protection level of any security camera’s outer shell. The higher the IK code, the higher the impact a camera can withstand — something you need to know if you play to deploy the best outdoor security camera system.
• Ingress Protection (IP) Rating: The IP Rating of a WiFi security camera is a two-digit code that defines the device’s weatherproof capability. This is something buyers should give special attention if they plan to deploy outdoor security cameras. The two-digit IP Rating indicates both intrusion protection (with the first digit) and moisture protection (with the second digit). The higher the digit, the more water and moisture protection a camera has.

What to Consider When Buying a WiFi Camera for Video Surveillance:

1. Where will the wireless security camera be deployed? (Indoor? Outdoor?)
2. What type of connectivity does the location have?
3. Will the WiFi security camera be deployed in the same place for years? Or will it be deployed temporarily?
4. How large is the area being surveilled?
5. What are your overall video security system goals? (Monitoring entry/exit points? Identification?)
6. What are your operational requirements of your wireless security camera system? (How will the footage be stored and for how long?)
7. What are your technical requirements? (How fast is the connectivity? Will the bandwidth and transfer speeds be able to support the recording?)
8. How much is the total cost of ownership? (Upfront and ongoing operational costs?)

Wi-Fi Mini IP Camera for Surveillance via Smartphone

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Ambertek Q6S Flexible Wi-Fi Mini Camera

• HD 720p Video
• Internet Access
• Motion sensor
• Autonomy up to 6 hours
• Removable battery 2600mAh
• microSD up to 128 GB
• Weight: 25 g
• Size: 65(170)x25x15 mm (without batteries)

8 900 ₽ 6 780 ₽

New model

Wi-Fi IP mini camera Ambertek Q8S version 3.

0

• Full HD 1080p (H.264+)
• Internet Access
• IR night light
• Motion sensor
• Autonomy up to 3 hours
• microSD up to 128 GB
• Cloud storage
• Weight: 40 g, size: 34x34x37 mm

8 110 ₽ 6 980 ₽

Bestseller

Wi-Fi IP Mini Camcorder Ambertek Q85S FOWL

• Full HD 1080p (H.264+)
• Internet Access
• IR night light
• PIR motion sensor
• Autonomy up to 200 days
• microSD up to 128 GB
• Weight: 78 g, size: 43x43x40 mm

12 430 ₽ 7 980 ₽

Pending

Ambertek Q9S PTZ Wi-Fi IP Camera

• Full HD 1080p (H.264)
• Pan and tilt servo
• Internet Access
• IR night light – up to 10 meters
• Motion and sound sensor
• Auto tracking function!
• Audio communication and signaling
• Storage of records in the cloud service
• MicroSD up to 128 GB
• Weight: 170 gr, dimensions: 106×68 mm

4,900 ₽ 2,980 ₽

New Model

Ambertek Q10S Outdoor Wi-Fi IP Camera

• Full HD 1080p (H. 264)
• Degree of protection IP67
• Pan and tilt servo
• Internet Access
• IR night light – up to 50 meters
• Motion and sound sensor
• Auto tracking function!
• Audio communication and signaling
• Storage of records in the cloud service
• MicroSD up to 128 GB

10 680 ₽ 4 880 ₽

Pending

Kodak Cherish F685 PTZ Wi-Fi Camera

• HD 1080p color video
• Pan and tilt servo
• Internet Access
• IR night light – up to 10 meters
• Sound/environment sensor
• Autonomy up to 5 hours
• Viewing angle – 110°
• Two-way audio
• Storage of records in the cloud service
• MicroSD up to 128 GB
• Weight: 225 gr, dimensions: 120×60 mm

12,810 ₽ 5,980 ₽

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Today, video surveillance is one of the most common components of security systems: it allows you to constantly remotely monitor everything that happens where it is installed. Video surveillance is used not only for the protection of objects and premises, but also for domestic purposes. For example, in order to control the nanny, housekeeper or other attendants who are in the house. The mini wireless camera is an ideal device for organizing covert video surveillance.

Where and how is the technology of video surveillance through wireless mini cameras used?

Wireless mini surveillance cameras are most widely used in the service and business sectors. Due to its small size, you can covertly control the actions of employees and maintenance personnel. This allows you to identify any attempts to steal or damage property by employees. Also, a spy wireless mini camera will be relevant in office premises. It can be easily installed in the office and even at home, to monitor what is happening inside.

Wireless miniature cameras can be quickly and easily installed almost anywhere without arousing suspicion: bookshelves, tables, various stands, interior elements – such a device is very easy to hide from prying eyes. In addition, their main advantages include:

• 1. High image quality.
• 2. Low power consumption.
• 3. Ability to transfer data remotely via the Internet.

Which wireless WiFi mini camera should I choose for surveillance?

There are so many miniature Wi-Fi cameras on the market today, but how do you choose the one that fits your needs perfectly? In order to answer this question, consider the characteristics of the most popular devices in this segment.

Ambertek Q85S Wi-Fi IP mini camera with PIR motion sensor is one of the most demanded cameras with remote access. The advantage of this model is a thermal PIR sensor, with which the camera can save battery power and work for a long time without recharging. At the same time, the mini camera provides shooting color video with a resolution of 1920×1080. Automatic night illumination, a wide-angle lens, and the mount included in the kit are all that is needed to set up a full-fledged observation of an object both in the daytime and at night. Wi-Fi IP mini camera Ambertek Q85S can record video both on a memory card that is inserted inside the camera and in cloud storage. To view the video, there is no need to remove the memory card from the camera, you just need to open the free application on your mobile device and go to the appropriate section.

Another model that has an incredibly small size is a flexible Wi-Fi mini camera – the Ambertek Q6S endoscope. The convenient flexible base of the camera and the 140-degree wide-angle lens allow you to fix the device as discreetly as possible and transmit video with excellent sound quality in real time. This model can be easily transported and can work up to 6 hours autonomously from a removable battery included in the package and connected using a swivel connector. Like the previous model, video recording in continuous mode or by a motion sensor is made on a memory card with a maximum capacity of up to 128GB and is available for viewing through a free mobile application.

Another mini camera that can be used for high-quality and discreet shooting is Wi-Fi IP mini camera Ambertek Q8S version 3. 0. It has a built-in high-capacity battery, records beautiful Full HD 1080p video, but at the same time it has a very small size – only 34x34x37mm and weighs 40 grams. You can use the device as a camcorder or car DVR. Due to its easy setup and the possibility of remote viewing via the Internet, it will become an ideal assistant in organizing your own security video system for your home or apartment. It is worth noting that this wireless mini IP camera is compatible with iOS and Android mobile operating systems.

Ambertek Q9S rotary Wi-Fi mini video camera is one of the most popular novelties. In addition to wide functionality and the highest quality of video transmission, you can control the pan/tilt of the camera lens through a free mobile application. This model is perfect for monitoring children or the elderly, as well as for protecting your home. The Ambertek Q9S video camera is equipped with a tracking sensor and, when a moving object appears in the room, it automatically turns after it, sending notifications about the beginning of movement to the mobile device and fixing everything on a memory card up to 128GB.

Ambertek Q10S outdoor Wi-Fi IP camera has a similar principle of operation. This camera model is widely used both for installation in personal plots and in apartment buildings for monitoring the local area. For example, the camera perfectly captures the area of ​​the parking space, recording and transferring everything that happens to the car to your mobile device. Ambertek Q10S is made of high quality plastic, has a waterproof case and can operate in the temperature range from -30 to +40°C. The most powerful night illumination covers up to 50 meters of the adjacent territory. When you receive a notification, you can use the application to control the angle of rotation and tilt of the camera, or activate the auto-tracking function.

It is not uncommon for a full-size camera with a built-in battery to be required, and the Kodak F685 PTZ Wi-Fi camcorder is one such model. The ability to work from the built-in battery up to 4 hours, the presence of night illumination and the ability to control the angle of rotation of the camera make this model universal and most convenient to use. Like other Wi-Fi IP cameras, Kodak F685 transmits high quality color video with sound, and viewing is possible through a free mobile application based on IOS/Android. You can install the camera either on a flat horizontal surface or hang it on the wall to increase the field of view.

In order to decide on the choice of a device for covert video surveillance, you must first ask yourself the question: “Where and for what purpose will it be used?”. For example, in order to track the movement of employees in the office, a resolution of 1280×720 will be enough, and if you need to see small details, it is better to stop at models with a higher quality of the transmitted video. You can buy hidden wireless mini cameras in our online store. We offer a wide range of models and affordable prices for all items.

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Truth and myths about Wi-Fi in IP-video surveillance

In “IP-security” | To the list of rubrics | To the list of authors | To the list of publications

Truth and myths about Wi-Fi in IP video surveillance

A. A. Malukhin
Technical specialist of “BayErg” LLC

In this article, we decided to talk again about Wi-Fi technology. The fact is that so far its potential has not been sufficiently disclosed, and it is rarely used in the construction of security systems. Without dwelling on the technical details, we draw the attention of readers to the use of Wi-Fi in video surveillance systems.

However, we still cannot avoid some technical data. First, let’s answer the question, what is Wi-Fi?

Wi-Fi (eng. Wireless Fidelity – “wireless accuracy”, by analogy with Hi-Fi) is a standard for Wireless LAN equipment. Developed by the Wi-Fi Alliance consortium based on IEEE 802.11 standards. Wi-Fi is a trademark of the Wi-Fi Alliance.

How it works?

Wi-Fi is a modern technology for organizing wireless networks over a radio channel. Typically, a Wi-Fi network layout contains at least one access point and at least one client. It is also possible to connect two clients in the “point-to-point” mode, in this case the access point is not used, and the clients are connected via wireless network adapters “directly”.

By the way, when an access point is used, it should be borne in mind that it is a regular hub. When several cameras connect to one point, the bandwidth is divided by the number of connected users. Theoretically, there are no restrictions on the number of connected cameras, but in practice their number should be limited based on the minimum required data transfer rate for each camera. For example, one network camera with VGA resolution and 2-5 frames per second with low compression in the most popular MPEG-4 format occupies a bandwidth of 2-2.5 Mbps. This means that 10 cameras will take a maximum of 25 Mbps, that is, an access point with a bandwidth of 54 Mbps (and with a real data transfer rate of 25 Mbps) will allow you to receive a signal from 10 Wi-Fi cameras without problems, and if we take into account cameras with more modern H.264 compression, then the stream from a camera with the same quality will take about 0.5-1 Mbps. More than 25 video cameras can be connected to one access point. More detailed information about Wi-Fi throughput is given in Table. 1.

Table data. 1 show that the Wi-Fi standard is not limited to short distances and walls of rooms, and in open areas in direct line of sight it can work at a distance of almost 500 m. Agree, this is already an acceptable figure for professional video surveillance systems, because when using modern streaming compression algorithms a speed of 0.5 Mbps may be enough to transmit 1 channel of decent quality video.

And if you consider that this distance can be increased using directional antennas and intermediate access points, then this solution becomes even more interesting.

The scheme of the video surveillance system using Wi-Fi is shown in fig. 1.

In table. Figure 2 shows the distances at which (according to “restricted” data from IP video camera manufacturers) cameras with built-in Wi-Fi modules of the 802.11g standard can operate.

Shown in Fig. 1 scheme is a hybrid, that is, it involves the use of “wired” and “wireless” IP cameras, and in fig. 2 is an example
a system built entirely on Wi-Fi It is clear that there can be several dozen cameras connected according to this scheme, and the working distance can reach several hundred meters.

However, the distance can be even more. For example, some of the manufacturers claim that their externally directed antennas (Fig. 3) allow at a speed of 1/11 Mbps (when working with external access points and line of sight) to increase the transmission distance to 2 .5/1 km. True, here the manufacturer immediately makes a reservation, indicating that “environmental factors can affect the range.”

Is there any reason for doubt?

What confuses users in Wi-Fi technology? Let’s dwell a little more on the misconceptions that still exist among consumers who are distrustful of the use of Wi-Fi in video surveillance systems:

• Connection security

  The correct selection of equipment, the use of external narrowly directed antennas (which, by the way, can be removed from the video camera at a distance of up to 30 m with a cable) and intermediate access points successfully solve this problem.

• Communication security

  Protection of video information in wireless IP video surveillance systems is achieved in several ways. Key among them are: the use of firewalls, the use of passwords and encryption. The firewall works as an electronic “gateway” that allows registered users to pass through and prevents unauthorized persons from accessing. The use of passwords allows not only to restrict access to the video surveillance system, but also to distribute the access rights of personnel to certain video cameras. And with encryption, attempts to intercept encrypted data in an IP video surveillance system become meaningless if the attacker does not know the unique code to decrypt the data stream. The code, in turn, is set by the system administrator

• Wi-Fi legitimacy

  This question is a little more difficult. The fact is that in Russia, the use of Wi-Fi without permission to use frequencies from the State Commission on Radio Frequencies (SCRF) is possible for organizing a network inside buildings, closed warehouses and industrial areas. To legally create an out-of-office Wi-Fi wireless network (for example, a radio channel between two neighboring houses), you must obtain permission to use frequencies. At the same time, it should be recalled that there is a simplified procedure for issuing permits for the use of radio frequencies in the band 2400-2483.5 MHz (standards 802.11 b and d), to obtain such a permit, you do not need to apply to the SCRF.

• Signal jamming

  Such a danger does exist. But, firstly, in order to completely drown out the signal, a sufficiently powerful source is needed, and, secondly, this source must be very close to the radio path. However, even in this case, you can try to solve the problem with the help of powerful narrowly directed antennas.

• Radiation hazard

  The World Health Organization has recognized Wi-Fi radiation as harmless to human health. For example, radiation from Wi-Fi devices is on average 10-20 times lower than from a conventional cell phone.

Selecting a Wi-Fi-IP camcorder

We have considered the issues related to the Wi-Fi technology itself, now it’s time for the questions that you should pay attention to when choosing a Wi-Fi IP video camera.

• Wi-Fi Standard

  We recommend choosing those camcorders that support 802.11g, since the 802.11b standard is slower, 802.11a is not allowed in Russia, 802.11n has not yet been finally adopted.

• Antenna

  It is desirable that it be removable. This, if necessary, will allow you to replace the standard antenna with a more powerful one and, therefore, transmit the signal over long distances and at a higher speed.

• Design

  If the camera has a standard design, then there will be no problems when you want to install it in a casing and use it outdoors.

• Supported compression algorithms

  It is known that the greater the distance from a Wi-Fi camera to an access point and the more cameras are connected to one access point, the
  less channel width for each of them. Therefore, we recommend choosing cameras that support modern streaming compression algorithms MPEG-4, H.264, etc., which allow you to transfer good quality video over a “thin” channel.

• Data protection

  Since Wi-Fi is a signal transmission over a radio channel, and a “suspected intruder” may try to intercept the signal, we recommend choosing those cameras that have IP address filtering, signal encryption

• Do I need a regular RJ-45 network port?

  The presence of this port will allow, if desired, to use a Wi-Fi camcorder as a regular wired one.

• Audio communication with the object, connection of sensors and actuators

  If you need audio communication and connection of the specified equipment, then it is better to immediately purchase a video camera with audio input and output, alarm inputs, so that in the future you do not have to pull wires to implement additional functions. As for the rest of the recommendations, they do not differ from the usual recommendations for choosing IP video cameras.

Wi-Fi-IP video surveillance is a reality. As you can see, all questions about Wi-Fi have answers, and the answers are positive. From the realm of fantasy, wireless systems that were once just an accessory to films about spies and extraterrestrial civilizations have moved into reality. Wi-Fi technology already today provides unique opportunities for building video surveillance systems, especially in conditions that are difficult to lay cables, as well as in cases where it is necessary to optimize the time and cost of installing, connecting and maintaining IP video surveillance systems.

Here is a summary table with the technical parameters of wireless IP cameras. The information is provided to the editors directly by the manufacturers/suppliers of this type of equipment. Author 024

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Malukhin A.