Video surveillance using outdoor Wi-Fi cameras can significantly increase the security level of a controlled object and is ideal for situations in which it is impossible to install wired devices. When choosing outdoor devices of a wireless type, it is worthwhile to study their types and features, selection criteria, main advantages and disadvantages in advance.
Varieties of Wi-Fi cameras for the street
A wireless standard outdoor camera can work in online mode, save data to a specified medium or transfer it by e-mail or SMS. Devices of this type are resistant to any weather conditions, as they are supplemented with a thermal casing for protection against temperature extremes. Many camera models are equipped with IR LEDs and are suitable for tracking objects in the dark.
Wifi surveillance cameras for the street are divided into several categories depending on the design, installation method, additional parts and the principle of operation.
Swivel
A rotary Wi-Fi camera for any type of street is equipped with a special lens and a mechanism that responds to the movement of a tracking object. It provides a good overview of up to 360 degrees and allows you to control large areas in the required territory. Most modern devices of this type are supplemented with a function of turning vertically or horizontally, as well as IR illumination with a distance of up to 10 meters.
Dome
The main feature of dome devices is the presence of a hemispherical case, inside of which all the details of the device are hidden. Such cameras for outdoor surveillance can be mounted on horizontal and vertical surfaces. Due to the optimal shape, they are reliably protected from the effects of weather and anthropogenic factors, and are also the cheapest in comparison with analogues.
Cylindrical
Cylindrical cameras are practical and convenient due to design features. Modern devices are equipped with built-in speakers and microphones, go well with various types of modems and motion sensors. Cylindrical devices are able to quickly connect to various networks and are equipped with a network and web interface.
With motion sensor
A street Wi-Fi camera with a motion sensor works according to a software or hardware principle. The first type of devices are constantly offline and have a low level of power consumption. The devices of the second type are supplemented by a separate sensor that is not connected to the main electronic circuits of the camera, in this case the target is monitored by ultrasonic vibrations and by calculating the difference in the image pulses.
IP models are popular, the work of which is carried out via the Internet after binding the device to the IP address of the computer. This makes it possible to monitor using a telephone, modem or wireless adapter. GSM-cameras are connected to the satellite tracking system, which makes it possible to view the footage from any devices with Internet access. The complete set of such devices usually includes a tracking sensor, as well as additional elements.
Camera Features
The outdoor Wi-Fi CCTV camera is suitable for use in any places where there is no possibility to connect electricity. They are used for monitoring and security of private, industrial or commercial territories, monitoring bridges, stations and highways, as well as other objects.Such a camera is a full-fledged video surveillance device with the ability to write files to a Micro SD flash card.
Users can access archives using a mobile or computer application, set up recording on a PC or connect cameras to cloud storage to store files on a remote server. Most wireless camera models connect to the router and configure in a standard way. After connecting to the router, the camera independently sets up a remote connection using P2P technology, which makes it possible to control the device from anywhere.
Outdoor surveillance cameras differ from internal devices in the presence of a special enclosure that is resistant to environmental influences. Most modern outdoor appliances are equipped with a vandal-proof heating module that complies with the IP66 protection standard. They are reliably protected from blows by various objects, intentional damages, penetration of dust and hit of liquids inside.
Criteria for choosing a Wi-Fi camera for the street
When choosing an outdoor Wi-Fi camera, you need to determine what options such a device should be equipped with, depending on your needs. This list may include auto-switching in day and night mode, transmitting a signal from a microphone, switching on from a motion sensor, encoding a video signal, IR illumination, recording a video archive and much more. It is important to pay attention to image quality characteristics, including viewing angle, sensitivity, resolution, temperature mode and recording compression method.
The main parameter is the degree of review, which determines the size of the controlled territory. If the monitored area should be large horizontally, it is better to choose cameras with wide-angle lenses. To control objects located at large distances, it is worthwhile to purchase devices with telephoto lenses, but keep in mind that they reduce the horizontal field of view.
Video compression can be done in JPEG or H.164 formats; the most modern cameras support the second type of format.
Connectivity Highlights
To connect and configure the device, it is enough to perform a number of simple steps and follow the step by step instructions:
- Connect the camera to the router using the UTP network cable and connect the router to the computer.
- Enter the IP address of the camera in the browser, go to the device settings and add a login with a password.
- Set all the necessary parameters according to the instructions.
- Reboot the device, disconnect the wire and connect the camera via a wireless Wi-Fi network until a signal appears.
- Install the software from the disk that comes with the camera, or download new versions of the software from the manufacturer’s website.
In conclusion, users will have to provide remote access to devices using special software.
Advantages and disadvantages
The list of advantages of street Wi-Fi cameras includes the lack of cables, which increases the mobility of the device and allows you to mount it where it is impossible to lay wires. Users can save archives on the cloud and access them from anywhere, configure the technology for triggering motion and alarm sensors, view files from the camera in real time and manage device turns online. Devices can be used for broadcast and work at a specially set time, for covert surveillance and as webcams.
Among the shortcomings are the low level of information security and the risk of hacking. Wi-Fi signal may be interrupted due to unforeseen circumstances, including weather, equipment failure and other factors. During the installation of the cameras, monolithic walls can degrade the transmission, transmission and reception of the signal.
If there are a large number of devices connected to one router, the capabilities of the data transfer channel are significantly reduced, this must be taken into account during the installation process.
