Comparing the Performance of Wired vs Wireless Security Cameras

Jon Jones ● Jan 9 ● 13 min read

Are you tired of trying to decide between wired vs wireless security cameras for your business? It can be a tough choice, as both options have their own unique set of benefits and drawbacks. In this blog, we will delve into the pros and cons of wired vs wireless security cameras, so you can make an informed decision about which option is best for you.

Wired vs Wireless Security Cameras: Pros and Cons

Pros of Wireless Security Cameras

Wireless security cameras offer the convenience of installation without the need for hardwired connections to a power source or network. This means they can be placed almost anywhere and moved around easily, making them a versatile and flexible choice for many applications. Additionally, wireless cameras do not require any drilling or wiring, which can be a major advantage in historic buildings where altering the structure is not an option.

Pros of Wired Security Cameras

On the other hand, wired security cameras require a physical connection to a power source and network, but they offer some benefits that wireless cameras do not. For example, wired cameras generally have a more stable and reliable connection, as they are not subject to interference from other devices or external factors such as weather. Additionally, wired cameras often offer higher quality video and audio, as they have a dedicated connection that is not affected by bandwidth constraints.

Overall, the choice between wired and wireless security cameras depends on the specific needs and requirements of the application. Wireless cameras offer the convenience of easy installation and mobility, while wired cameras offer the stability and quality of a dedicated connection

FAQs about Wired vs Wireless Security Cameras

Still wondering about the benefits of wired vs wireless security cameras? Consider the following FAQs.

1. What are the differences between wired vs wireless security cameras?
   • Wired security cameras are connected to a recording device or network using a physical cable, while wireless security cameras transmit video and audio signals wirelessly over a network or internet connection.
2. How does the installation process differ for wired and wireless security cameras?
   • Wired security cameras require the installation of cables, which can be more time-consuming and may require the assistance of a professional. Wireless security cameras are generally easier to install as they do not require the installation of cables.
3. Are wired or wireless security cameras more expensive?
   • Wired security cameras can be more expensive due to the cost of installing cables. Wireless security cameras are generally less expensive, but may require additional equipment such as a wireless network or internet connection.

Wired vs Wireless Security Cameras: An Introduction to Verkada

Here at Monarch, we will work with you to design a surveillance system with practical and easy-to-use wireless cameras. Together, we will design, implement, and oversee a security infrastructure for both safety and convenience.

Verkada offers a wide range of security products, including facial recognition cameras, access control, intrusion sensors and professional monitoring. All Verkada devices integrate with each other and are managed from a single cloud dashboard. Consider the following features of all Verkada devices:

Simple to Use

• Solid-state Storage (SSD): No NVR, DVR, or server is required. This means you pay for what you use – and that’s all. This reduces any extra overhead operations and the associated expenses,
• Regular, Automatic Software Updates: No need to worry about if your devices are working properly or are up-to-date with our Verkada devices.
• Simple Plug-and-Play Install: Just a standard Ethernet cable is required for the cameras to be brought online and fully operational within minutes.
• Accessible Anywhere, Anytime: Access archived or live feed videos on any device or browser
• Time lapse: Watch a day of footage in under 30 seconds with timelapses.
• Floor Plan: Quickly respond to incidents with real-time motion plotting. 

Scalable

• Unlimited Storage on Camera and Cloud: Reduce your organizations’ liability risk with unlimited cloud archiving offered by Verkada cameras.
• Unlimited Users Allowed: You can easily authorize admins access to an unlimited number of users.
• Infinitely Scalable: No matter how large the facility is, we can help you keep everyone on the same page. 

Limitlessly Smart

• AI-Based Video Analytics – People and Vehicle: Face detection, person of interest detection, and license plate detection are all available.
• Smart Filters: Search for specific people, vehicles, and objects without having to spend too much time scrubbing through footage.
• Live Alerts: Receive instant alerts in any meaningful event
• Shareable Live Feeds: Share your live feed via SMS. This is useful as you can send it to first responders in case of an emergency for dramatically reduced response time.
• 10-Year Warranty: Rest assured that your money is well protected

Wired vs Wireless Security Cameras: Cloud-Based Verkada Cameras

Verkada offers some of the best wireless security cameras for surveillance systems. These cameras include: the Verkada Indoor Dome Series, the Verkada Outdoor Dome Series, the Verkada Bullet Series, the Verkada Mini Series, and Verkada Fisheye Series. With such wireless security cameras, you won’t have to worry about improving them.

Verkada Indoor Dome Series

The Dome Series from Verkada provides enterprise-grade security in a variety of models suitable for any environment – indoors or outdoors. These hybrid cloud cameras have a long-lasting, vandal-resistant design and sensor resolutions of up to 4K. Thus, they are one of the best general-purpose wireless security cameras on the market.

All of the cameras in the Dome Series are straightforward to install and ready to use right out of the box without any additional configurations or downloads. Thus, organizations can quickly scale coverage and situational awareness across any number of locations using standard features such as data encryption in transit and at rest, onboard storage, and advanced motion-based insights.

There are models in the Indoor Dome Series: CD42, CD52, and C62.

	CD42	CD52	CD62
Type	Indoors	Indoors	Indoors
Image Resolution	5MP	5MP	4K
Type of Lens	Fixed, with 3x Zoom Digitally	Zoom, with 3x Optical and Digital Zoom	Zoom, with 3x Optical and Digital Zoom
Standard Retention	Up to 365 Days	Up to 365 Days	Up to 90 Days
Standard Storage	Up to 2TB	Up to 2TB	Up to 2TB
Audio	Yes	Yes	Yes
IR Range	15m	30m	30m
Rating	IK08	IK08	IK08

The Verkada Outdoor Dome Series

The Verkada Outdoor Dome Series is both weather- and tamper-resistant. Its capabilities function well even in areas with limited bandwidth and connectivity. They are perfect for monitoring the parking lot and the exterior of buildings (e.g., to capture key license plates). There are three three models in the Outdoor Dome Series: CD42-E, CD52-E, and C62-E.

	CD42-E	CD52-E	CD62-E
Type	Outdoors	Outdoors	Outdoors
Image Resolution	5MP	5MP	4K
Type of Lens	Fixed, with 3x Zoom Digitally	Zoom, with 3x Optical and Digital Zoom	Zoom, with 3x Optical and Digital Zoom
Standard Retention	Up to 365 Days	Up to 365 Days	Up to 90 Days
Standard Storage	Up to 2TB	Up to 2TB	Up to 2TB
Audio	Yes	Yes	Yes
IR Range	15m	30m	30m
Rating	IK10 & IP67	IK10 & IP67	IK10 & IP67

The Verkada Bullet Series

The Bullet Series from Verkada is built to withstand extreme conditions, and its conspicuous appearance is meant to deter would-be assailants.

These cameras’ lenses can be either wide-angle or telephoto, giving you the flexibility to capture a broad scene or focus in on distant details, respectively. In addition to being able to take clear pictures up to 50 feet away in the dark, they also have powerful long-range IR LEDs.

Bullet cameras are weather-resistant and can be used in the open air. They have a strong aluminum unibody with hermetically sealed internal electrical components. The exterior housing is protected from dust and water to an IP67 standard, and from vandalism, hail, and other flying objects to an IK10 standard. Thus, the bullet camera is an ideal wireless security camera.

There are four three models in the Bullet Series: CB51-E, CB61-E, CB51-TE, CB61-TE.

	CB51-E	CB51-TE	CB61-E	CB61-TE
Type	Indoor and/or Outdoor	Indoor and/or Outdoor	Indoor and/or Outdoor	Indoor and/or Outdoor
Image Resolution	5MP	5MP	4K	4K
Type of Lens	Zoom, with up to 3x Optical and Digital zoom	Telephoto Zoom, with 8-20mm focal length	Zoom, with up to 3x Optical and Digital zoom	Telephoto Zoom, with 8-20mm focal length
Standard Retention	Up to 2TB	Up to 2TB	Up to 2TB	Up to 2TB
Standard Storage	Up to 365 Days	Up to 365 Days	Up to 90 Days	Up to 90 Days
Audio	–	–	–	–
IR Range	30m	50m	30m	50m
Rating	IK10 & IP167	IK10 & IP167	IK10 & IP167	IK10 & IP167

The Verkada Mini Series

The Verkada Mini Series offers flexibility and high resolution for crystal clear footage. The Mini Camera is a compact size that can fit any space, anywhere. There are three three models in the Mini Series: CM41-S, CM41, and CM41-E.

	CM41-S	CM41	CM41-E
Type	Indoor	Indoor	Outdoor
Image Resolution	5MP	5MP	5MP
Type of Lens	Fixed, with up to 3x Digital Zoom	Fixed, with up to 3x Digital Zoom	Fixed, with up to 3x Digital Zoom
Standard Retention	Up to 90 days	Up to 365 Days	Up to 365 Days
Standard Storage	Up to 385GB	Up to 2TB	Up to 2TB
Audio	–	Yes	–
IR Range	N/A	15m	15m
Rating	N/A	IK08	IK10 & IP67

The Fisheye Camera

Using sophisticated onboard processing and a wide–angle 12MP image sensor, the CF81-E fisheye camera from Verkada offers dynamic viewing experiences. In fact, there are five different viewing options available to users: panoramic, digital pan-tilt-zoom, 2-way split, 3-way split, and 4-way split.

The CF81-E has an IP67 rating, making it suitable for use in either indoor or outdoor environments. The exterior housing has an impact resistance level of IK10, making it safe from vandalism, hail, and other flying objects. The CF81-E, like all Verkada cameras, can be used straight from the box with no further settings adjustments required. Considering its durability, the fisheye camera is one of the best wireless security cameras.

	Fisheye CF81-E
Type	Indoor and/or Outdoor
Image Resolution	12MP
Type of Lens	Fixed, with 3x Digital Zoom
Standard Retention	Maximum of 90 Days of Standard Quality Retention
Standard Storage	Up to 2TB of Onboard Storage
IR Range	20M
Angle of View	180°
Rating	IK10 and IP67
Audio	Yes
NDAA Compliant	Yes
Analytics	Ambarella Chipset for People and Vehicle Analytics
Viewing Modes	Panoramic; Four–Way Split; Pan-Tilt–Zoom

Three different view modes are supported by the CF81-E. You can customize the view mode to meet the requirements of the install location.

• Four-way split: Use a single camera to watch four distinct fields of view.
• 180° Panoramic: A wide-angle view that is ideal for an open area or a corridor.
• Pan-tilt-zoom (ePTZ): Provides a panoramic, all-encompassing view of your environment

Panoramic

Panoramic is the first view mode of the fisheye camera. The camera will have a 180° horizontal field of view in this mode. The camera can be tilted to adjust the fields of view to your preferences.

Four-Way Split

Four-Way Split is the second mode of the fisheye camera. You can monitor four distinct areas all at the same time using the Four-Way Split mode. It’s especially useful for monitoring an outdoor corner, a hallway intersection, or when replacing multiple cameras with one. Job site administrators can adjust the Four-Way Split’s angles to better suit their needs and maximize the fields of view.

Pan-Tilt-Zoom (PTZ)

Pan-Tilt-Zoom (PTZ) is the third, adaptable mode of the fisheye camera. You can choose to display the video feed in Pan-Tilt-Zoom as a 360° view, a tiles view with various angles, or by using your digital PTZ functionality to pan, tilt, and zoom around the image.

	180° Panoramic	Four-way Split	Pan-Tilt-Zoom
Privacy Zones	Y	Y	Y
People Counting	Y	Y	–
People Analytics	Y	Y	–
Vehicle Counting	Y	Y	–
Vehicle Analytics	Y	Y	–
Crowd Alerts	Y	Y	–
Motion Alerts	Y	Y	Y
Motion Search	Y	Y	Y
Audio	Y	Y	Y

Explore Security Cameras

Wired vs Wireless Security Cameras: Night Vision with Verkada

Rest assured that your property is protected with Verkada’s cameras – even at night. Verkada’s Dome, Bullet, Mini, and Fisheye series of security cameras all come equipped with night vision capabilities. This allows the cameras to capture clear, high-resolution footage even in low light conditions.

Verkada’s night vision technology uses infrared (IR) illuminators to enhance visibility, with a range that varies depending on the specific camera model. For example, the Bullet series of cameras has a night vision range of up to 50 meters, while the Mini series has a range of up to 20 meters.

In addition, Verkada’s night vision cameras are equipped with technology that automatically adjusts the intensity of the IR illuminators based on the available light, ensuring that the footage captured is always clear and of the highest quality.

Wired vs Wireless Security Cameras: Continuous Security Monitoring

Remote security monitoring is a process that allows security professionals to keep an eye on your property and assets from afar 24 hours a day, seven days a week. There are many benefits of using remote security monitoring with wireless security cameras – mainly improving your security system. Some benefits includes deterring crime, catching criminals in the act, providing evidence for criminal prosecution, and peace of mind.

• Deter Theft, Vandalism, and Crime: Security systems with remote security monitoring can be an effective deterrent to criminals. If potential criminals are aware that their activities are being actively monitored, their likelihood of committing a crime decreases.
• Identify Criminals in Real-time: Remote security monitoring is an important security measure as it can help catch criminals in the act. This type of system provides a proactive approach to security by alerting security personnel to potential risks as they are happening, rather than after the fact.
• Provide Evidence: Remote security monitoring can also provide evidence for prosecution in the event of a crime. This ensures that criminals are apprehended and prosecuted, and it may protect your business from a repeat offense.
• Peace of Mind: Remote security monitoring can provide peace of mind for business owners. Knowing that your property has round-the-clock protection in the event of an emergency can help reduce anxiety and stress levels.

Wired vs Wireless Security Cameras: People Analytics

People Analytics combines cloud-based computer vision with intelligent edge-based video processing to give users high-quality images of every person recognized in the scene. Moreover, Verkada’s centralized management platform enables users to filter visitors according to a wide range of criteria, such as time of day, date, appearance, clothing color, backpack detection, and facial matches. Consider the following benefits of Verkada’s People Analytics.

• Face Search
  • You can quickly find people who look like a face you already have in your organization. You can also upload an image of a face of a person of interest.
• Occupancy Trends
  • Estimate the number of people who cross a customizable digital line on a video feed.
  • Keep track of how a space is being used in order to improve business operations.
• Person History 
  • Search through high-resolution snapshots of people detected in the frame.
  • Save screenshots or easily access associated high-resolution video.
• Examine Anywhere
  • People Analytics is accessible from any device and from virtually any location in the world.
• Filters for Attributes
  • Filter by a variety of criteria, such as clothing color, gender appearance, and facial matches.
• Cross Camera Tracking
  • Quickly identify people of interest or potential suspects across all cameras at all sites.
  • Record and export multiple angles of a person to provide evidence quickly.

Wired vs Wireless Security Cameras: Conclusion

In conclusion, there are pros and cons to both wired and wireless security cameras. Wired cameras offer a more reliable connection and sometimes may provide higher quality footage, but can be more difficult to install and may not be as flexible in terms of placement.

Wireless cameras, on the other hand, are easier to install and offer more flexibility in terms of placement, but may be subject to interference. It is important to consider the specific needs of your security system and choose the camera type that best fits those needs.

Updated: Jan 9