Do I Need a Router for Security Cameras?

By AlfredCamera

December 10, 2022

The vast majority of IP security cameras require a Wi-Fi router to work, though some can use mobile data by inserting a SIM card instead.

Security cameras and Wi-Fi routers are a match made in tech heaven, allowing homeowners to stream live video, store video footage in secure Cloud servers, and use mobile devices to control and manage the device anywhere worldwide.

Is it time to ditch wired security cameras and buy a Wi-Fi camera? Let’s find out.

Table of Contents

What Kind of Wi-Fi Do I Need for Security Cameras?

The kind of Wi-Fi needed for a security camera depends on the device’s requirements. Wi-Fi technology operates on five network standards set by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers.

802.11ac or 802.11a Wi-Fi uses the 5 GHz frequency, making it suitable for homes requiring lightning-quick internet speeds. On the other hand, an 802.11b or 802.11g device operates on the 2.4 GHz bandwidth, which is ideal for security cameras located farther away from the router. Find out the difference between 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz security cameras.

If you need to connect to either channel (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz), 802.11n Wi-Fi is best.

4 Things to Look for in a Wi-Fi Router

How exactly does a user know what the correct Wi-Fi router is for their security camera? Consider these four essential things to look for when picking a Wi-Fi router.

1. ISP Compatibility

Although manufacturers ensure network compatibility of their Wi-Fi routers, it still makes sense to check with the internet service provider (ISP). Visit the ISP’s official website to determine compatible routers for the network.

2. Wireless Protocol

Intel says eight wireless internet protocols operate on 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, or both. The 802.11ax offers a maximum data transmission rate of 2.4 Gbps, while the 802.11ac (wave 2) can deliver 1.73 Gbps but operates only on the 5 GHz channel.

Likewise, 802.11a and 802.11ac (wave 1) wireless protocols run on the 5 GHz bandwidth but deliver varying data rates (54 Mbps and 866.7 Mbps, respectively).

For better range, consider 802.11b (at 11 Mbps) and 802.11g (at 54 Mbps). For a combination of the 2.4 GHz range and the 5 GHz speed, an 802.11n capable of transmitting at 450 Mbps would be ideal. Of course, the 802.11ax wireless protocol is the best.

3. Latency

Wireless security cameras aren’t the only devices connecting to the Wi-Fi router. Problems emerge when there are too many connected devices. Although a 5 GHz bandwidth will solve this issue, check the router’s latency or lag.

Pick a Wi-Fi router with low latency, between 300 and 800 milliseconds, to ensure as instantaneous video streaming as possible.

4. Noteworthy Features

Consider the router’s Quality of Service or QoS to make connection prioritization more hassle-free. A router with a Multi-User, Multiple-Input, Multiple-Output feature (or MU-MIMO) is ideal because users can divide the bandwidth and facilitate wired connections.

Wi-Fi routers with beamforming capabilities are also suitable for security cameras, allowing users to direct the wireless internet signal directly to the camera.

5 Steps to Connect Security Cameras to Wi-Fi Routers

Here are five easy steps to connect your security camera to a Wi-Fi router for wired and IP devices.

Step 1: Ensure optimal Wi-Fi signal strength

Security cameras require a stable and strong wireless network for optimum operation. Unstable and weak signals can reduce video quality, preventing users from enjoying the benefits of wireless systems.

Check wireless signal strength using a smartphone, noting the spot with the strongest and most stable signal. Try to position the security camera within that area.

Step 2: Configure the security camera for the network

Access the security camera’s settings by using a browser to open its IP address. For wired security cameras, connect it to the Wi-Fi router using an Ethernet cable. On the web interface, navigate to “setup” and configure the TCP/IP settings under “network.”

Step 3: Configure the Wi-Fi address

This step won’t be required if the security camera is wired. Otherwise, configure the Wi-Fi address to “default” and “static.” Note the subnet mask and default gateway for accuracy. Ensure the Wi-Fi address is not similar to other network-connected devices.

Step 4: Connect to the Wi-Fi router

Access the wireless network and enable Wi-Fi. Clicking “search SSID” produces a list of available networks, unless the internet network doesn’t broadcast the SSID. In that case, manually type the SSD after clicking “add SSID.” Enter the network credentials to connect to the wireless network.

This step isn’t required for wired security cameras because plugging the Ethernet cable automatically connects it to the internet.

Step 5: Check the security camera’s functionality

Disconnect the security camera from the Wi-Fi router and wait about ten seconds before reconnecting. Visit the security camera’s IP address and determine if it’s streaming as intended.

How Much Data Do Security Cameras Use?

Wireless security cameras transmit about 60 to 400 gigabytes of video data a month. It varies so greatly because it depends on the frame rate (FPS), video resolution, upload frequency, and compression level of the camera.

Some security cameras with a “steady-state” feature (a bandwidth-reducing technology) only consume about 5 Kbps, while others might require at least 4 Mbps. The higher the video resolution and frame rate, the more bandwidth the security camera consumes.

Round-the-clock uploading of video to Cloud servers eats up ]data. A motion-activated security camera potentially reduces monthly Wi-Fi consumption by 10 to 20 gigabytes.

Data compression can also impact security camera Wi-Fi consumption. Uncompressed video footage requires a higher bandwidth, increasing internet usage. A few wireless security cameras running on 1080p and uploading video footage 24/7 in an uncompressed format can easily consume at least 400 gigabytes per month.

FAQ

How can I get my security camera to work without Wi-Fi?

To get a security camera to work without Wi-Fi, connect it to a storage device or a digital video recorder to transmit and store footage. Alternatively, determine if the security camera can connect to 5G data or mobile LTE, in which case, consider purchasing a SIM and data plan.

How to connect security cameras to Wi-Fi?

To connect security cameras to Wi-Fi, turn on the security camera and ensure a properly working Wi-Fi network. Access the security camera’s “Wi-Fi Options” or “Wi-Fi Setup” settings by pressing the Menu or Home button and opening Settings.

Turn on the security camera’s Wi-Fi to connect automatically to the wireless network. Some security cameras require choosing the network to connect to before entering the Wi-Fi network password.

Next, open the Wi-Fi settings on the smartphone and choose the camera’s Wi-Fi network. Confirm any message that pops on the screen and enter a password or encryption key if prompted.

Do any security cameras work without the internet?

Yes, some security cameras work without the internet, including closed-circuit TV (CCTV), analog security cameras, internet protocol (IP) devices, and mobile gadgets with 4G or 5G technology. Check our article Security Cameras Without WiFI? It’s Possible to learn more about these Wi-Fi-free security cameras.

Can you set up cameras without the internet?

Yes, you can set up security cameras without the internet. Check the device for a media storage slot for a MicroSD card or a USB port for connecting a portable hard drive. Some security cameras allow recording onto DVRs, which don’t require an internet connection.

Do wired security cameras need internet?

Some wired security cameras need an internet connection to transmit video footage to the Cloud via an Ethernet cable or other connecting wires. On the other hand, most wired security cameras have built-in storage devices or are connected to a DVR. Hence, they don’t need the internet.

How to use mobile as CCTV camera without internet?

Turning a mobile into a CCTV camera without internet involves the following steps.

Download and install an appropriate video recording app on the smartphone to serve as a mediating platform for receiving live-streaming CCTV footage. AlfredCamera works a charm.
Turn on the smartphone or tablet’s LTE or 5G connection and open the CCTV footage live-streaming app.
Answer all prompts and configure the app to the desired settings, including security measures, video preferences, and storage.
Note the IP address.
Use another mobile device or computer to check mobile CCTV functionality.
Open a browser and input the IP address obtained in the app setup. Alternatively, install VLC Player and pick “network streaming” under “media.” These actions will activate the CCTV footage live-streaming.

Conclusion

Wi-Fi routers offer seamless access to security cameras, allowing homeowners to enjoy seamless security video live streaming and secure Cloud storage.

Making sure that the security camera is compatible with the router is vital to it functioning properly.