Wi-Fi vs. PoE Cameras

If you are looking for a great IP camera or other camera, you need to look no further than Amcrest security. This article will help you in comparing Wi-Fi and PoE cameras, so you will get the perfect camera that you are looking for.

Which Way to Go

Another area that you should look into when considering security (not just IP cameras either) is whether you should go with wireless or take advantage of Power over Ethernet (PoE) cameras. Both cameras are great but there is a definitely a difference between the two of them.

Power over Internet (PoE) Cameras

A Power over Internet (PoE) camera is when you have a wired Ethernet network that courses electrical current through data cables.  With this type of camera, there is not going to be a need for power cords and you will definitely be working with not as many wires.  When you go with PoE cameras, you are going to have lower costs, lower complexity, quick and easy maintenance, and more flexibility with your installation when compared to traditional wiring.  PoE is also going to give you more flexibility with the placement of your cameras because you are no longer going to have to place the camera near an available socket or install an outlet near the camera.  With the use of PoE cameras, you can also remotely manage the power supply to your cameras, so you can still maintain those cameras that you have placed out of your reach.  These cameras are also going to lower the total cost of ownership.  PoE cameras are only going to be able to produce power of up to 15.4 W and this might not be enough if you have a PTZ IP camera, or those that allow you to pan, zoom and track movements.  You may want to consider having separate power source for your IP camera because if there is a problem at the PoE switch, then all your cameras are going to go down.

Wi-Fi IP Cameras

Wi-Fi IP cameras are going to eliminate the need for cables altogether.  With the use of Wi-Fi, you can put up your IP camera in places where it is difficult to lay cables.  But Wi-Fi networks are going to be prone to interference as well as overcrowding.  It is possible that your IP camera may fail to transmit when too many Wi-Fi devices are in use or if somebody operates a Bluetooth device or microwave oven and other appliance that may interfere with the signal.  With Wi-Fi IP cameras, you are also limited by the signal strength and availability, and sometimes the packets that you get may not be in order.

Conclusion

The above article is just some of the basic information you are going to need when considering IP cameras used to view camera footage remotely via internet connectivity. No matter what, always look into both varieties of IP cameras and see which one is going to fit your needs.

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