Wondering what security camera works without WiFi? If you’re looking at home security systems, one of the biggest choices you’ll have to make is whether you should get a system that relies on Wi-Fi, is hard-wired, or uses a different communication method.
These days, more and more security systems rely on Wi-Fi connections. That said, many fantastic security cameras don’t need to be connected to the web to work.
Connecting cameras to the Internet may add convenience. Still, people worry about privacy. In a worst-case scenario, a criminal could hack into your security system and use it to spy on you. In some ways, Wi-Fi systems are a bit more vulnerable than systems that don’t connect to the web.
Further, some folks live in areas with low broadband capabilities. And some lack the proper Wi-Fi system to support security cameras and other devices. Regardless of your reasons, you can find security cameras that will work, no Wi-Fi needed.
So should you get a Wi-Fi-enabled security system or something else? Let’s look at the different types of security systems.
Hard-wired, Wi-Fi, and Alternative Wireless Security Systems Explained
Many Wi-Fi-free security systems use hard-wired connections to connect each camera. Hard-wired devices use physical cables to connect cameras, lights, and other devices.
Wired Security Cameras Offer Several Important Benefits:
- They are harder to steal because they’re attached to your house.
- Even if your Wi-Fi connection is unreliable, it won’t impact wired security cameras. Wireless cameras, unfortunately, may not function if your Wi-Fi fails.
- Wired systems can cover a greater area since bandwidth doesn’t restrict them.
- Wired systems are more secure because they’re part of a closed system.
Drawbacks of Wired Security Systems:
As you can see, there are a lot of benefits to wired security systems. That said, there are some drawbacks.
- Installing hard-wired security systems can be difficult and more expensive. You’ll also have cords running through your house.
- If your power goes out, your wired security system may power down. It’s smart to have a backup power system.
- Further, wired security systems aren’t very flexible. And once a wired camera is in place, moving devices could be difficult. With many wireless security systems, you can move the cameras quickly and easily.
If you’re wondering what security camera works without wifi, you should keep in mine that while many wireless security cameras and devices rely on internet, you can find wireless alternatives. These alternative wireless systems may function even if you have a bad Wi-Fi connection. They may also be harder for criminals to access and hack.
Ultimately, wired security camera systems, alternative wireless systems, and Wi-Fi security systems all offer great service, peace of mind, and most importantly, they’ll help you secure your property.
So which system is right for you? That’ll depend on your specific needs and your property. If you decide to install security cameras, you’ll have plenty of great options.
Common Types of Security Cameras that Don’t Need Wi-Fi
- IP: Internet Protocol (IP) cameras send data, like video footage, through a computer network or the Internet to a storage device like a NAS or within the camera.
- CCTV: Closed-circuit television cameras (CCTV) cameras use a format of switching video data to a format that’s suited for TVs, VCRs, or DVRs. Keep in mind, this system isn’t traditionally found in a home security system.
- HD-over-coax: All you need to know about HD-over-coax cameras is in their name. The camera uses a coaxial cable to record uncompressed video footage.
- Analog: Similar to HD-over-coax cameras, analog systems use a coaxial cable to send video to a DVR system.
Still wondering what security camera works without Wi-Fi? Let’s look at some specific companies, security cameras, and technologies.
What Security Camera Works Without WiFi: Considering Different Internet-Free Systems
Let’s look at some of the many security cameras and devices that don’t rely on Wi-Fi connections. In some cases, you may use Wi-Fi in conjunction with these devices. However, such a connection isn’t necessary for them to function.
Either way, if you’re looking for wired security cameras, you’ve got a few options. Let’s look at wired cameras that don’t use Wi-Fi:
Lorex Digital IP Camera
Lorex offers different technologies that don’t use Wi-Fi. You can buy Lorex’s Digital IP camera systems. These cameras use network ethernet cables that plug into a DVR and provide power. Ethernet cables are quite reliable and are easy to work with.
You can also use Lorex MPX cameras that utilize either coaxial or BNC cabling to plug into a DVR. If you have cabling installed from a previous wired security system, you may re-purpose the cables. This may simplify the installation process.
Lorex also offers wireless cameras and security equipment. These systems use wireless transmitters to connect to your DVR. These wireless systems do not rely on Wi-Fi, however.
You can use Lorex’s smartphone apps to access the DVR remotely, so long as you have an Internet connection. Thus, while many of Lorex’s cameras don’t rely on Wi-Fi, you can still access footage through the Internet. The same is true with some other cameras and security devices offered by other companies.
Foscam F18910E PoE Camera
Other security camera brands, including Foscam, also offer Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) systems. Many don’t require a Wi-Fi connection to work.
Prefer the convenience of a wireless system? But don’t have or want to use Wi-Fi? Security cameras with built-in wireless transmitters are a great option.
REO Link Go
You have flexible power options with the REO Link Go, and none of these options is the internet. Instead, the camera uses 4G-LTE and 3G networks to video monitor your home. The cameras can also use a micro-SIM card and cellular data plan to function.
You can enjoy the bells and whistles with this system, as it has 1080p Full HD, night vision, weatherproof design, works with Reolink’s smartphone application, and can store your footage away on a digital cloud. Not a fan of the cloud? You can also store footage to a 64 GB micro-SD card.
How About Cameras That Connect to Cellular Networks?
So what security camera works without Wi-Fi? Cameras that use cellular data operate without wires but don’t depend on Wi-Fi.
That said, the cameras offered by Alarm.com and other companies that use cellular networks do connect to outside networks. These systems aren’t closed circuits, and you may have to pay for data.
Some users would prefer alarm systems that don’t connect to any outside parties. If that’s the case, you may be better off with a different security system.
Still, if your home broadband network is slow and can’t support a security system, a cell-enabled security system might work. It’s wise to test the cellular networks before buying and installing expensive equipment.
What Cameras Are Compatible with a Cellular Network?
If you want wireless but don’t want to use Wi-Fi, one option is to find a security camera that plugs into a cellular network. For example, the Arlo Go is a portable travel camera you can bring on vacation. And you can plug it into your 3G or 4G data plan.
Of course, if you’re not on vacation, you could set it up inside or outside your home. Besides Arlo, Reolink, and others also offer cameras that tap into 3G and 4G networks.
Choosing the Security Camera and Security System That’s Right For You
By now, you should have a good idea of what security camera works without WiFi. You’ll have a few different choices. Hard-wired security cameras and systems are perhaps the most traditional alternative. Yet you can also use devices that tap into cellular data or that use radio transmitters and other communication methods.
Choosing the right home security system can be difficult. If you select the wrong system, you could be wasting money on devices and services that don’t work well. That’s why ONIT Home is here to help find. When we work with our customers, we have one goal in mind: finding a security system that will work best for you. Our reliable and professionally monitored systems are equipped with smart security devices that make staying connected to home a breeze. Switching to security is even easier thanks to our $500 vouchers made available to ONIT customers.
Call us at 1-833-433-0331 to learn more about this special offer, or request a quote online.