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There are many options for a home security system, from outdoor cameras to video doorbell cameras. In particular, remote camera systems are gaining popularity for recording footage you can view with your Wi-Fi-enabled smart devices.
This article will go over some home surveillance options to help you better understand what a wireless security system is and what kind of wireless security system with remote viewing is best for you.
What is remote video surveillance and how do remote security cameras work?
Remote video surveillance is used when someone monitors the camera from somewhere other than where it’s set up, typically via an internet connection.
A wireless camera transmits the video feed over the internet, allowing people to view the video through an app or their desktop. You can view recorded footage, receive texts or motion alerts, speak through 2-way audio and much more using your smart device.
As long as you have an internet connection, you can track your home surveillance system anywhere.
What to look for in wireless security cameras with remote access?
Home surveillance cameras can come with different features, so it’s essential to ensure that your new system has what you need.
HD (high definition) video is one of the most important things to consider for a security camera. It determines the image quality and how clear it is. You want the highest resolution camera for improved picture quality for best results.
Remote viewing. This feature allows you to monitor your cameras virtually anywhere since you don’t have to be onsite to view the footage.
Two-way audio allows you to capture sounds in the room or around your property and speak to the person. If you have a video doorbell installed, 2-way audio will enable you to request a delivery driver to drop your package off behind your plant.
Automatic recording with motion detection. Every time motion is detected, your camera will automatically start to record.
Real-time alerts will go directly to your phone, so you can view what’s happening as it happens.
Cloud storage is beneficial for remote viewing from virtually anywhere. If the camera is damaged, the data remains easily accessible in the cloud.
Night vision makes it easy to see your surroundings no matter what time of day it is.
Ability to share and export clips.
Mobile compatibility is essential if you want to view live or pre-recorded footage on your smartphone. Make sure that your video surveillance system will work with your phone’s operating system (OS).
What are some benefits of a wireless remote security camera?
There are many benefits to owning a home security system, from the aesthetics of a wireless system to the distinct advantages of keeping an eye on your home.
You may also qualify for reduced home insurance premiums with security systems and individual cameras.
It makes it easy to monitor your home and property in real-time.
Indoor cameras can help keep an eye on Fido when you’re away.
See when your teens are coming and going or make sure your kids behave for the babysitter.
Two-way cameras allow you to chat with or check in on an elderly or independent family member.
Not only do you have an added layer of security with a security camera, but you’ll also have video evidence to give to the police if you ever need proof of a break-in.
How do security cameras work?
A home security system can consist of security cameras, but can also include sensors, motion detectors and even life and environmental safety—basically anything that helps keep you, your home and your valuables safe.
Your wireless ADT camera works by sending audio and visual signals to your smartphone and the cloud where the video is stored. You can then remotely view your camera feed in the simple-to-use interface, easily switching between cameras throughout the home.
In comparison, a wired camera plugs into a digital video recorder (DVR) or a network video recorder (NVR). Wired cameras can plug into the internet via an ethernet cable. Typically, they will also have lines to a power source and transmitter for the camera footage.
How do security cameras connect to the cloud?
If the security camera is cloud-based, recorded footage is stored through an offsite, encrypted server instead of a secure (SD) card.
You don’t have to wait to view footage; you can watch or delete the video clips freely over your phone’s internet connection or the security app.
Likely, you’re already familiar with cloud servers. A few real-world examples include your Spotify account, Google Drive and Dropbox.
How do I access camera footage on the cloud?
It’s easy to access cloud footage.
Simply sign in to your account on the app or website, and you’ll be able to monitor your home surveillance system directly from the app or a computer. From there, you can also choose to delete or share footage too.
How do security cameras connect to Wi-Fi?
You can connect to your remote camera via your camera manufacturer’s app or a third-party app. The manufacturer's application is your best bet since it will have the most updated software and should be a relatively straightforward process.
How to connect your security camera to Wi-Fi?
In order to add a Blue by ADT wireless outdoor camera, download the Blue by ADT app on your smartphone.
Once you’ve downloaded the app, launch it.
On your main dashboard, click on the "Menu" icon on your main dashboard, then Select Devices + (Add) > Cameras > Outdoor Camera.
Follow the instructions to configure your new camera and set it up the Wi-Fi.
What are some privacy concerns of wireless home security cameras?
You should always factor in privacy concerns for you and your guests when looking for a new home security system.
We’ve gone over some personal concerns you might have about installing home security cameras in this section. Always consult your local county and state regulations when in doubt, as they could differ from those listed here.
Motion-activated cameras record any movement.
Some guests may not like that you’re recording them, even if your camera is legally displayed in a common area of your home, like a kitchen. It’s important to discuss this with guests and family members when adding home surveillance so they feel comfortable on your property.
Be mindful of where your cameras point.
You should always avoid private areas of the home when placing surveillance cameras. These include bathrooms, bedrooms or other areas where someone might have privacy concerns.
If you want to place a camera in your own bedroom, you have the legal right to do that, but you must let someone know when they come into that bedroom. You and your guests have a reasonable expectation of privacy in the home.
Be aware of state audio and visual laws.
Some states allow you to record audio without the consent of all parties, and some require approval from everyone there. Always refer to both state and regional laws before installing home surveillance equipment, so you comply with the law.
Can a neighbor point a camera at my house?
It's essential to check the laws in your particular state before installing a camera on your property that points towards your neighbor's home, as laws vary.
It’s usually good practice to keep open communication between your neighbors.
Let them know you want to install a security system and explain where you plan to put the cameras. This will not only foster a good sense of community between neighbors, but if your neighbor also has cameras installed, you can make sure to cover blind spots for each other.
This will also help avoid any mishaps with camera placement at the get-go, so you don’t have to position them somewhere else down the line.
Be aware of your local laws regarding home surveillance.
Illegal surveillance isn’t considered equal in every state, so you need to be aware of your state’s particular laws and regulations. For example, it is legal in some states and illegal in others for private citizens to record a conversation. For example, California requires all parties to give consent before being taped for any type of audio recording.
It’s crucial that you know your local laws. Giving the excuse that you weren’t aware of the rules isn’t going to fly in court.
Ultimately, it is generally deemed acceptable as long as you’re using security cameras to help protect your home, on your own property, and not to spy on your neighbors or invade their privacy.
However, you should take special consideration that your cameras aren’t pointing into any private areas of your neighbor’s home. If you have any doubt about the legality of pointing a camera at your neighbor’s home, you should not do it.
I don’t like that my neighbor is pointing their security cameras at my home. What can I do?
If you aren’t a fan of having cameras pointed at your home, you should first speak to your neighbor. They may not realize how you’re feeling, and they can simply position the camera differently.
However, if the camera points towards an area of concern for your neighbor (like their backyard, but they don’t want anyone to film their backyard), they may want to keep it pointing in that direction. Another solution you can investigate is adding hedges or a small privacy fence to your yard for more privacy.
Five tips to help keep your Wi-Fi connection secure:
Having a secure internet connection is an essential step to helping keep your data safe, especially when it comes to home footage and personal data.
Here are a few tips and tricks to help protect your cloud footage:
Change your original router password. Hackers searching to compromise your security may be able to look up potential default passwords online and figure out your password that way.
Always make sure you’re using a unique password. You shouldn’t use the password to your home security system anywhere else. Depending on password requirements, this could mean using a mix of upper- and lower-case letters and special characters and numbers.
Use your mobile phone or computer’s password generator to create a unique password. This is especially helpful if you have difficulty thinking of one yourself.
If possible, add two-factor authentication. Once you enter your password, you’ll need to enter a second temporary code. This can come through a text or call to your phone or a temporary password sent to your email, anything that only you have access to.
Ensure that your software is up to date. That includes your router software, the security app on your smartphone, and your phone’s software. Updates often come with upgraded firmware that helps protect you from malicious hackers or broken software that could lead to data breaches.
Data breaches do happen, so it’s best to change your password frequently, even if your password wasn’t compromised.
Easily review your footage remotely with ADT.
ADT offers a simple, easy-to-use app interface that allows you to access footage any time, from anywhere. Control your security system even when you’re on the go. You can even speak to someone at the door via 2-way audio.
Frequently Asked Questions about Security Surveillance Cameras
Can a wireless security system work without the internet?
Yes, it can, provided there is local storage available on the system. However, as long as the internet is down, remote access will not be available.
How do wireless security cameras get power?
Wireless security cameras get power through a wired connection that plugs into an outlet or through batteries.
Where is the best place to put your home surveillance system?
When placing them inside, you should put your cameras in the corner of a room, facing the door (or another entry point).
The placement of your cameras depends on many factors, from the type of camera, what you are trying to capture, how many cameras you have and where your windows and doors are located. It’s up to you to decide where to place your cameras, but ADT’s technicians can help.
Generally, you’ll want to place your cameras in an area where they have an unobstructed view, where they’ll be free from flares and pointed away from private rooms or other areas.
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