With the advancement in technology across the world, surveillance cameras have become increasingly accessible in homes, offices, and public places. These cameras are effective for monitoring and securing valuable items and businesses from various issues. Today, two of the most effective surveillance cameras you’ll find out there are WiFi cameras and PoE cameras.
But how exactly do these two camera systems compare? Which of these two camera options is better for achieving the best surveillance results? Read on to get answers to these commonly asked questions and more.
Table of Contents
What exactly are WiFi Cameras?
WiFi cameras work with the help of a system, which helps to connect cameras to a wireless router. Of course, this connection doesn’t require any hardwired connection. While WiFi cameras don’t need a hardwired connection, you still need wired power to keep them working effectively.
One good thing about WiFi surveillance cameras is that you can always access their footage from cloud servers or inside built-in devices.
WiFi cameras are closed-circuit televisions (CCTVs) that offer tons of benefits for their users. First, they are very portable and pretty easy to install. That aside, these wireless cameras are highly flexible. Unfortunately, they also have their weaknesses; one of them is that they have higher risks of being hacked by hackers.
What exactly is a PoE Camera?
Unlike wireless cameras, PoE cameras are designed to only use a single cable. With this cable, these surveillance cameras can deliver both data and power without any hindrance. PoE security cameras work with the help of a technology, known as “power over ethernet”. This technology makes it easy for the camera system to transmit both data and power with just one power cable.
WiFi vs PoE cameras: How exactly do both cameras compare?
1. Ease of installation
In terms of ease of installation, both wireless cameras and PoE cameras are easy to install. However, PoE security cameras have an edge because they only require the use of a single power cable, which helps to transmit power and data.
As for WiFi cameras, they need WiFi networks for easy connection. Without a network expert, you might struggle to install these cameras around your home.
The bottom line is that PoE cameras are a lot easier to install than wireless or WiFi cameras. They only require a single power cable, which only needs a direct connection.
2. Transmission speed
With the introduction of PoE cameras, there has been a lot of increase in the way data is transmitted quickly. The good thing about PoE technology is that it can always deliver about 2.5 to 5Gbps data within the range of 100 meters. But this is mostly realistic with the help of the right power cable, such as Cat5 or Cat6.
WiFi cameras, on the other hand, aren’t as effective as PoE surveillance cameras. It’s pretty simple; wireless cameras tend to become slow when three to four IP cameras are connected to the same server.
3. Work coverage
As earlier mentioned, WiFi cameras require a network for ease of connection. That means these camera systems rely on the router signal, which often reaches about 15 meters. On the other hand, PoE cameras are designed to cover a distance of up to 100 meters. In this case, PoE security cameras are also better.
4. Your budget
If you’re currently on a budget, the pricing system of both PoE and WiFi cameras is a better factor to determine the better product for you. WiFi cameras only require a few tools and accessories for connection purposes. As for PoE cameras, you need to buy the right power (ethernet) cable. Apart from cable, you also need compatible network switches and the camera itself. When you bring together all these factors, you’ll realize that wireless cameras are less expensive than PoE surveillance cameras.
