A wireless security camera works much the same way as any wireless device. There is a transmitter and a receiver that will usually come together in a package. Most wireless cameras come with built in transmitters which sends the video signal to the receiver that is connected to a security monitor, some recording system, or whatever monitoring system that may be set up in more complex security systems.
The upside to a wireless camera system is great if you can make the little details work. Its great not having to deal with extra video cables, we live in a world of cables galore as it is with all this technology. Wireless cameras are also much more covert which works when you don’t need people to be aware they are being monitored. Such as babysitters, or leisure activities like parties and get-togethers.
But wireless on almost all cameras only means wireless video transmitting. Cameras still need to be powered by a cable, unless you want to save the environment at the same time and go solar. Unless you go solar, the camera will be powered by an AC plug or a battery pack. Most battery packs can’t be mounted with the camera so you still have a cable from the battery stored somewhere nearby. Don’t forget the transmitter, if not built into the camera, would need to be powered as well. If the transmitter is not built in with the camera there would be a video cable connecting the camera to the transmitter.
Another downside is the limit number of frequencies. Most wireless security cameras are limited to four frequencies per range meaning the maximum number of cameras in your system is limited to four. That number can be expanded by buying wireless camera systems that are on different ranges. Commercially common ranges are 900 MHz and 2.4 GHz; combining the two will allow up to eight cameras in one system.
As with your cell phone, or any wireless device, thick walls or metal objects will severely hinder the signal strength and range of your wireless transmission. Keep this in mind when planning your security camera system.
If you already have a wired camera, you can buy transmitters and receivers separate from the camera and turn your camera to a wireless. The camera will hook up to the transmitter instead of your monitoring/recording system and that in turn will be connected to a receiver. Remember to buy a transmitter and receiver together as they will ‘talk’ to each other much more reliably.