Last Updated on September 13, 2023 by Alarm New England
If you have an alarm system, chances are you have thought about adding cameras. Why not? Cameras have a wide range of uses and can be an additional layer of security.
While the installation of cameras may be relatively simple, having them stay online 24/7 and not drop off can be a real challenge.
If you’re interested in knowing more about the network and internet requirements for WiFi based cameras, keep reading.
Option 1: Cameras Over Wi-Fi Home Network
Commonly the most cost-effective way to add cameras to your system is to simply draw power through an outlet and connect the cameras via your home WiFi network. With this option there is no need for pulling any cable or wire. Just the power source will be hard-wired.
A general rule of thumb we tell our clients is that for every camera you have on the system, you want 2MP of upload speed. So, if you were looking for 4 cameras indoor/outdoor, you will need a minimum of 8MP upload speed from your internet provider (Xfinity, Verizon, Spectrum) on a dedicated network for the best experience.
You may be told from your internet provider the “maximum” speed that your plan includes; however, you still need to run an internet speed test.
We recommend using https://www.speedtest.net/
- Press Go in the middle of the screen
- The first number given to you is the DOWNLOAD speed
- The second number given to you is the UPLOAD speed *this is the one you need to note*
- Write down the upload speed number and give to your Alarm New England sales representative
Considering and answering these questions will help you determine your security needs and in turn, where to place them for maximum efficiency.
Option 2: Hardwiring CAT5/CAT6 Cable
For clients wishing to have the most reliable connection for their cameras or to have a more advanced solution (24/7 constant recording), we offer the option to hardwire the Alarm.com power AND internet source. Wired cameras typically have fewer issues with dropped signals or recording issues due to a weak internet connection.
So what does it mean to run CAT5/CAT6 Cable? In order to establish a direct connection between the internet and your cameras, we would require cabling run from the network room to each individual camera’s location.
You may be asking, but why doesn’t everyone choose this option?
Your Camera Options:
Now that we have covered a couple different ways to test and set-up your security cameras, let’s cover types of cameras.
Indoor Fixed w/IR (ADC-V522IR)
Often used to check up on pets and activity within the home or business, the Alarm.com Indoor camera supports 1080p HD video, infrared night vision and secure cloud recording.
With its compact design and flexible mounting options, the ADC-V522IR is easy to install, and is the lowest-cost option within our camera portfolio.
Features
- HD 1080p video
- IR night vision
- Wide dynamic range (WDR)
- Two-Way Audio (limited)
1080p Indoor Wi-Fi Camera (ADC-V523)
Powerful Video Analytics from Alarm.com and direct ethernet connection differentiate ADC’s second generation of indoor camera. Internal testing has proven this generation of camera from Alarm.com to be slightly sharper for both resolution and overall connectivity.
Features
- 117° field of view
- High Dynamic Range (HDR)
- Two-Way Audio
- Ethernet Connection or Wi-Fi (2.4 GHz or 5 GHz)
1080p Outdoor Wi-Fi Camera (ADC-V723)
With a wide field of view, night vision, and High Dynamic Range (HDR), the ADC-V723 lets you see what’s important – no matter the time of day or lighting conditions.
Features
- 117° field of view
- High Dynamic Range (HDR)
- Wi-Fi (2.4 or 5 GHz)
- Waterproof & Dust-tight
Requirements:
Power 12 V – 1 A DC power adapter (included)
Network Wi-Fi (2.4 or 5 GHz) connection to broadband Internet
Alarm.com 180° HD Camera ADC-V622
The Alarm.com Wellness Camera is a wide-angle camera, designed for keeping an eye on family or pets within the home. Covering a full 180° view, this indoor camera is best to cover larger rooms or areas of space. Improved audio connection and zoom capabilities differentiate this camera from Alarm.com’s first gen indoor camera.
Features
- Audio
- Power over Ethernet
- IR night vision
- 180° FOV
- Digital pan/tilt/zoom
- Tap to call out
- Bluetooth music streaming
Alarm.com Video Doorbell (ADC-VDB770)
The second generation video doorbell camera from Alarm.com has an expansive 150° vertical Field of View, two-way audio and full portrait viewing in the app make it easier than ever to see a speak with visitors. Built-in analytics from Alarm.com result in the most advanced doorbell camera on the market to date.
Features
- Expansive FOV (150° V, 115° H)
- Full HD (1440 x 1920) video resolution
- High dynamic range (HDR)
- IR night vision
- Video Analytics for faster, more relevant alerts
- Live video and saved clip viewing
- Two-Way Audio through the mobile app
- Battery heater for low-temperature operation
- 2×2 antenna for improved Wi-Fi range
- Compatible with mechanical and digital chimes
Stream Video Recorder (ADC-SVR122)
Created specifically to work with the Alarm.com video cameras, the Alarm.com Stream Video Recorder provides 24×7 professional local video storage solution. With the Stream Video Recorder, you can connect up to eight Alarm.com video cameras for continuous recording.
Specifications:
Storage 500GB, 1TB, or 2TB of storage
Transcoded playback MPEG4 H.264
Speed control 1x, 4x, 8x, 16x
Indoor/Outdoor Mini Bullet (ADC-VC725)
The ADC-VC725 from Alarm.com is a high-performance mini bullet camera optimized for indoor and outdoor video monitoring. The camera features a dust-resistant exterior casing with an IP66 rating and Power over Ethernet (PoE) capabilities. Often used in small business settings, the bullet indoor/outdoor camera from Alarm.com is an affordable alternative to complex DVR or NVR business solutions.
Features:
- Power over Ethernet
- IR night vision
- HD video
- IP66-rated waterproof & dust tight
- This allows the camera to be mounted outdoors
Next Steps!
Still have questions about your network bandwidth and adding cameras? Simply, call 800-322-3500 ext #2 for sales or email “sales@alarmnewengland.com”.
If you’re interested in a new security system, visit our site to learn about us and how we can help.