How to connect a Wi-Fi camera to a computer, phone, router or registrar?
Let’s look at the Possible options for connecting a Wi-Fi (wi-fi) surveillance camera.
1. Wi-Fi camera works as an independent and independent device.
In this case, the archive can be written to a memory card or Cloud service. The purpose of connecting the camera. This is the ability to remotely GoProview and archive recordings. So, we have: a home Wi-Fi router with the Internet. We connect the RJ45 network connector of the camera and the computer with a wire (patch cord). Using a browser, go to the web interface of our “eye”. We are looking for a section on Wi-Fi (the menu is different in different manufacturers), we go, now we need to connect our camera and our Wi-Fi router. In order for the device to automatically connect, We must register this: indicate our Wi-Fi network, specifying the password for Wi-Fi, specifying the protocol for encryption: WPA2, and do not forget to tick the box: connect automatically. Next, reboot the camera and disconnect the cable. Hooray! She is already sitting on the router wirelessly. Then we can use a tablet / phone / PC to connect to our wireless network to view and control the device.
2.Connecting to a Wi-Fi-enabled DVR.
Recorders with a built-in Wi-Fi module can most often be found in a ready-made set of wireless surveillance.
Procedure for connection:
1. We connect the recorder and the computer with a wire (patch cord). In the settings of the registrar, we set the network settings: the name of the Wi-Fi network and set the password for the Wi-Fi.
2. Connect the camera and PC with a cable (patch cord). Using a browser (sometimes a disc with an application is included in the kit, in this case you can use it) go to the web interface of our camera. We are looking for a section on Wi-Fi (the menu is different for different manufacturers), we go, now we need to connect our camera and our Wi-Fi router, so that the camera automatically connects, We must register this: indicate our Wi-Fi network, specifying the password, specifying encryption protocol: WPA2, and don’t forget to check the box: connect automatically. Next, reboot the “eye” and disconnect the cable.
3. We go to our registrar, and to the desired channel. Add the required Wi-Fi camera, the picture should appear.

3. Connecting the camera’s Wi-Fi to the DVR (without Wi-Fi) via a Wi-Fi router.
With your own selection of wireless cameras, you can easily assemble such a kit. Let’s say you already have a router. What else do we need to connect? Actually, wireless Wi-Fi cameras and a recorder. The recorder will be connected to the router with a patch cord (cable). And the cameras will connect to the router (see point 1). Further, in the settings of the recorder, we put on the desired channel, the required camera. Please note that not every Wi-Fi camera will make friends with the DVR in this way. Incompatibility was mainly observed with desktop specimens, with cameras in the form of toys. As a rule, they are designed and work as a full-fledged single product, unfortunately, not very suitable for use in a surveillance system.
4. Single, desktop Wi-Fi camera.
As a rule, such products have their own applications for a mobile device and for connecting to a computer. Recording archive in such devices is kept on a flash card. cameras can have a very unusual and beautiful design, have bright colors and are more suitable as a toy for adults, and not for a full-fledged surveillance system.
Author: Dmitry Samokhvalov, technical editor at Rucam-Video.
Maximum cable length for observation.
TIPs for Wire Selection and Power Calculations.
For all surveillance cameras: be it digital IP, analog, ahd, tvi, cvi cameras, two things are required: a cable for transmitting (audio) signal and a power wire. In the case of wireless Wi-FI cameras, only power is required, the signal will be transmitted via wi-fi.
A minimum of 4 cores (100 Mbps) are required to transmit a digital signal. The most common cable for digital IP equIPment: utp “twisted pair”. Also, do not forget about providing the device with power, at least 2 more cores. To crimp such a cable, RJ-45 connectors are used, which require a crimping tool: crimpers.
There are several types of wire to transmit AHD, TVI, CVI, analog signal:
Coaxial. Advantages: durable, inexpensive, allows for long cable runs. The wire contains a central core and a braid.
Twisted pair. Usually it is cat 5e or cat 6. Transceivers are used to reduce noise and increase the signal transmission range over twisted pair (they do NOT require rj-45 connectors and a crimping tool to connect them).
Combined. For observation (observation wire with power cores).
A powered cable is used to solve two problems at once: signal transmission and power supply. This solution is very convenient: it is enough to connect one such wire to each camera.
The advantages of the combo cable:
Surveillance cable length depending on power supply.
The maximum distance that we can run power depends on the power cable. The longer the track, the more resistance! Using a larger cross-section of the supply conductors Reduces resistance and allows the use of longer routes. Below are approximate data on the dependence of the section size on the maximum distance.
Cable type | Conductor material | Number of conductive cores | Section (mm2) | Maximum track length, m |
combined | copper-plated | 2 (one for plus, the other for minus) | 0.5 | 100 |
combined | copper-plated | 2 (one for plus, the other for minus) | 0.75 | 150 |
combined | copper-plated | 2 (one for plus, the other for minus) | 1 | 200 |
combined | copper-plated | 2 (one for plus, the other for minus) | 1.5 | 300 |
combined | copper | 2 (one for plus, the other for minus) | 0.5 | 160 |
combined | copper | 2 (one for plus, the other for minus) | 0.75 | 240 |
combined | copper | 2 (one for plus, the other for minus) | 1 | 320 |
combined | copper | 2 (one for plus, the other for minus) | 1.5 | 480 |
Twisted pair, wire diameter 0.46mm | copper | 2 (one for plus, the other for minus) | 0.17 | 55 |
Twisted pair, wire diameter 0.46mm | copper | 4 (two for plus, two for minus) | 0.33 | 110 |
Twisted pair, wire diameter 0.46mm | copper | 6 (three plus, three minus) | 0.5 | 130 |
Twisted pair, wire diameter 0.46mm | copper | 8 (four plus, four minus) | 0.66 | 160 |
This table was compiled for its employees, and has been repeatedly confirmed by practice. From our point of view, these are the optimal distances: at maximum lengths, the voltage can drop from 12 V to 9.5 V (the minimum value below which it is better not to drop). It is also worth considering that with a lack of voltage, the power of the IR illumination sags, and certain camera models may NOT start or constantly reboot.
The table is valid for powering one 12 volt surveillance camera, consumption 4.6 W (current 0.3.0.5 A).
For PTZ cameras or digital cameras, consumption will be higher, usually the manufacturer indicates this value in the technical data sheet or on the product packaging.
The ideal option is, of course, to measure the voltage sagging under full load with the infrared diodes on (IR illumination).
Signal transmission.
Surveillance cable length depending on cable type and signal transmission method.
Cable type | model | Recommended distance, m | Maximum track length, m | Note |
coaxial | RG59, LCD, KVN, 3C-2V | 200-250 | 450 | Here is 250 m with increasing cable length, the image lost its sharpness. |
Coaxial | RG6 | 400 | 600 | Here is 400-600 m with increasing cable length, the image lost its sharpness. |
Twisted pair | without transmitters | 100-150 | 200 | Color horizontal strIPes appeared at 100m. As the length of the cable run increases, sharpness is lost and interference becomes even more noticeable. |
Twisted pair | With passive transceiver | 200-250 | 300 | At 300 meters, quality is comparable to 600 meters of RG6 coaxial cable. |
Twisted pair | With active transceiver on both sides | 500-600 | 900 | Here is 600m with increasing cable length loss of sharpness was observed. |
Recommendations:
For the correct selection of coaxial cable Consider the diameter and material of the central conduit, the attenuation coefficient and the density of the braid.
To minimize interference and pickup, it is better to use a wire with a screen: both coaxial and twisted pair.
To transmit a signal over a twisted pair, use one conductor for plus, the other for minus, and this must be twisted pairs of the same color: for example, green and white-green. The rest of the free pairs can be combined and fed through them. Or use a combined twisted pair.
As you can see from our two tables, the signal can be sent over a greater distance than power. Consider this when designing your surveillance system. Alternatively, you can power the cameras on site (near their installation) or use the combined GoPro drive to start up 220 V.
Author: Dmitry Samokhvalov, technical editor at Rucam-Video.
Features of connecting outdoor surveillance cameras
The question of what is needed to connect an outdoor surveillance camera arises before the user when installing the system on his own. The arrangement of the outdoor surveillance system has many nuances depending on the characteristics of the object and the level of complexity of the tasks being solved, but in general it consists of the following stages:
Selection and purchase of a ready-made kit or SEPARATE elements of the system, which, in addition to cameras, includes a recorder, power cables, connectors, power supplies. The parameters and composition of the equIPment depend on the type of cameras: IP devices. VSTARCAM C7815WIP, ST-903 IP PRO D, etc., Or digital HD. ST 4201, HiWatch DS-T100, etc.;
Preparation of a project, in which the optimal points of installation of outdoor cameras, methods of supplying power to them and transferring data are determined;
Carrying out installation work on the installation of cameras and overhead or hidden laying of power and network cables;
Connecting an outdoor surveillance camera to a recorder, PC or monitor, setting system parameters.
Important nuances
When forming a set of equIPment, the characteristics of cable products should be given NOT less attention than the choice of cameras. Most often used:
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Coaxial cable (RG, SAT, PK, etc.) with a resistance of 75 Ohm and a BNC connector (with a distance of cameras up to 200-300 m) fiber optic with a SC, LC, E-2000 connector, etc. twisted pair UTP, STP, etc. is the best choice for IP cameras.
For domestic use, a combined coaxial cable KVK2P (4P) will be a good choice. with its help it will be possible to provide simultaneous transmission of audio and signal and power supply of cameras The most popular analog-digital cameras today.
The effectiveness of the surveillance system also depends on how to install the outdoor surveillance cameras. there should not be “dead” zones blocking the view of objects, the influence of atmospheric influences should be minimized. The services of the “Security Systems” company will help you solve any such problems quickly, inexpensively and efficiently.
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Installation of surveillance cameras
The basis of the surveillance system. Cameras. The function of the cameras is to convert the luminous flux into a signal, which is then digitized and displayed on the monitor. They can be digital or analog. They can carry out black-and-white or color shooting. They differ in design: there are cameras for external use (the so-called outdoor), and there are cameras for indoor installation. The former are distinguished by a robust body, a wide range of operating temperatures, and better resolution. The latter are distinguished by lighter weight and size, more aesthetic appearance. When designing a system, you need to decide on the number of cameras. The entire perimeter of the protected object must be visible, so they must be installed so that there are fewer “dead zones”. Cameras are mounted on movable or fixed brackets. You can entrust the installation of surveillance cameras in Kiev to VBezpeci. They have hundreds of successfully completed projects behind them.
What you need to connect a surveillance camera
A surveillance system is a technology used to track a specific area. It allows you to capture all the events that occur at the facility and save the information received using special recording devices. This system is widely used in enterprises, in offices and warehouses, since it allows you to control the actions of employees, prevent theft, unauthorized entry, etc. The surveillance system has recently been popular with ordinary people. It allows you to secure your home, prevent theft of property, as well as the ingress of strangers into your home.
The surveillance system is constantly being improved and expanded its functions. It consists of a recording device, surveillance cameras, an information storage device, an information display device (TV or monitor), as well as perIPherals: power supply, cable, connectors, etc.
Connecting surveillance cameras
The camera itself will NOT work. To record and play information, you need cables, a recorder, a monitor or a computer. A coaxial cable is usually used to connect an analog camera. It must be of high quality, since the uninterrupted operation of the system depends on it. The cable is connected to the camera using a connector or through lead wires. When connecting a digital camera, a twisted pair cable, as well as a coaxial cable, is used. The process looks like this:
- The digital camera is connected with a cable to the recorder (note that both devices must have the same standard: if a TVI camera is used, the recorder must be of the same standard;
- One recorder can connect 1-32 cameras. It all depends on the recorder model and the number of channels;
- The recorder can be connected to a computer or laptop via the Internet or local network.
Analog cameras are connected in a similar way, only a capture card will need to be installed in the PC (mounted in the system unit).
You can get a free consultation on the installation of surveillance systems at https://vbezpeci.com.Ua
When connecting cameras (analog and digital) to the recorder at a distance of up to 100 m, it is recommended to use a coaxial cable. If the distance is greater, a twisted pair cable is recommended. When connecting the DVR and computer at a distance of over 200 m, a fiber optic cable is recommended. IP cameras are connected to the recorder with twisted pair cable (up to 100 m) or fiber-optic cable (over 100 m). Such cameras can still be connected without a cable, using Wi-Fi.
Thus, to connect the camera, you need recorders, a cable, the Internet, a monitor or a computer on which the image will be displayed.