Getting A Secure View: IP Home Security Camera Tips

Today's home security systems are more advanced, reliable, sophisticated, and cost effective than ever before. In particular, Internet Protocol (IP) security cameras allow you to access your home security feeds, in real time, from the convenience of your smartphone or laptop computer for a fraction of the cost of traditional home security systems.

If you're considering installing IP security cameras, however, you need make sure that your system gives you the most security possible. Here are some tips to make your IP home security camera even more secure:

Power Over Ethernet (PoE)

Up until a few years ago, security cameras required two cables to be connected, one for power and other for internet connectivity. Today's IP home security cameras, however, only need one cable.

• PoE: Although not wireless, power over ethernet cameras guarantee that each camera will have power and internet connectivity. This is critical because without either function, your system will be rendered useless. Additionally, opting to have your cameras hardwired makes them more reliable. When installing PoE cameras it's important to consider where you will place your PoE injector, which connects your system to a power source and ethernet hub. Because these PoE injectors are expensive, the fewer you need to install, the more money you'll save.

Let There Be Light

Although today's IP home security cameras offer HD feeds, they often struggle to deliver reliable footage in low light conditions. Thus, it's important to pair each IP home security camera with an ambient light sources.

• Motion Sensor Lights: motion sensor lights offer two benefits: 1) they shine a spotlight on a potential intruder if they approach your property and 2) they keep your property's light footprint neutral. When pairing a motion sensor light with an IP home security camera, it's important to test a variety of lights make sure they deliver the reliable video quality. For wider camera views, higher wattage is often more effective. For tighter shots, however, you can opt of a more compact bulb. LED lights, in particular, are effective for capturing video footage in low light conditions.  

Surge Protected

One of the biggest IP home security camera system killers is lightning. Since you're investing in time and money into your system, why not spend a few extra dollars to protect it from power surges? When installing surge protectors it's important to choose a protector that comes with a warranty. This will give you an additional layer of protection in the event that the surge protector fails.