Looking for advice on Wireless IP Cameras and ome network....

[LoneRider]

I currently have a Airport Express Base Station as my one and only router. We have four computers, two iPod Touches, an iPad, an Apple TV, an android tablet, and two android phones that use it to connect to our cable internet. The Android stuff is on the "Guest Network".

I want to set up 4-5 wireless cameras for home security to be recorded using Evocam. I already have three on the system in a relatively small house (1600 sq ft) and they seem quite laggy/jittery. I am thinking it just may be a function of the sheer number of devices using the network (they are currently on the "main" network).

I am wondering if having a dedicated network for the cameras, going through a second AEBS would help the video from being choppy. If so, are there any concerns about having two AEBS running separately? I know each would have different SSID etc, and the routers would have different addresses, other than that anything to be concerned about?

Has any done such a setup? Would the expected improvement of quality happen with the cameras or is the choppy video just a function of the equipment and not the number of wireless devices running at once?

Any help, suggestions, experience, or advice would be appreciated.

 

[beavo451]

What are your current cameras?

What cameras are you looking at?

Cameras have a tendency of eating up bandwidth very quickly. My suggestion for more than 2 or 3 cameras is to use wired connections.

 

[almonde]

I too would like some advice on IP cams in a home and Mac environment. I'm looking at the dropcam HD, but i'm slightly put off by burning 60gb a month of streaming to the cloud per camera.

I'd prefer something with similar functionality that has some sort of local storage and/or stream to cloud on demand (some sort of only stream to cloud when motion detected etc).

 

[beavo451]

I too would like some advice on IP cams in a home and Mac environment. I'm looking at the dropcam HD, but i'm slightly put off by burning 60gb a month of streaming to the cloud per camera.

I'd prefer something with similar functionality that has some sort of local storage and/or stream to cloud on demand (some sort of only stream to cloud when motion detected etc).

You would be looking at having a local server or NVR (network video recorder). You can set up access to these devices through the Internet.

 

[miles01110]

Why do you think you need cameras for "home security" in the first place? You realize that cameras don't provide any actual defense for your home, right? All they're good for is forensics after the fact. If you want a deterent, just rig up a plastic box and washer and mount it up on the roof. Nobody's going to get close enough to realize it's a fake.

 

[almonde]

Why do you think you need cameras for "home security" in the first place? You realize that cameras don't provide any actual defense for your home, right? All they're good for is forensics after the fact. If you want a deterent, just rig up a plastic box and washer and mount it up on the roof. Nobody's going to get close enough to realize it's a fake.

Thanks for the completely useless input. I don't see anything in my post above about 'security'. There are more uses of IP cams than just home security, thanks for dropping by with narrow minded viewpoint

 

[miles01110]

Thanks for the completely useless input. I don't see anything in my post above about 'security'. There are more uses of IP cams than just home security, thanks for dropping by with narrow minded viewpoint

Luckily I wasn't addressing you. Thanks for not assuming everyone cares about what you have to say on the matter. ""

I currently have a Airport Express Base Station as my one and only router. We have four computers, two iPod Touches, an iPad, an Apple TV, an android tablet, and two android phones that use it to connect to our cable internet. The Android stuff is on the "Guest Network".

I want to set up 4-5 wireless cameras for home security to be recorded using Evocam. I already have three on the system in a relatively small house (1600 sq ft) and they seem quite laggy/jittery. I am thinking it just may be a function of the sheer number of devices using the network (they are currently on the "main" network).

I am wondering if having a dedicated network for the cameras, going through a second AEBS would help the video from being choppy. If so, are there any concerns about having two AEBS running separately? I know each would have different SSID etc, and the routers would have different addresses, other than that anything to be concerned about?

Has any done such a setup? Would the expected improvement of quality happen with the cameras or is the choppy video just a function of the equipment and not the number of wireless devices running at once?

Any help, suggestions, experience, or advice would be appreciated.

 

[almonde]

Luckily I wasn't addressing you. Thanks for not assuming everyone cares about what you have to say on the matter. ""

Fair point, however to dismiss their use as home security, is a little flippant. If they were that useless then i doubt so many would people would invest in them. You're also ignoring the feel good factor / peace of mind that people may get from just being able to check up on their house remotely while away.

 

[miles01110]

Fair point, however to dismiss their use as home security, is a little flippant. If they were that useless then i doubt so many would people would invest in them.

I don't know, people buy useless things all the time. I find that for residential users they buy the equipment, set it up, then never check on it. In the rare instances incidents do happen the camera footage either doesn't exist because the equipment wasn't maintained or it's so pixelated (or it's at night) that it's useless.

You're also ignoring the feel good factor / peace of mind that people may get from just being able to check up on their house remotely while away.

Arguably this is not "security."

 

[LoneRider]

Wow, interesting replies.

I have some basic Dlink IP cameras. Yes, in and of themselves they don't provide "security". Not even "deterrence" since they will not be obvious.

However there is much value in being able to determine what time something happened, and even if you can't get a positive ID, you can see how many people, what they were wearing, approximate size, height build, etc.

If you live in a neighborhood that doesn't have a lot of "through" traffic, this info can make it easier to narrow it down to a potential suspect.

As to my particular situation, wired are not an option. I am in a rental house and not able to run a bunch of wires to the locations the cameras need to be at. A couple can be wired, but I'll still need 2-3 wireless. Understanding the bandwidth involved, that is why I am thinking about a separate, dedicated WAP for them.

While I agree that some folks buy things and don't use them, that is not the case with me. I already have three cameras and currently use them. Dlink provides a no cost means to check in via cell phone app or internet.

Understanding the limitations, I am just looking for a better way to use them.

So back to my original question - running a separate wireless network for just the cameras would likely provide better performance?

 

[beavo451]

So back to my original question - running a separate wireless network for just the cameras would likely provide better performance?

Maybe, maybe not. There are so many factors when it comes to wireless that the only way to know is to try it. I wouldn't hold my breath though.

 

[Southern Dad]

I have a very simple 4 channel Night Owl camera system installed in my house. While it is a good camera for security purposes it also works well for when I want to view my driveway, front of the house, etc.

I can check it from my iPad or iPhone. There are times I want to see if my package that I'm expecting has been delivered. All kinds of uses for the cameras.

I suggest a wired system for reliability and limiting how much WiFi bandwidth is used. Think about this, you have to run power to the camera anyway. Another thing to think about is not putting all of your cameras on the house itself. I have one camera on the utility pole that has my security light. That camera is aimed at the front of the house and has a clear view of the entire house. In addition the camera is far too high for anyone to notice it or tamper with it. I simply ran the cable about 3" below my cable television cable.

 

[IcemanNM]

NightOwl and Yosemite

My nightOwl software worked great until I put on Yosemite. Now it flashes enough to be useless and has a few minute delay. Haven't found anything that helps the issue yet.....

 

[alexmadison]

Hey Guys!

I want to install an wireless ip security camera, but my problem is where I want to install them there are no power outlets. I've looked at trail cams, but they have no wifi option ( I need instant alerts). I've found a option that uses external battery packs to power the wireless cameras Just wonder if you guys know of any other options.

thanks

 

[ctdw]

Hey Guys!

I want to install an wireless ip security camera, but my problem is where I want to install them there are no power outlets. I've looked at trail cams, but they have no wifi option ( I need instant alerts). I've found a option that uses external battery packs to power the wireless cameras Just wonder if you guys know of any other options.

thanks

I installed this solution a month ago and so far it's working well. It's battery based and records to the cloud. It starts recording when motion is sensed (vs. all of the time which would not work on battery). I get alerts via email and notifications via it's app on my iPhone and iPad when it senses motion.

http://www.arlo.com/en-us/

 

[alexmadison]

I installed this solution a month ago and so far it's working well. It's battery based and records to the cloud. It starts recording when motion is sensed (vs. all of the time which would not work on battery). I get alerts via email and notifications via it's app on my iPhone and iPad when it senses motion.

http://www.arlo.com/en-us/

I looked at those, that would be perfect how often do you have to recharge the unit, I know it depends on usage, but assume not much usage , I just would need it when I'm not around and won't expect and motion sensor going of except in emegency.

 

[Ifti]

Ive just reviewed the Y-Cam Cube HD 1080 over on my YouTube channel, which seemed pretty impressive at night as well as the day!!
Worked my MAC network via WiFi fine

 

[ctdw]

I looked at those, that would be perfect how often do you have to recharge the unit, I know it depends on usage, but assume not much usage , I just would need it when I'm not around and won't expect and motion sensor going of except in emergency.

Based on my current usage, I think I am going to get around 3 months per set of batteries (I am using Alkaline's and not rechargeable batteries). I get motion events around 12 times a week on avg per camera. I would check out the reviews on Amazon so you can get a better idea on what other people's experience is. They are not perfect but it's a good solution if you need complete wireless setup.