Wireless home security systems utilize wireless connections to send and receive signals and images. Images and information from wireless home security cameras can be viewed on television, cell phone or computer. Systems require a camera, a transmitter and a receiver. The simplest wireless home security systems are nothing more than a computer and a webcam. Elaborate systems can involve much equipment and monitor a large variety of applications.
Wireless home security systems have made protecting home and property easy and affordable. There are systems available with plenty of options. Homeowners can customize kits or purchase parts individually and build their own protection. It’s been estimated that more than 50% of all home security surveillance systems purchased are wireless. This percentage is expected to increase as prices continue to come down and consumers realize how easy it is to set up a wireless home security system. Many insurance companies offer discounts for property protected by security systems.
Online and retail stores sell wireless home security system kits. Standard kits usually include a control box, door and window contacts, motion sensor, transformer, battery backup, user video and manual, security alert window stickers and technical support.
Optional add-ons for wireless home security systems include latchkey alert. This alert lets parents know when children do not arrive home on time. Exterior sirens, smoke detection sensors, glass break sensors and subscription monitoring services are also available.
It is possible to create a wireless security system with a webcam and a computer. Free software available online adds motion detection and the option to record images only when something changes. Images are stored on the computer.
Using a webcam in this way is cheap but range is limited to the reach of the webcam and the webcam cable. Low light can also be a problem.
Homeowners utilizing the power and convenience of wireless technology need to take steps to protect the wireless home security environment. When installing wireless routers and similar equipment, never leave the default names and passwords intact.
Items such as the Linksys wireless router assign a standard name to the wireless network. Anyone who’s used Linksys is familiar with the company’s use of ‘linksys’ as a network name. Changing the name isn’t so much a matter of protecting your network as it is letting lurkers know that you’ve done so.
Assign network passwords that contain letters and numbers and aren’t easy to recall. Yes, they’ll have to be written down. No, others in the neighborhood won’t find it easy to link on the network.
Use encryption for all wireless connections. If equipment encryption options vary, use the one that all pieces of equipment have in common. Again, doing so limits unauthorized access to the wireless network.
Disable the broadcast feature on routers unless you need to broadcast the signal. Make sure firewalls are enabled on both routers and computers. Older routers may not have a firewall option but newer ones do.
Avoid placing routers near windows. This lessens the chance of others picking up or trying to access your wireless home network.
Even if you’ve installed your own wireless home security system, there are decals and stickers available for use around the exterior of the home. Use these to deter would-be intruders.
Wireless home security systems are great ways to streamline security and computing issues in the home.
