有线安全摄像头(security camera)系统代表了时间、金钱和精力的大量投资。但是，如果您要保护大型财产，需要许多摄像头才能进行适当的覆盖，那么这是最好的长期选择。
开始使用有线安全摄像头系统似乎令人生畏，但是一旦您了解有线安全摄像头系统的工作原理，这一切都会变得非常有意义。
有线安全摄像头(Wired Security Camera) 系统(Systems)的两种类型
首要任务是涵盖两种主要类型的有线安全摄像头系统。
传统的有线摄像机系统使用模拟同轴电缆并提供相对较低质量的图像。更现代的系统使用通过以太网(Ethernet)电缆以数字方式传输数据的相机。
两种类型的摄像机都通过各自的电缆类型接收电源，因此您无需担心在安装时提供电源。
有线安全摄像头系统(Wired Security Camera System)中的典型组件
无论您选择哪种(Whichever)类型的有线安全摄像头系统，基本组件都是相同的：
- 实际的相机及其支架。
- 从各个摄像机延伸的电缆。
- 连接所有摄像机的集线器设备。
- 记录系统，通常集成到集线器设备中。
- 用于存储录音的硬盘。
- 用于查看来自摄像机系统的实时信息的监视器。
- 有时，需要一台计算机来管理和控制系统。
虽然大多数有线摄像机安全系统都有这些组件，但每个组件的单独功能可能会有很大差异。例如，集线器设备可能具有连接到互联网的能力，或者它可能只是一个简单的视频切换器。
近距离观察有线摄像机
相机本身可能会有所不同。大多数有线安全摄像头入门套件(security camera starter kits)都会为您提供一些相同的摄像头，但重要的是要使不同类型的摄像头与预期运行的环境相匹配。
例如，如果您要在户外使用相机(camera outdoors)，您当然应该寻找一款专为在雨、雨夹雪、雪和其他环境危害中工作而设计的型号。
弱光环境也是如此。在这些情况下，您需要在光线不足的情况下能够很好地看到的相机。某些相机以具有“夜视功能”的形式出售，这通常意味着它们对红外光敏感。
相机可以有不同的视野和焦距。因此，在选择用于各种监控点的摄像机时，您还需要牢记这一点。
有线安全摄像机安装概述(Wired Security Camera Installation Overview)
那么安装有线安全摄像头系统需要什么？它可能非常复杂，但涉及的基本工作包括：
- 将摄像机安装在正确的位置。通常通过钻孔然后将安装座拧入到位。
- 钻孔用于布线。这可能是一个挑战，因为您可能必须钻透各种各样的材料。
- 在相机和集线器设备之间拉动和布线电缆。
- 为每种类型的电缆连接连接器。
- 将相机连接到集线器设备。
- 将集线器设备连接到显示器。
- 在集线器设备中安装硬盘驱动器或将视频输出连接到带有采集卡的计算机。
虽然安装摄像机和设置视频接收器集线器、录像机、计算机和显示器都相对容易，但真正面临挑战的是布线。
在布线电缆的末端连接连接器可能特别棘手。同轴电缆并不难连接，但您需要在适当的情况下注意绝缘和防水。以太网(Ethernet)电缆需要特殊的压接工具(crimping tool)，并且需要根据接线图了解正确的接线顺序。
您当然可以购买已连接连接器的电缆长度，但这可能意味着电缆过多或过短。如果您付费将电缆定长，请确保您的测量准确！
有线摄像机的优缺点
有线摄像头安全系统的最大缺点无疑是安装它是多么痛苦。安装后，您会发现它是最可靠和最简单的解决方案。
由于摄像机都从视频接收器中获取电力，因此在断电时保持系统运行很简单，尤其是在故意断电的情况下。您所要做的就是将主系统连接到合适的不间断电源。
使用有线摄像头系统的一个缺点是不法分子可能会简单地切断特定摄像头的电线。这意味着您在布线时确实需要做好工作，以免它们不明显。它们需要以可检测和防篡改的方式安装。尤其是在外置摄像头方面。
当布线出现问题时，有线(Wired)摄像机系统也可能会令人讨厌。如果一只淘气的老鼠决定啃你的一根电缆，则很难找到断裂处或进行维修。
最后，像这样的有线系统的另一大优势是，如果你愿意，你可以让它完全脱离电网。假设您不介意失去对提要的远程访问。这意味着您不必担心有人侵入您的相机，这是连接互联网的相机设备真正关心的问题。
无线(Wireless Cameras)摄像机的优缺点(Pros)_ _(Cons)
无线摄像机相对于有线系统的最大优势是易于安装。只要您的相机在WiFi 范围内(WiFi range)，您所要做的就是确保它有电。
这给我们带来了无线摄像头的第一个缺点：电源。每个摄像头都需要插入插座。这意味着您要么必须将摄像头的放置位置限制在有电源的地方，要么进行额外的布线，这反而会破坏这一点。电池供电的无线摄像头也是一种选择，但您可以想象这会带来一系列新问题。
无线摄像头的另一个限制是您不能同时运行太多的摄像头。不仅因为WiFi拥塞，还因为运行它们的应用程序通常只同时支持大约四个摄像头。对于公寓或小型住宅来说，这没什么大不了的，但是任何有更大空间可以覆盖的人都不走运。
这些摄像头也可能遭受与任何其他WiFi(WiFi)设备相同的干扰。除非您将它们连接到没有互联网连接的路由器，否则它们总是有被黑客入侵的风险。
有线系统适用于哪些人？
有线(Wired)摄像头系统最适合预算较大的人。尤其(Especially)是包括专业安装的预算。如果您想要一个具有许多摄像头、强大的记录功能和离网选项的可靠监控系统，那么有线是您的最佳选择。
无线摄像机最适合您希望尽可能少花钱、安装过程简单或不允许您进行大量钻孔的小型住宅。选择最终取决于您！
How Wired Security Camera Systems Work
A wired security camera system represents a significant investment of time, money and effort. However, if you have a large property to secure that needs many cameras for proper coverage, it’s the best long-term option.
Getting started with a wired security camera system can seem daunting, but once you know how wired security camera systems work, it will all make perfect sense.
The Two Types of Wired Security Camera Systems
The first order of business is to cover the two main types of wires security camera systems.
The traditional wired camera system uses analogue coaxial cables and offers a relatively lower quality image. More modern systems use cameras that transmit data digitally over Ethernet cabling.
Both types of camera receive power over their respective cable types, so you don’t need to worry about providing power at the point of installation.
Typical Components in a Wired Security Camera System
Whichever type of wired security camera system you choose, the basic components are the same:
- The actual cameras and their mountings.
- The cables that run from the individual cameras.
- A hub device that connects all the cameras.
- A recording system, often integrated into the hub device.
- A hard drive to store recordings.
- A monitor to view the live feed from the camera system.
- Sometimes, a computer to manage and control the system is required.
While most wired camera security systems have these components, the individual capabilities of each component can vary significantly. For example, the hub device might have the ability to connect to the internet or it may just be a simple video switcher.
A Closer Look at Wired Cameras
The cameras themselves can vary. Most wired security camera starter kits will give you a few identical cameras, but it’s important to match the different types of camera to the environments they’ll be expected to operate in.
For example, if you’re going to use a camera outdoors, you should certainly look for a model that’s been designed to work in rain, sleet, snow and other environmental hazards.
The same goes for low light environments. In those cases you want cameras that can see well when there’s not much light. Some cameras are sold as having “night vision”, which usually means that they are sensitive to infrared light.
Cameras can have different fields of view and focal lengths. So you also need to keep that in mind when choosing which cameras to use for your various surveillance spots.
Wired Security Camera Installation Overview
So what does it take to install a wired security camera system? It can be pretty complicated, but the basic work involved includes:
- Mounting the cameras in their correct locations. Usually by drilling holes and then screwing the mount into place.
- Drilling holes through which to route cabling. This can be a challenge because you may have to drill through a wide variety of materials.
- Pulling and routing cable between the cameras and hub device.
- Attaching the connectors for each respective type of cable.
- Connecting the cameras to the hub device.
- Connecting the hub device to a monitor.
- Installing a hard drive in the hub device or attaching the video output to a computer with a capture card.
While mounting the cameras and setting up the video receiver hub, video recorder, computer and monitor are all relatively easy, it’s the cabling that offers a real challenge.
Attaching the connectors at the ends of the routed cable can be particularly tricky. Coaxial cables aren’t that hard to connect, although you need to take care with insulation and waterproofing where appropriate. Ethernet cables require a special crimping tool and knowledge of what the correct wiring order is according to a wiring diagram.
You can of course purchase lengths of cable with connectors already attached, but this can mean having excess cables or ones that are too short. If you pay to have cables made to length, make sure your measurements are accurate!
The Pros and Cons of Wired Cameras
The biggest con for a wired camera security system is undoubtedly how much of a pain it is to install it. Once you have it installed, you’ll find it’s the most reliable and foolproof solution.
Since the cameras all draw power from the video receiver, it’s simple to keep the system running in the event of a power outage, especially a deliberate one. All you have to do is attach the main system to a suitable uninterruptible power supply.
One disadvantage of using a wired camera system is that a nefarious criminal might simply cut the wire from a particular camera. This means that you really need to do a good job when routing cables, so that they aren’t obvious. They need to be installed in such a way that they are detection and tamper resistant. Especially when it comes to exterior cameras.
Wired camera systems can also be a nuisance when something goes wrong with the cabling. If a mischievous rat decides to nibble through one of your cables, it can be hard to find the break or to access it for a repair.
Finally, another large advantage of a wired system like this is that you can keep it completely off-grid if you like. Assuming that you don’t mind losing remote access to the feed. Which means you don’t have to worry about someone hacking into your cameras, which is a real concern with internet-connected camera devices.
The Pros and Cons of Wireless Cameras
The biggest advantage that wireless cameras have over wired systems is the ease of installation. As long as your camera is within WiFi range, all you have to do is make sure it has power.
Which brings us to the first downside of a wireless camera: power. Each camera needs to be plugged into an outlet. Which means you either have to limit your camera placement to where power is available or do additional wiring, which rather defeats the point. Battery-powered wireless cameras are also an option, but as you can imagine this brings a new set of issues to the table.
Another limitation of wireless cameras is that you can’t have too many of them running at the same time. Not only because of WiFi congestion, but because the apps that operate them generally only support around four cameras at the same time. That’s not a big deal for apartments or small homes, but anyone with bigger spaces to cover is out of luck.
These cameras can also suffer from the same sorts of interference as any other WiFi device. Unless you connect them to a router that has no internet connection, they always have the risk of being hacked.
Who are Wired Systems For?
Wired camera systems are best for people with larger budgets. Especially budgets that include professional installation. If you want a solid surveillance system with many cameras, robust recording and the option to go off-grid, wired is the way to go.
Wireless cameras are best for small dwellings where you want to spend as little as possible, have an easy installation process or perhaps in situations where you aren’t allowed to drill extensively. The choice is ultimately up to you!
