How to Choose the Best PoE Home Security Camera System
Home security systems range in price based on camera quality, features, installation considerations, and initial hard drive storage space. Choosing a PoE system ensures stable data transmission over ethernet cables that can be more cost-effective than wireless solutions.
This 8-channel PoE home security camera system features 24/7 continuous recording, intelligent AI human motion detection, smart light alerts, and two-way audio. It also has 190ft night vision and is IP66 weatherproof.
1. Power over Ethernet
Using Power over Ethernet, your security camera system can run over an existing network cable. This eliminates the need for separate power adapters and gives you a more cohesive, reliable setup. It also allows you to use a single UPS for backup, providing your cameras with continuous power even when the power goes out in your home.
Another benefit of Power over Ethernet is that it provides greater flexibility and options for camera placement. Because the cameras get their power from the ethernet cables, they can be installed in locations that aren’t necessarily close to electrical outlets. In addition, relocating or moving the cameras is a simple process that only requires changing out the ethernet cable.
Look for a PoE camera with a high-quality image sensor, which will ensure that your footage is clear and crisp. A good quality PoE camera should also have a wide field of view, so it can monitor more of an area. It should also have night vision and a decent zoom. Additionally, look for a camera that offers a facial recognition feature, which can distinguish a human face from a tree branch or neighborhood critter.
2. Easy installation
Wired home security systems are growing in popularity thanks to advanced technologies that make them more affordable and user-friendly. One of these technologies, Power over Ethernet (PoE), eliminates the need for separate power cables by transmitting both data and electricity through an Ethernet cable. This reduces installation costs and improves reliability by eliminating interference and signal loss.
Most PoE camera systems include a network video recorder (NVR) that works with your router to provide storage for the footage captured by your cameras. Some also support two-way audio, allowing you to communicate with the people you see on your live feed. This feature is useful for saying hi to visitors or letting a delivery driver know where to leave your package.
Most of the best PoE security systems connect to a central control panel via a local area network (LAN) that is separate from best poe home security camera system your home internet connection. This enables centralized monitoring and control, including remote rebooting of devices and adjusting power allocation. It also simplifies installing additional cameras or upgrading the NVR channel capacity and total camera count, as many of these systems are upgradable.
3. Easy to use
The best PoE security cameras include a network video recorder (NVR) for storing footage. This allows users to view and manage their recordings from a computer or mobile device. Most systems also feature a smart alarm function, which can send alerts and notifications to your phone when human motion is detected in the camera’s field of view.
Some home security cameras may also come with built-in microphones to enable two-way audio communication. Others offer night vision capabilities to see in the dark and digital noise reduction to improve image quality.
In terms of ease of use, a key benefit of a best poe home security camera system is its simple installation process. best poe home security camera system This makes it ideal for DIYers without the need to hire a professional installer. In addition, PoE security cameras are typically less complex than non-PoE options because they require only one cable for power and data transmission. They can also be powered over longer distances than Wi-Fi camera models. Moreover, they are generally more reliable than wireless options. Lastly, many of them have no monthly subscription fees.
4. Easy to maintain
Unlike cameras that use Wi-Fi, which may suffer from power outages and fluctuating internet speeds, PoE systems are wired to your local network for stability. Plus, since a single Ethernet cable can power cameras and transmit data, you don’t need to install additional outlets or power cords to set up your security system.
Most PoE security camera kits include one or more cameras and a network video recorder (NVR) to store the footage. You can also buy stand-alone PoE security cameras if you want to add more to your existing system.
While hardwiring a home security camera system can increase reliability, it’s usually best left to a professional installer to avoid damage to your walls and ceilings. But if you’re comfortable with DIY installation, most systems come with easy-to-follow instructions and online resources to help you get started. And you can even buy pre-assembled kits to make the process even easier. You can also choose a PoE security camera that supports an uninterruptible power supply, allowing you to continue monitoring your premises even when there’s a power outage.
5. Affordable
There are a lot of benefits to owning a PoE home security camera system. Compared to non-PoE systems, they require fewer connections, so you’ll spend less on installation costs. You’ll also save money on powering each individual camera, as PoE uses only one cable for both data and power transmission.
Some models of PoE cameras offer higher resolution than others. For example, the top-rated system from Reolink offers 4K resolution—approximately 3,840 x 2,160 pixels. This provides incredibly sharp images and a clear image of the footage captured by each camera. However, recording at this high resolution can take up a significant amount of storage space.
Another benefit of some PoE systems is the two-way audio feature that allows you to speak with anyone who comes to your door. This can be useful for greeting guests, or even telling a delivery driver where to leave your package. Many of the PoE home security camera systems on our list support this feature, so you can be sure that your property is protected. This is especially important for homes with children and pets.