STACK #257 March 2026

SMART HOME

TECH FEATURE

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When wireless can be best While a hardwired camera is the more secure option, sometimes a wireless camera can be a better fit for your home. • If you're renting, for instance, you may not be able to get approval for a hardwired camera, nor can you bring it with you once you vacate the property. • Wireless cameras can also be easily positioned or moved wherever • Wireless cameras also offer simple DIY installation, are more convenient to set up, and adding extra cameras is easy. If you only need a temporary security setup, they're less of an investment. • If you want the best of both worlds, some cameras offer both wired and wireless connection options. you need them to be – indoors or outside – via simple DIY setup.

Security cameras are great for home protection and peace-of-mind.Wireless cameras can be convenient and easy to install, but for a long-term, serious solution to your security needs, a wired camera is the way to go. Here's why… Words James O’Connor 5 REASONS TO LOVE A WIRED SECURITY CAMERA

Unlimited power A wired security camera maintains a constant connection via a physical cable, which means it'll always be active whenever your router is turned on and the cable is plugged in. Pair your router with an uninterrupted power supply unit and you'll be able to keep on recording 24/7 – even during a power outage. You won't need to recharge batteries periodically – simply set the camera up and forget about it until you need it. Power Over Ethernet (POE) Modern wired security cameras can be tethered via a single ethernet cable, which handles both data and power to the device. Not only does this mean that the cabling is clean, as you don't need an additional power outlet, it also keeps power consumption low and means that the camera's connection to the internet stays strong and consistent.

A strong, stable connection A direct, wired connection can deliver better connectivity and signal stability. Cables have a firm link to your router, and are

Pro installation When installing a hardwired security camera on your property, it's important that the job is performed by a licensed electrician, as cables may need to be run through walls or ceilings, or multiple cameras routed to a central location. It also protects you from hazards, as well as potential legal problems from faulty cabling. The electrician will, in some states, also require security licensing to perform the job, so make sure they have all the necessary qualifications. Most wired indoor cameras don’t require an electrician, as they use a standard power adapter that can be plugged into a wall outlet.

less vulnerable to cyber threats. While it’s a lot harder to tamper with a wired connection, many wired cameras still allow a back-up Wi-Fi connection in a pinch, so you can tether from a mobile device if your internet goes down. Wired cameras can also typically have higher bandwidth for higher-resolution video footage (up to 4K in some models) with less compression. A wired connection also means greater stability for multiple

cameras on a single system, as they won't clog your Wi-Fi bands. Better for storage A big advantage of a wired camera is that you can connect it directly to a local storage hub and automatically store all of your files. This means that, with a big enough hard-drive, you can collect huge amounts of footage and data without having to pay ongoing subscription fees for cloud storage.

14 MARCH 2026

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