Is Wireless Better Than Wired?
No – But we should probably go a bit deeper into the subject. After all the answer is dependent on the user’s specific needs.
Over the last couple of years, we have noticed a common misconception that wireless is the way to go, because wireless is a modern solution it must be a better solution, right? Well wireless systems, whether it be CCTV or Alarms, have their own advantages and disadvantages. Don’t worry, we’ve made a list.
Cost
Of course, every installation has to meet a budget, but you should always consider an expert’s opinion when buying a security system. While a wireless system may be the cheaper alternative to a wired system you must factor in the additional costs a wireless system entails. For example – a wired motion detector will require a cable from the control equipment to the detector, but once it’s done – it’s done. With a wireless detector, it is simply added to the wireless system and installed – but then it will require a battery, and then it will need another, and then another. In addition to this, wireless detectors cost more than wired detectors. Therefore it would not take long for the wireless solution to actually become more expensive.
Reliability
Wireless systems are inherently unpredictable. What do we mean by this? Well, wireless systems are liable to interference from other products and materials in and around your home or workplace. Reflective insulation, thick walls, large metal objects, and high voltage appliances and wires can all affect wireless signals from either being transmitted or received correctly – in addition to this other wireless items can interfere such as wireless thermostats, smart plugs, and powerline adaptors. With a wired system, interference is still a possibility but the likelihood is reduced by a large margin. If your system is unreliable as a result of an unforeseen interference it may impact the cost.
It should also be noted that particularly for wireless CCTV systems the performance is directly influenced by how many other things are using the wireless network – laptops, TVs, Phones – they are all competing for the same bandwidth, speed and signal.
Protection
Another factor to consider is the level of protection required. We can guarantee that you will not see a wireless system in a bank and there is a reason for this – side note, if you do see a wireless system in a bank then we recommend you change bank. Wireless systems are secure and we are not suggesting that they aren’t. Our systems will alert you if the signal is being tampered with – some cheaper systems may not. But our main point for this header is the area you want to cover. If you want to protect a small/medium domestic property then this may well be the solution for you, but start moving to a larger property and we will need to add additional wireless receivers around the house to allow us to position detection, or cameras, further away from the main control equipment and these receivers have to be cabled. This begs the question if you are already taking a cable halfway, why not go all the way? As before, these additional bits of equipment will also incur an additional cost.
Alterations
This is where a wireless system has the advantage, if you have a situation where the protection areas are constantly changing, like a gallery or museum, perhaps a wireless system is the best option. It provides the ultimate flexibility to move detection around as the demand for protection changes. While this is possible with a wired system it would likely be cheaper to opt for the wireless choice.
Overall then, we would always recommend a wired system. Its reliability and cost-effectiveness out weights the uncertainty and running costs of a wireless system. So next time your walking down the street and Steve tells you wireless is better, you know what to tell him.
For more information and to help you get the best system, contact Ballum Security today.
