What “wireless” really means
A wireless camera sends its video over Wi-Fi, but it still needs power — from a nearby socket, a battery or a solar panel. So “wireless” usually means “no data cable”, not “no cable at all”. Battery cameras record only when they detect motion, to save power.
A wired IP camera uses one network cable for both power and video (PoE). That single cable is why wired systems are so dependable.
Where wired wins
Wired cameras don't drop out when Wi-Fi is busy, don't need charging and can record continuously at full quality. For businesses — and for any premises that must keep continuous recordings, as SIRA-regulated establishments do — wired is the default choice. It's also the better choice for a villa being built or renovated, when cable costs little to run.
Where wireless makes sense
Wireless is the practical answer in a finished apartment or a rental, where drilling and chasing walls isn't welcome, and for outbuildings, gates or temporary sites that are hard to reach with cable. It's quicker to install and easy to move.
Most systems mix both
A common design is a wired core — recorder, main cameras, network — with wireless reaching the awkward places. A point-to-point radio link can carry several wired cameras at a distant gate back to the house, giving you wired reliability without a trench. See our Wi-Fi and wireless networks service.
Our recommendation
Wire what you can, and use wireless where cable would be disruptive or impossible. We'll show you both options on the survey, with the trade-offs for your property, before you decide.