Home security technology has progressed significantly over the past few decades. As a result, today’s private custom home security systems are more cost-efficient and effective than ever before, making them more accessible to everyday people. State-of-the-art safety solutions aren’t just for high-profile businesses and banks. Security systems have become adaptable to the needs of everyday people who simply want to protect their private property and the people/possessions inside of it.
If you are ready to take advantage of the added peace of mind such technology gives you, one of the biggest decisions you will have to make is whether you want a wired or a wireless home security system. There is no one “right” answer to this question, as people’s needs and priorities vary. However, by understanding the pros and cons of each model, you can decide which type of security system will best suit your needs.
Basic Differences Between Wired and Wireless Home Security Systems
When your professional home security system detects a disturbance, whether it’s a camera picking up strange movement by your front door or a glass-break sensor detecting a smashed window, it needs to send an alert. This is conveyed to a central control panel, which then transmits a signal to the outside world. For this “red flag” to successfully get sent onwards outside of the house, either to you or your custom security system company, the system needs to be hooked up in a way that allows connection with the external world. In the case of a wired system, a physical electrical line (usually your telephone landline) is used to connect to your monitoring service. With a wireless system, a satellite internet connection or backup cellular network is used instead; no landline is needed.
The wired versus wireless differentiation also refers to the actual devices that comprise your home security. A comprehensive system will include multiple elements such as motion sensors, video cameras, and noise detectors. While the devices in wired versions tend to rely on electricity, most have battery backups. Wireless systems rely on battery power and some batteries last up to 5 years and beyond. Discover additional advantages and disadvantages below.
Points to Consider When Deciding Which Model is Right for You
Even with a basic understanding of how wired and wireless home security systems differ, you may still be uncertain as to which one is right for you. In general, private residential homeowners may be more inclined towards wireless models while persons with a larger property or business to oversee may opt for wired. Find out why below.
Consider these points:
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Installation: You can create a DIY wireless home security system quite simply. First, order the products you need from a reputable home security provider, then set them up and hook them up to your wireless connection. With pre-programmed kits, devices connect immediately to a designated control panel as soon as they are turned on and logged onto the relevant wireless system. A hardwired setup is trickier. A professional will have to drill holes and run wires to hook up the various devices. It’s also likely that they will have to program the system for you.
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Cost: Due to their ease of installation, wireless models are cheaper overall. Wireless systems are also easier to relocate. If you move to a new home, you can bring your old technology with you. With a wired system, you will have to pay for installation all over again.
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Reliability: Wireless systems tend to be more reliable precisely because they don’t demand complicated wiring, which can be tampered with. With wiring, a lot can go wrong. A phone line could be cut by an intruder, for instance, or a mouse might decide to make a meal of the wire connecting a monitoring device to the control panel.
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Flexibility: One of the biggest boons for homeowners who choose to go wireless is the flexibility it offers. With wireless, you can set up systems to connect directly to your mobile device. You could be out to dinner with your spouse when you receive an alert on your phone that a motion sensor has been set off by your front door. From your mobile device, you can then check the relevant camera immediately — and discover it’s simply a wild animal, for example. If there is cause for concern, on the other hand, you can alert your home security provider.
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Distance coverage: The one point on which wired systems have an undeniable leading edge over wireless is in their range. A wireless system’s signal range may not be able to span longer distances or penetrate certain materials. Wired models may thus be preferable for businesses that cover large areas, such as massive office buildings or hospitals, while wireless is still absolutely fine for a standard property owner.
While the question of distance coverage may make wired systems preferable for businesses if you are simply looking for an effective yet affordable option for your home, a wireless home security system is ideal — as an overview of the above points demonstrates.
Don’t Delay Getting Your Custom Security System
With this knowledge, you can make an informed decision as to whether a wired versus wireless home security system is right for you. Once you’ve made your choice, don’t wait to make the investment. It has been shown that even the visible presence of a security system alone may be enough to deter criminals. Researchers attribute this fact, coupled with the increased availability and affordability of security systems, to declines in home burglaries. The sooner you implement your new technology, the sooner you can rest easy in the added protection it will provide.
