Are you planning to install Wi-Fi security cameras but don’t know how much data they will consume per month? The amount of data Wi-Fi cameras use depends on several factors. The influencers of data usage by your camera include the camera’s resolution, frame rate�? per second, the number of cameras in use, and whether you employ a network video recorder (NVR). Generally, your security camera may consume anything from 0.5 GB to an upward of 400 GB. However, the average usage is around 60 GB per month.
Wi-Fi security cameras are becoming a trend in our homes and offices. If you plan on installing these valuable gadgets in your home, you must understand how much data they spend per month and consider the proper bandwidth to enable them operate smoothly. If you don’t set up your cameras appropriately, your internet will be overcrowded.
The Importance of Determining How Much Data Your Wi-Fi Security Camera Uses Per Month
There is a trend by many internet service providers (ISPs) to limit data plans for residential premises. Due to this trend, it will be wise to understand the amount of data your security camera will use in a month before purchasing it.
If you overlook this aspect and go for a higher resolution camera that utilizes massive data, it will slow down your internet connectivity.
Why Do Wi-Fi Security Cameras Use Data?
To function optimally, your Wi-Fi security camera requires an internet connection that supports better downloading and uploading speed. Good bandwidth is a non-negotiable for Wi-Fi security cameras. Here are the reasons why data usage is beneficial to Wi-Fi security cameras:
1. Cameras use data to upload videos to the cloud.
2. Data assists in overall cloud communication and pinging.
3. The camera uses data to stream videos when requested.
4. The firmware of Wi-Fi security cameras is kept up to date courtesy of data usage.
Features Of Home Security Cameras And How They Operate
Home security cameras come with different features. These features dictate the amount of data each camera uses.
Suppose you are using your Wi-Fi security camera for live streaming or to upload videos to the cloud, be sure that a lot of data gets consumed in the process. Nonetheless, the amount of data consumed hinges on the video quality and size.
When security cameras are armed, they are on work mode throughout. Knowing their functionality whenever they get triggered into action is of importance.
Wi-Fi security cameras have motion sensors. When your cameras’ motion sensors notice movement, they trigger the device and record and upload video footage.
Nevertheless, when they are not recording videos, they use a small amount of data to ping to and from the server. Cameras also use data snippets to save snapshots when not recording.
You can set your security camera to upload video footage to the cloud or locally. The feature you choose for video footage storage impacts the amount of data used. For instance, if the camera is in continuous video recording (CVR) and uploading to cloud storage, it uses enormous data than when saving the footage locally.
Breaking Down Wi-Fi Security Camera Data Usage
Typically, a Wi-Fi security camera can consume between 3 GB to 400 GB monthly. If we break the consumption down, the average data usage per day is between 100 MB to 13 GB. A further breakdown gives us 4.17 MB to 540 MB per hour and 0.01 to 1.2 Mb per second. These figures are for a single security camera.
If you use a small security camera such as the one next to the doorbell, data consumption will be less. Such cameras may use between 3 GB to 5GB in a month. Depending on your settings, these miniature cameras might even use fewer data. It is said that they can even use 100 to 500 MB per month.
The exact amount of data used by Wi-Fi security cameras is hard to determine as this depends on numerous variables. However, most users agree that about 60 GB per month is an average consumption of current Wi-Fi security cameras. Some users have also indicated that they use between 100 GB and 400 GB on their security cameras. Depending on the quality, consumption can surge to the neighborhood of 7GB per hour.
Factors That Determine Data Usage by Wi-Fi Security Cameras�?
Different factors influence the amount of data used by a Wi-Fi security camera. These factors include camera resolution, frame rate per second, number of cameras in use, camera settings, and the usage mode.
1. Camera Resolution
The resolution of a security camera dictates the amount of data it consumes.�? Most Wi-Fi security cameras provide clear HD footage, but the clarity of their videos requires extra bandwidth.
A camera with a resolution of 1080p captures quality footage in harsh conditions. �?Remember that images captured by outdoor cameras in poor lighting conditions require higher resolution for clarity. If your camera uses a higher resolution, it translates to more data usage. Nonetheless, technology remedies this situation.�?
You can invest in an intelligent security camera that detects when to record high-resolution videos and switch back to SD when nothing important is happening. This way, you’ll minimize data usage.
2. Frame Rate Per Second (FPS)
Frame rate per second is the term used to refer to how frequently a camera displays consecutive footage per second. Some cameras can stream at 5fps, while others stream as high as 60fps.
Higher frame rate per second cameras provides more precise and smooth video footage, whereas images displayed by cameras with low frame per second are poor and difficult to discern. If you desire an excellent Wi-Fi security camera for your business or home, consider choosing the one with 25fps and above.
Although higher rate-per-second Wi-Fi security cameras provide smooth and clear footage, they come at a price. The amount of data consumed by these cameras is higher than their low rate per second counterparts.
3. Number Of Cameras On The Network
A vast property demands a broad coverage of a Wi-Fi security network. Common sense dictates that more security cameras in your network utilize a greater bandwidth. Regardless of the amount of data used by the cameras, their security is immense as they cover every corner and nook of your property.
One advantage of this vast range of networked cameras is that they send the recordings straight to the cloud storage; hence even if a criminal steals or destroys your on-site digital video recorder (DVR), you are still covered. Note that transferring data to the cloud uses more data.
4. Camera Usage
The way you choose to use your camera for security purposes contributes to the amount of data it consumes. For instance, if you opt to use a network video recorder (NVR), data is taken from your camera and stored on a secure server instead of sending it to the cloud. This way, data usage by your security camera is reduced.
Network video recorders are easily deployed, and their build houses video security images. The technology used embeds custom software used for video surveillance.
Suppose you mind about your Wi-Fi security camera’s data usage, NVR is the route to go.
5. Wi-Fi Security Camera Settings
You have an option to either let your camera work throughout or configure it to rely on motion detection. Running the camera 24/7 is a wise option, but you may make it trigger-specific if you want to cut down on data usage.
The nature of security in your premise determines the mode of surveillance suitable for maximum protection.�?
6. Scenes And Recorded Activities
Did you know that the scene and activities recorded by your camera impact the amount of data used? For instance, if the camera records a plain wall for 30 seconds, it consumes fewer data compared to recording children playing in the house for the same length of time.
Benefits Of Wi-Fi Security Cameras
On most people’s lips, one question is, are Wi-Fi security cameras worth it? It isn’t coincidental that most businesses and homes focus on Wi-Fi security cameras. Here are their Benefits:
1. They Require Less Overhead Cost
Wi-Fi cameras don’t require wiring systems; hence you avoid the cost of wires. You also can’t alter the infrastructure to install the cameras.
2. Secure Data Storage
With Wi-Fi cameras, you have two ways to store your data. You can opt to either store it on-site or in the cloud.
3. Remote Access Of Footage
With this intelligent device, you can access your property from anywhere in the globe. The camera system can trigger an email or a text message alert whenever there is a problem.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can A Wi-Fi Camera Work Without Internet?
Yes, your internet camera may work without an internet connection. The only hindsight of this scenario is that you can’t monitor activities taking place in your property remotely through smart devices such as smartphones, the web, or tablets. However, if your camera has an SD, all activities will be recorded and saved on the memory stick.
Conclusion
If you value the security of your property, Wi-Fi security cameras are the way to go. The security system might slow down your internet speed, but if you follow the measures elaborated on this page, you will acquire the best gadget that works with you well.