Security cameras have become one of the most common home improvement projects in the Aiken area. Whether you are concerned about package theft, want to monitor your property while traveling, or simply want peace of mind, the first decision you face is wired versus wireless. Both work. Both have real trade-offs. And the right choice depends on your home, your priorities, and how much reliability matters to you.
How Wireless Cameras Actually Work
When most people say "wireless," they mean Wi-Fi cameras like Ring, Arlo, or Blink. These cameras connect to your home Wi-Fi network and transmit video to the cloud or a local hub. Some are battery-powered, which means truly wireless with no cables at all. Others are "wireless" in the sense that they transmit video over Wi-Fi but still need to be plugged into a power outlet.
The appeal is obvious: quick installation, no cable runs, and easy repositioning. You can mount a battery-powered camera in minutes with a couple of screws and be watching your front porch from your phone the same afternoon.
The limitations are equally real. Wi-Fi cameras depend entirely on your router's signal strength and your internet bandwidth. Every camera streaming 1080p or 4K video competes with your family's Netflix, video calls, gaming, and everything else on the network. In larger Aiken homes, especially those built with brick or featuring thick plaster walls, Wi-Fi signal may not reach the garage, backyard, or driveway reliably. Battery-powered models need recharging every few weeks to months, and they typically only record when triggered by motion rather than recording continuously.
How Wired PoE Cameras Work
Power over Ethernet (PoE) cameras use a single Ethernet cable that carries both power and data to each camera. The cable runs from the camera back to a PoE switch or a Network Video Recorder (NVR) inside your home. That single cable replaces both the power cord and the Wi-Fi connection.
PoE cameras offer several advantages that matter for a serious security system:
- Reliability. A wired connection does not drop, lag, or compete with other devices for bandwidth. The camera records consistently regardless of how many people are streaming video inside your home.
- Continuous recording. Because PoE cameras have constant power and a dedicated network connection, they can record 24/7 to an NVR. You never miss footage because a battery died or the motion sensor did not trigger.
- Higher resolution. PoE cameras commonly support 4K resolution with smooth frame rates because the Ethernet cable has far more bandwidth than a Wi-Fi connection at distance.
- No subscription fees. Most PoE systems record locally to an NVR's hard drive. You own your footage without paying monthly cloud storage fees.
- Tamper resistance. A Wi-Fi camera can be defeated by jamming the signal. A wired camera cannot be disconnected without physically cutting the cable at the camera or inside the wall.
Bandwidth: The Hidden Problem with Wi-Fi Cameras
This is the issue most homeowners do not consider until they have already bought six wireless cameras. A single 4K Wi-Fi camera uses approximately 8 to 16 Mbps of upload bandwidth when streaming or recording. Four cameras can consume 32 to 64 Mbps. Many internet plans in the Aiken area provide 10 to 25 Mbps upload speed. That math does not work, and the result is stuttery video, failed recordings, and dropped connections.
PoE cameras avoid this entirely because their traffic stays on your local network between the camera and the NVR. It never touches your internet connection unless you are viewing remotely from your phone, and even then only one stream at a time uses your internet bandwidth.
Weatherproofing and Durability
Aiken summers bring heat, humidity, and intense afternoon thunderstorms. Winter occasionally drops below freezing. Outdoor cameras need to handle all of it. Both wired and wireless cameras come in weather-rated enclosures, typically IP65 or IP67, but there is a difference in long-term durability.
Battery-powered wireless cameras have seals around the battery compartment that degrade over time with temperature cycling. After two or three South Carolina summers, those seals may allow moisture intrusion. PoE cameras with no battery compartment have fewer potential failure points. The Ethernet connection uses a weatherproof gland where the cable enters the camera body, and that seal is more robust than a battery door gasket.
NVR Placement and Storage
If you choose a wired PoE system, the NVR is the central hub where all footage is stored. It should be placed in a secure, climate-controlled location inside your home, such as a closet, utility room, or basement. The NVR needs a power outlet, a network connection to your router for remote access, and adequate ventilation since it runs continuously.
For security purposes, the NVR should not be in an obvious or easily accessible location. If someone breaks in and takes the NVR, they take your footage with it. A locked utility closet or a shelf in the attic works well. Some homeowners in the Aiken area also back up footage to the cloud as redundancy, which combines the reliability of local recording with the safety of off-site backup.
Installation Considerations
Wireless cameras are genuinely easier to install yourself if you are comfortable drilling into siding or fascia board. The trade-off is that you accept the limitations of Wi-Fi and batteries.
PoE camera installation requires running Ethernet cable from each camera location back to the NVR location. In a single-story ranch, this might mean running cables through the attic. In a two-story home, it might involve routing through walls and ceilings. The cable runs need to be done neatly, weatherproofed where they exit the building, and terminated correctly with RJ45 connectors.
A licensed electrician can run these cables cleanly, drill weathertight penetrations through exterior walls, and ensure the NVR location has adequate power and network connectivity. For homes in Aiken, North Augusta, and Graniteville, professional installation typically means cameras are positioned optimally for coverage, cables are hidden from view, and everything works correctly on the first try.
Which Should You Choose?
For most homeowners who want serious, reliable security coverage, a wired PoE system is the better long-term investment. The upfront cost is higher, but you avoid monthly subscription fees, get continuous 24/7 recording, and have a system that works independently of your Wi-Fi network and internet connection.
Wireless cameras make sense for renters who cannot run cables, for temporary monitoring needs, or for a single camera covering a doorbell or side entrance where running cable would be impractical. They are a good starting point, but most homeowners who start with wireless eventually wish they had gone wired.