Why Don't Manufacturers Do A Better Job Of Building More Robust Wireless IP Cameras?

JH
John Honovich
Feb 01, 2016
IPVM

I was having a discussion today where we both were lamenting the fact that (all or almost) all cameras with integrated wireless are fairly short range / limited in their ability to handle distances / limitations (e.g., external antenna, etc.). Because of that, most who are handing anything bigger than a small area would need to go wireline or add in a Ubiquiti unit (e.g.). While the later might be inexpensive to buy, it does add integration time and cost as well as size.

So, question, does any manufacturer do a better job of building 'professional' wireless IP cameras? If not, anyone care to step up? :)

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Brian Karas
Feb 01, 2016
Pelican Zero

I'm not sure that I've seen enough demand for it over the years to warrant a product.

There isn't 100% agreement on 2.4Ghz vs 5Ghz, and don't even get started on cellular variants.

You still need power (so, a cable).

Your cameras are typically installed by professionals, some of whom are *against* wifi because it would make things even more DIY.

In a number of cases where a wireless camera *would* make sense there are other issues like distance that make an external directional antenna more practical, at which point you might as well just use a Ubiquti unit (and at $80 street price, I'm not sure a wifi option on a "real" camera would be any cheaper).

Then there are all the support headaches with wifi, congested networks (and the resultant video issues).

In short, I'm not sure anyone would be willing to pay what it would cost to sell a true 'professional' IP camera that didn't fall short of expectations.

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Billy Guthrie
Feb 02, 2016

Most wireless (802.11) cameras have fairly short range due to the embedded wireless modules; most have very low output power (Average 200mW/23dBm) @2.4Ghz; combined with an antenna ranging from 0db (Unit Gain) to 3dBi, the short range (~700' radius free space) is expected depending on the receiver sensitivity (assuming -65dBm). It is really up to the integrator to calculate the path requirements for wireless and spec out the equipment that is required. So, the short range should not be an issue in most residential applications, but again, like anything else, it has to be engineered based on the requirements.

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JH
John Honovich
Feb 02, 2016
IPVM

"the short range (~700' radius)"

You are getting 700' radius in real life with wireless IP cameras? I presume this calculation is without factoring in walls, interference, etc.?

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Billy Guthrie
Feb 02, 2016

I updated the thread with 'Free Space'; yes, with no obstructions. Those are calculations on paper, not what we are getting in real life. As with anything else, a site survey should be performed before any wireless implementation; however, sometimes, a site survey might not be required due to time constraints, so you have to build the proposal based on assumptions and expectations of course. To be honest, I would never propose a wireless IP security camera solution due to inherent RF exploits unless wireless was the only solution possible after exhausting all other hardwire solutions.

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U
Undisclosed #1
Feb 02, 2016
IPVMU Certified

Do we know that they haven't gotten any better?

The time might be right for the first, (AFAIK), IPVM Wireless Shootout.

Hik 'n Dah have both recently released several new models that look like regular Pro Gear.

 

JH
John Honovich
Feb 02, 2016
IPVM

I am actually open to that. I think it would be a solid B level test.

Any other potential contenders?

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Ethan Ace
Feb 02, 2016

The one with the external rubber ducky has always been interesting to me. I believe it's on a regular SMA connector, which would mean you could swap the antenna for something more directional if need be.

That being said, I'm not actually sure if either of those models are current in North America. The Dahua Wifi category is blank on the US site, but has multiple options overseas. Hikvision doesn't specifically list any at all in NA, but shows a bunch in the quick guide. It's vague on both counts and I think intentionally, as I don't think they're big sellers.

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Billy Guthrie
Feb 02, 2016

which would mean you could swap the antenna for something more directional if need be.

Not per FCC Regulations (FCC part 15.203)...

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UD
Undisclosed Distributor #2
Feb 02, 2016

A few years back there were quite a few more options for professional grade wireless IP cameras than there are today. Those models represented less than 10% of our sales but probably 50% of our support calls. This and the fact you still have to get power to the camera so POE is usually more convenient may be why there are so few offerings now.

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JH
John Honovich
Feb 02, 2016
IPVM

"Those models represented less than 10% of our sales but probably 50% of our support calls."

Very interesting stat, thanks!

SP
Sean Patton
Feb 02, 2016

My issue or concern with putting in wireless embedded cameras beyond all of the other really good reasons stated, is that when one part of the system fails (the wifi or the camera), both things are rendered useless. So you will need to stock extra spare cameras just in case the wifi radio goes bad. In addition if there are new camera models, capabilities, or features available you would have to wait for those to trickle down to the wireless embedded cameras, or possibly never get those features without having to put in a separate wireless radio and camera (back to square 1).

Also in many environments now (education, government) the last network you want to try to add a camera in is your wifi that is hosting 120 iPads/Chromebooks/BYOD devices on 2 APs. Even in the best RF environment, with QOS set up as best as possible, air-fairness is going to be rough on a camera stream.

AT
Andrew Thomas
Feb 02, 2016

802.xx is shared space - all devices are arguing and accommodating surrounding users. There are a lot of little dirty secrets about wireless access points switching to the least common denominator when differing connections are on the same ssid. Latency can go through the roof, image quality then sucks, customers complain. Leave wireless for non time sensitive stuff like web browsing and email.

UM
Undisclosed Manufacturer #3
Feb 02, 2016

If you think Hik had hacking issues before, just mix in cheap Wi Fi and see what real trouble is.

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AT
Andrew Thomas
Feb 02, 2016

Here is a script that kills connected wireless cameras - It's illegal of course but for educational purposes, test this in house.....

https://julianoliver.com/output/log_2015-12-18_14-39

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U
Undisclosed #1
Feb 03, 2016
IPVMU Certified

Here is a script that kills connected wireless cameras...

Just to be clear this technique is not specific to wireless cameras, it can disconnect any client, including a wired camera using a ubiquiti access point, or your laptop for that matter. its basically a DOS attack that make access points and devices reauthenticate by replaying snooped packets.

Wifi using Radius authentication is the best defense, since the packets have serialized tokens, duplicate replayed packets are discarded.

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AT
Andrew Thomas
Feb 03, 2016
Yup, used simply as am example of wireless insecurities. For P2P / PMP links use TDMA protocols like WORP, and other iterations.
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