How To Install A WiFi IP Camera System in Your Home

Image: Pixabay

Image credit: Pixabay

Description: These are the factors do you need to take into account when looking for a home theater system that matches a smart home.

Installing a security camera is one of the most common and logical home security tips anyone should consider. The good thing is that it’s somebody you can do on your own. Many security cameras can be installed as a DIY project. In particular, you can install an IP camera so you can monitor what’s happening in your home remotely.

The process is simple. If you are not familiar with it, go over the following simplified guide.

1. Get the right IP camera.

Of course, the first thing you have to decide on is the camera you will install. It’s very important to check which IP camera is best for your home. You can’t just settle with the cheapest option available. You have to make sure that it’s a reliable unit, preferably from a reputable company. You don’t have to spend so much for it. There are many cost-efficient options you can find if you take the time and effort to do some research. Go over reviews and recommendations. Just make sure the reviews you are using as guide are dependable and objective in making their assessments.

It’s important to emphasize the need to get the right IP camera in this IP camera installation guide because of the need for the right specifications. For instance, if you decide to place the camera outdoors, it’s not advisable to do a DIY project to retrofit your camera with weatherproofing. The camera should already be weatherproof by itself if it is to be installed outdoors. You have to get the specifications right before you buy and proceed to installing the camera.

1. Find the best location for installing the camera.

In finding the best location for your IP camera you basically need to take the following factors into account:

• The area you want to monitor. Security cameras are usually placed in front of a house with a view of the area from the front door to the gate. It could also be in the living room, aimed at the front door and with a clear view of the door and most of the living room area.
• The ability of the camera to clearly capture images. It’s also important to make sure that the camera can clearly capture images. Don’t sacrifice clarity for a wide field of view. Don’t install your camera too high up if you only end up with images of people and things you can’t distinguish from each other.
• Proximity to the WiFi router. Lastly, you need to make sure that the camera is within the coverage area of your WiFi router. Provide allowance for possible signal fluctuations. Don’t evaluate WiFi router coverage by using your smartphone or other devices. Use the IP camera itself to determine the right proximity.
• Not easy to move or tamper with. As much as possible, your IP camera should not be easily accessible to anyone. It shouldn’t be easy for anyone to change its field of view. Your IP camera is mainly for your use so only you should be able to implement changes on it.

2. Ensure proper power supply.

When connecting your IP camera to the power supply, make sure you are only using the power cord supplied with the camera. Also, avoid having wires riskily hanging around. The wires should be fixed properly to the wall or the ceiling. Don’t make it easy for the plug to detach from the power outlet. Make sure the power supply is not exposed to water leaks, drizzles, and vermin.

3. Refer to the setup instructions for your camera.

This post is intended to be a general guide on how to install IP cameras so I can’t focus on the installation process for a specific camera brand or model. However, a rough summary of how to set up most IP cameras is presented below. If you want setup tutorials for specific models, you may find some in my blog Techi Signals.

• Make sure your WiFi router can be detected by your camera, vice versa. You may need to enable SSID broadcast in your router to make sure the IP camera can connect to it.
• For some IP cameras, you may need to connect the camera to the router via the ethernet port first as their WiFi capabilities are yet to be enabled and configured.
• You usually have to install the camera’s software in your computer or mobile device. You may need to run a setup CD/DVD for your computer or install the companion app for the camera in your mobile device.
• In some cases, you may need to update the camera’s firmware as it may not properly connect to the setup wizard.
• Everything you need to configure and calibrate your camera is in the software and the manual that should come with the camera. If you don’t have these, contact your camera’s vendor.
• Sometimes you may no longer have to install an app to access your camera remotely. You can just access it through a browser-based user interface wherein you just have to load a specific URL, log in with your camera credentials, and access your camera.
• Make sure that your camera is protected, that nobody else but you can access it remotely. Set your password or change the default password the camera is shipped with.
• Your router may have blocked certain ports your IP camera requires. If you can’t access your camera remotely, you may have to unblock certain ports blocked by your router’s firewall.

4. Set up motion detection feature (if your camera has it).

One highly useful feature of IP cameras is motion detection. This is great for power efficiency. With this feature, your camera may only take a photo or start recording when motion is detected within its field of view. You can also set up notifications or the sending of photos to your email whenever the camera detects movement.

Conclusion

Most IP cameras nowadays are easy to install and set up. You don’t really need to ask a professional to do the installation for you. Installation is basically just about physically installing the camera and connecting the camera to the network through its setup software, companion app, or a web-based interface. You just need to get a reliable unit that can capture clear enough images and preferably has night vision (infrared vision) so it can be useful in the dark or under low light situations.

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