Is A Wireless Security System The Right Choice?

With advanced wireless technology, wireless home security systems offer effective protection without many of the drawbacks of wired systems. And the cost has come down enough that it is currently comparable to traditional systems.

How exactly does it work?
The brain of a wireless home security system is the main console, which is installed in a secure location in your home. This console receives signals from all the different battery-operated devices that are connected to the system. This may include wireless security cameras or wireless motion detectors. These devices transmit their signals via radio frequencies. The main console in your home is wired to your monitoring device (be it your television, your computer or a dedicated monitor) and your recording device (be it VCR of DVR).

What are the benefits of a wireless security system?
The first advantage is evident from the name: no wires. This means installation doesn't require drilling holes into your home and running unsightly wires both inside and outside. Wireless video security systems therefore don't require the skills of an electrician to install. Without wires, these systems are also less vulnerable in the event that a burglar cuts the power to your house. Because they rely on batteries for power, they'll resist the most obvious attempts to disable security systems.

Another important advantage is flexibility. You can easily change the configuration of your outdoor wireless security system. All you need to do is move the cameras or motion sensors. If you install your system and then realize that one point of entry is particularly vulnerable, you can modify the system accordingly. It is also very easy to add components to the system. All that requires is properly programming the console to receive another device's signal.

What are the drawbacks of a wireless security system?
The first disadvantage relates to the batteries. Although a battery-powered device can't be disabled by cutting electrical lines, it can run out of power on its own. Loss of battery power may render your wireless home security system unreliable, or completely useless. Some devices will send an alert to the main console that it is running low on battery power, but not all do. You can pay attention to the battery level on your own and replace them when necessary, but some companies will actually require that you call one of their technicians to do the job.

Another drawback relates to wireless security systems use of radio frequency signals, commonly referred to as RF. A wide range of RF devices are now in use, including garage door openers, remote car alarms, cellular phones and wireless Internet routers. This means that there is competition between devices at certain frequencies, which may actually interfere with the proper functioning of your wireless home security system. In this regard, some security systems are definitely better than others. More expensive devices may use very specific frequencies or send several signals at different frequencies, but this often compromises the efficiency of battery-usage or penetration ability.

As with any other security device, make sure you know exactly what you're getting and don't get too excited if you find what looks like an inexpensive wireless video security system. The technology can be effective, but going the cheap route may get you nothing more than a false sense of security.