The current economic situation has triggered the rise of crimes, especially burglary. Therefore, more and more people are opting for home security systems to protect their facilities and assets from all potential threats. The internet has revamped home security devices and enabled access to affordable security solutions.
Home security cameras usually do not have home security systems, but they are essential for keeping your home secure. If you are also planning to get one, you must know your home security camera’s internet requirements so it can function adequately. The high data consumption of these cameras might make you reluctant about them, but they are an excellent investment. Therefore, we’ll discuss the internet requirements of home security cameras in detail so you can choose an appropriate internet plan.
Before moving to the home security internet usage requirements, let’s look at the factors that can impact your internet speed and data.
Internet Security Cameras – Factors to Consider
Resolution
Video resolution determines the quality of your videos. A high-resolution home security camera is necessary for viewing more details, such as the intruder’s face or license plate. The most common resolutions for security cameras are:
- 2MP – 1080p
- 4MP – 1440p
- 5MP – 1920p
- 8MP – 4K
Although high video resolution is ideal for security cameras, it impacts your internet speed and consumes a lot of data.
Frame Rate per Seconds (FPS)
FPS measures the performance of a video. It is the rate at which a camera displays consecutive images. Home security cameras have 30 fps or 60 fps frame rates. The higher the frame rates, the higher the speed and data requirements.
Video Compression
Security cameras have a built-in codec to reduce recorded video size. The more advanced your security camera compression algorithm is, the higher the latency.
The Number of Home Security Cameras
The number of cameras also impacts your internet speed and data. Hence, the more home security cameras you install, the more speed and data you’ll need.
Home Security Cameras Internet Requirements
Security cameras have become a common element of home security systems. They increase your family’s safety and help curb crimes by monitoring the different areas of your home. You can use both outdoor and indoor security cameras to keep an eye on the perimeter of your home, entry points like your front door and garage, and even your baby.
The home security or IP cameras use your home internet to function and communicate with other devices. You can use this home security solution to deter potential crimes and get justice. These security cameras can send videos to the local DVR and cloud online. Plus, they allow you to keep an eye on your home even when you are outside. Since the internet supports these devices, your internet plan should have sufficient speeds and data. Here are the most common home security cameras’ internet requirements:
Internet Speed Requirements
Internet speed comprises upload and download speeds. However, most ISPs only emphasize download speeds since most internet activities depend on them. But for home security cameras, upload speeds hold more value as they send huge amounts of data. Let’s get into the details to see the internet speed needed for security cameras.
Upload Speeds
Upload speed specifies the rate of sending data over a network. It is more crucial for home security cameras as their primary function is to send footage to your devices. Therefore, it is vital to have an internet plan with sufficient upload speeds. Usually, security cameras struggle in this aspect as many internet plans deliver high download speeds but low upload speeds.
Upload speeds impact the quality of your camera footage. It is also important to note that the upload speed requirements of different home security cameras differ depending on their bitrate. Generally, a home security camera requires a minimum of 5 Mbps upload speed for low-resolution videos or sub-streams. We recommend a 10 Mbps upload speed for higher-resolution footage to monitor your home without experiencing any lags.
Keep in mind that the number of cameras impacts your speed. The more cameras you install, the more speed you’ll need. Here is an overview of the upload speeds based on resolution.
| Video Resolution | Upload Speed |
|---|---|
| 480p | 0.75 Mbps / camera |
| 720p | 1.5 Mbps / camera |
| 1080p | 2 Mbps / camera |
| 4K | 4 Mbps / camera |
Download Speeds
Download speeds are not significant for home security cameras, but you’ll need them to view the footage on your device. Anything above 25 Mbps is sufficient to view these videos. But also keep your other activities in mind while choosing an appropriate internet plan for your security camera.
- Download Speed Up to 1 Gbps
- Upload Speeds Up to 35 Mbps
- Plans Starting from $49.99/mo
Bandwidth Requirements
Many people confuse bandwidth with internet speed, but bandwidth is actually your network’s capacity to transfer data. The average home security camera requires 1 to 2 Mbps of bandwidth. But for better performance and a lag-free experience, it is crucial to have at least 10 Mbps or higher bandwidth. A higher resolution camera will require more bandwidth.
Data Requirements
Wi-Fi-enabled security cameras can consume a lot of data. The number depends on the factors listed above but to give you an idea, the general data consumption of a security camera can be from 60 GB to 400 GB. This high data consumption can be a problem for people who have internet plans with data caps.
Fortunately, many internet providers like Spectrum and more offer unlimited data. Therefore it is better to switch to such providers so you can install security cameras without worrying about exceeding data thresholds and facing throttled speeds.
Best Internet for Security Cameras
Fiber internet is the best internet for security cameras. This internet type comes with symmetrical upload and download speeds, plus unlimited data, so you can install as many cameras as you want and experience the best quality videos.
Unfortunately, fiber internet’s low availability is the biggest issue and hence people have to rely on the next best alternative, cable internet with asymmetrical speeds. Here is an overview of the most common internet types.
| Internet Type | Download Speed Range | Upload Speed Range |
|---|---|---|
| Fiber | 100 Mbps – 6000 Mbps | 100 – 6000 Mbps |
| Cable | 10 Mbps – 1200 Mbps | 5 Mbps – 50 Mbps |
| DSL | 1 Mbps – 400 Mbps | 384 Kbps – 8 Mbps |
| Satellite | 12 Mbps – 500 Mbps | Up to 3 Mbps |
Best Internet Providers for Home Security Cameras
Upload speeds and data are the most critical requirements for home security cameras. While fiber internet is usually the most recommend choice for them, not everyone can access this service as many fiber internet providers have limited coverage areas. Here are some of the best internet providers in the country with affordable plans that can support your home security.
| Provider | Download Speed | Upload Speed | Contact Provider |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spectrum | 300 Mbps – 1000 Mbps | 10 Mbps – 35 Mbps | Call Now |
| CenturyLink | 200 Mbps – 940 Mbps | 200 Mbps – 940 Mbps | Call Now |
| AT&T Fiber | 300 Mbps – 5000 Mbps | 300 Mbps – 5000 Mbps | Call Now |
| Verizon Fios | 300 Mbps – 2048 Mbps | 300 Mbps – 2048 Mbps | Call Now |
| Google Fiber | 1000 Mbps – 2000 Mbps | 1000 Mbps – 2000 Mbps | Call Now |
Conclusion
Home security is a top priority for many people, and the evolution of the internet has made it more effective. Since most of our home security devices use the internet, it is imperative to have an internet plan that can support them. Home security cameras, also known as IP cameras, are an essential instrument for keeping our homes secure. This article emphasizes all the prominent home security cameras’ internet requirements that can help you maximize their benefits.
FAQs
