What a WiFi hotspot + 3 modes of operation are

Mobile WiFi hotspots have become established in our lives. Video surveillance has leaped forward with the massive integration of wireless routers. Today we will tell you what WiFi is in video monitoring and where the technology is applied.

Terminology and definitions

A Wi-Fi access point (router) is a wireless station that provides wireless access to a network. The range of the point is usually up to 300 meters if there are no obstacles for the signal on the territory.

In video surveillance, Wi-Fi helps to organize monitoring systems, excluding the cables layouts. So it is possible to save on installation and not spoil the finishing of the premises with wires.

And what is the difference between a router and a modem, and why can only Wi-Fi be used? The router distributes network signals to several devices, and the modem gives access to the Internet for only one. Wi-Fi is relevant for video surveillance because you may need an additional camera connected to a single network at any time. The modem does not provide such an opportunity.

Scope of the wireless system

Wireless networks in video surveillance are used almost everywhere today. The reason is simple; the technology is easy to use,  install, and flexible.

Most often, Wi-Fi access is organized in large companies where a single monitoring network is needed. For home, in everyday life, the wireless system allows you to install cameras and not buy additional equipment.

For more information about the disadvantages of surveillance with recorders, wires, and hard drives, read our article: “A complete list of expenses for home video surveillance.“

Principle of operation

When creating a single Wi-Fi network, access points are combined into a single network using a radio channel or a local network. That is, you can connect the device anywhere within the range of Wi-Fi.

Wireless communication between the camera and the recorder or cloud storage occurs without interference or interruptions if the range of the Wi-Fi network is taken into account.

3 modes of operation

A wireless surveillance system consists of more than video cameras and data storage. The monitoring system includes computers that play the role of a monitor. The PC can be located at different distances from the access network. Therefore there are several modes of operation:

1. “Bridge”. Here, the access point combines remote network elements into a single system. Even if the PC can is located in another office, it will be connected to the main network.
2. “Access point”. This mode is built into the hardware by default. That is, the connection to the network is via a Wi-Fi adapter.
3. “Repeater”. The access point receives a weak signal, amplifies it, and transmits it further. This communication option is suitable for scaling Wi-Fi access at large facilities.

Additionally, read our article: “How to assemble a PC for a video monitoring system? 5 PC requirements“.

Faceter

In 2019, a mobile service for wireless video surveillance Faceter entered the Russian market. The application is characterized by accessibility, functionality, maximum protection of video materials, and advanced cloud storage technology.

By connecting to the Faceter service, you do not need to learn how to enter the router menu or configure your system for new cameras. The setting takes place in 3 steps:

1. Install the Faceter mobile app on two phones: a monitor and a camera.
2. Fix your mobile phone in a convenient observation position and launch Faceter into “camera” mode.
3. Open the application on the monitor and watch what is happening in real-time 24/7.

Conclusion

Wi-Fi access in video surveillance made it possible to organize huge unified networks without wires, and cloud technology closed the need for expensive, bulky equipment. Today, you only need a camera or phone, a monitor, a router for distributing traffic, and rented storage for video materials to organize surveillance.