Wired vs. Wireless Alarm Systems

If you’ve been looking into security systems, you know the market can be confusing. There are many different options available, and it can be challenging to determine which system is the best match for you in terms of quality, cost and versatility. 

In this article, we’ll take you through the difference between wired vs. wireless security systems. Whether you want to protect your home or commercial business, deciding between wired and wireless systems is one of the primary decisions you’ll have to make. 

Keep reading for a clear comparison of these two kinds of security systems.

Wired vs. Wireless Home Security System

When you install a residential security system, the goal is to deter criminals from entering your home. Your home is generally safer the more deterrents you put in place — think a locked door, a large dog, security cameras, a fence, etc. 

Deterrents can significantly reduce crimes of opportunity, because your home looks difficult for a criminal to access and escape from unseen. However, there are professional criminals who know who to navigate deterrents and can still successfully rob your home. 

If you’re concerned about crimes of opportunity, a wireless home security system is a good option for you. It’s more affordable than a wired system and can be connected to your Wi-Fi. However, there are several reasons to consider choosing a wired system instead. 

Wired home security systems are more reliable than wireless options because they won’t stop working if the Wi-Fi goes out. Professional criminals can use illegal signal jammers to block wireless camera signals and break into your house. 

Installing wired cameras in your home is harder than setting up wireless options, and you can’t take the whole system with you if you move. However, wired cameras are much harder to tamper with and they provide reliable surveillance without interruption — which is why most commercial buildings choose them. 

Pros and Cons of Wireless Security Systems

Wireless security systems follow the same principles as wired systems. The cameras, alert devices and control panel send signals to a monitoring center when they’re triggered. They use cellular data to communicate information between devices. 

Wireless cameras are powered by batteries, which either need to be recharged or replaced periodically. Here’s a deeper look at the pros and cons of wireless security systems.

Pros

One of the major advantages of wireless cameras is that they’re easy to install. Because they don’t need a wired connection, you can put them anywhere in your home. It’s also easy to remove them and take them with you if you decide to move. 

Installation only minimally interferes with your home — you do have to securely attach the cameras to your walls, but you don’t have to put anything inside the walls of your building. This makes wireless cameras a good choice for rentals. 

Wireless cameras are also more affordable than wired options. They come with less gear and are easier to install. Because they’re a smaller financial investment, you can upgrade them when a better version comes out without feeling like you’ve wasted money. 

Cons

Wireless security systems communicate through your Wi-Fi, which means you could experience lag problems if your bandwidth can’t handle the cameras and other activities like YouTube, Netflix and video games at the same time. If your Wi-Fi goes out or is tampered with, your security system will also stop working. 

Some homeowners have found that electromagnetic interference from microwaves, baby monitors and remote controls can negatively affect wireless security systems. These radio signals can cause the system to operate poorly or even stop working.

Another con of using a wireless security system is that you’ll have to remember to change the batteries for each device periodically. If you have five cameras in your home, that’s a lot of batteries to be constantly replacing. 

Pros and Cons of Wired Home Security Systems

Wired security systems use cables to connect the cameras, alert devices and control panel in your home. Instead of connecting to Wi-Fi, wired systems use your landline cable or an Ethernet cable to communicate with the monitoring center. 

Wired equipment is either plugged into an outlet or hardwired into your building’s electrical grid, hidden behind the walls, floor and ceiling. Let’s consider the pros and cons of using a wired security system.

Pros

One of the best things about wired security systems is how reliable they are. It’s difficult to interfere with their communication since they transmit data through wires inside your home or business. They won’t go down if your Wi-Fi does, and they won’t impact your internet speed. 

Wired systems need very little maintenance. They draw power from your electrical system, so you never have to worry about changing batteries. Unless your home loses power, they won’t stop working. They’re also unlikely to experience electromagnetic interference. 

Because they send data through wired connections, they can record and share large amounts of information. This means you’ll have access to high-quality video files with clear footage of any criminal activity that happens inside your home or business. 

Cons

Although they’re more secure, wired security systems can be complicated to install. To get wired security systems hardwired into your building, an installation crew has to cut into your walls, floors or ceilings. After installation, you may need to repair your home. 

Wired security equipment is more expensive than wireless options. It doesn’t require any subscription fees and is often higher quality, meaning it lasts longer. However, choosing wired over wireless equipment requires a financial investment. 

Once a wired system is in place, you can’t easily remove it and take it with you when you move. Although it’s difficult to disrupt, security systems that are wired to your landline can stop working if a criminal cuts this cable. If you lose power, your security system will stop working with everything else. 

Contact Prestige Security Solutions Today! 

At Prestige Security Solutions, we offer a range of security solutions for residential and commercial buildings in Massachusetts. We’re a local business and have been serving customers in the area since 2015. We connect our clients with proven security solutions that are easy to understand and implement. Our skilled technicians can answer your questions and help you install your security systems so everything runs smoothly. 

Our products and services include security systems, surveillance cameras, access control, data solutions, alarm devices, locking hardware and more. At Prestige Security Solutions, we provide both wired and wireless security systems.

We can install a new system or help you upgrade an existing security system. Reach out today to learn more!