Are Wireless Home Security Systems Really Useful

By L Keshav

Wireless home security systems utilize wireless connections to send and receive signals and images. Images and information from wireless home security cameras can be viewed on television, cell phone or computer .

Systems require a camera, a transmitter and a receiver. The simplest wireless home security systems are nothing more than a computer and a webcam. Elaborate systems can involve more components and are geared to handle greater applications.

Home security has become easy and affordable because of these Wireless systems. There are systems available with plenty of options. It is possible to get them custom built. It's been estimated that more than 50% of all home security surveillance systems purchased are wireless. You can expect this figure to go up what with falling price levels and increasing consumer awareness about utility of wireless systems. You can expect to get discount from insurance companies when you have protected your property with security systems.

Online and retail stores sell wireless home security system kits. Ready kits normally include a control box, door and window contacts, motion sensor, transformer, battery backup, user video and manual, security alert window stickers and technical support.

Optional add-ons for wireless home security systems include latchkey alert. This alert lets parents know when children do not arrive home on time. Exterior sirens, smoke detection sensors, glass break sensors and subscription monitoring services are also available.

You can construct a wireless security system using a webcam and a computer. You can also download open source software from the web to activate motion detection and the option to record images only when something changes. Images are stored on the computer. Using a webcam in this way is cheap but range is limited to the reach of the webcam and the webcam cable. Low light can also be a problem.

Homeowners utilizing the power and convenience of wireless technology need to take steps to protect the wireless home security environment. When installing wireless routers and similar equipment, never leave the default names and passwords intact.

Items such as the Linksys wireless router assign a standard name to the wireless network. Anyone who's used Linksys is familiar with the company's use of 'linksys' as a network name. Changing the name isn't so much a matter of protecting your network as it is letting lurkers know that you've done so.

Assign network passwords that contain letters and numbers and aren't easy to recall. Yes, they'll have to be written down. No, others in the neighborhood won't find it easy to link on the network.

Use encryption for all wireless connections. If equipment encryption options vary, use the one that all pieces of equipment have in common. Again, doing so limits unauthorized access to the wireless network.

Disable the broadcast feature on routers unless of course you need to broadcast the signal. It is necessary to enable firewalls on both routers and computers. Older routers may not have a firewall option but newer ones do.

If you place routers near windows, it creates a possibility of intrusion, so avoid that. Even if you have installed your own wireless home security system, there are decals and stickers available for use around the exterior of the home. Use these to deter would-be intruders.

Your house and property will get enhanced security with Wireless home security systems.

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