What Happens to My Wi-Fi Cam If the Internet Goes Out?
Wireless security cameras have become an essential part of modern home security system. One of the most common questions people ask is what happens to their Wi-Fi camera if the internet goes out. Many homeowners rely on their Wi-Fi cameras for security and peace of mind. Therefore, it is crucial to understand the implications of an internet outage on the functionality of your Wi-Fi security camera.
In summary, if the internet goes out, your Wi-Fi camera will not work. This is because the camera relies on the internet to operate. Without a stable internet connection, the camera will not be able to stream and transmit video footage. Most Wi-Fi cameras operate through a cloud-based service, which stores footage on the internet. Therefore, a disruption in the internet service will cause the camera to stop functioning.
There are two main types of wireless cameras; those that are cloud-based and those that store data locally. Cloud-based cameras tend to be the most popular. They connect with the internet and store recorded footage on a cloud server. Cloud storage cameras work by using a stable Wi-Fi connection to send the footage to the internet. If the internet goes out, the camera cannot access the storage account, and recording stops.
On the other hand, local storage cameras store footage on an SD card or a designated dock. Unlike cloud-based cameras, these types of cameras do not require internet access to work correctly. The cameras work independently, only requiring uninterrupted power supply. However, a downside to local storage cameras is that they have limited storage capacity compared to cloud-based cameras.
Losing the internet connection can cause problems with the camera’s functionality, such as live streaming, motion detection, and the sending of alerts. In these cases, the camera becomes entirely useless in monitoring and providing security. However, there are backup solutions to this situation.
One solution is to invest in a backup power supply. This could be a backup battery or a generator that will maintain electricity supply even when power goes out. A backup power supply ensures that the camera’s operation is not interrupted if the power goes out. As a result, your Wi-Fi cameras remain functional, even if you lose internet connectivity.
Another solution is to use a cellular data-to-wi-fi hotspot. With this, you can connect the wireless security camera to a cellular hotspot. This provides a continuous internet connection even if the main Wi-Fi network is down. However, this requires another recurrent cost for cellular data.
In conclusion, your Wi-Fi camera will not work if the internet goes out. The loss of an internet connection poses a risk in the continuity of surveillance and security. You can invest in a backup power supply, choose local storage or use a cellular data-to-wifi hotspot. Homeowners must be proactive in establishing a backup solution to maximize their protection and peace of mind.