Table of Contents
CCTV (Closed-Circuit Television) cameras are a powerful tool that has widely been used for security and protection purposes. Their popularity has greatly increased over time with more people investing in them.
One of the most efficient security measures to keep crime under control, CCTV cameras are used for both private and public surveillance. Installed in both residential and commercial properties, the different types of cameras can be placed both indoors and outdoors.
Just as a regular camera captures images and videos, a CCTV camera picks up a sequence of images which are transmitted as a signal to a recording device and displayed on a screen.
The signals are not publicly broadcasted, hence the term closed-circuit, and are only accessed by authorised individuals. Both the recorded and live footage can be viewed by them for surveillance and monitoring.
As is with most electrical equipment using the internet these days (smart devices), CCTV cameras also use the power of the internet to transmit the signals over a network to be viewed remotely.
But what if there is no internet connection? Can you use CCTV cameras without the internet? Read on to find out:
CAN CCTV CAMERAS WORK WITHOUT THE INTERNET?
Yes, they can! You can operate CCTV cameras without the internet, and what’s great is that they can even work without electricity.
An internet connection is only required when the footage needs to be accessed remotely. Although using the internet has its benefits, it is certainly not a necessity.
In fact, some people prefer to not connect their CCTV systems over the internet since it makes them more vulnerable to cyber-attacks and hacking. Potential criminals can hack the systems to gain control over them. They do this to disable them and gain access to a property.
This shouldn’t be a deal-breaker though since there are simple ways to prevent unauthorised access and misuse. It’s just a matter of being cautious and adopting the best practices.
While using all the features that come with an internet-connected CCTV system are certainly beneficial, there are some places where it is not possible to use them like for properties in rural areas, such as farms and off-the-grid homes, where internet and electricity are a scarcity.
The ability to use a CCTV camera in places with no internet and electricity allows everyone to protect their properties, be it rural or urban areas.
FUNCTIONS YOU CAN USE WITHOUT THE INTERNET
As mentioned above, CCTV cameras can work well and good without the internet. Here are the functions that you can use:
24/7 remote monitoring with a monitor connected:
If you have a monitor attached to your CCTV system, you can view live footage on your screen 24-hours a day. This way, you can always keep an eye on every inch of your property, despite the time of day, or night.
CCTV footage saved on an SD card or NVR:
You don’t need the internet to save the recorded footage on external storage devices. It can be viewed at any time, but you just have to be careful to have enough memory on the SD card or NVR.
Use cellular powered battery as an alternative to electricity:
Even if you have a direct power supply, it is still recommended to use a backup battery in case there is a power cut. In the event of no electricity at all, you can use cellular powered batteries to run your CCTV cameras with all the regular functions of a system running on electricity.
FUNCTIONS UNAVAILABLE WITHOUT THE INTERNET
Certain functions will be unavailable to you if you don’t have an internet connection. They are:
Remote access and monitoring:
The ability to view and monitor the live and recorded footage from a distant location is made possible through the internet. Without it, you will be able to see the videos but not remotely. Your screen would have to be physically connected to the CCTV camera.
Push-notifications from the system:
CCTV cameras are equipped with sensors that pick up movements and sounds. When any such unusual activity is detected, the system sends alerts via push-notifications to your connected device. For this function to work, both your device and the CCTV camera must have a good internet connection.
Backing-up footage on the cloud or FTP:
The internet has made storing, saving, and backing-up data easier than ever. All you need to do is a single click or tap and all your data is immediately backed up on the cloud. Without the internet, you won’t have the ability to back-up your data on internet-powered storage solutions such as the cloud or an FTP server.
HOW TO CONNECT A CCTV CAMERA TO YOUR COMPUTER WITHOUT THE INTERNET?
You can view live and recorded footage from your CCTV camera on to your computer screen without an internet connection.
To do that, you must properly connect your computer to your CCTV camera. The steps are fairly easy and will enable the property to always be monitored (though not remotely). They are:
- Making sure both the devices – your computer and CCTV camera – are adequately charged. However, if your property has electricity, the camera wouldn’t need to be charged.
- Connecting the CCTV camera to the computer using a network cable. You must ensure that the cable is compatible with both systems and is secure.
- Finding out the CCTV camera’s address on your computer. This can be done via the camera’s configuration website or the computer’s device menu.
- Changing the computer’s IP address to the same network prefix as the CCTV camera.
TYPES OF CCTV CAMERAS
There are many different types of CCTV cameras to choose from. The most popular ones are:
Bullet CCTV cameras:
One of the most common types of CCTV cameras out there, ideal for outdoor use, and used in applications that require long-distance viewing.
Dome CCTV cameras:
Ideal for both indoor and outdoor use, have a discreet shape and allow wider angles to be monitored via 360-degree rotation.
C-Mount CCTV cameras:
Bulkier in size and come with detachable lenses that can be switched to adapt to the distance and field of view.
PTZ Pan/Tilt/Zoom cameras:
Offer impeccable video quality and allow more control over what is being recorded with the camera panning sideways, tilting up and down, and zooming in and out of objects.
Day/Night CCTV cameras:
Built specifically to work during both the day and night-time, regardless of the lighting conditions, and ideal for premises that require round-the-clock CCTV monitoring.
Infrared/night vision CCTV cameras:
Use infrared technology to record images and videos in absolute darkness.
Network/IP CCTV cameras:
Connected over a network that allows the live footage to be accessed from anywhere in the world via the internet.
Wireless CCTV cameras:
Work best in situations where good presentation is key and the display of excess wires might ruin the aesthetics such as in museums, churches, heritage sites, and other tourist attractions.
High Definition (HD) CCTV cameras:
Come in a variety of resolutions ranging from 720p going all the way up to 4K.
BENEFITS OF CCTV CAMERAS
CCTV cameras provide several benefits to businesses and homeowners and are relied on for security in both residential and commercial properties. Here are the top reasons why you must also invest in one if you haven’t already:
- CCTV cameras are one of the most effective deterrents against crime. Criminals case properties when they are looking for a target and the presence of a CCTV system is most likely to keep your property from becoming a target. When they learn that a property is under CCTV surveillance, they stay away from the fear of getting caught.
- The ability to monitor your property provides a sense of assurance and security since you always know what is going on and where. For instance, farms are usually built over a large area and keeping an eye on every corner becomes next to impossible. However, with CCTV cameras placed all over the property, it becomes easy to keep an eye out on everything and everyone.
- Recorded evidence is the best kind of evidence used to solve crimes and catch the perpetrators. In the event of a break-in or burglary on your property, you can use the CCTV footage to see who it was and increase the chances of them getting caught. Law enforcement officials encourage the use of CCTV cameras since it makes their job easier. What’s great is that CCTV footage can also be used as legitimate evidence in the court of law.
- In the unfortunate event of a burglary or theft, CCTV footage provides proof of the incident validating your insurance claim. Also, insurers offer discounts of up to 20% if you protect your property against burglary and fire with a professionally installed home security system.
- CCTV cameras can be integrated with other security systems such as burglar alarms and provide double the protection by deterring criminals and recording evidence of any such intrusion. When integrated, in the event of the CCTV camera detecting any suspicious activity, the burglar alarm would be automatically triggered, scaring away the criminals.
CALDER SECURITY CCTV SERVICES
At Calder Security, we offer a comprehensive range of CCTV services ranging from professional installation to monitoring, maintenance and repairs.
CCTV installation
We are expert SSAIB-approved security system installers and supply only high-quality CCTV equipment from trusted brands such as Hikvision, one of the world’s leading CCTV manufacturers.
We supply both analogue HD and IP systems as well as advise you on which system would be most appropriate for your property.
We don’t just install your CCTV system and leave, but also provide full training on the equipment making sure our customers are comfortable with it and know how to use it properly.
CCTV monitoring
Our CCTV monitoring services ensure that your property is being watched over by professional monitoring staff when it is unoccupied or most vulnerable.
The real advantage of detecting a break-in while it is in progress is the action that can be taken to deal with it such as notifying your keyholders or alerting the police.
We use only Trusted Remote Video Receiving Centres (RVRC) and offer peace of mind that any incident detected would prompt an appropriate response.
CCTV maintenance
Annual servicing is vital to keeping your CCTV system in good working order. Even if it seems that the system is running fine, the checks and measures involved in a service help with the early detection of any potential issues.
During a service, we undertake a visual assessment of all equipment, check connections and cabling, clean the cameras, lenses and housing, assess playback and recording quality, and test remote signalling (if applicable).
CCTV repair
Even well-maintained CCTV systems can develop faults such as loose connections, cameras failing, the system not recording, playback not working, or poor-quality images.
If your system fails to record properly, loses clarity of picture, experiences drop out, won’t playback, or faces any other issue, our experienced engineers can diagnose and repair any faults quickly and with minimal disruption.
OTHER SECURITY MEASURES YOU CAN TAKE (WITHOUT THE INTERNET)
You mustn’t limit your options at securing your property just because you don’t have an internet connection. There’s so much that you can do such as:
Installing burglar alarms
A burglar alarm is one of the most effective security measures you can take that works to serve two basic purposes; alerting inhabitants and neighbours of an intrusion, and scaring away potential intruders.
Unless you require remote monitoring services, your burglar alarm can work great without an internet connection. You’d just have to be extremely vigilant and make sure to check and respond to every alarm trigger.
Reinforcing doors and windows
Your doors, windows, and locks are the most basic form of security out there and it is necessary to reinforce them before implementing any other security measure.
Focusing on the quality of the hardware is important along with the expertise with which they are installed. It is recommended to call a professional locksmith to install, maintain, repair, and upgrade your locks to protect you and your property from unauthorised access.
Illuminating your property
Most criminals use the dark to their advantage since it’s easier to not get noticed. They specifically look for places where they can hide without getting caught by the people nearby.
A great way to foil their plans is to keep your property well-lit. This includes all areas in the front, side, and back of the property. Installing lights with motion sensors that turn on as soon as someone walks under them is a smart way to be alerted when someone is present on your property and also to save electricity.
Getting a dog
Quite like sensors in security systems such as burglar alarms, dogs keep a vigilant eye on their surroundings and take action as soon as they detect something unusual. They usually bark in the attempt to scare away intruders and also to inform the owners of the intrusion.
They consider their owners their family and their owners’ homes their own. They develop what you call a territorial instinct and strongly identify with what they think is theirs by becoming extremely protective.
Their ability to react quickly, coupled with their inherently curious nature of roaming around and sniffing things ensures that no suspicious behaviour goes unnoticed and that action is always taken. The first reaction that they give out is a loud bark, which is sometimes enough to startle the intruders.
Contact us here or call us on 0800 612 9799 for expert recommendations on how to secure your property, with or without the internet!