September 16, 2011
More and more IP network camera users are taking advantage of their wireless functions. It is understood that cameras need a power source, which in the US is 110 V. So, as long as the camera has an outlet nearby, the need to run costly and annoying LAN cables is eliminated with wireless cameras, provided that there is an adequate wireless signal. Wireless network cameras also have the added convenience of repositioning the camera according to user needs, without having to re-route network cables.
Wireless Protocols
802.11b transmits in the 2.4 Ghz frequency range. This range is “unregulated,” which means some radio transmitters built into other products may use the same frequency and as the 802.11b network. Cordless telephones, microwaves, garage door openers, and baby monitors are all products that might use the same network.
802.11g supports a maximum bandwidth of 54 Mbps compared to the 11 Mbps of 802.11b. To achieve backward compatibility, 802.11g uses the same communication frequency range – 2.4 Ghz – as 802.11b.
802.11n supports bandwidth greater than 100 Mbps and is the fastest wireless network available. It is currently being modified to reach even higher speeds, possibly doubling its capacity in the near future. Most indoor wireless IP network cameras have the ability to operate on both major wireless protocols, which includes 802.11b and 802.11g. 802.11n is not commonly used in practice for indoor wireless network cameras, due to the fact that it doesn have the established stability and widespread use as the others.
Wireless Boosters

Although wireless IP cameras don require a Ethernet cable, they do require a stable wireless signal. If your camera is out of range of a the wireless router, a booster is a good option to increase signal strength. High quality, plug-and-play wireless boosters are available for less than $ 100 that can increase signal strength anywhere from 2-10 times, and can be adjusted according to user needs.
Security
< br /> Most wireless networks are secured using WEP or WPA encryption.WEP is heavily outdated and should not be used on any network where security is an issue. WEP codes can generally be decrypted by an experienced hacker in a matter of minutes, and most people continue using it because they are either unconcerned or too lazy to upgrade. WPA, while sacrificing a tiny bit of speed, is much more secure due to the temporal data transfer which changes keys for each packet. Currently, most wireless IP cameras can work with WPA encryption, which is always recommended.