Wireless security systems are worth investing in whether you are a homeowner, retailer, or organization. Wireless or wired network security is always a heated topic when talking about its benefits and limitations. There are pros and cons of wireless security systems over their counterpart you should know before putting in your time and money. Be it a security camera, drone, fire alarm, or anti-theft motion sensor, you should understand both aspects of the wireless security network in terms of costs and efficacy.
According to IDC’s report, nearly 67% of homeowners in the US have at least one smart security equipment, most of which operate wirelessly.
Over the last year, consumers have spent more time at home than ever before, increasing their desire for home improvements. Families recognize the need to install secure home security measures due to increased time spent at home.
First off, with connecting wirelessly through wireless security systems, you do not need physical access to the computer to connect to your security camera or command-based tool. With a wired connection, you have to have access to the computer. This is also true for most wireless connections, except extremely high-end ones that are security-focused.
Wireless security systems do not require running cables through walls or around the building, saving labor costs. Wireless systems are also easier for non-technical people to set up and use, which means they reduce training costs. Whether you live in a bad neighborhood or are just worried about your home safety, there are many reasons to consider the pros of wireless security systems.
Possibly the biggest advantage of wireless security is that it makes for an incredibly mobile working environment. Armed with nothing more than a laptop, you can access your organization's files and servers from anywhere in the world.
Employees can work beyond traditional office hours if they need to or choose to without having to stay in the office until late at night rebuilding their computers. They can also see company information when they are on business trips or away from the office and still do their jobs.
For many businesses, one of the advantages of wireless systems is money-saving. Wireless security does not require wires and cables; these systems run across radio waves instead, costing less to access. That means reduced installation costs, reduced equipment costs, and reduced infrastructure costs.
A company can set up a wireless security system with one or two access points, rather than spending three times as much on installing cables throughout the premises.
Another advantage of wireless network security is flexibility. Wireless networks are highly configurable, meaning organizations can expand their wireless infrastructures quickly and easily.
With hard-wired systems, it can take weeks to install new wiring if computer ports are spaced too far apart or are particularly old, as this reduces the number of UTP cables you have available.
There are several pros of wireless security systems. You do not have to worry about cables being cut or tampered with, and all traffic going across the wireless network is encrypted by default. Provided you follow safe password practices when configuring your security systems.
Unauthorized users will find it extremely hard to get on board your network without permission from the above meaning they need an administrator account. However, this aspect of wireless security has been questioned in recent years due to some inherent technological flaws associated with older 802.11b systems.
The final pros of wireless security systems are that they can be used alongside other types of networks. A company could set up a hard-wired system and use it in the same building as several wireless access points: allowing people to roam freely without disrupting their connections.
Wireless connections are also compatible with older devices, such as printers, scanners, and photocopiers; where any new equipment would need to support 802.11b/g before you could add it onto your network (as this is what most office equipment uses).
As technology has its best and the worst, there are also cons of wireless security systems which raise concerns over its use. A major one of such problem related to wireless security systems is internet reliability. Some of the limitations of wireless security networks are listed below for your further understanding.
Wireless security systems will not work well if they interfere with other nearby devices. Office equipment such as cordless phones can cause problems for some wireless setups, especially those operating in the same areas using the same frequency.
If you are in an area where there are a lot of devices operating on this band, it is going to cause problems for the wireless network, which can lead to complete data loss and lock out users from their PCs.
Everything connected wirelessly requires password-based authentication. The biggest disadvantages associated with wireless security arise from its password protection methods.
Default passwords built into routers and access points have been discovered by hackers all too frequently in recent years, allowing them to get onto the network without permission.
The weak passwords should be changed immediately by checking your ISP's documentation if necessary. But many people forget or do not bother, which means their wireless security can be accessed by anyone who knows the default password.
From setting up to maintenance, or even replacements, wireless technology is expensive to handle. Wireless security components such as smart cameras and drones are technologically advanced and new in the consumer market.
Even if you can buy these components, damage or upgrade will also lead to different types of expenses such as replacing batteries, upgrading firmware, or even minor repairs.
A wireless security system's features are included in the basic choices, such as control panels, remote key panels, sirens, and sensors. Each feature, though, also has a cost for replacements or repair.
The ultimate drawback of wireless security is related to its inability to cover a wide area. If you have a big home, conventional wireless security systems might not be the finest choice since they are limited in distance.
They're ideal for small or medium-sized houses with an open-air range of up to 500 feet, as their sensors have limits. Fortunately, you can now purchase high-end home security gear to protect a larger house as well.
All the control panel components are battery-powered, such as sensors, motion detectors, and other components. Batteries can become exhausted with time, leaving the system useless.
Until you have the opportunity to replace the batteries, a faulty sensor may leave your company vulnerable. Power interruptions due to low battery issues can result in loss of alarm functionality, leaving you without an early warning system or with a false sense of security that your home is protected when it isn't.
Loss of alarm functionality leaves you vulnerable to break-ins and theft. This means while getting one installed might seem like a quick and easy solution; there are long-term cons of wireless security systems for homeowners.
Final words on Wireless Security Systems
In conclusion, wireless security has many disadvantages and is not as secure as a hard-wired system. However, there are ways around this, such as encryption software, and many businesses find that these pros and cons of wireless security systems can be balanced with the right measures in place.
A wireless system has no wires to cut, making it more difficult to bypass or workaround. As a result, your house or business is a harder target. However, there's an extra benefit: with battery backups, you're protected in the event of a fire, out a power outage, or other circumstances that might disrupt or disable a traditional system.
Wireless security systems are dependable. While there are specific concerns, they may be handled. Choose wireless systems with cellular backup if you're concerned about the stability of your internet connection. This implies that it will transmit signals via a mobile network in an internet outage. In the case of an emergency, your entire home security system will immediately switch to this backup energy, assuring your safety in life.
There's no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, but here's the lowdown: Wired security systems have more reliable signals, whereas wireless systems require less labor and can be utilized in areas where conventional electrical wiring is impossible.
Yes, wireless alarm systems can be hacked. That doesn't, however, imply it's a given. While any connected device or system is susceptible to hacking, there is a lot you may do to keep criminals out.