The choice that affects everything downstream
Whether you go wired or wireless affects the reliability of your system, the complexity of installation, your ongoing maintenance, and your costs. Here's an honest breakdown.
How wired PoE cameras work
PoE stands for Power over Ethernet. A single network cable runs from each camera to a central NVR (Network Video Recorder). That same cable carries both the video signal and the power supply — no separate power point needed at each camera location.
The NVR connects to your home network and stores footage on a hard drive.
Advantages:
- Reliable — no WiFi signal to drop, no interference from neighbours' networks
- Continuous recording — runs 24/7 without interruption
- Higher quality — bandwidth isn't shared with your home WiFi
- No batteries — zero maintenance once installed
- Tamper-resistant — harder to disable than a wireless camera
Disadvantages:
- Requires cable runs through walls/ceilings — professional installation recommended
- Less flexible if you want to move cameras later
- Higher upfront installation cost
How wireless WiFi cameras work
Wireless cameras connect to your home WiFi network. Power is either via a nearby power point or a rechargeable battery. Footage is stored on a microSD card, in the cloud, or on a local hub.
Advantages:
- Easier to install — no cable runs required
- Flexible placement — move them around as your needs change
- Lower installation cost
- Good for renters who can't run cables
Disadvantages:
- WiFi dependent — if your signal is weak or drops, so does the camera
- Battery maintenance — rechargeable cameras need topping up every 1–6 months
- Shared bandwidth — on a busy home network, quality can suffer
- Vulnerable to jamming — sophisticated intruders can disrupt WiFi signals
- Cloud storage subscriptions add up over time
Which is right for you?
| Wired PoE | Wireless WiFi | |
|---|---|---|
| **Reliability** | Excellent | Good (depends on WiFi) |
| **Installation** | Professional recommended | DIY possible |
| **Ongoing maintenance** | Minimal | Battery top-ups |
| **Flexibility** | Low (fixed runs) | High |
| **Best for** | Permanent homes, businesses | Renters, temporary setups |
| **Recording** | Continuous NVR | Motion-triggered |
What we install most
The majority of our installations are PoE wired systems, usually Reolink. For a typical Sydney suburban house, we run CAT6 cable through the roof cavity to each camera position — the cables are hidden and the system runs without any ongoing attention.
That said, we do install wireless systems when:
- The property is rented and drilling isn't permitted
- A camera is needed in a location where cable runs aren't practical (a standalone shed, a long fence line)
- The customer wants a simple plug-and-play setup for a lower budget
Hybrid systems
It's also perfectly valid to mix both. A common setup we do:
- 3–4 wired PoE cameras on the main property (front, driveway, backyard)
- 1–2 wireless cameras on outbuildings or in spots that are hard to cable
This gives you the reliability of wired where it matters most, with the flexibility of wireless for secondary positions.
Not sure which suits your property?
Get a free quote — we'll assess your property, discuss your priorities, and recommend the right system. There's no obligation and we'll give you an honest answer even if a DIY wireless setup is genuinely the right choice for your situation.