Power Line Communication Camera

Power Line Communication (PLC) Camera

Power-line communication (PLC) or Ethernet over Power (EoP).carries data on a conductor that is also used simultaneously for AC electric power. Transmission or electric power distribution to consumers. It is also known as power-line carrier, power-line digital. Subscriber line (PDSL), mains communication, power-line telecommunications, or power-line networking (PLN). As we know, WiFi IP Cameras was developed to reduce the cabling costs.

However, WiFi technology has its shortage. Such as low stability, limited transmission distance, Interference problem, big bandwidth consumption etc. All these shortage are no longer exists on our PLC Security Systems. With PLC technology applied in our IP Cameras and NVR, we have cracked the main pain points for Home Security Surveillance Systems.

The PLC Cam uses the house‘s power line like a long video cable, ensuring that no connections other than the power outlet are needed. Thus installation is particularly easy: plug the PLC Cam into the power outlet, connect the provided PLC adapter to the DSL router - you‘re done! Even while on holiday or at work: the direct Internet connection and app for Apple iPhone/iPad and Android devices makes individual monitoring possible anywhere in the world.

Power-line communication (PLC) carries data on a conductor that is also used simultaneously for AC electric power transmission or electric power distribution to consumers. It is also known as power-line carrier, power-line digital subscriber line (PDSL), mains communication, power-line telecommunications, or power-line networking (PLN).

A wide range of power-line communication technologies are needed for different applications, ranging from home automation to Internet access which is often called broadband over power lines (BPL). Most PLC technologies limit themselves to one type of wires (such as premises wiring within a single building), but some can cross between two levels (for example, both the distribution network and premises wiring). Typically transformers prevent propagating the signal, which requires multiple technologies to form very large networks. Various data rates and frequencies are used in different situations.'

A number of difficult technical problems are common between wireless and power-line communication, notably those of spread spectrum radio signals operating in a crowded environment. Radio interference, for example, has long been a concern of amateur radio groups.

Power line can be used to shorten the wiring so that safety cameras, speed up data transfer and recording to Nas and makes mounting the camera becomes easier. If it requires more than one then the connection can power-line connected to the access point in setting exudes wifi and emit a signal with a full bar to obtain the camera so that the camera is always a constant ping without breaking or disturbance barrier wall or conflicting signals.

Advanteges:
1. PLC signal is stable and relible. Siganl is much better than Wi-Fi. No consumtion of bandwidth, no interference.
2. Transmit distance is over 300meter over powerlines. No need dedicated cabling.
3. Plug and Play, super easy operation. We changed the professional CCTV system to easy handling consumer electronics.
4. PLC signal speed is over 200Mbps, 4-ch 1080p video streams flow without delay.

Disadvantages:
If your home electrical wiring isn't up to date, you might not get optimal performance from a powerline networking solution. It's not as fast as Gigabit Ethernet speeds (the fastest networking solution for home or office), but it is on par with current Wireless-N Wi-Fi networking.

Powerline networking is often touted as one of the easiest and most affordable whole-home networking solutions because you don't have to lay a lot of cable or install more wiring in your walls. However, you will still need to purchase adapters that will plug into your electrical outlets. Compared to buying multiple adapters, the price of a single wireless router might make more sense depending on what you'll be networking.

You also have to be careful to choose powerline networking adapters and accessories that use the same standard. There are three standards available from a variety of manufacturers:

- HomePlug AV (available from manufacturers like Belkin, Linksys, Netgear, and ZyXEL)

- UPA, which stands for Universal Powerline Association (available from D-Link, Netgear, and others)

- HD-PLC, which stands for High Definition Power Line Communication (available from Panasonic)

WEP vs WPA

WEP vs WPA

The best way to secure your wireless network is to change the type of encryption that your computer uses to send data. The three most common choices for encrypting your data are WEP, WPA, and WPA2. This guide describes these different types of encryption so that you can decide which is the best choice for your network.

WEP

WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) was introduced in 1999 and at first, it was thought to be as secure as a wired network. WEP uses a password to create a static encryption key that it then uses to encrypt data sent over the web. This means that the same key is used for all of the information or "packets" you send over the air waves during a session. This static key becomes a big problem with security because a key that doesn't change is much easier to attack than one that is constantly changing. WEP is not a "wired equivalent," as it's name suggests; it can be cracked in less than a minute by a commonplace hacker. Unfortunately, a lot of older routers have WEP as their default choice.

WPA and WPA2

Due to the major inefficiencies of WEP, WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access) became available. WPA was the intermediate step between WEP and WPA2 and was not intended to be used indefinitely. WPA uses a type of temporary encryption key that changes with each packet sent over the web. Also, WPA enables your router to automatically reject any packets that it receives out of order. This is good because it prevents hackers from injecting packets onto your network which is one of the primary means of getting in.

In 2006 WPA2 became mandatory in all new Wi-Fi devices. WPA2 replaced WPA's temporary key with a superior government level security encryption. This upgraded encryption uses AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) thought to be uncrackable at this point. WPA2 is considered very secure.

WPA2 Modes

WPA2 has several different versions to choose from:

·   WPA2-Personal is sometimes referred to as WPA-PSK (Wi-Fi Protected Access Pre-Shared Key). With WPA2-Personal, you set up a password in your router which you share with those you want to have access to your network. This password is entered through the computer or device that is connecting to your Wi-Fi network. We recommend this security mode for home networks.

·   WPA2-Enterprise is used for businesses only.

·   WPA/WPA2 Mixed Mode may also be a choice in your particular router. This means your router uses WPA2 if possible but falls back on WPA when needed. Due to WPA2 being a much safer choice, we recommend not using this mode. If you have devices that are not compatible with WPA2, we recommend updating your equipment to better protect yourself against unwanted security attacks.

Both WPA and WPA2 require the use of a strong password, it is recommended that you use a password of at least 20 characters, including symbols and numbers. Check out this guide to learn more about how to create a strong password.

Recommended Wi-Fi Settings

The security of the information you send over the internet should be of top priority. We recommend using WPA2-Personal whenever possible since it has the strongest encryption. WPA should be a far second choice and WEP should not even be considered a choice. If you have a router newer than 2006 you should have a firmware upgrade that allows for WPA2-Personal, which we highly recommend upgrading to. If you have an older router, made before 2006, you may want to consider upgrading your device to a newer one that can be better secured.

Also note, that after changing your router to a different encryption type, you will need to re-configure all of your wireless devices to your network. Devices like wireless printers, phones, music players, gaming consoles, and wireless televisions may need to have their settings changed and be re-connected to you network.

Wired or Wireless Analogue / IP CCTV cameras

Should I use wired, (cabled), or wireless analogue CCTV cameras? 

Choosing whether to use wired or wireless should be an easy decision.

There is only one question to ask: can I run a cable from my camera to recorder? If the answer is “yes” then you should always run a cable. If it is very difficult to cable then using a wireless camera may be an option, but only as a last resort.

Advantages of a cabled CCTV camera:

• Reliability – a physical cable will always be a lot more reliable than a wireless camera
• Less chance of interference – wireless cameras are prone to interference from many sources
• Less expensive – wired cameras generally cost less
• More professional – wireless cameras are only used in cheaper home systems
• Security – wired cameras are very difficult to jam. Wireless cameras can be blocked very easily by many different pieces of electronic equipment, eg: Wireless Access Points, mobile phones, microwave ovens, TV’s, two way radio equipment, gaming equipment, energy efficient lighting, the list goes on....
• Privacy – nobody else can see the cameras on your CCTV system, (CCTV means “Closed Circuit”), wireless cameras can be easily viewed by anybody with the right receiver, including your nosey neighbour!
• Generally better quality.
• Wired cameras can be connected to just about any CCTV recorder. Wireless cameras need specific wireless receivers, so they generally can’t be used from one system to another.
• Higher quality CCD image sensor, gives a clearer, better balanced picture. Many wireless cameras use cheaper CCD sensor, the images look murkier.
• Huge range of cameras to choose from, from Rs. 2500 up to Rs. 7500, wired cameras are available to suit just about any need, no matter how specialised.

Advantages of a Wireless CCTV Camera

• Easy for non-professionals to install
• Can work out cheaper – ideal for when capturing reliable, clear images isn’t important
• Easy to receive the images with cheap wireless receivers – your friends and neighbours can easily see the images from your cameras too.

So there you have it, the answer is clear, never, ever use a wireless camera solution if you can avoid it. If you need to use a wireless solution because of the long distance involved, then use wireless transmitter.

5 Important Locations in Your House That Need To Be Secured

1.     Front Door

Experts state that almost 34% of all intruders enter through the front door. You will have to select a safe location for this camera and preferably place a protective covering over it so that the risk of tampering is minimized.

2.     Back Door

Expert state that 22% of all intruders use the back door hence this is also an important spot to place a surveillance camera. Make sure you place it at a location where it is out of reach and safe from projectiles.

3.     Off-Street Windows

Burglars often use windows that are not visible from the streets, to break into houses as this reduces their chances of being caught. Motion detectors or glass-break detectors are designed to detect such break-ins.

4.     Backyards

These can be an ideal place for robbers or burglars to start off at night. Night-vision surveillance cameras can be used in backyards along with motion-sensor floodlights.

5.     Basement Stairs

Basements usually have multiple small entry points like hatches, doors or windows which can be used to sneak in. A motion sensing alarm can be placed here to help catch any intruders.

Whether, its wired or wireless, surveillance cameras play a central role in protecting you and your loved ones. Installing surveillance cameras at the right points and keeping on top of your security system is essential and necessary.