Connecting Remote IP Cameras with Long Range Wireless Bridge
Watch this video to learn how to use an outdoor wireless bridge system to centrally record video from IP cameras installed across multiple structures. Point-to-point WIFI and point-to-multipoint WIFI bridges will be discussed.
Problem Overview
Securing large properties that have multiple structures can be challenging, especially when it comes to installing and connecting security cameras. Running cables between buildings is not always feasible or cost-effective. This is where long range wireless bridge systems come into play. These systems allow you to connect IP cameras installed on remote structures back to a centralized network video recorder (NVR) without the need for physical cabling. In this blog post and in the above video, we will explore how CCTV Camera Pros designs point-to-point and point-to-multipoint wireless bridge solutions for residential, commercial, and government security camera installations.
Here are a few of the most common scenarios that we see from our customers.
- House with a detached garage
- Farmhouse with one or more detected barns
- Residential or commercial property with a gated entrance
- Commercial parking lot with light poles
- Commercial property with multiple buildings
- Self storage facility with many buildings
Important Notes
- There MUST be a power source at the remote locations. If you want to integrate solar and battery power options with our wireless bridge systems, you can do that, however, CCTV Camera Pros does not design or supply solar or battery powered solutions at this time.
- There MUST be a direct line of sight between the transmitter and receiver antennas. NO obstructions. Not even trees or bushes can block the view of the WIFI antennas. Installers should conduct a site survey to ensure this.
- All IP camera functions work normal over a wireless bridge, the same is if they were hard wired to the network. When applicable to the camera model you are using, this includes AI camera software functions, PTZ camera controls, license plate recognition, external alarm input / output, alarm light and alarm siren functions.
Understanding Wireless Bridges
Before diving into the specifics of long range wireless bridge systems, it’s essential to understand what a wireless bridge is and how it differs from a wireless network. A wireless bridge is a direct Wi-Fi connection between two antennas – a transmitter and a receiver. It is used to provide a network connection between two physical structures, allowing non-wireless IP devices to transmit data over the wireless link by connecting them to a network switch.
On the other hand, a wireless network or wireless access point (WAP) is a device that enables wireless devices to connect to a wired network, which requires IP cameras with built-in WIFI. Wireless networks can typically only be used for certain indoor security camera applications, and is something that CCTV Camera Pros rarely recommends.
This article ONLY discusses long range outdoor wireless bridge systems for IP cameras.
Point-to-Point Wireless Bridge Systems
The WIFI-EH9500 point-to-point wireless bridge system consists of one transmitting antenna and one receiving antenna. Multiple IP cameras can be connected to the transmitting antenna via a network switch, and the entire network data from that switch is transmitted to the receiving antenna. The receiving antenna at the main building is then connected to the network router. The Viewtron IP camera NVR is also connected to the network router. The Viewtron NVR also has 2 IP cameras hard wired directly to the PoE ports on the back of the NVR. The Viewtron NVR records video surveillance from all of the cameras. All of the AI software, alarm functions, and recording features work exactly the same for the hard wired and wireless IP cameras.
Key features of this point-to-point wireless bridge systems:
- Long-distance capability: Up to 3 miles with direct line of sight
- 45-degree beam spread between antennas
- 150 Mbps bandwidth capacity, sufficient for up to (16) 4K IP cameras at 10 Mbps each
CCTV Camera Pros uses this point-to-point WIFI bridge at our warehouse. We use it to connect the 3 IP cameras installed on a light pole across the street from their office to the NVR that is recording at our warehouse. The camera mounted down low is a Viewtron LPR camera and the two cameras up high are Viewtron 4K AI security cameras. The cameras and the transmitting antenna are connected to a PoE switch the weatherproof NEMA box that you see mounted ear the top of the pole. The transmitter antenna is mounted to the side of the NEMA box. This is the NEMA weatherproof enclosure with power.
You can learn more about our setup at CCTV Camera Pros in this article and video: Wireless Outdoor Security Camera System.
Point-to-Multipoint Wireless Bridge Systems
For customers with multiple remote structures that need security cameras to be connected to a central NVR, the WIFI-EN95610 point-to-multipoint wireless bridge system is the solution we recommend. In this setup, multiple transmitting antennas send data to a single omnidirectional (360-degree) receiving antenna. A different radio is used at the receiving end to handle the increased bandwidth from multiple transmitters. CCTV Camera Pros’ WIFI-EN95610 system comes with the omnidirectional receiving antenna and two transmitting antennas.
Key features of point-to-multipoint wireless bridge system:
- Multiple transmission sites connected to a single receiver antenna
- 360 degree omni-directional antenna on the receiver radio
- 450 Mbps Bandwidth Receiver Antenna
- 150 Mpbs Bandwidth Transmitter Antennas
- Receiver bandwidth sufficient for up to (45) 4K IP cameras at 10 Mbps each
- Reduced transmission distance compared to point-to-point systems (limited to about 1,500 feet – direct line of site)
Customers have the option to add additional transmitter WIFI antennas if they have more than 2 remote camera areas.
Wireless Bridge Systems Design for IP Camera Systems
The team at CCTV Camera Pros designs wireless bridge systems for customers. We can help ensure a seamless integration with the customer’s IP camera system and existing network infrastructure. When designing a wireless bridge system, it’s crucial to consider factors discussed in the above article and video. Our team can help guide you through this process and design a solution for you. We can pre-configure all of the wireless radios that we supply before we ship them out so that the installation is a plug and play as possible. We can support any electrician or low voltage cable installer that you hire, or you can do it your self with our help in many cases.
Request a free quote and consultation from CCTV Camera Pros.
Conclusion
Long range wireless bridge systems offer a reliable and cost-effective solution for connecting IP cameras across multiple structures without the need for physical cabling. By understanding the differences between point-to-point and point-to-multipoint setups and their respective capabilities, customers can choose the best solution for their specific needs. CCTV Camera Pros hopes this article helps answer any questions you have. Please contact us if you would like our help.
