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New Techie
As a Nigerian living in Nigeria, should I opt for a Wi-Fi-only or 4G CCTV camera? Here is what to consider before deciding on which one to go for between 4G and Wi-fi IP cameras:
If this camera is to be installed in your office where there's a functional #Starlink or other internet router, then the Wifi option is best for you. This is because 4G cameras need a data subscription to work, and you'll mostly get tired of subscribing to data on them a few months after the installation. This could be worse if you're installing more than 3 of such cameras.
On the other hand, a solar-powered 4G CCTV camera is the best option for your building site, construction environment, unoccupied house, or a single store or outlet without an existing installation.
In Nigeria of today, SIM registration is a big challenge. In fact, it's another inconveniencing factor to consider when deciding on which type of CCTV camera is best for you, especially if you're planning to install several units of such cameras.
While there are some units of Solar 4G cameras that come with a SIM card in them, the majority of these SIMs do not work in Nigeria, requiring you to use our network SIMs. This can be challenging if you need more than 6 units of these cameras to completely eliminate blind spots in your monitored facilities.
So, if there are registered SIM cards lying around, you can simply go for the 4G only solar CCTV cameras. Else, go for the hybrid versions that support both Wi-Fi and 4G SIM cards or get a few units of the 4G only version and the rest wi-fi only. This way, your CCTV camera's internet connectivity is shared between your SIM's internet subscription and that of the router.
Except you're staying in a neighborhood with full wi-fi coverage or using Long-Range Wi-Fi Routers, your CCTV cameras placed very far away from your wi-fi router are going to suffer some connectivity headaches. While this headache can easily be solved with a cheap wi-fi signal repeater, many people are not ready for this extra cost, plus the additional power consumption of the signal repeater.
So if you're targeting a height or distance that's over 250 meters away from your WIFI router, using a 4G/5G solar CCTV camera will be best for that unit. Examples of such are poles mounted at the tail end of the compound, targeting dark spots around the fenced area. Solar 4G cameras are best for this kind of setup.
Wide area WiFi routers or advanced mesh systems are completely free from this type of limitation, as there's hardly a blind spot with their overall signal coverage.
1. The environment and available amenities
If this camera is to be installed in your office where there's a functional #Starlink or other internet router, then the Wifi option is best for you. This is because 4G cameras need a data subscription to work, and you'll mostly get tired of subscribing to data on them a few months after the installation. This could be worse if you're installing more than 3 of such cameras.
On the other hand, a solar-powered 4G CCTV camera is the best option for your building site, construction environment, unoccupied house, or a single store or outlet without an existing installation.
2. Do you have valid SIM cards lying around?
In Nigeria of today, SIM registration is a big challenge. In fact, it's another inconveniencing factor to consider when deciding on which type of CCTV camera is best for you, especially if you're planning to install several units of such cameras.
While there are some units of Solar 4G cameras that come with a SIM card in them, the majority of these SIMs do not work in Nigeria, requiring you to use our network SIMs. This can be challenging if you need more than 6 units of these cameras to completely eliminate blind spots in your monitored facilities.
So, if there are registered SIM cards lying around, you can simply go for the 4G only solar CCTV cameras. Else, go for the hybrid versions that support both Wi-Fi and 4G SIM cards or get a few units of the 4G only version and the rest wi-fi only. This way, your CCTV camera's internet connectivity is shared between your SIM's internet subscription and that of the router.
3. Height and Wi-fi Connectivity Coverage
Except you're staying in a neighborhood with full wi-fi coverage or using Long-Range Wi-Fi Routers, your CCTV cameras placed very far away from your wi-fi router are going to suffer some connectivity headaches. While this headache can easily be solved with a cheap wi-fi signal repeater, many people are not ready for this extra cost, plus the additional power consumption of the signal repeater.
So if you're targeting a height or distance that's over 250 meters away from your WIFI router, using a 4G/5G solar CCTV camera will be best for that unit. Examples of such are poles mounted at the tail end of the compound, targeting dark spots around the fenced area. Solar 4G cameras are best for this kind of setup.
Wide area WiFi routers or advanced mesh systems are completely free from this type of limitation, as there's hardly a blind spot with their overall signal coverage.