Cellular Connectivity for IP Cameras: The Why and How

Cellular connectivity for IP cameras is growing due to its ability to provide reliable, remote access without dependency on wired networks. This flexibility is crucial for deploying cameras where traditional internet infrastructure is unavailable or unreliable. Cellular networks offer enhanced mobility and advancements in cellular technology, like 4G and 5G, ensuring high-speed data transmission and lower latency, improving video quality and real-time monitoring capabilities. 

Why Is Cellular Connectivity Important for IP Cameras? 

Traditionally, IP cameras have been powered through WiFi connectivity, but many use cases are moving toward using cellular connectivity as failover or even primary connectivity. 

It’s important to understand the reasons why:

Limited Range

WiFi generally has limited range, particularly when there are physical obstructions. The range, broadly speaking, is around 150 to 300 feet (45 to 91 meters) indoors and up to 1,000 feet (305 meters) outdoors. This can be problematic and restrictive for large properties or remote locations in camera placement and coverage areas. 

Network Security Vulnerabilities

WiFi cameras can be more susceptible to network breaches than cellular cameras and require stronger security measures to protect against cyber threats. Cellular connectivity tends to be more secure than WiFi due to stronger encryption, centralized management, and reduced local attack vectors.

Reliability and Performance

WiFi signals can experience interference from other devices, which can potentially affect video quality and connection stability. Cellular connections are less prone to physical disruptions (like cable cuts) and can switch between different network providers to maintain connectivity. Network disruptions can impact performance, creating unwanted latency, and can occur due to other physical disruptions like weather. Power outages alone would cause WiFi routers to stop working, rendering the cameras useless unless there is a battery backup to support the routers. 

Primary Connections in Challenging Areas

Leveraging 4G and 5G connectivity for IP cameras allows for more freedom from existing network infrastructure, like that of WiFi. Cameras can be placed anywhere and quickly without the need for integration or additional hardware, like gateways or routers. 

This allows for a rapid proliferation of cameras, and it also significantly helps in areas that are remote or hard to reach. Cellular networks cover vast areas, including remote and rural locations, ensuring that IP cameras can be deployed and accessed almost anywhere.

What to Look for When Sourcing Cellular Connectivity for IP Cameras 

While cellular connectivity can simplify and enhance camera offerings, it’s important to source the right kind of connectivity from the right provider that can deliver the maximum benefits. 

Local Connectivity

Local connectivity is important, particularly for IP cameras, because it specifically supports performance through lower latency and higher throughput. Roaming connectivity alone is not going to support these requirements, and it also introduces risks associated with global roaming restrictions in many countries like Turkey, Brazil, China, and more. This also supports privacy regulations, such as the GDPR. Sourcing connectivity country-by-country, operator-by-operator, however, greatly detracts from the benefit of using cellular connectivity by creating logistical hurdles that challenge the bottom line. A single connectivity provider that can deliver local reach on a global scale allows for streamlined international connectivity access. 

Single SKU

Leveraging a provider that can deliver local connectivity on a global scale means using a single SKU approach to global connectivity. This optimizes reach while minimizing the logistical challenges of managing multiple SKUs from numerous Mobile Network Operators across the globe. 

Widespread Coverage

One of the most significant benefits of cellular connectivity is its widespread coverage, but OEMs cannot access that coverage due to a fragmented ecosystem. When local connectivity can be achieved on a global scale, supported by a single connectivity provider, it means optimized connectivity anywhere in the world. 

Increased Monetization

Cellular connectivity allows OEMs to monetize the connectivity and recurring revenues instead of selling just once, and it can even help support their channels in monetizing these services. 

Resiliency

Mission-critical use cases require connectivity that is “always on,” no matter what. With cellular connectivity, the vendor is able to switch to the next or best available network as failover.  

Multi-Tier Distribution Model

A multi-tier model simplifies selling through distributors and resellers by providing a structured and organized approach to managing the sales process from manufacturer to end customer. This model includes giving distributors their own sub-accounts to manage or resell connectivity and other products or services, streamlining operations across various regions, and making it easier to offer advanced services in the connected mobility industry.

Commercially Attractive

Avoid high roaming charges by opting for solutions that offer local rates. The connectivity management platform should allow for flexible billing options, such as prepaid, postpaid, and data pools.

Choose providers that charge only for active SIM cards, reducing costs associated with inactive devices during the manufacturing-to-operation period.

Get More Insight on Cellular Connectivity for IP Cameras from floLIVE

By choosing the right IoT connectivity solution, OEMs can enhance the performance and value of their IP camera offerings, ensuring they meet the demands of modern security and surveillance systems.

For OEMs looking to integrate cellular connectivity, partnering with a provider like floLIVE can offer these benefits and more, ensuring a robust, compliant, and commercially attractive solution for their IP cameras. Learn more about floLIVE’s offering here.