Thank you for being a valued part of the CNET community. As of December 1, 2020, the forums are in read-only format. In early 2021, CNET Forums will no longer be available. We are grateful for the participation and advice you have provided to one another over the years.

Thanks,

CNET Support

General discussion

Home Surveillance Help

by AG2016 Sep 3, 2016 6:52PM PDT

Hello, I am not a tech person and I need a little help. I want to install a webcam/camera so I can view my property directly from my smartphone when I am away. I do not have wireless internet, WiFi or a router in the home. I just have my smartphone with internet. Is it possible to buy a camera that directly sends live feed straight to my smartphone device? Or will I need WiFi or a router for this? Is this possible, I read somewhere about a P2P connection and an ad hoc server? Can a home surveillance camera send live recording straight directly to my phone without WiFi or anything like that? I want to make sure that this is possible before I buy a surveillance camera. Thank you for your help!

Discussion is locked

3 Posts
- Collapse + Expand Details
- Collapse -
Yes, it can be done BUT.....
by mrmacfixit Forum moderator Sep 4, 2016 6:57AM PDT

You will need to purchase a Cellular capable camera, one that has a cellular modem inside it which will connect to the carriers cell towers.
The camera's I have seen like this do not transmit real-time video, just a snapshot of the location at timed intervals. Transmitting live video, 24/7, over the cellular network would probably cut a big hole in your pocket.
They are also usually part of a "security package", I have not seen them outside of that.

The type of "surveillance camera" that you seem to have in mind would use the available Internet in the home, something supplied by your cable company usually, and would transmit continuously.
These cameras' can be either Wired or Wireless and have their own internal website that you would access from your phone. Multiple cameras would connect to a central point in the house and you would access the video feed there.
There are also various apps that would enable you to connect a camera to the internet.

P

- Collapse -
Will be very expensive
by jesseallen979 Oct 12, 2016 1:19AM PDT

It can definitely be done but getting a consistent live video feed will be very expensive. Most remote systems that allow you to view camera recordings on your phone don't show live video at all which is beneficial for your budget. These cameras also come with mobile applications for an easy installation. You can ask your local surveillance system/equipment installer/distributor for more information.

Link to non-local installer removed by moderator.

Post was last edited on October 12, 2016 2:10 AM PDT

- Collapse -
Why not set up WiFi?
by BarbaraCam Oct 23, 2016 12:31AM PDT

Why not setting up WiFi?
Is the location not covered by internet service provider?

setting up WiFi for only this may cost you as low as 10$ per month. And since you are asking here for cameras that are extremely expensive then maybe setting up WiFi and using a WiFi camera will be cheaper option.

Back to How To forum

CNET Forums

Operating Systems
Software
Electronics & Gadgets
Hardware
Tablets & Mobile Devices
General Help
Brand Forums
Roadshow Autos
Off Topic

Other Forums

Forum Info