Cellular Gateways transmit LTE internet data and allows greater flexibility in setting up Wireless IP Camera Systems.
In many applications in the surveillance world, using a Point to Point Network (P2P) is the preferred method for transmitting video feeds wirelessly. One issue, however, with P2P is the need for Line of Sight between the transmitting and receiving antennas. While there are some drawbacks, using a Cellular Gateway instead allows a wireless network setup for surveillance just about anywhere, and in 30 minutes or less.
What is a Cellular Gateway?
Cellular Gateways take advantage of existing Cellular Networks to transmit data. The antennas on a Cellular Gateway allow data to be transmitted even in areas that a cellphone has limited or no reception. In a security application this means the ability to transmit IP Camera footage.
What are Cellular Gateway Limitations?
Connecting an IP Camera to a Cellular Gateway with a CAT-5 Ethernet Cable allows remote access to the camera from any computer, tablet, or smartphone with internet connectivity.
Using a Cellular Gateway requires a Data Package from a Cellular Provider. A data package will have a monthly fee, and Data usage limitations. Due to these limitations the video feed cannot be broadcasted over the internet to a recording device. To resolve this issue, Local Storage can be used with the IP Camera.
Local Storage
More and more Solar IP Cameras are becoming available with a high capacity of built in Local Storage. These IP Cameras record footage to an SD Card located within the Camera.
How to Lower Local Storage and Data Costs
LTE/Internet data packages for outdoor solar camera’s can cost a fortune if you’re not smart about it. In order to make the most use of the available storage space you will want to set your IP Camera to record only when motion is detected. You can also reduce the Frame Rate at which your Camera records, or set it to record still images at intervals you specify (1 or 2 seconds). This way only important events are captured and stored. Data from your Cellular provider will only be used when logging in to your IP Camera remotely to view the recorded footage, or the live video feed.
Types of Cellular Gateways
There are a few manufacturers of Cellular Gateways that provide ruggedized units for outdoor applications. Below are
links to a few products that have worked well for us in the past are:
COR-IBR Series from Cradlepoint,
EN-2000 Industrial, and
BEC Technologies Cellular Gateways.
Vorp Energy Gives You End-to-End Solutions All in One Place
Managing data packages can be time-consuming (and expensive!). Let us take care of everything from getting power out to your site, mounting the cameras and equipment, and configuring the whole system to communicate with a cellular gateway.
Leave a Reply