4G Security Camera: Security Solution Without WiFi

Have you ever encoutered a situation like this: You need to monitor remote land where I have great 4G signal but no power nor WiFi. That’s when the 4G security cameras shine, as they are exactly designed to meet your security needs in the remote off-grid places without Internet/WiFi and power.

This article will discuss the basics of 4G celluar security camera, guide you through the selection process, and provide recommendations for a seamless 4G connection.

What is a 4G Security Camera?

4G security cameras, also called 4G SIM card security cameras, are the mobile monitoring cameras that use 4G LTE network to deliver live viewing and send instant alerts. Similarly, 2G/3G security cameras refer to the ones with 2G/3G network connectivity.

As the above definition indicates, 4G cellular-based CCTV cameras require a separate mobile service plan to work. And the cellular data consumption of 4G IP cameras varies, depending on how many times you watch live streaming, receive motion detection alarms, etc.

Though the emerging 4G CCTV camera market now offers you quite limited options, some reputable brands, who saw the great demand and tremendous potential, have launched their 4G LTE cellular security cameras to seize market shares first.

Why Should You Choose 4G Wireless Security Cameras

4G cellular security cameras have made it a reality to monitor the areas limited by the scarcity of Internet infrastructure. Here are some main reasons why you should choose a 4G camera for indoor and outdoor use.

• 100% wire-free. The battery-powered or 4G solar security cameras free you from the messy cables, saving you the cost to run wires and maintaining the original décor of your property.
• Easy to install and move. The plug and play 4G CCTV camera systems no longer require you to climb through attics or fish wires through ceilings and walls. You are also free to take and reposition the 4G LTE security cameras as you wish.
• Versatile. The 4G video cameras can work almost anywhere within the 4G cellular network. And they can function as normal even in case of power outages.
• Affordable. As more security camera suppliers enter the 4G camera field and compete for market shares, the price of 4G cameras has declined than ever before.
• Scalable. You are free to expand or update your 4G camera systems by adding more cameras in your desired locations, with no subscription fees or long-term contract.

To sum up, 4G surveillance cameras are most suitable for the isolated places where there is no Internet or power source available, such as your remote cabins, barns, farms, ranches, boats, marina, ranch, shed, second/vacation home, hotels, Airbnb rental properties, construction sites, new home build site, senior living facility, campsites, warehouses, etc.

For example, install a wireless camera for horse barn is a great idea. Below is an image shared by a user of the Reolink Go Plus, Jens, who installed the camera for his barn in a breeze - no messy wires or drilling holes involved.

4G LTE Security Camera: How to Choose

It requires you to do enough homework so that you can pick up the best 4G home security cameras.

1. Powering Options

The 4G camera systems in the market now are mainly powered by rechargeable batteries, while some top rated ones, like Reolink Go Plus, also offer you the option to buy customized solar panel to provide non-stop power.

The 4G battery-powered & solar security cameras not only excels as an environmentally friendly solution, but also release you from the worries of batteries dead without your conscious and save you the huge trouble to change batteries frequently.

2. Smart Motion Detection & Notifications

You certainly want to receive instant notifications to your phone when the 4G cellular cameras detect any motion events, but make sure the 4G remote cameras feature accurate motion detection so that the alerts are indeed USEFUL.

If your cameras send too many false alarms and trigger video recordings too frequently, they will eat up your data plan in no time. And even you buy the most expensive cellular data plans, your 4G IP cameras might only offer few hours of video recording in a single month!

The feasible ways to solve this problem include placing the cellular security cameras in low-traffic areas, adjusting the motion detection sensitivity property based on your needs, etc.

3. Cellular Reception

Security cameras with 4G network need good cellular reception to stream live feed or send instant alerts, just as you need stable network signals in the Internet-coverage areas.

If it takes a long time for your 4G Icamera to load live streaming due to the poor cellular signals, much of your mobile data will be consumed and wasted.

Note that your 4G LTE CCTV cameras might receive relatively weaker signals than your cell phone, as the quality of mobile communication module signals may not surpass that of your phones.

To ensure that your 4G devices can have good cellular reception, it is best to choose the reliable carriers in your location, such as T-mobile, and place your 4G LTE surveillance cameras in areas with good cellular signals.

And it is also important to choose the top security camera brands with professional support team, which offer 1-to-1 free technical support when when your 4G CCTV cameras goes wrong.

4. Night Vision

As you may not regularly visit the place where the 4G outdoor cameras are installed, good day and night vision of IP cameras over 3G/4G is a must for you to keep informed of what is happening out there.

Now the majority of 4G camera systems for sale deliver 720p images and videos, and Reolink even launched the 4K model of 3G/4G cameras, the Go PT Ultra.

This 4G wireless IP camera also features clear night vision and can see up to 33 feet even in total darkness, so you can pinpoint the license plate numbers, human face features or other more details at a distance.

5. Affordability

The initial cost some 4G models might be a little high, but it would not be much of an issue considering the expenditures they have saved to set up Internet connection and run wires in your no-network property.

And when you select 4G video cameras, watch out for the contracts you need to submit to. Besides the cellular data plan, some 4G IP camera providers may also require you to pay for their cloud storage service.

If you are on a tight budget, choose those 4G video surveillance cameras with affordable cellular connectivity and no contract.

6. Recording Options

If you’d like to save the motion videos onsite without monthly fees, the 4G surveillance cameras with SD card (slot) would be a cost-effective option for you.

Other than that, some top 4G LTE mobile network security cameras, also offer you to option to store videos on the Cloud, so that you can view the camera footage anytime & anywhere.

Best Reolink 4G LTE Cellular Security Camera

After digging around for all the 4G cameras available, here we would like to recommend our best pick – Reolink Go Plus, an innovative product by Reolink

This 4G surveillance camera Reolink Go Plus is a clear winner in every aspect including:

• Flexible power options: It comes with an eco-friendly rechargeable battery and allows you to add Reolink solar panel (requires a separate purchase) to get continuous power.
• High resolution: With 2K 4MP high resolution and 33ft night vision, this 4G wireless security camera boasts better day and night vision than other competitors.
• Smart motion detection: Relying on the smart PIR motion sensor, it triggers almost zero false alarms resulting from a car driving by or the wind blowing.
• Good cellular reception: This 4G camera can receive good cellular signals based on the hundreds of test results.
• No contracts or monthly fees: Reolink Go Plus comes with an SD card slot to record videos onboard, so you don’t need to pay the monthly subscription fees.

Best 4G Solar Security Camera

Many 4G cellular security cameras are battery-powered and use solar energy as a power backup. Solar charging enhances flexibility in terms of camera placement and offers an eco-friendly choice for security solution finders. The best 4G solar surveillance camera we've chosen is the Reolink Go PT Ultra. This camera boosts 4K 8MP resolution and features intelligent motion detection for accurate alerts.

You can connect this camera to the Reolink Solar Panel 2. With about 10 minutes of charging, this panel can provide sufficient power for daily usage. For example, you can place it in your barn, construction site, or other outdoor spaces.

FAQs

How Can I Maximize the Data Plan of 4G Wireless Security Cameras?

Some cellular data plans of 4G wireless security cameras offer a fixed number of minutes of videos per month. Maximizing the data plan, in essence, means saving your hard-earned money.

Besides reducing the false alarms and useless motion-triggered recordings, lowering the 4G camera resolution or frames per second (based on your actual needs), and placing 4G IP cameras in good cellular signal areas can also help you take full advantage of the cellular data.

I Have Verizon as My Cell Phone Carrier. Will I Be Able to Access the 4G Camera on My Android with My Current Cell Data Carrier Even If the Camera Is Through T-mobile?

Absolutely YES! For the 4G IP cameras, it doesn’t matter which cell phone carrier you use. You simply need to buy a SIM card from the supported mobile network service providers and that’s it.

If Multiple 4G Cameras Are to Be Used at the Same Location, Do You Need a "Data Plan" for Each Camera?

Yes, one 3G/4G sim card is assigned to only one 4G camera. But you may consult your local cellular carriers whether they would have a bundle package deal on more than one 4G wireless security camera.

Can the 4G CCTV Cameras Connect to the Internet Through WiFi?

Most 4G LTE security cameras now don’t support WiFi connection as they are designed to work in areas without Internet or WiFi in the first place.

If your monitoring place has WiFi available, the 3G/4G models also would not be the best options in terms of their high price compared with other wireless security cameras.

Will the 3G/4G CCTV Cameras with Sim Card Work Regardless of the Country or Location?

Normally the 4G surveillance camera sellers would list the supported mobile service providers in the product page, like T-Mobile, AT & T, etc.

Check whether the cellular data suppliers are available in your local place. As long as your IP cameras with 4G SIM card can receive strong and stable cellular signals in your location, they are able to work perfectly as you wish.

Conclusion

4G cellular cameras emerge as versatile and reliable solutions for modern-day security needs, especially in situations where you can not access WiFi network.

So do you also intend to buy a 4G security camera? If yes, where are you going to place the camera? And what other concerns do you have about 4G cameras? Now share your ideas or problems in the box below and we’d love to hear from you!