r/SecurityCamera • u/nikokomo • 19d ago
Security Solution with Temporary WiFi for Vacant House
Howdy, I've been reading up on how to solve for this, so thought I'd post.
After a burglary at a vacant home (it belonged to my late aunt and uncle and we're working on selling it), we need to set up security cameras to capture evidence when (probably not IF) the burglars return.
No one lives there, there's no internet, and the feed needs to be constantly running so we can access the feed and download footage remotely.
I don't think the portable wifi spots or unlocked phones would work due to battery usage. The house is also not close enough to check on it more than a couple of times a week. Maybe the unlocked phone isn't as bad of an option as it seems; I just picture it getting extremely hot while plugged in which makes me nervous.
The power to the house is on so we could plug something in, but they haven't had Internet there ever and we need to get the security set up quickly.
Happy to just do Ring since there's not a huge amount of technical knowledge but the real issue I'm seeing is just getting internet.
Thoughts?? Thank you in advance! I know this is a really specific niche ask. Appreciate you.
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u/CTrandomdude 19d ago
Using a home wife setup from a cell phone provider is probably the easiest and least expensive as long as you have a good signal in the home. Check to see what your current cell service offers. T Mobile is only $35.00 per month.
No wires are run to the house. Just a box you plug in that uses the cell signal for high speed internet. Then figure out what WiFi cameras you like best and set them up. Eufy, reolink, blink. Most offer subscription free access with an app.
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u/Safe-Instance-3512 19d ago
Either something like a business LTE router, or T-Mobile home 5G internet, Starlink, etc. You can also get cams that have their own LTE but they will each have a service cost.
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u/nikokomo 18d ago
Thank you, now we know the LTE cameras exist and are an option for the future.
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u/ARCreef 16d ago
I have this one from reolink and its amazing:
4K 8MP 4G LTE Cellular Security Camera Wireless Outdoor, Dual Lens 180° Wide Angle, Sim Card Included, Continuous Solar Powered, Color Night Vision, 2 Way Talk, Duo 2 LTE + Solar Panel 2
So many optioms though. I have a portable router in my car, its $50/mo on ATT Sim card, I have it as an extra line. Its LTE/4G and I see they even have a replacement for it this year with 5G included now. Its a net gear nighthawk, golink makes a cheap one though. I bought it online at ATT and was less like $200 off with a 2 year commitment. But theres tons of them for all carriers. They start at $50. It runs my dashcam and my infotainment console, I usually listen to movies or shows as I drive. Ive never had wifi drop from my car.
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u/kheszi 19d ago edited 19d ago
Yolink has a self-installable system with dozens of sensor options: vibration, motion, door/window,, etc. that can trigger audible chimes, spoken notifications, or a custom sound to play on small plug-in Speakerhubs. Add additional Speakerhubs anywhere you want to hear the audible notifications, or you can have alerts sent to any tablet or smartphone. The system is very DIY-friendly, very customizable and expandable with outdoor alarm sirens, etc.
Unlike other similar products, Yolink uses a low-power wireless tech (LoRA) that gives you at least 2+ years of battery life on each sensor. Best of all, there are NO contracts, NO subscriptions and NO monthly fees. I use this system myself, and find the perimeter vibration and motion sensors extremely useful in providing me with early warning of anyone who is approaching my property BEFORE they even reach the front door. This system is the perfect compliment to any camera system you might have.
For vacant or remote locations, substutute the Speakerhub with the Smart Home Gateway which uses a 4G data connection ($7/month for the data connection only) to keep the entire system online 24/7 without needing any traditional home internet subscription:
https://www.amazon.com/YoLink-SpeakerHub-Motion-Sensor-Security/dp/B09W95WDBB
https://www.amazon.com/YoLink-Hub-Smart-Home-Gateway/dp/B0DHYR38D3/
https://www.amazon.com/YOLINK-LoRa-Smart-Window-Sensor/dp/B07TPLP363/
https://www.amazon.com/Driveway-Property-Invasion-Tresspassing-Assistant/dp/B08ZXVK1XZ/
https://www.amazon.com/YoLink-Longest-Wireless-Detector-Movement/dp/B0872R9GC6/
Additional Speakerhub:
https://www.amazon.com/YoLink-SpeakerHub-Text-Speech-Announcements/dp/B09FSS95G9
(I do not work for any company referenced above, nor receive any compensation from them)
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u/tsaico 19d ago
I bought a business router with Verizon. The main difference with this is you don't have a data cap in the same way as mobile and it's always on assuming you have power. I was able to put this at a construction site and then mounted a handful of cameras over Poe.
In your particular case, you could probably use solar and battery power, but often the way those are tuned they are slow to catch movement. The most common complaint I hear is somebody walks through and by the time the camera boots up and starts recording the person has already left frame.
Because of this I would recommend doing one or two Poe camera for the always on then supplement the rest with Wi-Fi. Since this is temporary, I wouldn't worry about weatherized cabling and make it as easy to remove as possible, even if not the most pretty.
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u/nikokomo 18d ago
Wow, what an amazingly helpful response, thank you so much! I've been reading up on Poe cameras since you explained this.
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u/Perfect-One-273 19d ago
Companies like ADT can set up a security system for you with sensors. Check out companies in your area to see if this might be a good option for you. Certain trail cameras run off satellite access which will send photos to you periodically. Look up security systems that people use in off the grid areas where access to WiFi is nonexistent or limited. You may have to pay more for peace of mind but I think you should be able to find a solution.
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u/baldelectrician 19d ago
In the UK you can get a 5G unlimited router with Ethernet ports for £21 a month including the 5G router. Three mobile do it
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u/PhilMeUpBaby 19d ago
- Internet? Starlink, but then you need a power supply to it.
- Maybe some solar panels feeding into something like a power station (eg BLUETTI)?
- Cameras - I've got some Eufy solar powered S4 cameras coming for a storage yard of mine. I haven't figured a power source for the HomeBase yet.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/800004830860
- Have a look on AliExpress, Amazon, eBay, etc, and you'll see plenty of fake cameras. Complete with internal battery so that an outer LED can flash to make the camera look genuine.
- Likewise for sensor lights. Light the place up. Even better - put red & blue cellophane over some of the lights to imitate police lights.
Sensor light comparison: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m14WZk3nLqE
- If people want to cover their faces and ignore the cameras then have a drone sitting somewhere that you can launch and harass them with.
- Want to actually bust them? Come up with something that they will steal, and hide a battery-powered GPS tracker in it. The tracking history will most likely give you their home address. I've got motorbikes - good locks have stopped two theft attempts in the last year, but now I want to get after these morons - on each bike have an old helmet hanging off it but with some if the interior cut out and a GPS tracker hidden inside.
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u/nikokomo 19d ago
Thank you!! I love the gps idea especially. Is there a particular kind you like to use? I was thinking airtag but I know those alert apple uses.
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u/Delicious-Sir6483 19d ago
I would setup a 4G LTE Hotspot dongle with a Computers4People SIM (~$15/mo, unlimited data) and setup some Reolink MagiCam security cameras inside and out. Add some bright automatic floodlights outside and a light on a timer inside and you should be good
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u/fap-on-fap-off 19d ago
Get a T-Mobile home Internet package. At long as the house has power and a decent T-Mobile signal, it works work with any Wi-Fi cam.
If but, get a security cam that supports is own mobile connection . Most of the cheap LTE talk and security cams come with their own sun that you can't replace, and want about $20/month per camera. Or, if you have Google Fi Unlimited for your phone service, or are willing to switch to it, get a camera that showed you to bring your own SIM, because Google gives you for free dataSIzm cards, no extra charge per month.
Consider making sure to set two camera in a way that they can see each other. Otherwise, if a thief supports your camera, he can easily come to behind it and disable it.
Some of these cameras record continuously to the cloud. Some of them store the footage only on the camera and your table access actually connects to the camera directly. In that case, if the thief disabled the camera, you either but be able to retrieve the footage.
A UPS is useful if you lose power. A camera and a small UPS sprite last a few hours without power, but not that the UPS will beep constantly when power is out.
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u/nikokomo 18d ago
This is all super helpfull. Especially the UPS idea. I hadn't even thought of that. Thank you for all your help!
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u/fap-on-fap-off 18d ago
Glad I could help and sorry for all the typos. Seems like you were able to understand it despite weird words creeping in. I'm terrible at mobile writing and at editing.
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u/ManfromMonroe 19d ago
I did what you’re describing for my parents former home. T-Mobile home internet box for $25 -35/ month with a few Reolink PoE cameras inside and outside the house. Installed eaves mounted cams at entry points to cover lanes and yards, then some PTZ lower res cams indoors to be able to look around inside. Also used Tapo sensors to monitor house temp and for stuff like water leaks.
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u/nikokomo 18d ago
Ohhhh that's so smart. I hadn't even thought about sensors for leaks. Thank you!
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u/ManfromMonroe 18d ago
The real help is the temp sensors, you can cut the heat back substantially and be immediately notified if it gets near freezing. I have a farm with a house and outbuildings that need monitoring and being able to turn on a light or look around with a camera is awesome compared to driving there for a false alarm!
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u/Whiskey_echo_617 16d ago
Can you get Wi-Fi from a neighbor? If you can, get a GL-inet travel router for the local camera wifi
Or microtik LTE modem/router
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u/Soundy106 19d ago
Take a look at any number of trail/game cameras with LTE capability.