Can Wireless CCTV Work Without Internet? Everything You Need to Know

Wireless and WiFi CCTV Cameras are among the best surveillance and security devices you can have. But as you can guess from their name, they are somewhat reliant on wireless networks or WiFi. The question many ask regarding this is – can CCTV work without the internet? This question even exists because having no WiFi does not mean having no Internet. Because of this, there is a little confusion on whether or not wireless CCTV works without the internet, and if it can work without WiFi. The simple answer to these questions is – Yes, they can. Want to know how?

In this blog, we clarify and answer these questions. In addition, we also provide you with answers to other associated queries. So, keeping this in mind, let’s get started!

Difference between No Internet and No WiFi

Before we answer our core question, we need to clarify the difference between having no internet and no WiFi first. This is because although in most cases, both of them are essentially the same, when it comes to the functioning of WiFi CCTV cameras, they are different scenarios. So, what is the difference here? Some of the key differences between no internet and no WiFi include:

• No WiFi means your device isn’t connected to any wireless network at all. This could happen if the WiFi on your device is turned off, the router is powered down, or you’re simply too far from the signal range. Without WiFi, your device can’t even reach the local network, let alone the internet.
• No Internet, on the other hand, means your device is successfully connected to a WiFi network, but that network doesn’t have access to the wider internet. This often occurs when your router loses connection to your internet service provider or there’s an outage on their end.
• In simple terms, No WiFi is a problem with your local connection between the device and the router, while No Internet is a problem with the router’s external link to the web.

What this signifies in terms of WiFi CCTV cameras is that your devices can still be connected to the internal network even if you do not have access to the internet. That said, once you move out of the local range, you shall lose access to any and all remote access if it is not connected to the internet. Also, you have to note that having access to WiFi but not internet qualifies the camera as an Offline CCTV camera.

How Can CCTV work without Internet?

It does not rely on WiFi alone but also uses local storage. Although you do need WiFi for remote access within the range, if you only need it to function, then it works fine without internet or WiFi.

WiFi CCTV cameras can be connected wirelessly to a router or Network Video Recorder, but they can also work in offline mode on local connections. In such a connection, the camera will record and store video footage locally in the SD card or directly to the connected NVR. Here, the camera will act like an input device that records the footage, while its management is controlled by the NVR. If the camera also contains an SD card, then the NVR transfers footage to the SD Card. The system may also include a monitor for displaying the footage, depending on the kind of setup. Without WiFi or internet, the camera can also continuously record or record on motion detection and save everything locally.

That said, you will not have any remote access to live footage or receive any alerts on your phone. Still, your system can operate despite the impossibility of remote access. 

Requirements For A WiFi CCTV Camera To Work Without Internet

As mentioned previously, a WiFi CCTV can work without the internet. But for this to happen, there are a few requirements that you must meet. The key requirements for the WiFi CCTV camera to work without internet include:

• Power Supply: The camera must be connected to a stable power source through an adapter or USB cable since it cannot function on battery alone for long periods.Local Storage: Many WiFi CCTV cameras feature a microSD card slot, enabling them to record and save footage directly in the camera during internet outages
• Camera Settings: The camera should be set to either detect motion or record continuously in case any disruption of the internet happens. Local Network (Optional): A router or NVR can be added to create a local WiFi or LAN network linking the camera and viewing device. This lets you monitor footage on your smartphone or computer within the same network, without needing internet access.
• Viewing Device: A monitor, PC, or smartphone connected to the same local network can display live or recorded video from the camera.

In simple terms, a WiFi CCTV camera, as long as it has power, local storage, and a basic local network setup, can record and display footage without needing an active internet connection. The only limitation when trying to make CCTV without an internet connection is that you won’t have access to the camera from outside of the local network.

WiFi CCTV camera recommendation

With so many WiFi cameras in Nepal, one can always find a perfect match for his or her needs. That said, it can be a bit hard to choose one, especially once you know that they can work without the internet. To make your selection easier, we are now going to provide you with WiFi CCTV cameras that work well without constant internet or WiFi, with the only loss being your remote access. These cameras include:

Camera	Price
CCTV    Netra s8 Camera	Npr 3,199
F7-Netra Indoor PT Wi-Fi CCTV Camera	Npr 4,499
CCTV Netra V6Z Camera	Npr 4,999
Y1-Ratri Dome Indoor Wi-Fi CCTV Camera	Npr 5,999
T5P-Ratri Bullet Outdoor Wi-Fi CCTV Camera	Npr 7.499
Ratri G11 CCTV Camera	Npr 7,999

Conclusion

WiFi CCTV cameras are undoubtedly some of the best devices when it comes to security and surveillance. Because of this, they are rising in popularity in Nepal. That said, there are still many questions regarding this form of devices, among which one of the most asked questions is “Can Wireless CCTV cameras work without the internet?”. The simple answer to this question is – yes, WiFi CCTV works without internet, although you will lose remote access once you move out of WiFi range.

In this blog, we provided you with an answer to the question of whether WiFi surveillance cameras can work without the internet. We hope you found this helpful. If you seek further insight on various aspects of CCTV cameras, do check out some of our other blogs. And if you want the best WiFi CCTV camera in Nepal, look no further than Night Vision – the best manufacturer of CCTV cameras in Nepal. Thank you for reading till the end.

FAQs on Wireless CCTV Camera

Can a WiFi CCTV camera record without the internet?

Yes, a WiFi CCTV camera can record without an internet connection. The camera can save footage directly to a microSD card or a connected NVR (Network Video Recorder). While you won’t be able to access the live feed remotely, the camera will keep recording either continuously or via motion detection for local security coverage.

What is the difference between No WiFi and No Internet for a CCTV camera?

“No WiFi” means the camera is not connected to any local wireless network, so it won’t be able to talk with other devices even if the internet is available. “No Internet” means the camera is connected to some local network, but the network itself isn’t connected to the greater web. In either case, the camera continues to record locally, while remote access and notifications won’t be possible without an internet connection.

What are the prerequisites for a WiFi CCTV camera to function without an internet connection? 

For the WiFi CCTV camera to function without internet access, it must have stable power, local storage like a microSD card or NVR, and an appropriate camera setup for motion detection or continuous recording. Optionally, you can also create a local network for connecting with a monitor or smartphone. The local network can be in the same network. If you do this, the camera can work effectively without internet access.