Wireless Security Cameras With Half-Mile Range
▼ Summary
– Xthings plans to release two new long-range wireless security camera kits in the second quarter of this year, with prices from $489.99 to $989.99.
– The cameras use Wi-Fi HaLow to transmit video up to 1,000 meters, simplifying installation for large properties.
– The smaller Ulticam kit includes four 4MP outdoor cameras and a HaLow gateway, while the larger eight-camera kit adds an NVR for local recording and cloud storage.
– Unlike cameras using motion sensors, these systems use an Always-On Video AI to constantly analyze footage and detect specific triggers, ensuring full event recording.
– Wi-Fi HaLow technology uses sub-GHz signals for long-range penetration but has been slow to gain widespread adoption despite its benefits for IoT devices.
A new category of long-range wireless security is poised to arrive this spring, promising to simplify surveillance for expansive properties. Xthings has announced two Ulticam HaLow security camera kits slated for release in the second quarter. These systems leverage the Wi-Fi HaLow (802.11ah) protocol, which can maintain a video signal across distances up to 1,000 meters, even through obstructions like buildings or dense foliage. This eliminates the traditional need for extensive cabling, signal boosters, or cellular data plans for remote camera placement. Pricing for the kits is expected to range from approximately $490 to $990.
The smaller offering is the Ulticam Long-Range Wireless AI Security Kit. It bundles four B25W outdoor cameras, which capture 4MP resolution video, with a dedicated HaLow Wi-Fi Gateway. This gateway is a necessary component, as very few consumer wireless routers currently support the long-range HaLow standard. For more comprehensive coverage, the Ulticam Wireless Long Range 8-Camera Bullet Kit + NVR provides a robust solution for campuses or large commercial facilities. It includes eight weatherproof 4MP cameras equipped with microphones and speakers for two-way audio. These cameras support both HaLow wireless and traditional wired Ethernet connections. The kit comes with a network video recorder for local storage on dual hard drives and includes seven days of rolling cloud storage for backup.
A key differentiator for these systems is their approach to event detection. Unlike common cameras that use passive infrared sensors to trigger recording after motion begins, Ulticam employs a proprietary Always-On Video technology. The cameras operate in a continuous low-power state, capturing video at a reduced frame rate. This stream is analyzed in real time by onboard AI programmed to recognize specific triggers such as people, vehicles, animals, or even signs of fire and smoke. This methodology aims to capture the entirety of an incident, including the crucial moments leading up to it, rather than potentially missing the initial action.
The underlying Wi-Fi HaLow technology itself is not new, having been introduced a decade ago as a low-power, long-range option for IoT devices. Its sub-GHz radio signals offer superior range and obstacle penetration compared to standard Wi-Fi, albeit at lower bandwidth, making it ideal for sensor data and video streams. Despite its potential for applications like remote security cameras, adoption has been gradual. Other companies, like Abode, have announced compatible devices, but market availability has been slow. The planned release of Xthings’ Ulticam kits represents a significant step in bringing this specialized wireless standard to the mainstream security market.
(Source: The Verge)