March 21, 2023
Security cameras are an essential part of modern security systems. They help keep our homes, businesses, and public spaces safe by monitoring and recording activity around clock. But have you ever wondered where all that footage goes?
The short answer is that it depends on type of security system you have. There are two main types of security camera systems: cloud-based and local storage.
Cloud-based systems upload all footage to a remote server via internet. This means that your footage is stored off-site in a secure location that can only be accessed by authorized personnel. The advantage of a cloud-based system is that you don't have to worry about managing and maintaining your camera's storage, as all footage is automatically uploaded to cloud.
Local storage systems, on other hand, store footage on a physical device located on your property. This could be a hard drive, a network-attached storage (NAS) device, or even an SD card. The advantage of a local storage system is that you have complete control over your footage and can access it at any time, even without an internet connection.
So, where does footage go in a cloud-based system? It is uploaded to a remote server managed by security company that provides system. This footage is encrypted and can only be accessed by authorized personnel. Some cloud-based systems also offer option to store footage on your own cloud storage account, such as Google Drive or Dropbox.
In a local storage system, footage is stored on physical device you choose. This could be a hard drive attached to your computer, a NAS device that connects to your home network, or an SD card inserted into camera itself. You can access this footage by connecting directly to device or by accessing it over your home network.
It's worth noting that some security camera systems offer a combination of both cloud-based and local storage. For example, your camera may automatically upload footage to cloud, but also allow you to store a copy locally on a hard drive attached to your computer.
So, why does it matter where your footage goes? For one, it can affect cost of your security system. Cloud-based systems often come with a monthly fee for storing your footage on their servers, while local storage systems may require you to purchase additional hard drives or other storage devices.
Additionally, it's important to consider security of your footage. With a cloud-based system, your footage is stored in a secure location off-site. This means that even if someone breaks into your property and steals your camera, they won't be able to access your footage. With a local storage system, you'll need to take steps to secure your physical storage device to prevent unauthorized access.
In conclusion, answer to where security camera footage goes depends on type of security system you have. Cloud-based systems upload footage to a remote server managed by security company, while local storage systems store footage on a physical device located on your property. Both options have their benefits and drawbacks, so it's important to choose system that works best for your needs.