Baby Monitor - Wired and Wireless

Wired and Wireless

Baby monitor generally use wireless systems, but can also use wires or may operate over existing household wiring such as X10.

Wireless systems use radio frequencies that are designated by governments for unlicensed use. For example, in North America frequencies near 49 MHz, 902 MHz or 2.4 GHz are available. While these frequencies are not assigned to powerful television or radio broadcasting transmitters, interference from other wireless devices such as cordless telephones, wireless toys, computer wireless networks, RADAR, Smart Power Meters and microwave ovens is possible.

Digital audio wireless systems using DECT, are resistant to interference and have a range up to 300 m.

Analog audio transmissions can be picked up at a distance from the home by a scanner receiver or other baby monitor receivers, and so present a risk to privacy as long as the transmitter is switched on. Digital transmission such as Frequency-hopping spread spectrum provides a level of protection from casual interception.

Some wireless baby monitors support multiple cameras on one handheld monitor-receiver. These systems are even compatible with a standard wireless security camera.