This article was machine-translated from French and is being reviewed. Prices are in Algerian dinars excl. VAT.
Between a Wi‑Fi or wired PoE camera, choose PoE if the camera must record continuously: a single network cable supplies both image and power, without relying on radio. Wi‑Fi is justified when running a cable is impossible, for a few cameras near the router. Here is the comparison with real shop items, PoE cost included.
In short
- PoE: a network cable carries image and current. Wi‑Fi: an electrical outlet remains required for each camera, and the signal depends on walls and distance.
- With a camera alone, Wi‑Fi is not cheaper: about 16,175 DA HT per PoE 2 MP wired camera on an 8‑port switch with 20 m of cable, versus 19,800 DA HT for an Imou Wi‑Fi 3 MP. PoE also requires an NVR; Wi‑Fi often records to a memory card. Its possible advantage is the installation.
- From 4 PoE cameras, a switch at 15,000 DA HT is cheaper than 4 injectors at 4,800 DA HT.
Wi‑Fi or wired camera: store articles
Store price list asloitech.com as of 06/11/2026, subject to availability.
| Item | Connection | Price (DA HT) | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Imou Bullet 3, 3 MP 2K Full Color | Wi‑Fi | 19 800 | in stock |
| Imou Bullet 2E, 5 MP 3K Full Color | Wi‑Fi | 19 500 | in stock |
| Imou Ranger 2 A32EP‑L, 3 MP | Wi‑Fi | 14 000 | break at the top |
| Imou Bullet IPC‑F22AP, 2 MP | Network cable, PoE | 12 000 | in stock |
| Imou Dome IPC‑T22AP, 2 MP | Network cable, PoE | 11 900 | in stock |
| Dahua Bullet HFW2230SP‑S‑S2, 2 MP | Network cable, PoE (802.3af) or 12 V per the Dahua spec | 14 900 | in stock |
These cameras do not have the same resolution (2 MP PoE, 3 to 5 MP Wi‑Fi): read the difference as an order of magnitude. The price list mentions no memory card with the Wi‑Fi models.
The actual cost of PoE
A PoE camera plugs into an injector TL‑POE150S at 4,800 DA HT or a Genata PoE 8‑port switch at 15,000 DA HT (in stock). The cable is separate: the Newtech Cat6 FTP cable 300 m costs 34,500 DA HT (in stock), i.e. 34,500 ÷ 300 = 115 DA HT per metre and 20 × 115 = 2,300 DA HT for 20 m. For PoE, plan a copper cable: the “CCA” (aluminium coated with copper) resists current better than pure copper and cable manufacturers advise against it for PoE. The store sheet does not specify conductor type: ask us to confirm. Totals below start from the per‑metre price; if cable is sold only in full coil, count the coil.
- 1 Imou PoE camera with injector and 20 m cable: 12,000 + 4,800 + 2,300 = 19,100 DA HT.
- 3 cameras: 3 × 4,800 = 14,400 DA HT for injectors, less than the 8‑port switch. At 4 cameras: 4 × 4,800 = 19,200 DA HT, i.e. 19,200 – 15,000 = 4,200 DA HT more. At 8: 8 × 4,800 = 38,400 DA HT versus 15,000 DA HT.
- With the Genata PoE 4‑port switch at 9,500 DA HT (in stock), the break‑even is at 2 cameras: 2 × 4,800 = 9,600 DA HT for injectors, i.e. 100 DA HT more than the switch.
- PoE camera, share of switch and 20 m cable for 8 cameras: 12,000 + (15,000 ÷ 8) + 2,300 = 12,000 + 1,875 + 2,300 = 16,175 DA HT, versus 19,800 DA HT for the Imou Wi‑Fi 3 MP.
Power. PoE comes in three levels, measured at the switch or injector output: 802.3af (15.4 W per port), 802.3at (30 W) and 802.3bt (60 to 90 W). A fixed 2‑MP camera consumes less than 5 W per the Imou IPC‑F22AP and Dahua HFW2230SP‑S‑S2 datasheets: 802.3af is sufficient. A motorized or heated camera may require 802.3at or bt. The total camera power must also stay below the switch PoE budget (120 W for 8 ports, 65 W for 4 ports).
Add: an NVR to record (the 16‑channel NVR costs 73,000 DA HT, in stock). A non‑PoE camera plugs into a PoE port with a PoE splitter at 1,200 DA HT, provided its output voltage and power match the camera.
Reliability, power and Wi‑Fi limits
- Reliability: the cable holds its link up to 100 m. Wi‑Fi varies with concrete walls, floors, distance and the number of devices on the router. When the signal weakens, the camera may miss footage.
- Power supply: “wireless” does not mean “no cable”. A Wi‑Fi camera has its adapter and socket, one per camera, except for battery models, which are absent from our list.
- Power outages: the box and each Wi‑Fi camera shut down. In PoE, a single UPS on the switch and NVR (from 10,500 DA HT, EAST UPS EA265 Pro 650 VA, in stock) keeps all cameras running during battery autonomy: see UPS for cameras.
- Recording : several continuous HD streams can saturate a Wi‑Fi network, especially at 2.4 GHz, and the cameras share the same band. Many Wi‑Fi cameras record to memory card or on detection. For reliable continuous recording on multiple cameras, we recommend cable.
- Internet connection : a Wi‑Fi camera is often viewed remotely via a mobile app, thus over the internet. The regulation forbids internet connection for CCTV systems in public structures and those whose cameras film open public spaces (executive decree no. 09‑410 amended by decree no. 16‑61, art. 20 bis); check your situation before enabling remote access. See remote camera access.
Which choice for the use case
| Use | Advice |
|---|---|
| Home | Wi‑Fi is acceptable for a few cameras near the router if you cannot drill or run cable. PoE as soon as there are works or more cameras. |
| Small shop | PoE for the entrance, cashier and storage. Wi‑Fi only as a supplement in hard‑to‑cable areas. |
| Warehouse | PoE with a switch, and an intermediate switch or fiber beyond 100 m. Wi‑Fi is less suitable: distances, metal structures, concrete. Range should be checked on site. |
Frequently asked questions
Does a Wi‑Fi camera work without power?
No, except for battery‑powered models. Without power, the router and camera shut down, so recording stops unless an UPS is used.
How far does a PoE cable run?
Up to 100 m per network segment. Beyond that, an intermediate switch or fibre is required.
Can Wi‑Fi, PoE and coaxial be mixed?
Yes, but each family has its own recording and power. For coaxial, see IP or analog camera; to size the whole system, how to choose your installation. To know if an alarm is added, read alarm or CCTV.
A technician can test the signal or plan cable routing on site: discover our CCTV video surveillance solution or the CCTV category in the store.