How Does CCTV Work? A Complete Guide to Modern Home Security

Imagine being at the office but being able to see the real-time conditions at home from your phone screen. This is the wonder of modern CCTV technology , now used not only by large businesses but also by homes, shops, and even private apartments.

A Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) system securely records and transmits video from a camera to a storage device or mobile phone over a closed network — either wired or wireless.

With the development of IoT (Internet of Things) and AI Detection technology , now surveillance cameras such as The BIOTA Smart Camera Indoor PTZ can even recognize movements and faces, and even send automatic notifications directly to your smartphone.

According to the Statistic 2024 report , the use of household CCTV devices in Indonesia has increased by more than 35% in the last two years , as public awareness of home digital security increases.

How CCTV Devices Work

Simply put, CCTV works by capturing images from cameras , then sending them to a recording device (DVR/NVR) or cloud storage , to be displayed live or stored as an archive.

Main components of a CCTV system:

Surveillance camera (analog/IP) – captures video and audio.
Recorder (DVR or NVR) – stores recordings.
Storage media – such as HDD, microSD, or cloud.
Monitor / Smartphone – displays the recording or live video.
Connection (cable or Wi-Fi) – connects all devices.

According to TechTarget (2024) , modern IP cameras are capable of recording up to 4K resolution (3840x2160) and use AI motion detection technology to save storage space.

As an example, The BIOTA Smart Camera Battery Fixed records video automatically when it detects motion, and can be accessed directly via the BIOTA Smart Home app on your phone.

Is CCTV Active If There Is No Internet?

Frequently asked questions:

“If the Wi-Fi is off, will the CCTV still work?”

The answer: Yes, CCTV remains active without the internet , as long as it still gets a power source or battery .

Differences between Offline and Online CCTV

The following explains the main differences between CCTV types based on their connectivity:

1. Analog CCTV (DVR)

Can work without internet: Yes, because the system uses a coaxial cable directly to the DVR.
Access from a mobile phone: Not possible. Video can only be viewed on a monitor connected to the on-site DVR.
Storage: Using local HDD inside DVR.
Description: Suitable for simple use such as small shops or homes with local surveillance systems without the need for remote access.

2. IP/Wi-Fi CCTV (NVR)

Can work without internet: Yes, can still record locally even if the connection is lost.
Access from mobile: Yes, if connected to the internet network.
Storage: Supports microSD , NVR , or cloud storage .
Description: More flexible and modern, suitable for smart homes and offices that want real-time remote monitoring.

3. CCTV 4G SIM Card (Without Wi-Fi)

Can work without Wi-Fi internet: Yes, using 4G LTE cellular network.
Access from mobile: Can be directly through the mobile application with a cellular data connection.
Storage: Uses microSD and can be added optional cloud storage .
Description: Ideal for areas without Wi-Fi networks such as gardens, building projects, warehouses, or remote locations .

In other words, CCTV continues to record without internet , but you cannot watch the live view or receive remote notifications until the internet connection is active again.

Source: SafeWise Security Report 2024.

How to Connect CCTV to Mobile Phone?

Modern cameras are equipped with a remote access system via a mobile application.
To connect CCTV to a cellphone, here are the general steps:

Connect the camera to 2.4GHz Wi-Fi
(e.g. via the BIOTA Smart Home application ).
Create an account and login in the app.
Scan the QR code on the camera or enter the serial number.
Once connected, you can:

Watch live streaming
Get motion notifications
Access video recordings anytime

Camera like BIOTA Smart Camera Outdoor 4G doesn't even need Wi-Fi at all, just a 4G SIM card , videos can be sent directly to your phone via the cellular network.

According to Security.org (2024) , more than 82% of household CCTV users now rely on mobile apps as the primary control for their security systems.

How Long Does CCTV Store Footage?

Storage time depends on three main factors:

Storage capacity (e.g. 64GB vs 128GB microSD)
Video resolution (720p, 1080p, or 4K)
Recording mode (continuous vs motion detection)

As an illustration:

Estimated Recording Time Based on Capacity & Resolution

1. 32 GB capacity

Resolution: 720p (HD)
Recording Time: About 2–3 days of normal use
Description: Suitable for short-term use or small area surveillance

2. 64 GB capacity

Resolution: 1080p (Full HD)
Recording Time: Approximately 5–7 days
Description: Ideal for household needs or small shops with daily recordings

3. 128 GB capacity

Resolution: 2K Ultra HD
Recording Time: Approximately 10–14 days
Description: Recommended for high activity areas for sharper and more detailed recordings.

4. Cloud Storage

Capacity: Depends on subscription plan
Recording Duration: Can be more than 30 days depending on cloud provider policy
Description: Safe from data loss and can be accessed from anywhere

Source: Western Digital Storage Guide 2024.

To save space, many cameras now come with:

Motion Detection Recording → only records when there is activity.
Overwrite System → automatically deletes old recordings when memory is full.
Cloud Backup → keeps data safe even if the device is damaged.

For example, BIOTA Smart Camera Indoor PTZ supports microSD up to 128GB and optional cloud features , ensuring you don't miss any important moments.

Additional Technologies That Increase CCTV Effectiveness

Besides the basic functions, several modern innovations make CCTV smarter and more efficient:

AI Detection: recognize humans, animals, or vehicles.
Two-way Audio: direct communication from camera to phone.
Night Vision Infrared: ensures 24-hour surveillance.
IP65 / IP67 Weatherproof: water and dust resistant for outdoor use.
Cloud Sync & Data Encryption: higher privacy security.

All of these features are now standard in the BIOTA line of smart cameras , designed for modern homes and businesses in Indonesia.

Understanding How CCTV Works for More Effective Security

1. Installation

Modern CCTV (IP/Wi-Fi):
Easy to install without long cables, just connect to power and Wi-Fi.
Conventional CCTV (Analog):
Installation is complex as it requires coaxial cable and DVR.

2. Access from mobile phone

Modern CCTV (IP/Wi-Fi):
Can be accessed directly via the application on your smartphone (real-time monitoring).
Conventional CCTV (Analog):
Cannot be accessed from a mobile phone, can only be viewed on a monitor connected to the DVR.

3. Image Quality

Modern CCTV (IP/Wi-Fi):
High resolutions ranging from 1080p to 4K , displaying sharp details.
Conventional CCTV (Analog):
Standard quality, usually only SD–720p .

4. Smart Features

Modern CCTV (IP/Wi-Fi):
Equipped with AI technology , such as motion detection, smart notifications, and cloud storage.
Conventional CCTV (Analog):
Limited features, only basic recording without smart system.

5. Storage

Modern CCTV (IP/Wi-Fi):
Using microSD or cloud storage with remote access.
Conventional CCTV (Analog):
Relying on local HDD on DVR which has to be checked manually.

6. Internet Needs

Modern CCTV (IP/Wi-Fi):
It is not mandatory to be online, but it is recommended for optimal notification and remote monitoring features.
Conventional CCTV (Analog):
No internet required at all.

By understanding these basics, you can choose a CCTV system that suits your needs, whether it is Wi-Fi CCTV for your home , or 4G CCTV for locations without a fixed network .

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About How CCTV Works

1. Does CCTV still record if the power goes out?
No, unless using a camera with an internal battery such as the BIOTA Smart Camera Battery Fixed , or a system connected to a UPS.

2. Does CCTV need internet to record?
No. Internet is only required for remote access (live view and notifications).

3. Can I view CCTV on two phones at once?
Yes, as long as both devices are logged in with the same account in the official app.

4. Can CCTV save recordings without a DVR?
Yes, modern IP cameras can save directly to microSD or the cloud.

5. Can CCTV be hacked?
The risk is always there, but it can be minimized with firmware updates, strong passwords, and encrypted Wi-Fi networks (WPA2/WPA3).

Understanding how CCTV works , its relationship to the internet , and storage systems helps you make wiser decisions before purchasing.
For those of you looking for a modern security solution, smart cameras like BIOTA Smart Camera Battery Fixed and BIOTA Smart Camera Outdoor 4G brings you the convenience of seamless surveillance, even without cables or Wi-Fi.