No. Your barn does not need its own internet service or an existing Wi-Fi network.
It does need power.
An outside antenna at the barn connects to another outside antenna at the house. That bridge carries the camera video back to the NVR inside the house. The NVR stores the recording locally and connects to the house router so you can check the cameras from your phone, tablet, or computer.
If the house internet goes down, remote viewing stops—but the NVR keeps recording. If the power goes out, the system stops unless you have battery backup.
Barn: No existing internet or Wi-Fi required. Power is required.
House: Internet enables remote viewing. The NVR stores video locally.
What goes at the barn—and what stays at the house
At the barn
- Camera or cameras
- Prepared control box
- Camera and antenna power supplies
- Surge protection
- Outside barn antenna
- Labeled camera cables
The control box needs power. The cameras receive power through the prepared system, so you do not plug each camera into a separate outlet at its mounting point.
At the house
- Second outside antenna
- NVR inside the house
- Connection from the NVR to the house router
The NVR stores video for playback. House internet lets you reach the system remotely. Some older systems have the NVR in the barn, but the house is the normal current location.
Internet, Wi-Fi, and power are not the same thing
The standard bridge gives the barn equipment a path back to the house.
The two outside antennas create the barn-to-house bridge.
It lets you check the system from your phone, tablet, or computer.
The barn equipment, house antenna, and NVR need power.
Internet goes down and power goes out are different problems
If internet goes down, you cannot reach the cameras remotely until it returns. The NVR can still record locally. If power goes down, the equipment cannot keep running unless the property has suitable battery backup.
The two outside antennas should face each other
A clear path is preferred, but it is not required in every successful installation. The property still needs to be checked before equipment is selected.
Things that can create trouble include a lot of trees, metal siding, some grain bins or silos, hills, buildings, distance, and weather in some situations.
When one direct path cannot get around a major obstruction, another pair of antennas may be needed to create a workable route.
Cattle Cams prepares the technical side before shipping
We do more than put unopened equipment in a box. For the documented basic-kit process, a team member works through these checks before the order ships. Exact preparation varies by kit and configuration.
- 01
Configure the recorder and bridge pair
- 02
Check that the recorder has working storage
- 03
Pair the camera with the recorder and confirm live video
- 04
Test pan, tilt, and zoom on PTZ cameras
- 05
Remove protective film that could interfere with infrared viewing
- 06
Label the supplied camera cables
- 07
Power up the assembled equipment and check indicator lights
- 08
Verify mounts, instructions, and order-specific accessories
- 09
Complete and sign a packing audit
You mount it, power it, and connect the labeled cables
- Provide power at the required locations
- Mount the cameras
- Mount the barn and house antennas outside
- Face and align the antenna pair
- Connect the labeled supplied cables
- Connect the house-side equipment to the router
- Log into the viewing app or call Cattle Cams for setup help
When the standard setup may not be right
There is no usable power source and power cannot be added.
There is no workable path back to the house or network location.
The property needs a configuration that has not been evaluated.
The camera is expected to replace every in-person check.
We would rather find that out before you buy than make the system sound easier than it is.
No required monthly Cattle Cams camera or bridge subscription
House internet, electricity, optional support, and other outside costs are separate.
Build it yourself—or ask us to match it to your property
Build your setup online
Use the builder when you know the camera locations, distances, power, and number of cameras. We review website-built kits and call if something appears wrong.
Build Your Setup →Talk to Brandon
Have your barn-to-house distance, camera locations, power locations, desired viewing distance, and major obstructions ready.
Call (605) 622-0676 →