Hi! Will you assist us with identifying the best wifi hardware systems & configurations for optimal privacy security, connection stability/reliability, cost efficiency, & most of all - widest coverage for our wireless battery powered cameras? The topic is complex and there are so many options for extension of wifi signal. Could use a comparison series between all of the options in that field.
Best setup is poe direct to the NVR and then plug the NVR into the router for internet. This prevents wifi jamming from disabling cameras. Not sure if independent alarm companies could then monitor such a system and if you can change vendors or not.
Well, if you have some technical flair, you can put your NVR on VPN and provide access to it to whomever you want. This also allows to make it accessible without Reolink proxy server.
I really like the Reolink ecosystem but I just wish their GUI was more up to date and modern looking, It feels like they don't spend any time or effort in updating their NVR's in anyway.
IMO, the Reolink GUI is excellent, easy to navigate, and modern looking. Reolink updates their NVR software frequently but you have to manually perform the updates I even like their Android phone app which does an excellent job navigating and viewing your cameras. You should take a look at ZOSI Security Surveillance System GUI which is really outdated and hasn't been updated in years. The ZOSI GUI was built on Linux OS.
@@LifeHackster How would you compare Reolink to Swann? Been using Swann for years now and the mobile app has had horrendous connectivity and seems unreliable. Quality is fine but again attempting a live view is near impossible with lag and playback seems impossible. All POE.
@@LifeHackster Appreciate the response! Yup, sounds like I will be swapping out my entire Swann ecosystem to ReoLink during Black Friday this year. Don't mean to be subjective, however would ReoLink be your top tier choice for POE NVR Home systems?
That's kinda the battle I have trying to hook up generic poe cameras to my Reolink NVR. I bought another generic NVR box and it doesn't care what brand as long as it's plugged into the box or my network POE switch. Some of my wifi pet cams also support ONVIF so they work with the generic box from wifi, and one has a network port so it can work with all the options. Then the other problem is getting some of the cameras to work with the motion detection, some do, some don't even if it can view the camera. Wish they all would unify the standards a little better. Keep up the good work, learn something new every time you post 👍
Tapo's cameras actually shows up on the Reolink NVR but its connection is not reliable. Reolink also suggests to only use their cameras for their NVRs. Thanks for watching!
I'm considering the purchase of a Reolink NVR, question: Once a camera is connected to the NVR, can I still acess the camera's RTSP stream from another 3rd party app? cheers from the UK.
I’m testing the Home Hub. Only way I stream on monitor is through desktop computer. The one issue I have is I cannot connect the home hub cameras to the stand alone NVR itself it says “Not enough camera space” but I do have enough as I have 16 channel NVR and only use 6 cameras
Yes.. it seems like the cameras attached to the hub can only be accessed through the hub. It is like if you have cameras directly connected to the back of the NVR, you will also not able to see it and connect to it separately from your network.
@@LifeHackster hey I have no technical ability at all so I’m just wondering with the hub can you mirror your phone while you’re watching the security feed to a TV?
I like my 36 channel nvr But would be good to have more flexibility and control over the layout with multiple cameras. I have 5 currently but only show 4 on the monitor as the layout with more doesn't suit well.
I have a 8 channel reolink NVR with 8 cameras I need to add 4 more cameras. I purchased a 8 channel reolink POE network switch. Can I view all 12 cameras with the 8 channel switch and 8 channel NVR? Without a hassle?
Hello, please let me know if it is possible to operate both cameras with a LAN connection (RLC810A) and WiFi cameras (E1 Outdoor) with the Reolink NVS12W unit. So if the unit is able to work together both with cameras connected via LAN and via Wifi together. Thank you for your reply and have a nice day.
@@LifeHackster I have the s3 pro which still does not do 24/7 (recording) the wired floodlight with two lights on it and the new 4k indoor cam none of those record 4k other than events but I would like 4k leading up to an event and after an event. Do you have any recommendations for another camera system? I don't want 1080p 24/7 recording for all money spent on "4k cameras"
It seems it must be the most recent battery cameras. After updating my NVR`s firmware, i was able to add my Argus 3 ultra , and it works great. However, after doing that, whenever i try to access said camera from the app as an independent camera, as i was doing begore adding it. I get the message "device disconnected". NOT sure why.
Yes, this is what happens when you link the battery camera to the NVR and even on the Home Hub. You will get this warning stating that everything needs to go thru the hub or I guess to the NVR. It is like plugging in the camera on the back of the NVR...you will not see them in your network anymore.
Thank you for the videos! I could use your help.... My parents are looking into camera security system and I am trying to help them out by doing all the work researching and then buying and installing the system. They would prefer Wifi with battery cameras. I did try to convince them to go with wired system to make life easier over all, but that idea overwhelms them. Now I am trying to learn what Wifi system to go with.... They live in a rather small dwelling so distance from a router should not be an issue. I am thinking about a Wifi system from Reolink reolink rlk12-800wv4, which is currently on Ciber sale... What would be your thoughts and suggestions? I would greatly appreciate the help. Also, I do like the the idea of the NVR guess it seems a cheaper option? I don't know....Thank you.
I know the NVRs don't allow out of the box smart home connectivity like to Google or Alexa. Does the home hub allow that? What circumstances would you use a home hub over a NVR system other than the battery powered reason you provided? Thanks for the video.
Yes. With the Home Hub, when you add cameras to it, it will lose its setup in your network and you will not have access to it unless you go through the hub. In short, it cannot be used as a backup like an NVR.
Hi Lifehackster, thanks for your analysis. How would you consider implementing this with half of my 4 cameras being plugged in WiFi and remaining 2 battery powered? Hub or NVR is a dilemma Also I am bit confused with home hub storage on micro sd is it that reliable compared to an HDD or SSD?
If you don't want to hook up a monitor, then the hub should be fine. Micro SD card is fine especially if you are just recording motion events. They will have the PRO version coming out soon and it will have an SD card and also HHD drive.
@@LifeHackster thank you for taking the time to respond. Currently have the Ring Floodlights and Reolink POEs. Can’t help but think the Reolink Duo Floodlight would be a worthwhile upgrade…
so just to confirm i have the RLN12W wifi nvr, it looks like I am having an issue where the back camera cannot reach the NVR's built in Wifi. are you saying I can make that camera connect to my home wifi and then configure the IP, username and pass on the NVR for this camera and it will work? (record etc)
Having an NVR with a separate wireless network can be a good thing for network security but Reolink seems to have dropped the ball on its design. Sure you could use an extender with it but that adds more delay when watching the live video feed and the lack of POE on the built in switch is stupid. If they didn't intend on it working with wired cameras they should have only put a single port and label it "camera setup only" or something instead of a four port switch.
Can you do a video on how to run cameras on the outside of a building using conduit, preferably before next Tuesday? lol. I also need to know how to get up to two months of data stored on a Reolink NVR and is there anyway to get paid cloud storage that could store that amount. Need to monitor a building I have out of state. Thanks.
That will need planning as to using EMT or PVC conduits. I bet someone made a video on it here in UA-cam. As to 2 months data, it really depends on the number of cameras you are using and also the hard drive capacity but you can do it by setting the cameras to record motion events only and just choose person and or pet and vehicles in the recording setting of each of the cameras connected to the NVR.
@@LifeHackster Thanks. I don't need to record motion or anything like that, I just need everything recorded 24/7 for legal purposes, doesn't have to be high resolution either. It would be maybe 4 cameras. I just want to be able to remotely view anything if necessary and record everything.
With regard to the question of turning off the Hub's internal WiFi, Reolink provided me with the following reply: "I apologize, but I need to inform you that the WiFi on the Reolink Home Hub (including models Hub 1, Hub P1, Reolink Home Hub, and Reolink Home Hub Pro) cannot be turned off. The Home Hub is designed to create its own dedicated WiFi network to ensure optimal performance and connectivity with compatible Reolink cameras."
LOL... I know. I personally think they should have just let their NVR to be used for their IP PoE Cams and Wired/Plug in WIFI ones and their Home Hub exclusive to their battery cams...
Am I missing something with updating NVR firmware? Downloading to usb and then installing from there when the NVR is connected to LAN seems like madness in 2024
A lot of their online updates don't work. The button is there but is non functional and just says you are up to date. Been like this for years. They fixed it for something recently but I just assume it is never going to be a working feature.
It's disappointing. I have several Reolink cameras/doorbell/NVR and it is a great system. Just let down by some basics like rich notifications and updates. Also not being able to default inmersive view to high quality is annoying, when using a local network why would Reolink decide what lag is acceptable for the user
You have to do the USB thing when updating from the NVR interface... I just learned when making this video that you can use the Reolink app for PC to update and the update will automatically show when you check updates. The battery powered cams are the only ones that supposedly auto-updates.
Please watch this update video after you watch this - ua-cam.com/video/PM28FOLA7dA/v-deo.html
Hi! Will you assist us with identifying the best wifi hardware systems & configurations for optimal privacy security, connection stability/reliability, cost efficiency, & most of all - widest coverage for our wireless battery powered cameras? The topic is complex and there are so many options for extension of wifi signal. Could use a comparison series between all of the options in that field.
Best setup is poe direct to the NVR and then plug the NVR into the router for internet. This prevents wifi jamming from disabling cameras. Not sure if independent alarm companies could then monitor such a system and if you can change vendors or not.
Yes, wired IP is the best setup.
Well, if you have some technical flair, you can put your NVR on VPN and provide access to it to whomever you want. This also allows to make it accessible without Reolink proxy server.
I really like the Reolink ecosystem but I just wish their GUI was more up to date and modern looking, It feels like they don't spend any time or effort in updating their NVR's in anyway.
IMO, the Reolink GUI is excellent, easy to navigate, and modern looking. Reolink updates their NVR software frequently but you have to manually perform the updates I even like their Android phone app which does an excellent job navigating and viewing your cameras. You should take a look at ZOSI Security Surveillance System GUI which is really outdated and hasn't been updated in years. The ZOSI GUI was built on Linux OS.
True...but other brands actually look more dated, like Swann's, Amcrest and Annke...
@@LifeHackster How would you compare Reolink to Swann? Been using Swann for years now and the mobile app has had horrendous connectivity and seems unreliable. Quality is fine but again attempting a live view is near impossible with lag and playback seems impossible. All POE.
@@CJashuaSwann is definitely dated on their app and NVR interface. Reolink is way better.
@@LifeHackster Appreciate the response! Yup, sounds like I will be swapping out my entire Swann ecosystem to ReoLink during Black Friday this year.
Don't mean to be subjective, however would ReoLink be your top tier choice for POE NVR Home systems?
That's kinda the battle I have trying to hook up generic poe cameras to my Reolink NVR. I bought another generic NVR box and it doesn't care what brand as long as it's plugged into the box or my network POE switch. Some of my wifi pet cams also support ONVIF so they work with the generic box from wifi, and one has a network port so it can work with all the options.
Then the other problem is getting some of the cameras to work with the motion detection, some do, some don't even if it can view the camera. Wish they all would unify the standards a little better.
Keep up the good work, learn something new every time you post 👍
Tapo's cameras actually shows up on the Reolink NVR but its connection is not reliable. Reolink also suggests to only use their cameras for their NVRs. Thanks for watching!
@LifeHackster Basically, I'm stuck with depender system? I can't just buy a reolink camera only and replace depender in the future
@@LifeHackster Tapo ,Amcrest and Iegeek work well on the Reolink RLN8-410 nvr with the latest firmware update. I have had no connection problems !
Can I wireless connect the NVR to my router or do I need a lan cable?
Thanks for the clarification and the to the point review. Original requesror!
Thanks for watching!
Lifehackster enjoy all your videos but have a question if I use their home hub does it run on my home. Wifi
So , You are saying This WIFI NVR don't power up Camera ? i Thought this good option for WIFI Camera & Poe
Do you know what the differences between Reolink RLN series and NVS series?
I'm considering the purchase of a Reolink NVR, question: Once a camera is connected to the NVR, can I still acess the camera's RTSP stream from another 3rd party app? cheers from the UK.
I’m testing the Home Hub. Only way I stream on monitor is through desktop computer.
The one issue I have is I cannot connect the home hub cameras to the stand alone NVR itself it says “Not enough camera space” but I do have enough as I have 16 channel NVR and only use 6 cameras
Yes.. it seems like the cameras attached to the hub can only be accessed through the hub. It is like if you have cameras directly connected to the back of the NVR, you will also not able to see it and connect to it separately from your network.
@@LifeHackster hey I have no technical ability at all so I’m just wondering with the hub can you mirror your phone while you’re watching the security feed to a TV?
can you turn off the wifi nvr and just use it for the poe with external switch
Trackmix does not work with home hub right?
I can't get it to connect to a monitor and when I connect it to the TV it doesn't recognize it
Did you select the proper input in the TVs controller?
I like my 36 channel nvr
But would be good to have more flexibility and control over the layout with multiple cameras.
I have 5 currently but only show 4 on the monitor as the layout with more doesn't suit well.
True, I wish you can customize the number and layout better.
I have a 8 channel reolink NVR with 8 cameras I need to add 4 more cameras. I purchased a 8 channel reolink POE network switch. Can I view all 12 cameras with the 8 channel switch and 8 channel NVR? Without a hassle?
Do they make a wireless flood cam
That works with a NVR ???
Not at this time.
Do you know how to connect new altas to wifi nvr? Can get help from reolink support!
Hello, please let me know if it is possible to operate both cameras with a LAN connection (RLC810A) and WiFi cameras (E1 Outdoor) with the Reolink NVS12W unit. So if the unit is able to work together both with cameras connected via LAN and via Wifi together. Thank you for your reply and have a nice day.
Does the eufy home base 3 record 24/7 recording in 4k with 4k cameras???
Yes, on cameras that are advertised to record 24/7 (wired) like their professional E330.
@@LifeHackster I have the s3 pro which still does not do 24/7 (recording) the wired floodlight with two lights on it and the new 4k indoor cam none of those record 4k other than events but I would like 4k leading up to an event and after an event. Do you have any recommendations for another camera system? I don't want 1080p 24/7 recording for all money spent on "4k cameras"
I also have the video lock with chime
Good to know. Thanks!
Thanks for watching!
NVR Is it compatible with eufy wireless cameras?
No.
Can you tell me how I can see all my eufy cameras at the same time like you did in this video?
@@aymanalshebli8237Eufy cams don’t have an option like this yet… What you see are my Reolink wired cams on the monitor.
It seems it must be the most recent battery cameras. After updating my NVR`s firmware, i was able to add my Argus 3 ultra , and it works great. However, after doing that, whenever i try to access said camera from the app as an independent camera, as i was doing begore adding it. I get the message "device disconnected". NOT sure why.
Yes, this is what happens when you link the battery camera to the NVR and even on the Home Hub. You will get this warning stating that everything needs to go thru the hub or I guess to the NVR. It is like plugging in the camera on the back of the NVR...you will not see them in your network anymore.
@@LifeHackster Noted.
Which NVR do you have
@@infamoussgarage The RLN8-410
Thank you for the videos! I could use your help.... My parents are looking into camera security system and I am trying to help them out by doing all the work researching and then buying and installing the system. They would prefer Wifi with battery cameras. I did try to convince them to go with wired system to make life easier over all, but that idea overwhelms them. Now I am trying to learn what Wifi system to go with.... They live in a rather small dwelling so distance from a router should not be an issue.
I am thinking about a Wifi system from Reolink reolink rlk12-800wv4, which is currently on Ciber sale...
What would be your thoughts and suggestions? I would greatly appreciate the help. Also, I do like the the idea of the NVR guess it seems a cheaper option? I don't know....Thank you.
I know the NVRs don't allow out of the box smart home connectivity like to Google or Alexa. Does the home hub allow that?
What circumstances would you use a home hub over a NVR system other than the battery powered reason you provided?
Thanks for the video.
Yes, you can connect the hub connected cameras to Alexa or Google unlike the NVRs.
@LifeHackster would you still have a second wired NVR as the backup for a POE system? Instead of a Home Hub?
Yes. With the Home Hub, when you add cameras to it, it will lose its setup in your network and you will not have access to it unless you go through the hub. In short, it cannot be used as a backup like an NVR.
@@LifeHackster thank you for taking the time to respond.
I saw you’ve been featured on Eufys official ads . Congrats man !
What?!
I know they have several videos that they licensed from me...
Hi Lifehackster, thanks for your analysis. How would you consider implementing this with half of my 4 cameras
being plugged in WiFi and remaining 2 battery powered? Hub or NVR is a dilemma
Also I am bit confused with home hub storage on micro sd is it that reliable compared to an HDD or SSD?
If you don't want to hook up a monitor, then the hub should be fine. Micro SD card is fine especially if you are just recording motion events. They will have the PRO version coming out soon and it will have an SD card and also HHD drive.
I got a broken 1 depender poe cctv camera from costco (NS8MPCB1). Can I replace it with a reolink poe? Thanks
Most likely, not. Reolink recommends using their own cameras on their NVRs... and this is to minimize compatibility issues.
@@LifeHackster thank you
They’re trying to compete with Eufy home base 3
Great video. I have a question that I can’t find an answer to. I have a REOLINK NVR model RLN8-410. Will this accept a REOLINK WiFi camera?
Why not reach out to Reolink and ask them?
Does Eufy make a NVR for their s330 and e340 Flood cams?
@LifeHackster Reolink Duo Floodlight vs Eufy S330 Floodlight vs Ring Floodlight Pro?
Reolink Duo Floodlight should win but it is a different setup and install. It doesn't use a junction box like the traditional floodlight cams.
@@LifeHackster thank you for taking the time to respond. Currently have the Ring Floodlights and Reolink POEs. Can’t help but think the Reolink Duo Floodlight would be a worthwhile upgrade…
so just to confirm i have the RLN12W wifi nvr, it looks like I am having an issue where the back camera cannot reach the NVR's built in Wifi. are you saying I can make that camera connect to my home wifi and then configure the IP, username and pass on the NVR for this camera and it will work? (record etc)
Yes.
@ brilliant I initially thought nvr will not record the footage or let me connect to NVR if I used outside nvr’s betwork
Any word on the Home Hub Pro yet? Hopefully not going to be relying on the worlds least reliable recording media.
I think you can see it on their website now but not it stock yet. It will have SD plus HHD on it.
Having an NVR with a separate wireless network can be a good thing for network security but Reolink seems to have dropped the ball on its design. Sure you could use an extender with it but that adds more delay when watching the live video feed and the lack of POE on the built in switch is stupid. If they didn't intend on it working with wired cameras they should have only put a single port and label it "camera setup only" or something instead of a four port switch.
I was surprised too to learn that it doesn't have PoE... Thanks for watching!
Do any of the Reolink NVR work with the Argus 3 ultra
I'm having same issue with altas and wifi nvr
Yes I can connect a battery camera! Argus 4
Great to know. I'm currently in touch with Reolink and see if they now how to make mine work.
Same issue no answers
I think they're website says the hub doesn't work with 2MP cams and battery cams. So yes, you just proved that's true.
run everything through home assistant .. you can make your own notifications
Can you do a video on how to run cameras on the outside of a building using conduit, preferably before next Tuesday? lol. I also need to know how to get up to two months of data stored on a Reolink NVR and is there anyway to get paid cloud storage that could store that amount. Need to monitor a building I have out of state. Thanks.
That will need planning as to using EMT or PVC conduits. I bet someone made a video on it here in UA-cam. As to 2 months data, it really depends on the number of cameras you are using and also the hard drive capacity but you can do it by setting the cameras to record motion events only and just choose person and or pet and vehicles in the recording setting of each of the cameras connected to the NVR.
@@LifeHackster Thanks. I don't need to record motion or anything like that, I just need everything recorded 24/7 for legal purposes, doesn't have to be high resolution either. It would be maybe 4 cameras. I just want to be able to remotely view anything if necessary and record everything.
We need the "Home Hub Pro" 16TB asap :p
Yes indeed. Cant wait untill they anounce it
True...hopefully, soon.
It's a shame they did not include poe in their wi-fi nvr. I think that would have made them much more attractive.
I have altas and wifi nvr won't connect! No support! No phone number that works!
With regard to the question of turning off the Hub's internal WiFi, Reolink provided me with the following reply:
"I apologize, but I need to inform you that the WiFi on the Reolink Home Hub (including models Hub 1, Hub P1, Reolink Home Hub, and Reolink Home Hub Pro) cannot be turned off. The Home Hub is designed to create its own dedicated WiFi network to ensure optimal performance and connectivity with compatible Reolink cameras."
Thank you for clearing up the confusing mess they created.😅
LOL... I know. I personally think they should have just let their NVR to be used for their IP PoE Cams and Wired/Plug in WIFI ones and their Home Hub exclusive to their battery cams...
When are you going to test out and review the Eufy Wearable Breast Pump S1 Pro?
LOL... I'm testing it but I'm getting powdered milk ;)
Am I missing something with updating NVR firmware? Downloading to usb and then installing from there when the NVR is connected to LAN seems like madness in 2024
A lot of their online updates don't work. The button is there but is non functional and just says you are up to date. Been like this for years. They fixed it for something recently but I just assume it is never going to be a working feature.
It's disappointing. I have several Reolink cameras/doorbell/NVR and it is a great system. Just let down by some basics like rich notifications and updates. Also not being able to default inmersive view to high quality is annoying, when using a local network why would Reolink decide what lag is acceptable for the user
You have to do the USB thing when updating from the NVR interface... I just learned when making this video that you can use the Reolink app for PC to update and the update will automatically show when you check updates. The battery powered cams are the only ones that supposedly auto-updates.
eufy looks better. thanks for the vid
💐🌹🌷👍💐
I dont undesratdn anything... am so confuse. Dont know what cameras to pjurchase. I would appreciate you contact me please