Best Reolink Wired Security Cameras Setup

Today, I'll show you how I set up the Reolink Trackmix, Duo 2 and the Reolink doorbell to record in their respective SD cards and also record to the Reolink NVR. Connecting these WIFI and PoE cameras from Reolink to your network and not on the back of the NVR will make sure that all the camera and doorbell features work. You don't have to wait for Reolink to release a firmware update for their NVR's.
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[@MomCallsMeJimmy]

So I just subscribed 3 days ago and you convinced me to get the track mix. But the best part was upgrading my nvr. I never thought of it and I have. I thank you so much. I would love to see my front door and backyard in my Google devices but I don't know how. I tried adding my cameras to reolink smart home on the app but it says no devices found. I'd love that video if you can. My trackmix should be delivered today. I can't wait

[@LifeHackster]

I forgot to mention this but you definitely need to setup the cameras separately and not on the back of the NVR to have Alexa and Google Home functionality. Try connecting your Reolink account with Alexa or Google home first.

[@samsingh2074]

Thank you. I looking for this for a long time

[@LifeHackster]

@samsingh2074...Thanks for watching!

[@McGarveyton]

Thank you for this! I've had 3 Duo 2’s on my NVR setup and I have never had audio from them since addi g them to my system..after adding the POE switch like you did here, I now have audio!

[@mblaser]

Great advice. I've been preaching about this on their subreddit for years. Even for their standard cameras, you get way more flexibility and access to way more features by separating cameras from the NVR with a PoE switch. I call it "power user mode"

[@LifeHackster]

Thank you... yes this is definitely a better setup...

[@iammontoya08]

so the recommendation is to have both an NVR and a POE Switch?

[@PolarisJD]

​@LifeHackster sooooo, cat6 from NVR to switch? Then switch to cams?

[@Legendz167]

@@PolarisJDjust pretty much make sure all your cams is connected onto the POE switch (which should also be connected to your internet router) and then JUST connect the ethernet port for the internet from the NVR onto an open slot of either the router or switch, doesn’t matter. The NVR would automatically pick up cameras that is on your network. You can have it set up to automatically add those cameras or manually. So essentially, nothing is plugged onto the POE ports of the NVR… only thing the NVR is connected to is the internet, power & HDMI.

[@BlazeBullet]

​@@Legendz167I will try this out. Thank you for the explanation.

[@BrandonDoyleMN]

Good to know, thanks!

[@jeanius123]

Very helpful. Thanks! 😀

[@LifeHackster]

You're welcome!

[@YukonHawk1]

Thanks for this video. I don't have an nvr, but I do have an 8 port poe switch that I will be using to access the camera. I also bought a 256 gb SD card for the poe trackmix. I'm just waiting for the weather to warm up so I can run my ethernet cable.

[@LifeHackster]

Cool…it has started warming up here in South Texas..

[@q-cooutdoors7759]

does it need to be warm to run ethernet cables?

[@supernova8962]

they should had mention this before purchasing.... my dad was confused... so was i

[@DeathLikeWebz]

Dude, this was super helpful...right when I needed it lol!

[@scottfarcus1515]

I just setup the new NVR the way you presented it in this video. Thanks so much for the help. I have two sets of cameras in the App and Client. What do I do about that and how can I be assured that the cameras are no longer recoding to my laptop hard drive?

[@marcocandotti1541]

Thank you for this video. Can I get your expertise - Do you recommend I purchase a POE bundle with an NVR, or should I do standalone cameras using SD cards and a switch? I just don't understand what advantage I would have using an NVR.

[@efrainpio8748]

Thank you

[@mclovengarcia2883]

I have a question, so do you need the nvr and the poe switch? They need to be conect to it together?

[@wm973]

Great vids. I have an older amcrest 8 ch 1080p setup with 2 cameras. I ran into a problem putting a 3rd 1080p camera and it seems 8 ch isn't 8 ch. Not understanding nvr specs, did I run out of bandwith and thats why my fps dropped to 15 fps? With your trackmix review I would like to add this camera but it says it's only campatable with Reolink nvr's. That's ok cause I will put the old system in the back yard and the new system in the front. I also put wyze can v3 on the front door. They work great but not a fan of wifi cameras. Is this the right move or am I in left field. Appreciate your reviews!

[@mrvaloochy]

Thank you for this! Very helpful. I have 1 question. If i have an enterprise system, with different Poe switches in a different part of the building. Will the reolink NNR recognize all of the cameras over the network? Thank you!

[@Latitude818]

Can 3rd party ONVIF POE CCTV (like IMOU) connect to and be managed by Reolink NVR?

[@ifreestyler]

After watching your video I have installed this set up. Only issue I am having is I can view the camera on NVR channel which doesn’t have all the features as you mentioned but not able to view camera using app. Says “connection failed”, Thoughts?

[@ronm6585]

Thanks.

[@CodyDIY]

My kit arrives tomorrow. So I have my router on the second floor, with a separate cat5e run down to the garage for the NVR. From there I’ll have all of my camera patch cables run to the exterior of the house. I can I access the camera footage from the PC application? Or can I only access it through the NVR. Thanks in advance.

[@DeathLikeWebz]

So if I got the RLN 36 channel NVR and get a PoE switch that would be the best cost? I noticed this is the only non PoE NVR model for Reolink. Also this NVR can do 16tb x 3...which is insane! This 36 channel is around $200 flat...even if you were going to use it for 4 channels...and if you planned on getting an external PoE switch anyways....is there any downside?

[@wizkid1]

The cost of the hard drives lol

[@camarasseguridad8441]

I have a question for you. i can connect an nvr in an apartment complex. there are 10 buildings. Could you put 10 poe switches one per building and connect them to this nvr? I would carry the signal to each building with an antenna.

[@tinabarrientos5]

We are looking into the Reolink 4k RLC-823A for the front of the house. I am not sure if that is the one we should get. I already have Ring but I need a camera that is PoE. If we purchase a camera that has PoE can a jammer work on that camera? I think that is what we are currently running into with our Ring Floodlights.

[@arangy1]

I have a question and I hope you can answer. I am wanting to buy a Reolink Video Doorbell PoE Camera. I was told Ubiquiti POE switch does not support Reolink POE camera. At 1:42, you show a POE injector, is that where the Reolink ethernet cable plug into it and then at the other end plug into your Ubiquiti switch?

[@JohnDoe-zg8jm]

Hi. Great video! Question, I purchased the trackmix POE camera because of the dual picture and 6X zoom, obviously neither work since it's connected to the NVR. Will I plug the switch to my internet modem and then also plug the NVR to the switch using one of the ethernet ports or can i leave the NVR connected to my internet modem and only plug in the trackmix to the switch??

[@a.ced.2052]

So did you figure it out just in case anyone else reading needs help

[@MR-pr8tp]

Great video. You explain issues that people need! So---I have an old version of REOLINK Cameras, and an NVR.6 years old? I dislike the interface and awkwardness of reviewing videos and saving what I need from their NVR.I am assuming it is outdated. I loved the resolution on REOLINK Cameras and worked really well.. Having said this, and watching your video: I can purchase REOLINK Cameras and a PoE switch and operate entirely without an NVR? Sorry but I am a senior and am kinda new to all the different aspects/ options. I purchased Eufy cameras versus reusing my REOLINKs but the resolution and false alerts, continued adjustments are too time consuming. And had an intruder and didn't even capture a good image to show the police. Not good! Back to REOLINK and considering purchasing again. Thank you soooo much!

[@raphaeldwain7834]

I'm not 100% sure, but yes, I believe that by adding sd cards to all cameras and using a poe switch, that's all you need. The only disadvantage is the relatively limited sd capacity depending on how much history you want to keep.

[@kevomints1]

Hi there been watching your videos alot so I went for Reolink cameras if I just update the firmware will it all Work I haven’t got a Poe i injector

[@chuy0720]

I already have 1 pc poe rlc-823a 2 pcs poe rlc 833a and the nvr rln8-410 the poe switch is necessary and if necessary what is one of these for, I ordered them from your link that you have from amazon

[@scottfarcus1515]

I just received my Reolink 410 NVR today. I currently have 2 POE 823a's, 1 POE TrackMix, and 1 DUO 2 WIFI. They are running 24-7 on a switch to the Router and working wireless and really working my laptop. Are you saying just to leave the switch the way it is and simply run an Ethernet patch from the NVR to either the switch or the Router? Your videos have really helped this beginner. Thanks so much for what you do.

[@LifeHackster]

Yes..and you can add your Reolink camera to the NVR using the NVR user interface.

[@frankvandiesen7720]

hi, does that also work with the Reolink PoE switch with 8 PoE ports, 2 Gigabit Uplink ports, up to 120W Thanks frank

[@dhansel4835]

I have mine on my back porch. It is on my WIFI system which may not get the best coverage. I do have an ethernet cable from my router plugged into a network switch there. My camera is powered by 110vac on my back porch. Can I also plug the camera's ethernet into my switch on my back porch to ensure a good connection?

[@saglike93]

I’m a bit lost - what is the benefit to connecting it to the network instead of to the nor and the nvr then to the network

[@PietrobonoFabio]

hi, i have a problem, we have the same nvr ^_^, i bought the reolink doorbell, if i use the nvr the mobile app doesn't work.. but if I want to use the doorbell, there's no problem only on the app, only so I have to dedicate a poe switch just for the doorbell. in a nutshell, if I use nvr the app does not find the device, if I want to see it on the NVR (the doorbell) it seems that I lose the possibility of using it with the mobile app how do you think it can be solved?

[@luudantu7211]

I want to have 16 channels for 16 cameras. Would you recommend? one 16- channel NVR or two 8- channel NVRs connected to 16- channel PoE switch?

[@ryananderson1388]

Does this take up a lot of traffic on your home network? I currently have WiFi cameras with a subscription for recording. I’m looking at a full reolink setup with 2 811a’s one doorbell and one indoor camera. I really want to stay off my homes network as much as possible.

[@ChristianBrandoni]

Hi, I just bought a Trackmix and would like to buy the NVR too. How long the current generation has been out? I don't want to buy the new NVR and discover a month later they are releasing a new one. Btw, it was my understanding the current generation NVR has POE built in, why the need for the switch?

[@thepresentmoment369]

Not sure if this has been asked before but, did you use the cat5 cables that came with the NVR kit or did you upgrade to cat6? I'm very eager to install my newly bought kit but I've read reviews on Amazon that said they upgraded their cables to cat6 or cat7 before they installed the cameras. Are the cat5 that's provided good enough for my 4k 8mp Reolink cameras? Thanks

[@OddWoz]

Cat5e is plenty, cat6 is nowhere near necessary. If you have to make new runs def use cat6 just as good practice, but existing cat5e runs will cause no trouble in most cases. And honestly regular cat5 is probably fine too unless it’s a longer PoE run or higher voltage-though I prefer not to skimp whenever power is going over a cable. Sometimes just injecting the power closer to the device can alleviate concerns and save you from rerunning cable.

[@tbone1690]

Great video...new subscriber here. Been wanting to get a Reolink system for some time. Replacing a zmodo spoe 8 camera system...the poe hub crashed (for the second time) and it is PROPRIETARY so I'm out of luck (old system.) My only hesitation to pulling the trigger on reolink are the terrible google play reviews on the reolink android app. Any feedback on it's reliability and responsiveness? Running a Samsung S21 Ultra 5g. Thanks in advance for anyone with some real-life experience using the Reolink android app!

[@user-xf8dv7ur5m]

Great video, can I ask if I can connect NVR or POE switch to the mesh satellite router instead of the main router? satellite and main router are connected by Ethernet cable. Thanks.

[@LifeHackster]

Yes, absolutely

[@dbetts3087]

Everything I try to order POE doorbell camera it's out of stock. How did you people get the doorbell cam?

[@eunito9447]

Can I connect all cameras to a poe switch and just one cable to the nvr?

[@moisesdacosta2648]

Hi man! Congratulations for your video, it's awesome. I am sending regards from Brazil. I want to make sure about something: Can I set up an surveillance system using just the NVR RLN8-410 and then connecting all the cameras to the NVR through the cable, using the NVR's POE ports, or I would still need a POE switch?

[@LifeHackster]

Yes, you can. That is the traditional way...

[@moisesdacosta2648]

@@LifeHackster thanks for your support. And all Reolink POE cameras are gonna work with the NVR RLN8-410, or is the any type/model of camera that doesn't work with that NVR?

[@kdscrapping4452]

how do you reserve 2 channels for a dual lens camera??

[@turbolag5107]

Okay so from what I'm understanding is that if you have a track mix PoE version and it is only plugged into the NVR, you do not get all of the features like the duel streaming and pan and tilt? Second question, are you resolving this issue with using a Poe switch that gives the camera more power to get all the features? What if it was plugged in directly to the NVR but you also gave it 12 volt power? Or am I just kind of missing something?

[@LifeHackster]

If you don't update your NVR, then you might not get all the features. The PoE switch is more to setup the camera as stand alone in the app which you will get all the features that the camera is advertised for. Hooking it up on the back of the NVR, you will not be able to set it up by itself and has to rely on the NVR software to be setup even if you hook it up on a separate 12 volt power supply....and if you plan it this way, just plug it in on an empty slot on your router or network switch and not on the back of the NVR.

[@turbolag5107]

@@LifeHackster okay I think I understand it a little bit better now. My purpose is to use the NVR for the actual video storage and then at some point use a VPN to log in remotely because I am trying to maintain a certain level of privacy that companies like Eufy promised but didn't exactly deliver appropriately lol

[@user-rt8up3fo3m]

Hi sir, great video! Can I connect the camera to my server so if can record from my HDD?

[@markcobero943]

I love your videos my fellow Filipino! Because of you I got the RLN16-410 w/ 8 of their 12 MP 4k cameras. Loving it. I’m assuming becaus it’s a newer RLN I won’t have to worry about the Trackmix working with it out of the box? Also what switch are you using? Last question… So best set up is Network > Router > POE Switch > NVR?

[@MatTeague]

Great video and really helpful. I’m actually trying to decide between Unifi Protect or get Reolink cameras and NVR. Do you prefer one over the other? Would be cool if you did comparison

[@W5LMP]

Can't beat reolink for features on a budget. UNIFI gets pricey fast

[@JP-mj9ns]

1:26 …Sorry, but I’m new to most of this and am going to be setting up a 5-camera ReoLink PoE NVR, for the first time, under a time constraint, on Friday, so I’m confused about why I need a PoE Switch. If all of my Cat6 cables are under 100m, how exactly would a PoE switch benefit me? He mentions something about “to get the most out of the cameras” (or something to that effect), so I’m confused why if I don’t have the PoE Switch, my cameras’ functionality will be limited, and how, exactly.

[@Cmax04]

Will the Time-Lapse Videos work in this setup?

[@t.hauser3490]

Great information here. However, I'm a little confused as how to set this up as I'm sure others are. I have the cable coming into my house from the pole out on the street that goes into my modem, then an Ethernet cable comes out of the modem and goes into my router. My question is this: Do I then take an Ethernet cable from the router to the NVR, and then an Ethernet cable from the NVR to the Switch? Or take an Ethernet cable from the router to the Switch and then an Ethernet cable from the Switch to the NVR? And then either way, all the cameras get plugged into the Switch (right?). I hope I explained this right. I got confused just typing it. Thanks Tom.

[@society86]

@@OfficialDJTazer was very confused also thank you!

[@MomCallsMeJimmy]

So the advice was great. But it seems my system works eiter poe or nvr. I connected each to the router first. Then I added to website then nvr and it stopped working through router. Also my trackmix is working great except not tracking. I think it's in the settings. Any help?

[@LifeHackster]

Yes, it has to stay connected to your router or PoE switch. It will not work if you re-plug it in back to the NVR.

[@davidgibson6696]

Can you do a review on relink36 nvr 32 ch one as all so setting up the alarm points

[@BlenderRookie]

Yeah, still waiting on the Windows Reolink Client to be updated so that both Trackmix feeds can be accessed from the NVR when using the Reolink Windows Client. When directly using the NVR, I can access the 4K and 1080p feed. But not through the windows Client that's connected to the NVR. Once they get the windows client updated, then I can finish my setup. Currently I have all the cameras connected to a POE switch that's connected to the network instead of a POE switch that's connected to the NVR. It's the only way I can access the zoom through the reolink windows client.

[@LifeHackster]

Reolink has been playing catch up or their firmware updates…they will eventually update it.

[@paolomh113]

Hi, in the island (mobile internet data only) we got a second building (with electricity) about 30 feet from the house. Could you plz advice about a budget camera? Thx u.

[@LifeHackster]

Budget cameras..you can check out Wyze Cam V3 or even the Eufy indoor ones.

[@Catman1798]

What router do you recommend for a lot of ring stick up cameras and roku tv devices. I have a lot of devices using the 2.4 ghz band. Not many using the 5. I had bought the nest wifi at sams club but the mesh doesn’t work well. I was thinking getting a netgear nighthawk one for $299 at Best Buy. Not sure what model it is. The one nest router actually worked ok but the satellites didn’t work well. So I’m thinking just getting a good netgear router instead.

[@LifeHackster]

I use eero and it works pretty good with all these devices I set up with it. Mesh router is the way to go though because you can add extenders or beacons without decreasing its speed and performance.

[@Catman1798]

@@LifeHackster too late to respond lol. I got the netgear tri band router raxe290 just now. Gonna give this a try. I actually haven’t had any luck with the mesh things. I got the google nest wifi at sams club and my roku devices were buffering at times. I think the ring cameras were ok though. I don’t know. We shall see how this works. I will look into your router mesh system too. Thanks.

[@louannschuller6817]

@@LifeHackster We have a 2400 sq ft patio home and I love that the eero mesh pro system reaches from one end of the house to the other end.

[@Brafie37]

Sucks we have to go that route just to get all the features The poe injector worked for me but I need an SD card so I just went back to how I had it.

[@PolarisJD]

Soooo, cat6 from NVR to switch. Then switch to cams????

[@Todwalog]

So does the reolink WIFI doorbell camera work on an nvr? Specifically asking about the wifi variant. Thanks!

[@LifeHackster]

Yes, it is.

[@jjb6409]

Hi, I am a long time subscriber and really enjoy your videos. Very helpful. I noticed REOLINK actually sells an 8 port switch themselves. My question is how many POE cameras are practical to set up this way through a POE switch? The specs on the REOLINK POE switch indicates 30 watts per channel and total power outlet of 120 watts for the switch. The spec sheet indicates if 120 watts are exceeded the switch may prioritize to the first 4 ports. I'm guessing this all depends on what the power requirement is for individual cameras?

[@LifeHackster]

Yes, it will depend on the cameras that you connect to it. Static cameras will have lesser requirements than the ones that pans, tilts and zooms.

[@ramboshar5747]

I scanned the nvr and can see all the cameras when at home but cannot see them remotely when away help please

[@mobiledean2000]

I feel like the title of this video should be "Best work-around for Reolink's feature restrictions". It's weird that to get the most out of a camera's features, you have to use a third party PoE switch instead of their native PoE NVR. You would think it'd be the other way around! Does anyone know why on earth Reolink has done this? It seems like a completely fixable software limitation. Am I missing something? Thanks for this video, the upload was just as I received their PoE doorbell and discovering this issue myself once I plugged it into the NVR.

[@LifeHackster]

I'm not sure if this is just a Reolink thing or other brands do this too.

[@DeathLikeWebz]

That is very strange, frustrating as a consumer..but I guess just buy a 60 dollar switch :/

[@mobiledean2000]

@@DeathLikeWebz Funnily enough. Probably a week after my initial comment Reolink released an Android update that enabled Doorbell alerts as well as Person/Vehicle detection for Doorbells connected to NVRs!! So I think the only feature you don't get with Doorbells connected to the NVR is the thumbnail preview in the notification, but I don't really care about that

[@DeathLikeWebz]

@@mobiledean2000 that's good to know! Maybe because it's just such a new product? Amazon and their website doesn't have any for sale when I look...they'll just notify me when available

[@Aussie038]

When talking cameras what does 2k, 4k, 6k, 12k mean?

[@HiltonT69]

Once configured this way, can they be reconnected to the NVR's PoE ports?

[@LifeHackster]

Excellent question that you made me get my other Reolink NVR to test this out...the answer is Yes and No...Yes, the PoE camera that you set up will be visible to the NVR when you hook it up but NOT in your network...meaning the individual setup that you did in the app will not be accessible anymore and you will have the same limitations as to the features because it is connected to the NVR.

[@perrylmcbride3928]

What brand and what particular “switch” do you recommend for this setup? I have 6 camerass. (2) 823A, (2) duo 2, (10 track mix, and (1) 823A 16X

[@LifeHackster]

I have been using Unifi which is on the expensive side. I linked in the description a cheaper alternative that should work well too.

[@perrylmcbride3928]

Thank You! I will check into both this weekend. Happy New Year to you and your family!

[@LifeHackster]

@@perrylmcbride3928 Happy New Year to you and your family too!

[@helloworld7527]

Ezviz has 3k camera, would love to see a review

[@dozierc]

I am new to the world of security cameras and POE ones. I am looking to get RLK8-1200B4-A. For a basic setup is the included DVR enough to get me up/running. What would benefit me to get a POE(+) switch vs just having this DVR?

[@q-cooutdoors7759]

what did you end up getting?

[@dozierc]

​@@q-cooutdoors7759 Ended up getting the RLK8-1200B4-A and the Netgear MS108UP on black Friday.

[@AirbnbWAOK]

Hello, I have a client who wants to do 4 installations of 30 Reolink cameras model 811, 81ma and some PTZ (in total there would be 120 cameras, 30 for each NVR) recording 24 hours at 30 FPS, 8MP, the hard disk calculation I need is almost 190 Terabyte per NVR What options do I have that you would recommend?

[@sik9840]

Don't need 190tb , 16tb each nvr with 2-3 sec snapshots at 4k.

[@rich1958]

New to this stuff…. If I buy the Reolink wifi version and use an Ethernet (non poe) connection to NVR, will that disable push notifications?

[@martinalvarado6008]

I have the same question

[@markyounes3162]

Lifehackster, would you recommend a POE switch if i have the 16 port dvr but am only running 5 cameras?

[@LifeHackster]

No, you don't need to... also PoE only works with network cameras..not analog (you said you have a DVR and not an NVR)

[@markyounes3162]

@@LifeHacksterSorry I meant NVR! so given this setup, a POE switch isn’t necessary? The features on the cameras should all work? Thank you!

[@LifeHackster]

@@markyounes3162 Yes, you don't have to have a separate PoE switch. Camera's features should work.

[@abyssiniahenry128]

So what added features/flexibility do you gain by adding a switch (or lose by just connecting straight to the NVR)? Do I need a switch for my Reolink IP POE PTZ cameras if I use Reolink's RLN8-410 NVR? Hells bells, what a daunting learning curve for beginners. The rabbit hole just keeps getting deeper. (and the wallet lighter)

[@LifeHackster]

If you are just using their regular and older cameras then you are fine with just plugging them on the back of the NVR. But, if you have an older NVR and Reolink releases new cameras like the trackmix, Duo 2 and other new upcoming models, they will release this first (remember, these are stand alone cameras and not made just for the NVR) and they will eventually update the NVR so that the camera will work with all its features working if you plan to plug it in to the NVR. Setting the cameras separate will get you to have all the features of the camera (via the app) to work plus you can then add it on the NVR via network and have a backup recording.

[@abyssiniahenry128]

Thanks. Very much appreciate the quick response. I'll keep learning. I currently have nothing installed but recently purchased the Reolink RLN8-410 NVR, five RLC-811A's, one RLC-823A, one TrackMix POE as well as a Eufy Solocam S40. Then two Eufy Solo P24 for indoor use. And a 32" monitor for live 24/7 viewing. Plus all ethernet cables, HDMI cables, adding some electrical outlets and moving/adding phone lines/jacks. Big install upcoming. Learning so much from your videos! Bless you for what you do and taking the time to answer Q's from noobs.

[@LifeHackster]

@@abyssiniahenry128 - That's a great setup! Good Luck with the install and running the ethernet wires...it will be worth it. Thank you.

[@JohnDoe-zg8jm]

@LifeHackster great info. I'm having a very difficult time setting up my Trackmix to record on the NVR, when I try playback, it keeps saying "no SD card". Can you please help set the camera to record to the NVR. I finally figured out how to install it separately using a switch but now can't figure out how to record to the NVR. Anyone please help.

[@LifeHackster]

@@JohnDoe-zg8jm If you already installed it separately, then add it to your NVR like at 02:14 After it is added, you can the settings of it on the NVR itself or add the NVR to the app and you can change the settings from there.

[@69Dartman]

Been looking for a ONVIF POE aftermarket that works with my 8 camera 4k Reolink NVR. So far every camera I have tried that claims to be ONVIF and POE do not show video even if the box detects the camera on the network. I have been getting great deals on turret cameras but the box refused to show them even though they show up fine with the ip address on my pc or with Blue Iris program free trial. Frustrating and I might have to buy a Reolink camera for a lot more money just to have everything tied into my original box with the 2tb hard drive.

[@axion8788]

If I have several Reolink cameras, using POE for power but WiFi for "transmission", can I connect these to a Reolink NVR if only the NVR is plugged into a router on my Wifi mesh? This would save me hundreds of dollars in wiring costs.

[@LifeHackster]

Just to clarify, if you have your cameras powered up via PoE...it should also send and receive data using the ethernet cable. The WIFI versions of Reolink cameras are not able to be powered via PoE...you need a 12 volt power supply. Anyways, as to your question, Yes. You can connect your Reolink NVR to your network or router and it should able to see also your Reolink WIFI cameras.

[@ernie9819]

I'm a Blink user and it is what it is. I'd like to upgrade to a better 24/7 4k security system w/monitor that I can watch deer and other wild life in my front yard etc., I really would like to look at a monitor to view images and not have to depend on a phone w/app and have a camera with better range then the Blink. What would you think that might be a good package system for my needs.? Thank you

[@LifeHackster]

I’ve been using the Reolink NVR system. There are more videos about it in my channel.

[@ernie9819]

@@LifeHackster I'm not so much interested in recording as I am viewing with my cameras. Is there anything on the market with decent quality camera and a good monitoring system?

[@eunito9447]

Is the nvr remotely accessible?

[@scottohms2799]

Hackster, is the Rlc-823a better than the trackmix ?

[@LifeHackster]

Watch this -> kzbin.info/www/bejne/gZ20mqmhbLWci5Y Then this -> kzbin.info/www/bejne/anuokqehjK5ng9U

[@dylanmoore5138]

Are you saying in order to get all of the features of the camera and doorbell you can't just simply plug the cameras in the NVR and the NVR into the network?

[@RightToFreedomGirl]

Are you using a "fileter" bc man your skin is flawless !

[@pittster57]

I just want to make sure I understand. I can just use the SD card in the poe camera, just need a poe switch connected to my router?

[@LifeHackster]

Yes. The SD card recording will only work if you setup the camera by itself and not plugged in on the back of the NVR.

[@pklemm1]

So do the wifi version of the cameras not have this issue even if you are still recording directly to the NVR?

[@LifeHackster]

Yes..you will also be able to see them in the NVR interface and allot a channel for it to be able to record to the NVR.

[@pklemm1]

@@LifeHackster so do you have more control of the wifi versions since they are designed to operate independently of the NVR also?

[@LifeHackster]

@@pklemm1 - yes.

[@pklemm1]

So if I am looking to get the due 2 floodlight, should I go POE or Wifi? I want to be able to record 24/7 to NVR and motion events only to an sd card.

[@JeremyChaudet]

How do the cameras stay charged? Does the Ethernet cable charge it? Are any batteries required?

[@LifeHackster]

No batteries. PoE is power over ethernet.. it powers the camera and also same cable for data.

[@Doug-gp2qw]

I recommend not using all channels on most NVRs. If you set each camera to it's highest resolution you will quickly exceed the bandwidth of the NVR. Only use 50 to 75 percent of the capacity. So for a 8 channel NVR I would only use 4 to 6 cameras.

[@LifeHackster]

Not with Reolink. I have an 8 channel recording 8 cameras and my backup NVR is 8 channels but it records 9 cameras all in full resolution.

[@juhanalmohed2599]

My nvr has 8 poe poet, 1 lan, Where do i connect the cable from the switch to the nvr if i have no internet router?

[@LifeHackster]

You have to have a router to make this to work. It needs to be in the same network.

[@juhanalmohed2599]

Right now i have no internet no router, just 2 poe dome cameras to one switch , where do i connect the cable that comes to the nvr to watch it on my tv, in the lan port of in one of the 8 port of my nvr, my nvr is not ip 1 port? thans

[@LifeHackster]

@@juhanalmohed2599 if you have no router, then connect the cameras to the back of the NVR and connect your TV to the HDMI port on the back of the NVR.

[@juhanalmohed2599]

@@LifeHackster sorry for the miscommunication.. a lan cable come our from the uplink port in the poe switch where do i plug the rj45 cable in the nvr, in the lan port or 1 of the 8 poe nvr

[@Dan-oo9jx]

My main question is, How do you make sure the connection is safe in your router. So no other could enter the nvr or cameras if they want to do harm. What settings do you need to adjust.

[@clellbritt3434]

That all depends on your network setup. But if everything is password protected you should be good. If you have a more complicated network setup with a controller like TP link Omada or Unifi then you can set up a separate LAN for the cameras and then set rules for that LAN to have 1 way comms.

[@Bremend]

If your router supports it, create a vlan...

[@LifeHackster]

This will depend on your router and most if not all of them will have some type of protection.

[@Dan-oo9jx]

I have a asus ax88u. Can anyone give some more info on the setup for vlan. Or 1 way coms. Im not that into it. Thx alot

[@spinning4vinyl]

I just got the Reolink duo 2 and the power supply went out. Had it for one day .

[@LifeHackster]

Sorry to hear that..hopefully, it is just the 12 volt adapter issue. Just contact them to get a replacement.

[@ds617]

Help! My cam shows device discounted in app after connecting to NVR. I did set up The cam before then connecting to NVR.

[@LifeHackster]

Yes, if you plugged them on the back of the NVR. You have to plug them to a network switch if you want the camera to be seen separately and also on the NVR interface in the app.

[@ds617]

@@LifeHackster Oh yes it works now! Thank you so much. I've been watching your videos for all the good reviews!

[@LifeHackster]

@@ds617 thanks for watching!

[@mattwright6622]

Is an SD card highly recommend?

[@LifeHackster]

Yes, just to have a backup.

[@jascam1]

I love my Reolink 4k with NVR but they need to improve on the field of view , that 89 degree is terrible,it’s way too narrow. My logi-2 web cameras that I swapped out had 180 degrees. Reolink we need at least 120.

[@user-er4hz7tk7p]

From saudi 👍

[@stargate25645]

Is it possible to fake out the motion tracking cameras by having a decoy person move it? That might be something to test.

[@LifeHackster]

Yes. A picture or a screen like a TV showing a person will trigger but it needs to be pretty big screen or the picture needs to be close to the camera. With a battery powered cam with AI, it needs to be triggered first by heat movement then human or pet/animal shapes.

[@stargate25645]

I was more thinking of just having a second nefarious actor be a decoy while the primary person does the dirty work - far simpler.

[@LifeHackster]

@@stargate25645 - Sorry that I definitely misunderstood your initial comment. I'm not sure why I thought you were talking about person detection... anyways, Yes, you can definitely trick a motion tracking camera to look at a decoy person.

[@P_double_H]

Wait wait wait.., if I understood correctly... The Reolink NVR does NOT have enough power to run the cameras directly from any of its RJ-45 connectors, and therefore I need a POE Switch to supply power?

[@LifeHackster]

Nope. The NVR has enough power to power up cameras to however many channels it has but the cameras will only be accessible thru the NVR. It means, your network will not be able to see your cameras without going to the NVR. PoE switch is when you want the cameras to connect to your network which has an advantage of adding a backup NVR, or able to use the camera's storage (micro SD card together with the NVR), smart voice controls (Alexa & Google Home). You cannot do this when the cameras are plugged in the on the back of the NVR.

[@P_double_H]

@@LifeHackster thanks for the quick explanation. I think that letting the NVR do the storage work should be enough for me. I am planning to get one of these soon. Thanks!

[@Atum_Ra]

"It has the option to auto update, but it doesn't work.." Shouldn't this be the first thing they update? 😂

[@edwardluth7740]

We have terrible Sat internet service in the country. So I only have I phone unlimited Service. Can the REO Link system work with what I have? I hate all the uploads etc.

[@LifeHackster]

Yes..the only time it will use your internet is when it sends out notifications to your phone and when you access the cameras and recordings. It can work without the internet..you just don’t get notifications or remote access.

[@edwardluth7740]

@@LifeHackster so this Reolink you apparently have is still very good to this day? The RNL8-410? I’ve narrowed it down. I just want to make sure I don’t buy one with glitches.

[@zuhairhlayel]

💐🌹👍👏🌹💐

[@D0TELL]

I'm confused lol I'll stick to Eufy 2c pro

[@Steve-Stoytchev]

After getting a Reolink 12 megapixel & NVR kit and spending almost a whole day debugging/trying to set one camera and the NVR, I am surprised you're recommending these cameras so highly. * Updating camera firmware (without having access to a monitor and mouse in the NVR) is a NIGHTMARE. Especially once installed on a house AND not having the option to take them off and move them around * Streaming (especially 4K) is buggy and often doesn't work * Smart home and NVR doesn't work - I can't have these recording to the NVR and available via Google Home. Maybe I'm setting them wrong...but if you don't have access to a monitor plugged into the NVR managing Reolink is not a fun experience

[@LifeHackster]

I’m not just recommending them… I use them. Mine is setup with a monitor..which if you have an NVR, that’s the best thing to do..to have a dedicated monitor to stream the views from the cameras.

[@LifeHackster]

If you are streaming in your phone..4k resolution..it will be laggy or can cut off because of your network connection on your phone. There is a fluent or mid option. The camera will always record in 4K quality and can be downloaded as such. You don’t need to stream in your Google home if you have a monitor which streams your cameras 24/7.

[@Steve-Stoytchev]

@@LifeHackster I think my mistake was getting a kit. The kits are apparently different than buying separately - the cameras ONLY work with that NVR and do not support Google Home / Alexa at all. It's in the reolink docs. That's so bizarre and definitely confused me. I'm returning that and getting the cameras separately...and maybe no NVR. The firmware issue and google home issue should be resolved with that. And if I record to the SD cards on them, maybe my 4K issue is resolved too. I do not want a monitor and NVR, I wasn't sure they can record without the NVR but they can. Thanks for your response btw. Great content and amazing reviews, especially on the video quality. The software is clunkier than it should be (and the confusion with bundled kits being very different and not supporting smart home stuff should be mentioned)

[@ipod6979]

LH

[@AMLunaMax]

Wait WTF! Features aren’t available with their own NVR? ( classic Chinese engineering by) *That firmware upgrade looks ridiculous. I just purchased track mix and doorbell camera and probably going to return these until POE and NVR companies figure out how to release a proper product. It looks so finicky and unstable. I’ve read about a thousand reviews and it’s all so hard to make sense. I’m hooking up my system today to get some real world experience but I don’t have high hopes. Maybe just a ring camera until the tech improves

[@perrylmcbride3928]

Confusing. So is he saying plug all cameras into a “switch” and then connect the “switch “ to the network and then from the network to the NVR with one ethernet cable?

[@clellbritt3434]

Yes. He's saying the NVR and the camera just have to be on the same network. The NVR will be able to see the camera and you use one of your channels for the camera.

[@RamRam-wb9nw]

So if you have poe cameras why can't you plug the ip cameras into the nvr also? Are you adding more cameras to the nvr that is maxed out?

[@clellbritt3434]

@@RamRam-wb9nw you get more features that way. Apparently some of the features of the camera don't work if you use the NVR poe.

[@tusharkathuria9]

I wonder why reolink doesn't sell in India.

[@LifeHackster]

I'm not really sure.

[@chapter1762]

China don't like India. India and Pakistan don't like each other. Pakistan is side with China at all cost

[@fillmorehillmore8239]

Everything should be plug and play. The need for videos such as these show shortcomings.

[@876Tropics]

But what happens if the internet goes down?

[@LifeHackster]

It will still work and record. You are just not going to get notifications.

[@876Tropics]

Will the NVR still record and save footage since it doesn’t connect it to directly?

[@LifeHackster]

@@876Tropics Yes. You have your LAN (local area network) and it has nothing to do if your internet goes down…as long as you have power in your home.

[@876Tropics]

@@LifeHackster thnx