Calling All OzBargain Reolink Experts

geekcohen on 09/09/2024 - 16:32
Last edited 09/09/2024 - 16:46 by 1 other user

Calling all ReoLink Experts.

Looking to upgrade my home security unit. I originally did it on the cheap which was fine but want better quality cameras and an all-in-one solution. I was also looking at the 16 Channel NVR. Currently, all 3 buildings have a camera unit in them, cheap little units but time to connect all into one.

I currently stream all 3 units over the local network onto a 42" LCD in the office. If I upgraded, I would most likely just plug the NVR straight into it.

I have 3 buildings to cover:

  • House - 6 Cameras
  • Garage (currently has PtP link running) - 4 Cameras
  • Rear Shed (currently has ethernet cable running to it) - 4 Cameras

I am assuming I need to make a whole new network with the NVR. I do have a Ubiqutii Dream Machine, but I don't think I could do a VLAN for the cameras themselves? So the garage probably needs another PtP link and the shed requires another Ethernet Connection (or I do a PtP Link). Then put a POE switch in the Garage + Rear Shed.

Recommendations on POE switches? I have a few Cisco Switches that are POE that could be reused saving a few bucks. I might need to check the specs on what the POE is per port.

I wouldn't mind going down the Ubiquiti camera path but when cameras are $400 a pop, its a lot of $$$ to cover 14 Cameras and would require a PtP upgrade as well.

Anything that I have missed? Recommendations on locations for buying hardware as well.

Electrical & Electronics Reolink Security Camera

Comments

  • Elyxar on 09/09/2024 - 17:05

    How long do you want to store the recordings? 14 cameras @4k 30fps continuous recording will use about 2.3Tb a day. https://www.backstreet-surveillance.com/security-cameras-mad… 16 channel with 2x 6TB HDDs (yes people have successfully used larger HDDs but I don't think they are recommended by Reolink yet) will give you a maximum of 5 days or so . Which is fine if you are checking the recordings every day or two. Perhaps check out the 32 channel which will give you more flexiblity with HDD capacity and be a lot quieter.

    • geekcohen on 10/09/2024 - 10:06

      Thanks for the info. I rarely need to go back on recordings, but something I will need to consider. I might look at a larger solution.

  • theSav on 09/09/2024 - 17:09
    +1

    Reolink is superior in every way to UniFi cameras IMHO. Especially on a a value/performance ratio. They’re not epic at IR night vision, but nothing is in that price range. Get cameras with spotlights if you need decent night vision.

    Unsure how your cabling is run, but if you run a PoE network switch at each edge location which runs directly back to your NVR, your NVR should be fine to manage all cameras.

    Here’s some reading to show the setup:
    https://support.reolink.com/hc/en-us/articles/900000537406-H…

    https://support.reolink.com/hc/en-us/articles/360012389133-C…

    • theSav on 09/09/2024 - 18:17

      I’ve assumed you would use Method 2 above. You could use any brand PoE network switches for these NVR connected switches/cameras, as they won’t be connected to or visible from the rest of your main computer network. Just watch the PoE power budget on the switches.

      If you don’t already have redundant links to your garage and Rear Shed (assuming the main setup is in your house). This method 2 setup will require a separate link & network hardware for the NVR-based cameras and the actual networking equipment.

      The other disadvantage is that all cameras in one location will be running off a single 1GBe link from the Reolink NVR, so congestion is possible.

      If you had decent wifi & power accessible, you could alternatively use WiFi cameras instead of PoE ones.

    • geekcohen on 10/09/2024 - 10:07

      Reolink is superior in every way to UniFi cameras IMHO. Especially on a a value/performance ratio.

      Thanks. Reolink I think is much more cost effective.

      They’re not epic at IR night vision, but nothing is in that price range. Get cameras with spotlights if you need decent night vision.

      I've got some flood lights already around, but will consider it.

      Unsure how your cabling is run, but if you run a PoE network switch at each edge location which runs directly back to your NVR, your NVR should be fine to manage all cameras.

      I've got a PtP link from House to Garage and then Ethernet from House to Shed. I will need to run new links between each of them for a new NVR network I suspect.

      • theSav on 10/09/2024 - 10:21
        +2

        Yes you will if you’re using method 2 above, as the networks are essentially separate, but the NVR itself is on both networks.

        The alternative is obviously either wifi cameras or standalone cameras with SD Cards. All three options are viable, but have pros/cons as always ;)

        Pity there’s no silver bullet here for you. If it were me and your conduit has the physical capacity, I’d be running an extra run or two of ethernet while I’m going - for future proofing (or rat proofing, depending on your location…)

        As a bonus here’s a great review & grading of all current Reolink cameras:
        https://youtu.be/InBRTveD9_w?si=cmoWy4sFmovKE-zu

        You should also watch out for specials and AliExpress/Amazon sales - maybe even Black Friday/Cyber Monday if you have time.

  • Untameable on 09/09/2024 - 17:11

    Re the UniFi camera price, most people use the cheaper G3 Flex ($350 for a 3 pack) or G5 Flex (around $250 each).

    14 cameras would need a UniFi Pro Poe 24 switch which is about $1k. At that size you need to be careful about the power budget and get this bigger stuff.

    Of course then you need something to process the cameras.

    But yeah I wouldn’t personally put partial UniFi into anything if you’re not going the while hog.

    • geekcohen on 10/09/2024 - 10:08

      As much as I would love to keep everything UniFi, I think it will be a lot more expensive with Cameras. I've got a Dream Machine and APs already, so I've got most of it. I would just need POE switches and Cameras + HDD.

  • soan papdi on 09/09/2024 - 21:28

    Recommendations on POE switches?

    IIUC the Reolink NVR itself provides power for PoE cameras. Why would you need a PoE switch?

    • geekcohen on 10/09/2024 - 10:03

      IIUC the Reolink NVR itself provides power for PoE cameras. Why would you need a PoE switch?

      I have 3 buildings to cover (House, Garage and Shed). So the garage probably needs another PtP link and the shed requires another Ethernet Connection (or I do a PtP Link).

  • OldSchoolHarry on 09/09/2024 - 21:33
    +1

    Look up TP Link PoE switches. I recommend the 8 port PoE af/at switch.

    As for separate network for the cameras, you can just create a seperate LAN interface on Unifi router and wire it to a simple gigabit switch that runs to all 3 PoE switches/locations.

    • geekcohen on 18/09/2024 - 10:09

      Look up TP Link PoE switches. I recommend the 8 port PoE af/at switch.

      https://www.amazon.com.au/TP-Link-TL-SG108PE-Gigabit-Managed… this one?

      I bought https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0CHFK122W?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_f… and worked out that I'll be very close to the max on each switch based on https://support.reolink.com/hc/en-us/articles/900000593323-W…. I can only use 5 cameras into the switch which is close for 1 building……

      • OldSchoolHarry on 18/09/2024 - 10:59
        +1

        The LS109P is the one I have used for a while with 4 cameras and it is perfect for it.
        If 5 cameras per building is all you need then this switch will do. In reality these cameras consume less power so you don’t need to worry about maxing out power usage with upto 5 cameras.

        Also, you don’t need gigabit for cameras alone but may consider it for other devices.

        Assuming your dream machine is in the house, here is a sample setup.

        1x LS108GP in garage (LS109P is fine too if you don’t need gigabit)
        1x LS108GP in Shed (LS109P same as above)
        1x 10 to 24 port Gigabit PoE switch with around 100w power budget for main house (where dream machine is) eg: SG1016PE

        Then connect garage switch, shed switch and dream machine into SG1016PE.

        • geekcohen on 18/09/2024 - 12:33

          Thanks for the input. I am going to run a completely separate network. I bought some TP-Link PtP Bridge Links for $188 each on eBay. Just going to keep it separate and also a good experiment/learning opportunity.

          So switch in Garage + Shed with PtP Bridge from House to each building. Then into the NVR, running the house cameras off the NVR directly. Got a 16 Channel NVR (would've gone 32 but OOS).

          Then NVR LAN into Home Network for Remote access etc.

  • manc01 on 10/09/2024 - 09:41
    +1

    I have some of the TP Link PoE switches and they are inexpensive and work well. I was just watching something on YouTube this morning and it was saying that UniFi are going to support Onvif which means that their stuff will be able to be used with third-party cameras which is great news. I also think that the Reolink cameras are much better value for money than UniFi and they have a much better range with better value for money.

    • geekcohen on 10/09/2024 - 10:09
      +1

      Thanks. I think I will go Reolink, seems to be better value and a little more flexible, especially with PTZ cameras.

  • geekcohen on 12/09/2024 - 11:09
    +1

    Thanks everyone for their feedback and input.

    Here is what I am thinking:

    • Reolink 4K 16 Channel NVR
    • Reolink Dome Cameras x 8 (in the NVR kit)
    • Reolink RLC-830A PTZ Camera x 1
    • Reolink Duo with Flood Light x 1
    • Reolink RLC-810A Bullet Camera x 3

    Then run a new PtP link from House to Garage into POE Switch. Then run another Ethernet Cable from House to Rear Shed into POE Switch.

    Comes to just under $1800 on Amazon.

    • lachhelix on 18/09/2024 - 12:59

      I'll come help with the install!

      • geekcohen on 18/09/2024 - 13:18
        +1

        DONE!

        • lachhelix on 18/09/2024 - 17:19
          +1

          Was down your way getting new number plates actually! Shoulda dropped in 😂

    • klaw81 on 19/09/2024 - 11:42

      I'm a bit late to this party, but I have installed a fairly similar system for a friend: 4 x cameras on the house, plus another 5 cameras spread over 2 shedsthat have PtP links. I think your plan sounds totally viable, and you're taking a good approach.

      A couple of other things you may wish to consider:

      1. A small, cheap UPS in your shed and garage, and a larger one in your house, will prevent your cameras going offline if your power is switched off.
      2. Similarly, a relatively cheap lockable enclosure for your switch and UPS is great physical security to prevent tampering and also keeps the dust off.
      3. If you're worried about storage space, perhaps not all your cameras need to be recording all the time. The cameras that cover vital security areas or cover a broad field of view should remain constantly recording. But cameras that are less important, or covering a very specific area could be dialled back to motion/person/vehicle/pet detection recording with relatively high sensitivity and save you a TON of storage space. I've found this highly reliable in the past.
      • geekcohen on 19/09/2024 - 12:00

        Thanks for the input!

        A small, cheap UPS in your shed and garage, and a larger one in your house, will prevent your cameras going offline if your power is switched off.

        Already planning that. Just pending budget. Got a UPS for the house already for the network equipment plus existing little camera system. But I am going to put the security system on its own UPS for the house.

        UPS for the shed and the garage will be the same size as the house (960W) and power my existing APs in those two buildings. Currently don't have a UPS for them.

        Similarly, a relatively cheap lockable enclosure for your switch and UPS is great physical security to prevent tampering and also keeps the dust off.

        Yes, I am also thinking about that. Going to get some small server racks. It's just a pending budget.

        If you're worried about storage space, perhaps not all your cameras need to be recording all the time. The cameras that cover vital security areas or cover a broad field of view should remain constantly recording. But cameras that are less important, or covering a very specific area could be dialled back to motion/person/vehicle/pet detection recording with relatively high sensitivity and save you a TON of storage space. I've found this highly reliable in the past.

        Thanks. I am thinking of probably just doing motion related recording. I don't need 24/7 storage and most of the time, I am just using my current system as a set of eyes on my TV in the home office and some little remote live viewing. I've only had to go back on the footage maybe 2 or 3 times in the last 4.5 years.

        • klaw81 on 19/09/2024 - 12:45

          I found some reasonably robust but affordable 4RU wall-mounted cabinets at CablePro - they offer free shipping so the cabinets only cost a bit over $100 each, delivered. Plenty of room for a UPS, switch and a bit of cable management.

          • geekcohen on 25/09/2024 - 06:47

            @klaw81: Thanks for the tip! I have been getting my cabinets from BiTek. Datatek 6U 300mm Deep Wall Mount Data Cabinet is about $150.

            I will give CablePro a look, their pricing seems pretty good for multiple things, just might need to split orders to get the free shipping. BiTek I can do a bulk order and its only $35. But thanks!

  • StingyBritches on 30/09/2024 - 14:02

    I'm also rather late to this party…I'm looking at putting some gear in my garage but… it gets much more than toasty in Summer.

    Any ideas of a lockable, vermin-proof (Geckos, Cockroaches, etc.) enclosure with temperature-controlled fans? Anyone else doing anything similar in a hot (QLD) environment?

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