Install Reolink RLN36 NVR | Install hard disk and set up camera
To monitor my property, I had set up a camera surveillance system. Nine Hikvison and Trendnet cameras monitored every nook and cranny on the site. The data was stored on a QNAP NAS.
The system ran cleanly and stably – but also at the capacity limit. The amount of data from the cameras was simply too large and I had to think about how to future-proof my surveillance system.
I therefore decided to set up a Reolink camera system and store the data on an NVR, a network video recorder. In this post I show you how I went about it.
You can find the video with more details below.
Video: Install Reolink NVR | Install Hard Drive and Set Up Camera
I have documented the installation of the hard drive and the initial setup in detail in the following video.
On my Youtube channel you can find more videos on the topic. In addition to the installation and setup of the NVR and cameras, there are also comparisons of the different cameras in the playlist.
If you want to see more of me and my projects, feel free to check out my YouTube channel.
Why do I need a camera surveillance?
With increasing insecurity in my neighborhood(burglary and theft), I also had more uninvited visitors on my property. Several attempts to break in were unsuccessful, but the police investigation also came to nothing.
Besides the damage, the bad feeling often remained!
Strangers entered my property to look at the budgies in our aviary in the garden. Obviously, our private property was mistaken for a zoo.
Garbage dumping and vandalism were unfortunately also increasingly part of the sad picture of our once so quiet neighborhood.
To protect my property and of course to better prosecute these offenses, I wanted to know what was going on at the property during the day and also at night.
So I installed a camera surveillance system.
Zuletzt aktualisiert am 20. November 2024 um 09:49 . Ich weise darauf hin, dass sich hier angezeigte Preise inzwischen geändert haben können. Alle Angaben ohne Gewähr. (*) Bei den verwendeten Produktlinks handelt es sich um Affiliate Links. Ich bin nicht der Verkäufer des Produktes. Als Amazon-Partner verdiene ich an qualifizierten Verkäufen. Dein Preis ändert sich jedoch nicht.
Why I switched to Reolink cameras and NVR
For video surveillance, I had installed cameras with a resolution of 2MP of the brands Trendnet and Hikvision. The pictures and videos were automatically stored on my home server/ NAS, a QNAP 251+.
The complete camera system was based on a PoE network. PoE stands for “Power over Ethernet” – power over the network. The power supply for the cameras is provided via the Cat6 network cable and a PoE switch.
The cameras therefore only require a network cable and no additional data cable. This makes the system lean and flexible.
While the 2MP was the best you could get in my 1st installation, the capabilities of surveillance cameras continued to evolve. With the company Reolink, a player came on the market that offered great cameras with high resolution, many features and an attractive price.
The switch to a 4K surveillance system was therefore imminent.
When replacing the old Trendnet and Hikvison cameras with the 4K models from Reolink, I found that the QNAP could no longer process the high amount of data and the CPU load was constantly over 90%.
The videos were recorded, but the retrieval of certain sequences could take up to 10 minutes.
My plan to steadily expand the video surveillance system was not feasible with the NAS server.
I was therefore looking for a new and better solution for the video recordings of my surveillance cameras. My decision fell on the network video recorder (NVR) from Reolink – the RLN36.
Reolink RLN36 NVR at a glance
- The Reolink RLN36 is a video recorder that receives images and videos over the network and stores them on a hard drive.
- The model can process 36 cameras with up to 12MP simultaneously.
- Besides video, the sound can also be recorded.
- Up to 3 hard disks with a maximum of 16TB each can be installed for storage.
- A total of 48TB of video data can be stored.
- Reolink’s NVR can be connected directly to a monitor via HDMI or VGA and does not require an additional computer.
- The control is only done with a USB mouse.
- Furthermore, 8 alarm inputs and 4 alarm outputs can be connected to control external devices (e.g. siren).
- Use via browser, client or app possible
- FUNKTIONIERT NUR MIT REOLINK IP-KAMERAS: Funktioniert perfekt mit allen Reolink PoE 16MP/ 12MP/4K/5MP/4MP Kameras und Reolink WiFi-Kameras mit Gleichstromversorgung, wieTrackmix PoE, RLC1224A, Doorbell PoE und bestimmte batteriebetriebene Wi-Fi-Kameras (Argus PT Ultra, A3 Pro, A4-Serie usw.) mit der neuesten Firmware. Stellen Sie sicher, dass die Batteriekameras und die Reolink App aktualisiert sind. Verwalten Sie ganz einfach bis zu 36 Reolink IP-Kameras gleichzeitig.
- ERWEITERN SIE IHR SYSTEM MIT POE-SWITCHES: Durch den Anschluss von bis zu vier PoE-Switches an die LAN-Ports des NVR können Sie Ihr System für eine breitere Abdeckung und höhere Leistung erweitern. Durch die Aufteilung von 36 Kameras auf 4 PoE-Switches und den anschließenden Anschluss der PoE-Switches an den RLN36 für integriertes Management kann auf Ihr 4K-Überwachungssystem ohne Latenz mit oder ohne Internet zugegriffen werden.
- 3 HDD-EINSCHÜBE, BUSINESS-GRADE SPEICHER: Der RLN36 Netzwerk Videorekorder verfügt über 3 Festplatteneinschübe, von denen jeder bis zu 16TB HDD unterstützt (KEINE HDD enthalten). Bei insgesamt 48TB Speicherplatz und 36 IP-Kameras, die rund um die Uhr mit 6 Mbit/s aufzeichnen, können die Festplatten etwa 20 Tage lang genutzt werden. Eine Liste der empfohlenen Festplatten finden Sie auf der FAQ-/Videoseite für weitere Details.
- VERBESSERTES DESIGN, SCHNELLERE DATENÜBERTRAGUNG: Dieser Reolink NVR kann an Mikrofon-/Lautsprechergeräte angeschlossen werden, um mit den Personen, die Sie auf dem Monitor sehen, über Reolink Kameras mit Zwei-Wege-Gesprächsfunktion zu hören und zu sprechen. Hierzu werden RCA-Stecker-Buchsen-Wandler benötigt (nicht im Lieferumfang enthalten). Der USB 3.0-Anschluss hilft Ihnen, wichtige Aufnahmen von Ihrer HDD auf Ihre tragbare Festplatte zu sichern.
- VOLLSTÄNDIGE INTEGRATION MIT SMARTEN REOLINK KAMERAS: Der RLN36 NVR kann die Personen-/Fahrzeugerkennung und -wiedergabe von Reolink IP Kameras integrieren, um ein intelligentes System aufzubauen. Durch das Hinzufügen weiterer Reolink Kameras mit optischem Zoom, Auto-Tracking, 2-Wege-Gespräch und bewegungsgesteuerten Scheinwerfern können Sie selbst ein hochmodernes Überwachungssystem für Ihr Zuhause aufbauen.
Power over Ethernet (PoE): advantages and disadvantages
I have studied the function of Power over Ethernet (PoE) for surveillance cameras in detail.
PoE is a technology that makes it possible to transmit data and power via a single Ethernet cable. This offers the advantage that surveillance cameras can be installed without the need for a separate power source.
The technical specifications of PoE, in particular the IEEE 802.3af and IEEE 802.3at standards, define the power supply via Ethernet for devices up to 15.4 W and up to 30 W respectively.
The advantages of PoE in the private network are manifold.
On the one hand, the technology simplifies installation, as only one cable is required for data and power, which increases flexibility when positioning the cameras.
On the other hand, PoE improves the reliability of the power supply, as the entire system can be protected centrally via a UPS.
However, there are also disadvantages.
The acquisition costs for PoE-capable devices and the necessary network equipment can be higher than for conventional systems.
The home network must also be able to cope with the additional load caused by the power consumption of the cameras, which requires careful planning.
Despite the initially higher costs and the need for careful planning, the advantages of PoE clearly outweigh the disadvantages for me.
Installation and maintenance is greatly simplified, and the ability to install cameras in optimal positions without regard to existing power sources provides invaluable added value.
- 800 VA / 500 Watt
- 4x Schuko Ausgänge: 3x Überspannungsschutz + Batteriebackup, 1x nur Überspannungsschutz, Schutz der Telefon-/Fax-/Modem-/Netzwerkleitung 10/100 (RJ45)
- USB Schnittstelle, inkl. Kabel und Software
- Lüfterlos, geräuschlos (ausgenommen Alarmton)
- 24 Monate Gewährleistung
Setup of the PoE camera network
The new Reolink PoE cameras are also powered via the network cable. So I didn’t have to make any structural changes during the conversion.
The old cameras were removed from the mounting plates and Reolink RLC-811A, RLC-1212A, RLC-810A and RLC-511WA cameras were installed instead. All cameras are compatible with RLN36 NVR and also my Home Assistant.
4 cameras can be directly connected to the RLN36 NVR via network cable. The NVR is connected to the home network via the 5th network port.
Unlike the RLN8 and RLN16, which have 8 and 16 video channels respectively, the RLN36 does not support PoE power. If you want to connect the cameras directly to the NVR, you need a PoE injector or a network adapter.
- Unterstützt Gigabit-Geschwindigkeit.
- Entspricht den Standards IEEE802.3af und liefert bis zu 15.4 W. Stellen Sie sicher, dass die Leistungsaufnahme des PD 15,4 W nicht überschreitet, da sonst der Überlastschutz des PoE-Injektors aktiviert wird
- Reduziert die Infrastrukturkosten durch gleichzeitige Übertragung von Daten und Strom über ein Ethernet-Kabel
- Bestimmt und liefert automatisch die genaue Leistung, um den Bedarf des Geräts zu decken
- Die Wandmontage und das Desktop-Design sind für die meisten Installationsszenarien geeignet
- Plug & Play-Installation, erfordert keine Konfiguration
- Lieferumfang: Gigabit-PoE-Injektor TL-POE150S; Netzteil; RJ45-Kabel; Installationsanleitung
ATTENTION: The RLN36 creates its own network with its own IP assignment (DHCP) if you connect the cameras directly to the device. The device can therefore be operated completely independently of other network devices, e.g. a router or switch.
However, there is no way to access the streams of the connected cameras. This is then really only possible via the NVR.
If you want to use the streams, i.e. the live images elsewhere, e.g. in a home server, you must not connect the cameras directly to the NVR.
Direct connection of the cameras is also not necessary. The Reolink NVR reliably detects all Reolink cameras that are on the same network, whether LAN or WLAN.
I have my cameras connected directly to PoE capable switches. The switches, in turn, are distributed throughout my home network. Sometimes I have also connected several switches in a row. The assignment of the IPs for the cameras is done by my router.
My setup looks like this: Camera – network cable – PoE switch – network cable – central switch – NVR
- Optimale Verbindung: Erweitern Sie Ihr Netzwerk mit einem Linksys Gigabit-Switch, um mehr Geräte zu verbinden. Nutzen Sie eine schnellere, stabile Verbindung mit Datenraten von bis zu 1000 Mbit/s
- Highspeed-Datentransfer: Reduzieren Sie Störungen sowie die Datentransferzeit und streamen Sie Dateien mit hoher Bandbreite. Führen Sie Server-Backups im Netz über eine zuverlässige Verbindung aus
- Smart Netzwerk-Switch: Die Ports mit Auto-Sensing-Funktion optimieren die Datenrate der verbundenen Geräte. Durch Bandbreitenerweiterung ist das Netzwerk weniger überlastet und effizienter
- Energieeffizient: Die Abschaltfunktion deaktiviert nicht genutzte Ports automatisch. PoE+ erfordert nur ein Kabel zur Übertragung von Daten und Strom
- Plug-and-Play: Der Unmanaged Switch erweitert Ihr Netzwerk sofort. Eine Konfiguration ist nicht erforderlich. Er lässt sich auf dem Schreibtisch oder an der Wand platzieren
How to use the Reolink RLN36 NVR
The Reolink can be operated via a connected monitor with the associated mouse. A keyboard is not necessary and cannot be connected.
In my opinion, however, it is much more effective to use the client, i.e. the program on the computer. All settings of the NVR and all Reolink cameras on the network can be conveniently made with this program.
The live view can be displayed for each camera individually or in different splits also for up to 36 cameras. The playback function for the video recordings is of course also integrated.
The app (PC Mac iOS Android) and the user manual are available for download here.
Of course, there is also a suitable app for the smartphone (Apple and Android). All settings of cameras and NVR are also possible here.
The live image and playback can also be viewed on the smartphone outside the home network – as long as you have configured your firewall accordingly.
It is also possible to make settings and view live images and recordings via the browser.
ATTENTION:
As soon as a (new) camera is to be registered on the NVR, this must always be done directly on the NVR. This requires a monitor connected directly to the RLN36. A login via client, app or the browser does not work!
Since the NVR also has a VGA output in addition to its HDMI screen, older screens/monitors can also be connected.
It is important to make sure that the screen resolution set on the NVR (not the camera resolution!!!) is also supported by the connected screen.
My initial setup was on a UHD screen via HDMI. I had therefore set the screen resolution for the user interface to the maximum.
Later, when I tried to connect an older monitor via VGA, it could not receive a signal. Neither by VGA nor by DVI (with adapter from HDMI to DVI) I could display a picture from the Reolink NVR on the monitor.
The problem was that the output resolution was too high for my screen. The solution ended up being to reconnect the NVR to the UHD screen and lower the resolution. Since then I can also use the RLN36 NVR via VGA cable on my old monitor.
Which installation location for the Reolink RLN36?
Once the Reolink NVR is installed and set up, it can also be placed in the basement, attic or other locations. Provided there is a power supply and a network connection, the system will work.
It should be noted, however, as I wrote above, that the registration of new cameras is only possible directly on the device. In case of an emergency, the NVR has to be set up and wired up again at the office desk in order to register the cameras.
The fans in the Reolink NVR are very loud. However, an exchange is possible. Suitable models from Noctua are significantly quieter without reducing the cooling performance. The low-noise adapter and a 3-2 PIN adapter (NA-AC2) are recommended for connection.
In the meantime, however, I have also received feedback that the design in the NVR has been changed. The number of fans has been reduced and the device is now much quieter.
I have my Reolink NVR installed in my server rack. There it has a direct connection to the main switch as well as a secure power supply via a UPS. On top of the cabinet, I set up an old small monitor.
This way I can work directly on the NVR if necessary.
- 4K ULTRA HD: Dieses PoE Überwachungssystem bietet fast die vierfache Schärfe von 1080p und eine unglaubliche Schärfe mit 20 Bildern pro Sekunde für 4K-Auflösung, die bei Tag und Nacht ein Höchstmaß an Details in Ihrem Überwachungsbereich gewährleistet.
- PERSONEN-/FAHRZEUGERKENNUNG: Das System verfügt jetzt über eine Personen-/Fahrzeugerkennungsfunktion, die Fehlalarme durch wehende Äste und fliegende Käfer reduziert, so dass Sie nur bei echten Bedrohungen alarmiert werden.
- UNBEDINGTE 24/7 AUFZEICHNUNGEN: Ihr Eigentum ist jetzt rund um die Uhr geschützt, ohne dass Sie wichtige Momente verpassen, da der NVR mit einer 2TB Festplatte vorinstalliert ist. Der Zugriff und die Wiedergabe können auch aus der Ferne mit der Reolink-Software erfolgen.
- PLUG & PLAY EINRICHTUNG: Die PoE Technologie macht es einfach, ein Kamerasystem zu installieren. Schließen Sie einfach alle Kameras über ein Ethernet-Kabel an Ihren PoE NVR an, und Ihr System fügt sie automatisch hinzu, bereit für Ihre Befehle.
- KOMPATIBEL NUR MIT REOLINK IP KAMERAS: Dieses 4K PoE CCTV Kamera Kit kann mit jeder Reolink PoE/WIFI-Kamera(Batterie-freien) ohne Kompatibilitätsprobleme auf ein 16-Kamera-Kit erweitert werden wie Reolink 8MP/5MP/4MP PoE IP Kameras RLC510A, 811A, E-Serie usw.
Summary and conclusion
I switched my surveillance system from Hikvision and Trendnet to Reolink to better manage the amount of data.
For storage, I now use a Reolink network video recorder (NVR), which can manage up to 36 cameras. This upgrade enabled me to future-proof the system and optimize the monitoring of my property.
I benefited from the advantages of Power over Ethernet (PoE), which simplifies installation and maintenance by supplying power and data via a single cable.
Despite the higher initial costs and the need for careful network planning, the advantages of PoE outweigh the disadvantages for me, as it increases flexibility in camera placement and offers a central power supply.
Switching to Reolink and using an NVR instead of a NAS system for data storage proved to be an effective solution to meet the growing needs of my surveillance system.
- Speziell entwickelt für Überwachungssicherheitssysteme
- Konzipiert für schreibintensive Anwendungen mit geringer Bitrate und hoher Streamzahl, was typisch für die meisten Überwachungsanwendungen ist
- Laufwerke mit 8 TB und höher haben zusätzliche Verbesserungen und höhere Arbeitslastraten für KI-fähigie NVRs
- Unterstützt Arbeitslastraten von bis zu 180 TB/Jahr (Arbeitslastraten von bis zu 360 TB/Jahr bei Laufwerken mit 8 TB, 10 TB, 12 TB, 14 TB, 16 TB und 18 TB)
- Unterstützung für mehr als acht Steckplätze
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