Discover Reolink: Tailoring Your Perfect Security System

As some of you may have noticed we have several new products on our site! We're thrilled to introduce Reolink's comprehensive range of products to CCTV Outlet. As we expand our offerings to bring you the best in home and business security, we recognise the importance of providing clear, insightful guidance. Reolink stands out with its diverse selection of cameras – from smart Wi-Fi models to traditional Power over Ethernet (PoE) systems – offering solutions for every need. But navigating the options and understanding how to build a cohesive system with this many options can seem daunting. That's why we’ve created this guide. Our goal is to empower you with the knowledge to design and implement your own tailored Reolink CCTV system, ensuring you achieve the security coverage you require. We'll walk you through everything from understanding compatibility to setting up complex mixed camera systems and utilising the latest features, like their doorbell integration and Home Hub technology. 

So why should you consider Reolink? When it comes to securing your property, you need a system that's both reliable and flexible. Reolink delivers on both fronts, offering a compelling alternative to big-name brands with several distinct advantages.  

Freedom from Subscription Fees: Unlike many prominent brands that lock essential features behind costly monthly subscriptions, Reolink offers WiFi camera solutions without the recurring payments. This means you have full control over your recordings, stored directly on your NVR or SD card, without the expenses. Enjoy peace of mind without the added financial burden.  

Uninterrupted Recording, Even Offline: Internet outages can leave security systems vulnerable. Reolink's individual LAN network allows for continuous recording to local storage, even when your internet connection is down. This ensures that crucial footage is captured, regardless of connectivity issues. 

Hybrid Flexibility: Wi-Fi and PoE Integration: Reolink's Wi-Fi NVRs are remarkably versatile, allowing you to seamlessly integrate both Wi-Fi and Power over Ethernet (PoE) cameras. This hybrid approach lets you tailor your system to your specific needs, placing Wi-Fi cameras in areas where cabling is challenging and leveraging PoE for robust, wired connections where reliability is paramount. This flexibility is a significant advantage over systems that force you to choose one technology or the other. 

Ease of Use and Intuitive Interface: Reolink's user-friendly mobile app and desktop software simplify setup and management. Even those with limited technical expertise can quickly configure and navigate their system. 

Broad Product Range: From 4G Battery and solar powered wildlife cameras for ultimate flexibility to high-resolution PoE cameras for maximum detail, Reolink offers a diverse range of products to suit every application. 

Reolink's ecosystem offers a wide array of camera types and recording devices to suit any security need. Understanding the compatibility between these components is key to building a system that works. 

Types of Cameras: 

Recorder Options: 

If you know anything about CCTV you will be familiar with NVR, and a WIFI NVR is just an IP recorder with the ability to connect to WIFI cameras, but what makes a Home Hub different to an NVR? They might seem similar, but they handle things quite differently. Let's break it down: 

1. How They Connect 

2. Viewing Your Cameras & Extra Features 

3. Storing Your Recordings 

4. Which Cameras Work with Which? 

One of Reolink's standout features is the ability to seamlessly integrate Wi-Fi and IP (PoE) cameras onto a single recorder, offering unparalleled flexibility. Both the Home Hub and Wi-Fi NVR support this hybrid setup, allowing you to optimise your security coverage. It's important to note, however, that to run this feature the cameras and NVRs must be running a certain firmware and may require an upgrade that you will have to complete yourself. Don’t worry though, upon request, Reolink will push new firmware to you online using your cameras UID number which will appear once its activated. In addition, neither of these recorders provides Power over Ethernet directly. Therefore, a separate PoE switch or injector is required to power your IP cameras.  

Setting up Wi-Fi cameras with these recorders is straightforward. Once your recorder is connected to your network, you'll use an Ethernet cable to temporarily connect each Wi-Fi camera to the recorder for initial setup. This establishes the connection, and afterward, the cameras will automatically connect to your network wirelessly. 

The Home Hub is designed to manage up to 8 cameras, making it ideal for smaller, smart home-focused installations. The Wi-Fi NVR, on the other hand, supports up to 16 cameras, providing the necessary scalability for larger and more complex security systems. This distinction allows you to choose the recorder that best fits the size and scope of your security needs. 

In the end, building the ideal Reolink CCTV system boils down to tailoring it to your unique needs. So, what steps should you take? Begin by assessing your camera requirements. Consider the number of cameras you need, the specific features that are important to you – whether it's PTZ functionality, dual-lens clarity, or the flexibility of a hybrid system. Next, determine your desired recording duration and calculate the necessary storage capacity.  

Finally, choose the recorder that best aligns with your system's scale and integration goals. With Reolink's diverse range of products and flexible system design, you can achieve comprehensive security coverage. And remember, if you ever feel overwhelmed or need expert advice, our team is just a phone call or email away, ready to help you craft the perfect security solution for your home or business.