Brillcam POE dropping

[SouthernYankee]

I have an Xfinity comcast modem/router a Arris TG1682G, that is placed in bridge mode. I use a ASUS RT-AC66U_B1as my router an VPN server. The VPN that Xfinity provides is useless for a camera network. Please read my comments below, make sure you understand the differences. I will be more that happy to help you set up an Xfinity/ASUS VPN.

I would also recommend working on one problem at a time until completely solved. before starting the next problem.

============================================
My general VPN post
There are two types of VPN, do not get them confused.
The type depends on where the traffic conversation (traffic) originates

1) origination: local home network, destination the internet.
This type of VPN is purpose to hides your activity from the internet, it is outbound, it normally costs a monthly fee to use. Direction is from your home PC to the internet, going to your bank, google, porn sites,,,, this not what you want. This VPN uses a VPN server that is in the middle of your communications.

2) Origination: the internet world wide web, destination: your home network.
This VPN type is used to provide a secure connection onto your local network, in bound to your local home network, from your office computer, your cell phone in your car, tablet at the coffee shop.. This is what you want, it does not have a monthly fee and is normally completely free. OpenVPN is this type of VPN.

If you home internet provider is a cellular network, then DDNS (dynamic Domain Name System) may not work, the DDNS is needed for most Inbound VPN services (OpenVpn) to get your home IP address (it is not static) so OpenVPN may not work for you.

A video on the paid VPN.
------------------------------------------------------
Hacked VPNs

Report: No-Log VPNs Reveal Users' Personal Data and Logs

A group of free VPN (virtual private network) apps left their server completely open and accessible, exposing private user data for anyone to see. This lack of basic security

www.vpnmentor.com

Naked Security – Sophos News

nakedsecurity.sophos.com

 

[moparcruiser]

I have an Xfinity comcast modem/router a Arris TG1682G, that is placed in bridge mode. I use a ASUS RT-AC66U_B1as my router an VPN server. The VPN that Xfinity provides is useless for a camera network. Please read my comments below, make sure you understand the differences. I will be more that happy to help you set up an Xfinity/ASUS VPN.

I would also recommend working on one problem at a time until completely solved. before starting the next problem.

Thanks very much! I may well take you up on that!

I agree with the last sentiment..one thing at a time...but they all overlap......I guess I could start with getting the WIFI cams connected via the powerline first.....

Then get the router and get the camera set up on the dual nic......the VPN stuff coming last I guess. Though since the asus is needed for both, wouldnt it be more of a concurrent effort?

I am going to see if comcast has a list of what asus routers are certified....far as I can tell the new asus is the
ASUS WiFi 6 Router (RT-AX68U) - Dual Band Gigabit

 

[SouthernYankee]

For the wifi cameras you may be able t use a powerline adapter. If the powerline adapter will not work, and you absolutely must use WIFI (not recommended) I can explain how to set up an Access points to get the wifi running.

============================
I have posted this before.
I did a wifi test a while back with multiple 2MP cameras each camera was set to VBR, 15 FPS, 15 Iframe, 3072kbs, h.264. Using a wifi analyzer I selected the least busy channel (1,6,11) on the 2.4 GHZ band and set up a separate SSID and access point. With 3 cameras in direct line of sight of the AP about 25 feet away I was able to maintain a reasonable stable network with only intermittent signal drops from the cameras. Added a 4th camera and the network became totally unstable. Also add a lot of motion to the 3 cameras caused some more network instability. More data more instability.
The cameras are nearly continuously transmitting. So any lost packet causes a retry, which cause more traffic, which causes more lost packets.
Wifi does not have a flow control, or a token to transmit. So you devices transmit any time they want, more devices more collisions.
As a side note, it is very easy to jam a wifi network. Wifi is find for watching the bird feed but not for home surveillance and security.

The problem is like standing in a room, with multiple people talking to you at the same time about different subjects. You need to answer each person or they repeat the question.

Test do not guess.

 

[moparcruiser]

For the wifi cameras you may be able t use a powerline adapter. If the powerline adapter will not work, and you absolutely must use WIFI (not recommended) I can explain how to set up an Access points to get the wifi running.

============================
I have posted this before.
I did a wifi test a while back with multiple 2MP cameras each camera was set to VBR, 15 FPS, 15 Iframe, 3072kbs, h.264. Using a wifi analyzer I selected the least busy channel (1,6,11) on the 2.4 GHZ band and set up a separate SSID and access point. With 3 cameras in direct line of sight of the AP about 25 feet away I was able to maintain a reasonable stable network with only intermittent signal drops from the cameras. Added a 4th camera and the network became totally unstable. Also add a lot of motion to the 3 cameras caused some more network instability. More data more instability.
The cameras are nearly continuously transmitting. So any lost packet causes a retry, which cause more traffic, which causes more lost packets.
Wifi does not have a flow control, or a token to transmit. So you devices transmit any time they want, more devices more collisions.
As a side note, it is very easy to jam a wifi network. Wifi is find for watching the bird feed but not for home surveillance and security.

The problem is like standing in a room, with multiple people talking to you at the same time about different subjects. You need to answer each person or they repeat the question.

Test do not guess.

Good advice again...thanks!

I ordered the Comtrend GHN 1200 Mbps powerline ethernet bridge adaptor....no pass thru or wifi....2 unit kit. I'll see how it works on the outbuilding camera and then if it works get another 2 pack. for the second wifi camera and a third use yet TBD.

Also ordered the Asus RT-AX68U AX2700 Wireless Dual-Band Gigabit Router...both should be in my grubby hands by end of week.

I almost looked for a combo modem and router/wifi router......so iwouldnt have to rent comcast's gateway/modem. But thinking about it I would still rather keep comcasts' modem...that way if the connection is not working it is THEIR equipment that breaks. The VPN alone will be worth the cost of the router to me, and if the WIFI is better with this new router as well, hey thats great.

I will definately be back for advice on setting up the router. I am sure it isnt just plug and play...LOL

 

[moparcruiser]

I just took a look at the BI software, which has been running steady since around 2am this morning....

Seems that I can only see "new" and "stored" clips for my cameras going back 4 hours today? Nothing from this morning.

The hard drive still have 550 GB of empty space....

Is this a limitation of the TRIAL version maybe?

 

[samplenhold]

Is this a limitation of the TRIAL version maybe?

Doubt it. It is probably how you have the storage for the New folder set up. Post this menu for a look at:

 

[samplenhold]

Realize that if you have multiple cams in your out building and you want to use the powerline adapter, one easy way to do that is to use a small POE switch to power the cams and then route the output from the switch to the powerline adapter.

 

[moparcruiser]

Doubt it. It is probably how you have the storage for the New folder set up. Post this menu for a look at:
View attachment 85185

Ok that must be it.....

I was reading that limit as individual file sizes......duh.

Looks like the "new" clips add up to just under 10 GB.....

I read somewhere in the manual that you should not "fill" the drive.....I'll set it for 600 GB --- the drive holds 680 GB....that leaves 12%-ish empty.

(MAN--- you must have some HUGE drives!!!! 9300 GB! LOL)


Here is my "stored"......20 GB


SO only 30 GB of my drive is being utilized....

I set it up fro 550 GB STORED and 50 GB "new"...does that sound ok?

Man, I am loving how robust this BI software is!

 

[samplenhold]

I set it up fro 550 GB STORED and 50 GB "new"...does that sound ok?

I have three 10TB drives. I see no reason to move files from 'NEW' to 'STORED'. That constant moving eats up hardware resources. I do not use STORED. Plus it is not worth it to delete based on age. I just limit based on size and delete the files. Less OS overhead.

 

[wittaj]

+1^ do not move. Just leave it all NEW.

 

[moparcruiser]

Plus it is not worth it to delete based on age. I just limit based on size and delete the files. Less OS overhead.

So by selecting "age" it will keep "everything" regardless of age until the drive gets to thepoint where it is as full as the "file size" allows then?

Makes sense.

With my tiny drive right now, pretty sure I wont get 14 days anyhow...LOL

 

[wittaj]

So by selecting "age" it will keep "everything" regardless of age until the drive gets to thepoint where it is as full as the "file size" allows then?

Makes sense.

With my tiny drive right now, pretty sure I wont get 14 days anyhow...LOL

No, age will delete anything beyond the days/hours you selected...unless of course you run out of space before that time LOL.

It is best to limit it based on a predetermined size and leave the age unchecked.

Have you looked at dropping FPS and bitrate on your cams - you can squeeze more storage that way. 15FPS is sufficient and could even go down to 10-12. Bitrate in most cases could be lowered - keep dropping until you see a degradation in video quality. Every camera is different - some of mine are around 2048bitrate and one is 15,000bitrate. Average is around 4500 or so.

 

[moparcruiser]

I'll have to tinker and se where its at...I am using all "stock" settings right now except for the ones y'all have helped me with.

Unrelated question...well, related but different topic...I can do a new thread if I should....

I am really liking BI....and so far, ready to buy.....just sussing things out more......that said, I havent looked much yet into HOW one accesses cameras from remote yet.....

WIth the Asus VPN I will be setting up, is there an app for BI that works with android to access cameras? Or will access be computer only? I know its putting the cart before the proverbial horse, but I want to be sure accessing remotely is doable and easy.....thats one main reason for doing all this.....

 

[wittaj]

With OpenVPN you will use the free UI3 that is is part of Blue Iris, or you can purchase the app.

 

[moparcruiser]

With OpenVPN you will use the free UI3 that is is part of Blue Iris, or you can purchase the app.

I have SO MUCH to learn/figure out....LOL

But it keeps my mind from wandering to less fun places.....

 

[moparcruiser]

With OpenVPN you will use the free UI3 that is is part of Blue Iris, or you can purchase the app.

I have SO MUCH to learn/figure out....LOL

But it keeps my mind from wandering to less fun places.....

 

[moparcruiser]

Ok ...so..... two major developments since the other day.

FIRST
The Comtrend powerline gizmos arrived yesterday and I put those in place for my Brillcam WIFI camera. I was AMAZED at how easy those were to set up. MAGIC. I get an alternating green and red "connection" light at the camera end in my outbuilding.......but it seems like the stream is OK......did a few tests with me roaming around the area to get full motion. Didnt notice any issues.....so for now I am gonna let that ride. But wow....ethernet through ELECTRICAL WIRING! MAGICAL!

SECOND
The Asus router I ordered came today. Set that up with just a little pain --I put my Comcast gateway into bridge mode but still had a red light on the ASUSS for WAN status.....could NPOT access it via the URL they give. So I decided to try the android app and am now to the point where my WIFI devices all see it and use it. I also have three WIRED PCs connected to it and two see the web just fine, though the "network name" has changed on each as "network 2 " and "network 6".....I have web to those (one of which I am using now to do this post).

PROBLEM is -- the BI PC no longer can see the web. I didnt change any wiring there.........I have all three PCs running off a Netwear gigabyte switch which I did restart already. However, in between the switch output ethernet cable and the BI computer I have the new unmanaged POE switch, which also has the POE camera and the Comtrend unit connected to it. The BI computer sees NO web......

I do not have a dual nic set up yet...didnt figure I would NEED one yet......this is how I was running the BI computer and cams with the Comcast gateway router.

So what changed? SOme setting in the ASUS router maybe?

and a side effect of this is that mi Dlink WIFI camera cannot be seen by BI.....but the other two cams are fine.

 

[SouthernYankee]

need a drawing of your setup.
I have comcast in bridge mode and use an ASUS router.
My Asus router has only two connections , one to the comcast modem/router in bridge mode. And one to a Netgear switch.
The all wired device connect to the switch, BI computer, network printers, home server, multiple desktops, Rokus, Sonos.....

I use a second NIC in the BI computer witch connects to a small Netgear switch, which then connect to multiple POE switches.

 

[sebastiantombs]

When I had Comcast I used my own modem and an Asus router. They didn't seem to mind at all and setup was easy.

 

[moparcruiser]

Looks like a windows update was preventing internet.

I allowed the restart, it updated for a half hour and now web is back...! WOOHOO

Still unsure as to why each PC is now connected to as different named network....the BI PC is connected to "network 3.

But hey...web is back.