Bandwidth issues Arlo q+ and pro 2 with base station

[Sandymike]

Hello I am trying to figure out a way to upgrade my system.

I have a bandwidth problem, stems from Centurylink DSL.

I would like to upgrade my system but not sure how to go.

I only have 14mbs down and 1 maybe 2 mbs up.

I don't mind signing up for a subscription, and I really prefer to have local storage viewable from the Arlo app.

I have great wireless coverage for my entire property, and have the ability to run AC power wherever needed.

I am open to any suggestions that don't involve getting better bandwidth (I have tried with no luck)

Thank You

Mike 

[jguerdat]

The end result is that it's a DSL limitation based on your distance from the phone company's closest station. The further away you are, the slower the connection. Your best best is to see if there's a different ISP that you can connect to for better speeds.

Frankly, the subscription won't get you anyplace that relates to your issue. Newer cameras will only make it worse since they're higher resolution and will require MORE bandwidth for the videos to upload. Using only local recordings may be your best bet but realize that it's not like cloud recordings. You must use the app and that only works if you have a SmartHub, VMB4540 or VMB5000 - some older bases will record (the VMB4xxx series) but you have to eject the drive to view the videos on a computer.

[TomMac]

As above with maybe one other choice...

The Q will take SNAPSHOTS.... and some of the other cameras will too. ( in new rule set-up )

If you do this, it will lower the required bandwidth by quite a lot and your system may be able to handle the upload.

Only way will be to test it. But I do know the bandwidth will be lower...thinking 1/10 of a video

[Sandymike]

Thanks for the information, yes DSL is NOT my friend😁.

Supposed to have 15 down and 3 up, ill give them a call and see why I only get 1 upload.

Be that as it it may they are the only ISP available to me.

I can't even get 5G cell service as an option, and my property isn't good for satellite.

No cable company either 😣.

I was wondering about the subscription but it makes sense that the newer cameras would require more bandwidth.

do you have any experience with local storage?

Is that a possible solution (even using newer cameras)? 

I have a base station VMB4500r2, and I do have a USB drive installed for backup, but as you stated I need to remove the USB stick to view the images (and the Q cameras won't connect to the base station)

I know it would require a new base station and I would be willing to upgrade.

Given this scenario what cameras would you suggest to pair with a new base station?

I rarely use my browser to view my cameras, mostly use the app.

Thanks 

Mike 

[Sandymike]

I was just reading about Arlo direct storage.

At one point the article aluded to the Idea that direct storage never leaves the local network.

Seems that might be a solution, and would really reduce the bandwidth requirement. 

[jguerdat]

I do have local storage set up on 2 hubs and it works well within its limitations.

Yes, the storage is completely local (you still need Internet access to control the system) but without a subscription no video is sent to the cloud.  However, that also means you don't have access to the videos if away from home. Arlo provides suggestions to use port forwarding or a VPN connection via your router to access things remotely since both provide a means to act as if at home. These are unsupported by Arlo so you'd have to set them up using the router's settings and deal with either the ISP or router manufacturer to resolve any issues.

With a VMB4540 or VMB5000 the app can access the recordings but there's no thumbnails until you download them as well as other behavior that's unlike the cloud recordings. It works but you'd have to test to see if it satisfies your needs. With the lack of ability to upgrade your Internet service, it may be the lesser of the evils.