How to use both local storage and cloud at the same time?

[Intheswamp]

I've got a 32gb USB stick plugged into my base unit and have it enabled via setup.  From what I understand the 7-day free cloud storage is still available while the USB is also recording basically being a back-up to the cloud storage.  I've got a few questions about this arrangement.

When I access my camera system via my phone's Arlo app or the app on my computer and view the recorded videos am I viewing the videos saved to the USB drive or viewing those saved to the cloud?

In regards to the USB storage, if it is only a backup and I don't view the files there via the app how do I view those videos?  I'm thinking that I should simply remove the memory stick for viewing on my computer, but I'm not sure. 

If I delete videos via the Arlo app are they also deleted on the USB memory stick?

Also, when I remove the USB memory stick should I power down the base unit before removing it?

Thanks!

[Intheswamp]

Ok, just did a little more exploring and answered some of my own questions...

I'm still not 100% sure whether I'm viewing USB stored videos or cloud stored videos when I watch recorded videos on the apps, but I *think* I'm viewing them on the cloud.  This still needs verifying.

The app has a "Safely Disconnect USB Device" button to click on when you wish to remove the USB memory stick.  The videos are in MP4 format so the videos on the memory stick are easily viewed on a computer or whatever has a USB port.  Simply re-insert the USB stick to connect it again.

I still don't know whether deleting videos in the app (cloud?) will delete the same video saved to the USB stick.  I'll check later for this, but something tells me the files are still on the USB stick even after deleting them through the app.

[StephenB]

The behavior depends on the base station you are using.  The new SmartHubs have a "direct access to local storage" feature.  When that's enabled, you can choose to view either the cloud recordings or the local storage in the app.  The web browser only lets you view the cloud recordings.

Older base stations don't have that feature, so you need to eject the USB drive and review it using a PC.

Deleting cloud recordings doesn't affect the local storage - and often there are recordings in local storage that aren't in the cloud library.  For instance, if you use cloud activity zones, out-of-zone recordings will be saved in local storage, but not in the cloud.

[Intheswamp]

Thanks for the info StephenB.

My base unit is a 4500 and I don't believe I've seen "direct access to local storage" on it anywhere.  So does the "direct access to local storage" mean that the SmartHubs record directly from camera to base unit?  And, thus, my 4500 passes the video through the cloud and back to the base unit and usb stick?

The reason I ask that is due to my slow speed internet.  If the local recordings have to pass first through the cloud I believe  they will be degraded due to the slow speed.  A straight shot via my LAN (I think) would result in a better quality image.

Does that make sense?

[Intheswamp]

Ok, I saw your post in my other thread.  The local recordings do not pass through the cloud with my Pro2 system.

[TomMac]

Just so others are clear too.... The videos recorded go to the cloud AND the backup at same time ( not to cloud and back ).

Anything  done on the cloud ( like deleting ) does NOT effect the mem backup.

Only the Newer Smarthubs allow direct access to the Mem backup

https://kb.arlo.com/000062337/What-is-Direct-Storage-Access-and-how-do-I-use-it

[StephenB]

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@Intheswamp wrote:

My base unit is a 4500

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 Unfortunately the 4500 doesn't offer direct access to local storage. It requires either a 4540 or a 5000 SmartHub. 

[Intheswamp]

I'm good with having the backup only accessible by pulling the stick and viewing on my computer.  No biggie.

A question to follow this one up...  Should the internet connection be lost will the 4500 system continue to record motion activated events to the USB memory stick?  Or, is the system not capable of stand-alone operation and requires an internet connection for *any* type of recording...even local recording?  In other words, if some perp came up to the house, and cut the phone cords would the system be rendered useless?

[StephenB]

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@Intheswamp wrote:

 Or, is the system not capable of stand-alone operation and requires an internet connection for *any* type of recording...even local recording?  In other words, if some perp came up to the house, and cut the phone cords would the system be rendered useless?

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It is supposed to record when there is no internet service, but this is not something I've tested.

You could test it pretty easily by disconnecting your router/gateway's WAN connection.  The app will show the base as offline (or unreachable) if you set up the mobile device to only use cellular data.  Then walk in front of the cameras, and confirm that you see the recordings. 

Of course you won't have any internet service during this test (and if you use DSL, you likely won't have phone service either).

[Intheswamp]

Once I get the replacement camera (hopefully) up and running I may try experimenting with the "no internet" question.

But, why disconnect my router/gateway's WAN connection?  My base unit connects to my router via an Ethernet cable.  If I  just unplug the Ethernet cable from the router that should put the base unit offline, shouldn't it?   Seems I've actually done that in all of my support doings trying to get the fourth camera to sync (another thread).  The base unit indeed went offline but my home phone and Wifi and other Ethernet connected equipment continued to work as usual.  Even though the base unit is connected via Ethernet does it still use Wifi, too?  😕

[StephenB]

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@Intheswamp wrote:

If I  just unplug the Ethernet cable from the router that should put the base unit offline, shouldn't it?   

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 It will, but the base also knows that the ethernet cable is disconnected (since the hardware detects that).  It might behave differently as a result.

Disconnecting the WAN input is the same as your use case (simulating cutting the wires), so if this is something that matters to you, I suggest doing that.  You can of course disconnect the ethernet as an additional test.

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@Intheswamp wrote:

Even though the base unit is connected via Ethernet does it still use Wifi, too?  😕

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The base uses WiFi only to connect to the cameras.  It uses 802.11 hardware (standard wifi), but my understanding is that Arlo has made adjustments to improve battery life and range.

[Intheswamp]

Ok. it won't be a problem disconnecting from the telco so I'll just disconnect at the wall.  I was just trying to figure out how this thing works.  I guess I don't need to know the firing order of the cylinders in my Jeep to drive it, eh? 😉

[StephenB]

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@Intheswamp wrote:

 I guess I don't need to know the firing order of the cylinders in my Jeep to drive it, eh? 😉

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True enough.

But there's no such thing as a stupid question, and I always like to have some notion about what's going on inside.

[Intheswamp]

That's why I have asked so many questions...trying to figure out how it works.  It helps with understanding the logic (or lack of logic) of why it works that way.