Arlo Subscription Vs Local Storage

[Rid]

Hi,

For context, I have an Arlo VMB4540 Base Station and Arlo Pro 3 cameras installed at home. My mobile has the Arlo Secure app downloaded.

If the cameras and base station are connected to the internet but my mobile (which has the Arlo Secure App) is connected to a different  network (for example, if I am away from home), will I still get notifications/alerts/be able to view live video or recordings in my library even if I only use local storage?

Or does that require a subscription plan? Also, would I be able to share/grant access to family members if on local storage, or would that only be on subscription plans?

Thanks for any guidance.

Rid

[StephenB]

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@Rid wrote:

Thanks for any guidance.

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This answers most of your questions:

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

Limitations of direct access to local storage include

1. recordings are only available in the app (not my.arlo.com)
2. recordings are only available using the primary account credentials (not friend accounts)
3. no thumbnails, recordings need to be downloaded to your phone before you see anything
4. no ability to make manual recordings or take snapshots
5. remote access requires router setting changes that many find difficult (and which don't work with some internet service providers).

A work-around for (2) is to have your family use your account.

As (5) suggests, remote access depends on who provides your home internet access.  Most support the needed inbound connections to your home network, but some do not.   

It also depends on whether you have the skills needed to make the needed settings shanges in your router.  Either you need to set up port forwarding rules, or you need to set up a VPN server.  I use the OpenVPN server built into my Orbi router myself.

[Rid]

Appreciate the swift reply.

Points (1) - (3) are fairly as expected but thanks for confirming.

(4) If I have downloaded a video already, could I take a snapshot from said video?

(5) With Virgin Media; Super Hub 5 router. Will have to follow up on VPN/Port Forwarding. Remote viewing is essential. The link provided is awesome in that regards, thanks.

[Rid]

To clarify, my ISP is Virgin Media. I have the Hub 5 router but use TP Link Deco X10 Mesh routers.

[StephenB]

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@Rid wrote:

If I have downloaded a video already, could I take a snapshot from said video?

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I was talking about snapshots (and manual recording) taken while livestreaming a camera.  That is a subscription feature.

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@Rid wrote:

With Virgin Media; Super Hub 5 router. Will have to follow up on VPN/Port Forwarding. Remote viewing is essential. The link provided is awesome in that regards, thanks.

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AFAICT, Virgin Media does support port forwarding

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@Rid wrote:

I have the Hub 5 router but use TP Link Deco X10 Mesh routers.

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Do you mean that you have the Decos connected to the Hub 5?  Or that the Hub 5 isn't connected at all?

[Rid]

I only use the livestream to view occasionally, never manual recording or screenshots directly, so should be good on that front. Thanks for clarifying.

I have the Hub 5 (in modem mode), connected to the Decos. Main deco by ethernet to the Virgin router. The Arlo base station is also situated near the main router/Deco, so ethernet/WiFi is an option (depending on what is needed).

[StephenB · Accepted solution]

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@Rid wrote:

I have the Hub 5 (in modem mode), connected to the Decos. Main deco by ethernet to the Virgin router. The Arlo base station is also situated near the main router/Deco, so ethernet/WiFi is an option (depending on what is needed).

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I always recommend getting local storage set up and tested before you drop the subscripion.

The existing smarthub ethernet connection is all you need as far as the physical connection goes.

Here's why I was asking about the hub 5+deco combination: There some cases where people double-route (either intentionally or accidentally).  That means they have two devices in router mode that are back to back.  I do it intentionally because my ISP router is needed for my cable TV, but it doesn't have all the features I want.  So my ISP router is connected to my Orbi router (and the ISP router is not in modem mode).

  If you want or need to double-route, then you need two forwarding rules - one in the Hub 5 that forwards the port to the Deco, and one in the Deco that forwards the port to the smarthub.

You can check for double-routing by first looking at your public IP address in the Deco, and then comparing that with the IP address you see at https://canyouseeme.org/.  If they match, then you are not double-routing.

[Rid]

Will test/trial local storage before making a decision on subscription; monthly subscription so it's flexible thankfully.

I can avoid double routing thankfully.

Thanks for all your help, and the swift replies.