Comprehensive Guide to Reolink Perimeter Protection and Smart Event Detection

Reolink's Perimeter Protection features, including Line Crossing, Zone Intrusion, and Zone Loitering Alerts, along with Smart Event Detection such as Object Removal and Forgotten Object, are transforming security monitoring. This guide will walk you through these features and provide step-by-step instructions to make the most of your Reolink surveillance system.

Table of Contents

1. Supported Models
2. Introduction to Perimeter Protection and Smart Event Detection Features
3. How to Set Up Perimeter Protection and Smart Event Detection
4. How to Set Up Alarm Actions

1. Supported Models

2. Introduction to Perimeter Protection and Smart Event Detection Features

2.1 Perimeter Protection Detection Feature Concept

• Line Crossing Alert

  Used to detect activity near the boundary of a specified area. When the camera detects
  a target crossing the boundary into the defined area, it triggers an alarm, like record, send
  push notifications, or performs other alarm actions.

  This feature is primarily used to prevent unauthorized entry into specific areas, such as
  private yards or garages.
  

• Zone Intrusion Alert

  Used to detect the presence or movement of objects or individuals within a specific area.
  Users can select a detection zone within the monitoring. When a target enters or moves within
  this zone, it triggers an alarm.

  This feature is commonly used to monitor critical areas such as warehouses, stores, and
  public spaces to identify potential intrusions or suspicious activities.

• Zone Loitering Alert

  Monitors a designated area and triggers an alarm when a person, vehicle, or object
  remains in the area for an extended period, which is considered loitering.

  This feature is often used in security monitoring, healthcare, and elderly care to
  identify potential abnormal behavior or situations requiring attention.

Concept Distinctions

1. Difference Between Line Crossing and Zone Intrusion:

2. Differences between Zone Intrusion and Zone Loitering:

2.2 Smart Event Detection Feature Concept

• Object Removal (beta)

  Used to monitor whether an item within a designated area has been taken away. When an object is removed, relevant personnel can respond quickly to unexpected situations and reduce potential losses. This function is commonly used in scenarios such as museums, where objects require strict monitoring.
  

• Forgotten Object (beta):

  Designed to identify whether an item has been left behind within a designated area. When a forgotten object is detected, relevant personnel can promptly handle the situation and take appropriate action.
  

2.3 Practical Application Scenarios

3. How to Set Up Perimeter Protection and Smart Event Detection

• Via Reolink App

  Applies to: All devices that support Perimeter Protection and Smart Event Detection.

  Step 1: Enter the Camera's Detection Alarm Interface

  Tap Settings > Detection Alarm > Perimeter Protection / Smart Event Detection.

  Here, we take the standalone camera as an example. For NVR and Home Hub users, you can find this feature by accessing the Detection Alarm settings of the camera.

  

  Note: Only certain models support Smart Event Detection.

  Step 2: Configure Perimeter Protection and Smart Event Detection
  1. Enter the corresponding Alert interface and configure the settings.

  

  2. Detailed Settings Introduction
  1) Line: This represents the virtual line or zone intrusion/loitering area.
  2) Edit: Tap to configure the length, shape of the smart event, and crossing direction of the line crossing alert.
  3) Name: Assign a custom name to the alert.
  4) Detection Type (except for Object Removal and Forgotten Object): Choose the object types (e.g., person, vehicle, animal) that will trigger an alarm when crossing the line. If all are selected, the camera will detect and alert for any of these objects crossing the line in the set direction.
  5) Sensitivity:

  Perimeter Protection: Higher sensitivity increases the likelihood of detecting objects crossing the boundary.

  Smart Event Detection: Higher sensitivity means that objects less noticeable in the environment are more easily detected.

  6) Alarm Delay (all alerts except Line Crossing): Alarm will be triggered when a detection object stays in the detection zone longer than the set time.

  7) Object Size (Object Removal / Forgotten Object only): Set the minimum and maximum object size. Alerts will not trigger if the object is smaller than the minimum or larger than the maximum. (This only relates to object size, not position—so changes in position are normal.)

  

  Tap Edit to enter the configuration (Figure 1).

  1) Node(●): Tap and drag a node to extend or reposition the line as needed.
  2) Arrow (→): (Only available on Line Crossing Alert.) Defines the crossing direction that triggers an alarm. As shown in Figure 1, crossing the line from either direction (top to bottom or bottom to top) will trigger an alarm. Figure 2 refers to a scenario where the camera only detects crossing from inside the right-angle area to the outside.
  3) "+" Button: Adds additional nodes (Figure 2), allowing you to shape the fence into right angles or other forms to fit different areas.
  4) Expand: Enables full-screen display for better adjustment.
  5) Switch Crossing Direction: (Only available on Line Crossing Alert.) Switches the detection direction (Figure 2). You can configure it to trigger only when moving from inside to outside, outside to inside, or both directions.
  6) Trash Bin: Deletes unnecessary points. (Note: Line Crossing Alert requires at least 2 points, while Zone Intrusion Alert and Zone Loitering Alert require at least 4 points, which cannot be deleted.)
  7) Reset: Resets the configured line or zone to the default.

  

  3. Completing the Configuration
  Once the configuration is complete, tap the Save button in the top-right corner to apply the settings.
  If you do not wish to continue configuring, tap Cancel in the top-left corner to exit.
  Each Smart Event Detection supports up to three configurations.

  4. Event Display in Live View

  When the camera detects an event matching the configured alarm, the live preview screen will briefly display the detected alarm (e.g., Line Crossing in the example) along with the corresponding event type icon.

  

  5. Delete an Unwanted Perimeter Protection or Smart Event Detection
  Go to Perimeter Protection / Smart Event Detection settings, select the event you want to remove, scroll down to the end, tap "Delete Fence" or "Delete Zone". Confirm the deletion when prompted.

  

  Step 3. Set Up Alarm Actions

  After configuring Perimeter Protection / Smart Event Detection, set up alarm actions such as recording, push notifications, etc.

  • For Reolink Professional Series: See How to Set up Surveillance Rule for Reolink Professional Series Cameras.
  • Other cameras: Follow the steps below.
    1. Go to the camera settings and select the alarm action (e.g., recording, push notifications, or other supported actions).
       
    2. Open the schedule settings, choose the alarm type (e.g., recording or push notifications), and set the time. Each alarm action has its own schedule settings.

       Recording

       

       Push Notifications 

       

    3. Check the detection type that will trigger the action, then tap Save.

       Note: If a Perimeter Protection / Smart Event Detection feature is not configured, its corresponding alarm option will not be displayed. For example, if only the Line Crossing Alert is set up, only that option will appear (Figure 1). If all Smart Event Alerts are configured, all options will be visible in the settings (Figure 2).

       
       Done! Now, when the camera detects your configured event, it will trigger the linked alarm action.

• Via Reolink NVR (Monitor)

  Applies to: RP-PN8, RP-PN16, RLN8-410 (Hardware version: NVR_NNT3NA78P), RLN16-410 (Hardware version: NVR_NNT4NA716P).

  Preparation: Connect a TV/Monitor to the NVR via HDMI/VGA cable.

  Step 1. Access the Camera Detection Settings

  At the top bar, clik Settings > Camera (select the camera you want to configure) > Detection > Smart Event Detection, then choose the alert type you want to configure. Click Add to create a Line / Zone.

  

  

  Step 2: Configure Smart Event Detection

  1. Alert Settings Explanation

  • Name: Name the alert.
  • Detection Type (except for Object Removal and Forgotten Object): Select the alert type to detect.
  • Sensitivity:
    • Line Crossing Alert / Zone Intrusion Alert / Zone Loitering Alert: Higher sensitivity increases the likelihood of detecting objects crossing the boundary.
    • Object Removal / Forgotten Object: Higher sensitivity means that objects less noticeable in the environment are more easily detected.
  • Alarm Delay (all alerts except Line Crossing): Alarm will be triggered when a detection object stays in the detection zone longer than the set time.
  • Object Size (Object Removal / Forgotten Object only): Set the minimum and maximum object size. Alerts will not trigger if the object is smaller than the minimum or larger than the maximum. (This setting only relates to object size, not position—so changes in position are normal.

  

  2. Line/Zone Drawing and Editing:

  • Add Node: Add nodes to shape the line into angles or custom forms.
  • Drag Node: Click and drag a node to reposition or extend the line.
  • Arrow (→): (Only available on Line Crossing Alert.) Defines the crossing direction. As the photo shown below, crossing from bottom to top will trigger an alarm. Use Switch to change direction.
  • Trash Bin: Delete extra points. (Line Crossing requires at least 2 points; Zone Intrusion and Zone Loitering require at least 4 points.)
  • Restore to Default Settings: Revert to original settings if needed.
  • After finishing, click Apply to save.

  

  3. Additional Configuration:

  To add more alerts, go to the desired alert and click Add. You can also edit or delete existing alert settings.

  

  Step 3. Set Up Alarm Actions

  After configuring Smart Event Detection, you can set up alarm actions such as recording, push notifications, email alerts, etc.

  • For Reolink Professional Series cameras and NVR, refer to: How to Set up Surveillance Rule for Reolink Professional Series Cameras
  • For other cameras and NVR, refer to the steps below:
    1. Go to Settings > Surveillance and select the alarm you want to configure, such as record, push notifications, etc. (Here we use Recording as an example).
    2. Turn on the feature on the NVR (Note: for push notifications, make sure the corresponding push setting is enabled on your phone).
    3. Click Daily Schedule > Select the camera you want to configure and turn on its recording switch. Go to Alarm, check the alert types, and set the time. (Note: If the corresponding Smart Event Detection type has not been configured, the checkbox will be greyed out and cannot be selected. You can click Add Type to configure it).

  Done! Now, when the camera detects your configured event, it will trigger the linked alarm action. 

By configuring these Perimeter Protection and Smart Event Detection features, you can optimize your security system, ensuring timely alerts for any suspicious activity. Follow this guide to set up and customize your alerts for maximum protection. For further assistance, feel free to click "Submit a request" below to contact Reolink support.