Are you considering a third-party NVR for Reolink cameras? While it is generally recommended to use Reolink cameras with Reolink NVRs for optimal performance and ease of troubleshooting, this guide offers a detailed walkthrough for connecting Reolink cameras to a Reolink compatible NVR. Please note that compatibility issues may arise, and successful integration is not guaranteed.
Applies to: All Reolink cameras that support ONVIF.
Reolink Compatible NVR
Reolink cameras are designed primarily for use with Reolink NVRs, ensuring optimal performance and reliability. Will Reolink cameras work with other NVRs? It is generally not recommended to use Reolink cameras on third-party NVR, as there might be compatibility problems between Reolink Cameras and third-party NVR, and this can complicate troubleshooting.
However, if you still want to use Reolink cameras with a 3rd party NVR after considering compatibility issues, the following is a general guide that may be helpful.
How to Connect Reolink Cameras to a Third-Party NVR
Step 1: Choose Compatible Devices
- Reolink Cameras: Ensure that your Reolink cameras support ONVIF and RTSP. Refer to Which Reolink Products Support CGI/RTSP/ONVIF to confirm.
- Third-Party NVR: Ensure that your NVR supports ONVIF and RTSP. Consult the NVR manufacturer's documentation for details.
Step 2: Configure ONVIF and RTSP Ports
Third-Party NVR:
- Default Configuration: Some NVRs enable ONVIF and RTSP by default. Check the NVR's documentation to confirm.
- Customizable Settings: If your NVR allows customization, enable ONVIF and RTSP as needed.
Reolink Cameras (only available for certain models):
- Open the ONVIF and RTSP ports on your Reolink cameras. Refer to How to Set up Reolink Ports Settings via Reolink Client for instructions.
Step 3: Network Setup
- Same Network: Connect the Reolink camera and the third-party NVR to the same local network. Directly plugging the camera into the NVR won't work.
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Remote Network: If the camera is in a different network, set up port forwarding on your router. Consult the router and camera manuals or support for specific instructions. You can also refer to:
How to Forward Ports on Router Interface for Reolink Products
Which Ports Should I Forward on Router for Remote Connection
Step 4: Add the Camera to the Third-Party NVR
- You may need to fill in the port number when adding a camera to a third-party NVR.
- Confirm that the port numbers match the ones configured in Step 2.
Step 5: Troubleshooting
If the above steps fail, please try the following two additional steps.
- Upgrade Firmware
If the initial setup fails, upgrade your Reolink camera's firmware to the latest version. Visit the Reolink Download Center to obtain the firmware update.
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Disable Illegal Login Lockout (if applicable)
For some Reolink camera models, disable the illegal login lockout feature. Refer to How to Set up Illegal Login Lockout for instructions.
Integrating Reolink cameras with a third-party Reolink compatible NVR can provide flexibility in your surveillance setup. However, it's important to note that compatibility issues may arise, and troubleshooting can be complex. If you encounter persistent problems, consider contacting Reolink support for further assistance or reverting to using a Reolink NVR for the best performance and reliability.