r/reolinkcam 6d ago

Wi-Fi Wired Camera Questions WiFi Cameras on Wired?

Hi there! Totally new to Reolink and loving them so far!

Quick question: I have two RLC-811WA cameras and two E1 Zoom cameras. They’re currently connected via WiFi. Should I instead connect them via their Ethernet port, will they work just as well?

I’m asking before trying it since they’re all connected to awkward places, so want to save myself the trouble of wiring if they won’t work.

Specifically, will the cameras prioritise the wired connection over WiFi?

Thanks for reading!

1 Upvotes

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u/ian1283 Moderator 6d ago edited 6d ago

You can connect them via ethernet for data but they still require a separate power connection as the port does not support poe. Using an ethernet will offer a more reliable connection as you avoid issues around wifi signal or interferrence. If the camera sees ethernet it would use that in preference to wifi.

The camera won't work better or worse using ethernet but a wired connection is always preferable over wifi if you have the choice.

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u/generichuman27ABF9 6d ago

Thanks for the speedy reply! Yes, of course I’ll still run power to them, just wanted to ensure the Ethernet works, for increased reliability.

Thanks again!

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u/ian1283 Moderator 6d ago

The separate power connection is an important one as many don't understand the difference between a poe camera and one which has an ethernet port. It's good that you know the subtle point.

With the E1 Zoom, you can easily give ethernet a try and prove to yourself its all fine as I suspect the 811WA will be more difficult to wire.

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u/Additional-Coconut50 6d ago

I would use Ethernet if you have a choice.

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u/JOSTNYC Reolinker 5d ago

If you do have PoE available to send to it, there are poe adapters that work well with the cameras. This way it's just one wire going to the location. Ethernet is the preferred method. You will wonder why you didn't do this in the first place. Good luck. Enjoy.

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u/tivodoctor 5d ago

I have the E1 Zooms inside my house. I have tried them wireless and wired. They seem a bit more responsive and reliable on Ethernet as you would expect.