CCTV Camera via Mobile 4G Router?

[DarrenKMC]

I need to stick a camera in an out building that has no possibility of a hard line in for internet access, can anyone recommend a suitable set up using a 4G WiFi router?

I've looked at a couple of camera's on Amazon such as; https://amzn.to/33UduDf But the sellers all say either they won't work on a mobile router or avoid a direct answer saying "we recommend a normal home broadband router" etc

[2 sMoKiN bArReLs]

Is there power in the outhouse & if so is it fed from the main house? Just thinking about a powerline option?

[DarrenKMC]

2 sMoKiN bArReLs said:

Is there power in the outhouse & if so is it fed from the main house? Just thinking about a powerline option?

There's power yes, but when I say out building it's basically completely independant; It's a long way from the nearest building (the nearest is also not mine!) and can't get a new line to it as it doesn't have it's own postal address.

[2 sMoKiN bArReLs]

DarrenKMC said:

2 sMoKiN bArReLs said:

Is there power in the outhouse & if so is it fed from the main house? Just thinking about a powerline option?

There's power yes, but when I say out building it's basically completely independant; It's a long way from the nearest building (the nearest is also not mine!) and can't get a new line to it as it doesn't have it's own postal address.

Aha. I was thinking of extending your internet down the mains, but that ain't going to work.

[DarrenKMC]

2 sMoKiN bArReLs said:

Aha. I was thinking of extending your internet down the mains, but that ain't going to work.

It's a good call for sure but no unfortunately! With all the cheap/decent-ish WiFi camera's these days I thought it would be simple, maybe still is, but no one I've spoken to seems to have ever tried or even been asked before when it comes to a fully mobile solution...

[Slackline]

If you've got line of sight to the buildings, then a pair of these might be good for you -

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Ubiquiti-Networks-LOCOM5-...

I use them to connect 2 x 4k cameras down at my workshops and an outdoor router. Easy to set up as well.

[DarrenKMC]

Slackline said:

If you've got line of sight to the buildings, then a pair of these might be good for you -

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Ubiquiti-Networks-LOCOM5-...

I use them to connect 2 x 4k cameras down at my workshops and an outdoor router. Easy to set up as well.

Great suggestion but no line of sight unfortunately! Effectively a completely independent building, in the middle of a big field, with power and nothing else.

[BigTZ4M]

Be careful with 4G and cctv. Why do you want your cameras connected to the internet? If it is just to upload footage somewhere then that’s fine. If it is to remote view then make sure whatever solution you use works with something called CGNAT. Mobile internet makes it difficult to run externally accessible stuff in some situations.

[DarrenKMC]

BigTZ4M said:

Be careful with 4G and cctv. Why do you want your cameras connected to the internet? If it is just to upload footage somewhere then that’s fine. If it is to remote view then make sure whatever solution you use works with something called CGNAT. Mobile internet makes it difficult to run externally accessible stuff in some situations.

Thanks, I'm a novice in this area I have to admit - I just want to be able to log in to check the camera that's all, I have camera's at home for when we're away and it's a simple App type affair, so just wanted a similar solution but it's not looking likely at the moment!

[BigTZ4M]

DarrenKMC said:

Thanks, I'm a novice in this area I have to admit - I just want to be able to log in to check the camera that's all, I have camera's at home for when we're away and it's a simple App type affair, so just wanted a similar solution but it's not looking likely at the moment!

So basically you’re not going to be able to do that with a regular SIM card. You would need a fixed IP SIM card to be able to do this in a 4G router. Unsurprisingly the tariffs are far more expensive like-for-like given it is a specialised niche service. You can see examples here: https://www.3grouterstore.co.uk/3G/4G-Fixed-IP-SIM...

[Fish]

You can use one of the hook visions with integrated as card for storage.. you can then access it through their app and also download footage and or back up to the cloud..

I've been using one like this for a few years on 4g without fixed up and it's fine.. access anywhere in the world..

[megaphone]

DarrenKMC said:

Slackline said:

If you've got line of sight to the buildings, then a pair of these might be good for you -

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Ubiquiti-Networks-LOCOM5-...

I use them to connect 2 x 4k cameras down at my workshops and an outdoor router. Easy to set up as well.

Great suggestion but no line of sight unfortunately! Effectively a completely independent building, in the middle of a big field, with power and nothing else.

Although no direct line of site, can you 'relay' a wifi bridge to the building? Is there another building in between with power? Or a mast or pole with power available? You could relay the signal form point to point.

[BaldOldMan]

Vodafone do one that sounds like it would suit - not cheap though

https://eshop.v.vodafone.com/uk/v-camera

[Baldchap]

What about a WiFi-enabled (e.g. cloud) dash cam set to motion detection only, connected via a boggo 4G mobile WiFi box?

Or even an Arlo camera set to motion detect via the same. There are even solar power accessories.

[BigTZ4M]

Fish said:

You can use one of the hook visions with integrated as card for storage.. you can then access it through their app and also download footage and or back up to the cloud..

I've been using one like this for a few years on 4g without fixed up and it's fine.. access anywhere in the world..

So your Hikvision cameras connect to the internet via a 4G connection and you can live view them from anywhere in the world? That's pretty cool since I don't know how it traverses the multiple NAT put in place. Can you elaborate on how the end user experience is? Do you just run an app or something on your phone and no matter where you are your cameras are listed or something else?

Normally on a fixed line broadband connection you need to forward ports or else just let it automatically use UPNP to be accessible live via the internet. With 4G you don't have control over the routers the mobile provider deploys ahead of your connection so you can't do this. I'd love to understand how Hikvision get around this if you've any links to any documentation or anything.

[2 sMoKiN bArReLs]

Nobody has said it yet.....but when Labour get in you can get free high speed broadband connected to your outhouse.

[2 sMoKiN bArReLs]

What did you do in the end OP?

[SlimJim16v]

Just seen this, solar powered and 4G -

https://www.theequinetrader.co.uk/glenwood-solar