Camera bandwidth and internet upload calculation
Local recording and remote viewing use different paths. The LAN carries all main streams to the NVR; internet upload depends on concurrent remote streams.
LAN traffic
Multiply each stream bitrate by its camera count and add the groups. Twelve cameras at 4 Mbit/s create 48 Mbit/s, or about 58 Mbit/s with reserve. A Gigabit uplink leaves useful room for playback and growth.
Remote upload
Four concurrent substreams at 1.5 Mbit/s need 6 Mbit/s, or 7.2 Mbit/s with reserve. Remote 4K main streams need much more.
Wi-Fi limitations
Wireless capacity varies with signal, interference and shared airtime. Wired PoE is generally more stable for continuous recording. Wireless bridges need line-of-sight and channel planning.
Network security
Use a camera VLAN, permit only required traffic and avoid direct internet port forwards. Prefer a maintained cloud service or VPN with strong passwords and multi-factor authentication.
Frequently asked questions
Do eight cameras need 100 Mbit/s upload?
Usually not when recording locally and using substreams remotely.
Is Gigabit needed for 16 cameras?
It is recommended for headroom even when raw video stays below 100 Mbit/s.