Troubleshooting Internet Slowdowns Caused by Security Cameras: A Guide for Renters

Moving into a new home can be both exciting and challenging, particularly when you discover that your landlord has installed security cameras in common areas. While these cameras may provide peace of mind, they can also pose unexpected issues, particularly when it comes to your internet speed. If you’ve noticed significant slowdowns in your internet connection, particularly when your landlord is actively monitoring the footage, you’re not alone.

Understanding the Issue

As your landlord has set up a Network Video Recorder (NVR) in your apartment to monitor the security cameras, it’s likely that the streaming footage is consuming a substantial amount of bandwidth. This can lead to frustratingly slow internet speeds, especially if your own online activities are affected when they are streaming video feeds.

In fact, some renters have reported that they received messages from their landlord about certain behaviors, such as smoking on the patio, just moments after they engaged in those activities. This raises concerns about privacy and how much bandwidth these cameras are using during peak times.

Potential Solutions

If you find yourself in this situation, you might be wondering if there are ways to limit the bandwidth that the security cameras consume. Here are some suggestions:

Talk to Your Landlord: Communication is key. Consider discussing your internet speed issues with your landlord. They may not be aware of the extent of the impact their cameras are having on your service. A polite conversation could lead to an understanding that allows both parties to regulate the bandwidth usage effectively.
Quality of Service (QoS) Settings: If your internet router has QoS settings, you may be able to prioritize your internet traffic over that of the security cameras. This means your internet usage—like streaming, gaming, or video calls—could receive preferential treatment over the bandwidth that the cameras use.
Monitor Bandwidth Usage: Utilizing network monitoring tools can help you pinpoint when your internet is the slowest. If you observe that slowdowns are consistently linked to the streaming of security footage, you might have a stronger case to present to your landlord.
Upgrade Your Internet Plan: If the current setup simply cannot accommodate both your needs and those of the security system, consider upgrading your internet plan to one with higher bandwidth. This could mitigate the impact of the NVR on your connection.
Isolation of Devices: If you’re tech-savvy, you might explore the possibility