What Makes Recorders Use a Lot of Internet Data
There are a number of factors associated with CCTV internet usage that can cause data usage to spike or increase. You can check each of the following common factors that contribute to high data consumption.
1. Frequent access to the recorder via Swann Security app, Swann Security software, or HomeSafe View using Mainstream
Viewing the cameras via Live and Playback in any of the apps above will cause the recorder to use the internet to send video signals to the streaming mobile device or computer. This is especially evident if the said devices are using the P2P ID to access the unit.
If no one should have remote access aside from yourself, please change the password of your recorder for your security.
If you are using a computer to access the recorder frequently from the same location, this can result to much higher data usage because the software streams while open. Consider using a TV or monitor directly hardwired to the recorder instead as this uses no internet data and allows you access to more settings in the menu. If this is not feasible, try no. 2 and 3.
2. The cameras' mainstream and substream settings are set to high values
Relative to the first factor, the camera's resolution and bitrate affect data usage when the camera is streamed or played back via the app or its recordings are uploaded to a linked Dropbox account (if cloud storage is enabled). If you are streaming at least 8 cameras remotely, the data usage adds up.
To calculate how much bandwidth your cameras consume, see Estimate how much bandwidth your recorder uses or requires when streamed
3. Each camera's video quality setting in Live streaming is set to High
If each camera's video quality setting in the app is set to High or in the software is set to Mainstream, it increases data consumption on the recorder's network to upload video signals and consequently increases mobile data consumption as more internet bandwidth is used to stream video. Downloading recordings via software is set to Mainstream by default. It is recommend to stream using Low Video Quality via mobile device or Substream via computer if data usage is a concern. See Does Swann Security app have Mainstream and Substream option for live view?
4. Cloud Storage to Dropbox is enabled
By default, it is off because it has yet to be enabled by the user and linked to their own Dropbox account. If it is enabled, the recorder can upload snapshots and video recordings to your Dropbox account folder using the internet.
See this article to check whether some settings have been enabled for cloud storage: Setup Cloud storage to V8 recorders