What are the ways to minimize internet consumption?

If you need to reduce bandwidth usage, there are several camera‑side settings that can significantly lower internet consumption without affecting the overall usability of your system.

1. Reduce Frame Rate (Most Effective & No Impact on Playback)

Lowering the FPS (frames per second) is the quickest way to cut bandwidth. Even dropping from 30 FPS to 10–15 FPS still provides smooth, usable video for both live view and playback.

This change does not affect:

  • Cloud recording quality

  • Playback usability

  • AI Analytics

  • Object Detection

2. Increase Image Compression

Raising the compression level reduces the bitrate while keeping the resolution the same. This also has no noticeable impact on live viewing or recorded footage for most environments.

3. Enable Smart Codecs (Optional, With Caveats)

Many cameras support advanced compression technologies such as:

  • H.265 / H.265+

  • Smart Codec / Smart H.264+

  • Dynamic GOP or Region‑of‑Interest encoding

These can further reduce bandwidth, but there are trade‑offs:

  • Some devices may have playback compatibility issues

  • Smart codecs can introduce live‑stream delays because the camera buffers more aggressively

  • Not all browsers or mobile devices decode these formats equally well

Use this option only if you’ve tested it with your viewing devices.

Summary

To minimize internet usage:

  1. Lower FPS

  2. Increase compression

  3. Optionally enable smart codecs (with caution)

These adjustments can dramatically reduce bandwidth consumption while maintaining reliable cloud recording and smooth playback.

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