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Yes, POE cameras continue to record when the internet is down because they store footage locally on an NVR or SD card, independent of network connectivity. This ensures uninterrupted surveillance even during outages, making POE systems reliable for 24/7 security.
Does Poe Camera Record When Internet Is Down? Find Out Now
Yes, PoE cameras can record when the internet is down—as long as they are connected to a local recording device such as a Network Video Recorder (NVR) or have built-in storage like an SD card. Power over Ethernet (PoE) cameras operate independently of your internet connection for core functions like video capture and local storage. This means even during an internet outage, your surveillance system can continue recording critical footage. The key factor isn’t the internet but the method of storage and the network configuration.
Understanding how PoE cameras function during connectivity disruptions helps you design a more reliable security setup. Whether you’re protecting your home, office, or commercial property, knowing that your cameras won’t go blind during an internet outage offers peace of mind. Let’s dive into the details of how PoE cameras maintain recording during downtime, what components matter, and how to ensure uninterrupted surveillance.
How Do PoE Cameras Record Without Internet? A Detailed Breakdown
The ability of a PoE camera to record when internet is down depends primarily on its storage setup and network architecture. PoE cameras receive both power and data through a single Ethernet cable (typically Cat5e or Cat6), which connects to a PoE switch or PoE-enabled NVR. This setup creates a local network that doesn’t rely on your home or business internet connection for basic recording operations.
There are two primary ways a PoE camera continues recording during an internet outage: local NVR storage and on-camera microSD card storage.
1. Network Video Recorder (NVR) Storage: Most professional PoE camera systems use an NVR. The cameras send video data to the NVR over the local network (LAN), which then stores the footage on an internal hard drive. Since this data transfer happens locally—without passing through your router or modem—your internet status doesn’t affect recording. For example, if your ISP goes down during a storm, your cameras keep sending video to the NVR, and all footage is safely stored. When the internet returns, you can still access the NVR via the local network or through a mobile app (if remote access was configured before the outage).
2. On-Camera microSD Card Storage: Some PoE cameras include a microSD card slot for onboard storage. These cameras can record directly to the card, even without an NVR or internet. This is especially useful for standalone cameras or in systems where the NVR is offline. For instance, a warehouse PoE camera with a 256GB SD card can store up to 30 days of 1080p footage at standard bitrates. As long as the camera has power and the SD card isn’t full, it will keep recording—no internet required.
Important Considerations: While recording continues, remote access, cloud backups, and real-time mobile alerts will stop during an internet outage. You won’t receive push notifications or be able to view live feeds from outside your local network. However, once internet is restored, you can review stored footage from the NVR or SD card. To maximize reliability, consider these tips:
- Use a PoE switch with battery backup or connect the NVR to an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) to maintain power during outages.
- Regularly check and format SD cards to prevent corruption and ensure continuous recording.
- Set motion-based recording to save storage space and extend retention time.
- Label and back up critical footage locally, especially if cloud sync is unavailable during downtime.
For example, a small business using a 4-camera PoE system with a 2TB NVR and 128GB SD cards in each camera will continue recording during a week-long internet outage. The NVR stores high-quality footage, while SD cards provide redundancy. Even if the NVR fails, the cameras still record locally.
In summary, the PoE camera record when internet is down capability is not only possible but reliable with the right setup. Prioritize local storage options and maintain your hardware to ensure your surveillance system remains operational 24/7—no matter what happens to your internet connection.