Reolink Cloud Alternative: A Practical Setup Checklist

Published {$created} by Carsten Blum

Many Reolink camera users are looking for alternatives to the Reolink cloud subscription, citing cost or data privacy concerns. ftpGrid provides a robust solution, leveraging SFTP or HTTPS for secure and reliable video storage. This checklist guides you through setting up ftpGrid as your Reolink cloud replacement, focusing on practical steps and security best practices.

1. Account Setup and Basic Configuration

• Sign Up: Create a free ftpGrid account at https://ftpgrid.com/. The https://ftpgrid.com/free-tier-overview/ page details the included features.
• Create an FTP/SFTP Account: Within your ftpGrid dashboard, create a dedicated FTP or SFTP account for your Reolink camera. SFTP is strongly recommended due to its encryption – see https://ftpgrid.com/ftp-101-sftp-vs-ftp-vs-ftps/ for comparison.
• Note Credentials: Record the server address (e.g., edgeN.ftpgrid.com), username, and password (or SSH key details).
• Camera Configuration: Access your Reolink camera’s settings and configure it to upload recordings to the ftpGrid server. Consult your Reolink camera's documentation for specific instructions (refer to https://ftpgrid.com/reolink-camera-cloud-storage/ for guidance). Specify the correct server address, username, password (or SSH key path), and target directory.
• Testing: Trigger a recording and verify that the file is successfully uploaded to your ftpGrid account.

2. Security Hardening & Advanced Options

• Disable Password Authentication (Highly Recommended): For enhanced security, disable password authentication and use SSH keys instead. This drastically reduces the risk of unauthorized access. Follow the guide at https://ftpgrid.com/tutorials/create-ssh-keys-for-sftp-scp-authentication/
• Firewall Rules: Review and restrict access to your ftpGrid account via firewall rules if needed, limiting access to specific IP addresses.
• HTTPS for Downloads: Configure your Reolink camera to use HTTPS for file downloads (if supported). This protects the transfer of your video recordings.
• Quota Management: Set a suitable storage quota for your ftpGrid account to prevent runaway storage consumption. You can monitor your usage on the https://ftpgrid.com/dashboard/ page.
• SFTP Connection Tools: Consider using SFTP client tools such as FileZilla or WinSCP (see https://ftpgrid.com/ftp-101-sftp-connection-lftp-winscp/) for direct file management and troubleshooting.

This setup provides a secure and cost-effective alternative to the Reolink cloud subscription, ensuring your video recordings are stored reliably and privately. Remember to regularly review your account settings and keep your Reolink camera firmware updated for optimal security.