Arlo: Unveiling the Mystery – Does Arlo Base Station Have Wi-Fi Connectivity?
When it comes to smart home security, Arlo is a well-known name. Offering a range of high-quality cameras, Arlo has become a trusted brand for home surveillance. However, many users and potential customers often wonder about one key aspect: does the Arlo base station have Wi-Fi connectivity? In this article, we will answer this question in detail, explore how Arlo base stations work, and provide troubleshooting tips to help you optimize your Arlo security system.
What is an Arlo Base Station?
Before diving into the connectivity details, it’s important to understand what an Arlo base station is. The Arlo base station acts as the central hub that connects your Arlo cameras to the internet. It is a crucial part of the system because it facilitates communication between your Arlo cameras and the cloud service that stores your recorded footage.
The Arlo base station is often paired with Arlo wire-free cameras or Arlo Pro series cameras, which rely on the base station for Wi-Fi connectivity and syncing. Depending on the model you choose, the base station may also have additional features like a siren, or local storage for recorded footage.
Does the Arlo Base Station Have Wi-Fi Connectivity?
One of the most frequently asked questions by new Arlo users is whether the Arlo base station has Wi-Fi capabilities. The simple answer is: **No, Arlo base stations do not have built-in Wi-Fi connectivity**.
Unlike other smart home devices that connect directly to Wi-Fi networks, the Arlo base station requires a wired Ethernet connection to your router for internet access. This Ethernet connection is essential for the base station to communicate with the Arlo cameras and upload video footage to the cloud.
However, this does not mean that your Arlo cameras cannot connect to Wi-Fi. The cameras themselves are Wi-Fi enabled and will communicate wirelessly with the base station. The base station merely acts as a bridge between the cameras and the internet, so the base station itself must be hardwired into your router.
Why Does the Arlo Base Station Not Have Wi-Fi?
You might wonder why Arlo chose not to include Wi-Fi connectivity in its base station. There are a few reasons behind this decision:
- Reliability: Wired Ethernet connections provide more stable and faster performance compared to wireless connections. Arlo ensures that your base station has a reliable internet connection by using an Ethernet port to connect directly to the router.
- Reduced Interference: By avoiding Wi-Fi in the base station, Arlo helps eliminate potential interference issues that could arise from having multiple devices on the same Wi-Fi network.
- Battery Efficiency: Arlo cameras are designed to be battery-operated. If the base station relied on Wi-Fi, it might drain the cameras’ batteries more quickly. A wired connection allows Arlo to optimize battery life for cameras.
In short, the absence of Wi-Fi in the base station ensures a more reliable, stable connection and better overall performance for your Arlo security system.
How to Set Up Your Arlo System
Setting up an Arlo system is relatively straightforward, though it does require a few key steps. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started:
- Unbox and Place the Arlo Base Station: Start by unboxing the Arlo base station and placing it near your router. It should be within range of your router’s Ethernet cable.
- Connect the Base Station to Your Router: Plug one end of the included Ethernet cable into the base station and the other end into one of the available ports on your router.
- Power Up the Base Station: Connect the base station to a power outlet using the included power adapter. Wait for the LED lights on the base station to turn green, indicating it is powered on and connected to the internet.
- Install the Arlo App: Download the Arlo app on your smartphone or tablet (available for iOS and Android devices). The app will guide you through the process of creating an account and syncing your cameras to the base station.
- Sync Your Arlo Cameras: Once your base station is connected, sync your Arlo cameras by pressing the sync button on the base station and on each camera. The cameras should connect to the base station automatically.
- Test Your Setup: After syncing the cameras, test your Arlo system by checking the live feed through the Arlo app. Ensure that each camera is functioning properly and has a stable connection.
Once you’ve completed these steps, your Arlo system should be fully set up and ready for use. Keep in mind that the base station must always be connected to your router via Ethernet for the system to work properly.
Troubleshooting Common Arlo Connectivity Issues
While Arlo systems are generally reliable, you may encounter some connectivity issues from time to time. Here are some common problems and troubleshooting steps:
- Base Station Not Connecting to the Internet: If the base station’s LED is red, it may not be properly connected to the internet. Ensure that the Ethernet cable is securely plugged into both the base station and the router. You can also try restarting both the base station and your router to refresh the connection.
- Arlo Cameras Not Syncing: If your cameras fail to sync with the base station, make sure the cameras are within range of the base station and have sufficient battery life. Try pressing the sync button on both the camera and the base station again.
- Weak Wi-Fi Signal: While the base station is connected via Ethernet, your cameras rely on Wi-Fi. If your cameras experience poor video quality or lag, consider moving the base station closer to your router or using a Wi-Fi extender to boost the signal.
- App or Account Issues: If you’re unable to access your Arlo system via the app, check that you are logged into the correct account. You can also try reinstalling the app or resetting the base station to factory settings to resolve the issue.
If these steps do not resolve the issue, it may be time to contact Arlo support or visit their online support page for further assistance.
Should You Consider the Arlo Pro Base Station?
If you’re considering upgrading your Arlo system or are looking for additional features, the Arlo Pro base station may be worth considering. The Arlo Pro base station offers similar functionality but includes a few extra features, such as:
- Built-in Siren: The Arlo Pro base station includes a loud siren that you can activate through the app, adding an extra layer of security.
- Local Storage Options: Arlo Pro users can add a USB drive to the base station for local video storage, which can be a great backup option if you don’t want to rely entirely on cloud storage.
- Improved Range: The Arlo Pro base station has a wider range, meaning you can place your cameras further from the base station without losing connection.
While the Arlo Pro base station still requires an Ethernet connection, it offers enhanced functionality that may be valuable for some users. Learn more about Arlo Pro.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Arlo base station does not have Wi-Fi connectivity. Instead, it relies on a wired Ethernet connection to provide a stable internet connection for your Arlo cameras. While the cameras themselves connect wirelessly to the base station, the base station serves as the central hub for your Arlo security system. Understanding this distinction is crucial for ensuring that your Arlo system is properly set up and functioning optimally.
If you’re facing connectivity issues, follow the troubleshooting steps outlined in this article to resolve common problems. Whether you’re a new Arlo user or looking to upgrade your system, Arlo offers a variety of solutions to meet your security needs. Stay connected and stay secure with Arlo!
This article is in the category Reviews and created by FutureSmarthome Team