Category: Networking

Problems with RING, again!

A few months ago, after having more problems with one of the battery power security cameras, I decided to replace it with a powered unit. Little more effort to install, but I hoped it would be worth it..

Ring Floodlight Cam Wired Plus

It worked fine, almost for a month. It would appear on the Web and iPhone versions of RING App, but not on the computer version. I shrugged it off and just used it as is, until about 2 weeks ago, the camera stopped working.

After an hour of attempting to rejoin the network I called Ring, always a pleasure (sic). Finally after an hour of retrying everything I ready did, I was told it was my network, specifically my wifi. So all the other wireless Ring hardware continues to work, but not this NEW device. Tried replacing access points and wifi networks. Nope still not happy. Ended up having to install a totally new wifi network and a new device, to finally get the camera to appear on my iPhone and Web, it still doesn’t appear in the app.

For the price you pay for these things you’d expect them to last longer, why did they update the firmware to kick it off my network.. beyond me..

And they try to upsell, or newer stuff.. sorry if I can keep the older stuff working I aint buying all new AGAIN.

So don’t think I’ll be buy more ring equipment. Will keep you informed as to what replaces it. Any suggestions?

Synology NAS DS419Slim

Provide information and insights into new NAS. (TO DO)

DS419Slim

After a few months using the drive, I can now report on its overall operation.

One, don’t let the photos on Amazon fool you, this is a MINI NAS which uses laptop drives, not the normal desktop drives. Which was surprising when it arrived. Plus the description said it came with drives, but didn’t. Amazon likes to embellish its descriptions and mix all the “like”/”similar” drives. So don’t bother reading them, get your reviews elsewhere.

After the second order with drives arrived, install and setup was easy. Left the drives formatting/partitioning overnight. It comes with internet access to manage, configure and monitor.. HOWEVER, it isn’t free, SURPRISE. Locally accessing, does work and is free.

There are two pieces of software that can be installed on Synology Cloud Station Backup and Synology Cloud Station Drive. Station Backup does a backup as is per configured on each station. Station Drive syncs file as they are opened and closed. Users complained of slower computers, but was kind of expected.

You log into the NAS with each users account and can recover files easily. I don’t expect users to be able to do this.