Satellite (Starlink) internet and Alarm.com Cameras

Support
1

I’m working with a local Alarm.com dealer to get a quote on upgrading my system to include 5 exterior wired cameras.

I still have DSL internet that gets < 5mbps download and < 2.5mbps upload with ~60ms of latency. I recently added Starlink which is 50-150mbps download, 15-20mbps upload, and recent max latency of 73ms.

They were planning to install alarm.com cameras, but said that satellite internet is not supported, they said:

Satellite internet is not compatible with the type of cameras we offer. They wouldn’t be stable enough to provide live view on your phone or proper recordings in the event of an alarm. There could also be too much interference causing disconnections of the cameras.

I guess I’m curious if this guidance is based on “old” satellite providers like HughesNet vs LEO satellite like Starlink?

Given the slow speeds (and relative unreliability) of my DSL connection, would I be able to have the cameras and monitoring via Alarm.com, or should I just give up on the idea of cameras?

I’ve asked this question to the installer, just hoping for a second opinion or some options.

2

I have used Satellite internet before and I wouldn’t recommend it all if u want a solid camera system with satellite I’d get a DVR camera system

3

In general, satellite internet is stated as just not supported. Alarm.com video devices need an indefinite, always-on internet connection to function reliably. Some internet connections are incompatible due to restrictions they impose on bandwidth usage, throttling, data caps, or just unreliability, etc.

That’s a blanket statement, I am not familiar with the specs of Starlink and I cannot confirm whether or not it would work.

I can say that if you have no data cap and no speed throttling, and if the connection is solid and does not drop throughout the day, then you could probably give it a try.

The 2.5 mbps upload is a significant bottle neck if you use that DSL. The ADC-VDB770 alone needs roughly that much upload bandwidth to be reliable.

For good quality video from the latest models of Alarm.com cameras, you’ll need about 1.5 mbps upload per camera.

4

Thanks Charlie. I’m not familiar with the DVR systems, would I still be able to have motion alerts and the ability to monitor video from a phone / device with that setup?

5

Thanks Jason - there are no caps and no throttling (currently). I’m tempted to try it, sounds like my only other option is to skip video. Another concern I’ve seen mentioned is port forwarding - Starlink is CGNAT (double-NAT), so can’t do port forwarding.

Do you know if that would prevent the Alarm.com cameras from functioning?

6

Another concern I’ve seen mentioned is port forwarding - Starlink is CGNAT (double-NAT), so can’t do port forwarding.

Port forwarding is not required for Alarm.com cameras, but I cannot say whether or not other implications of CGNAT would cause issues.

7

Yes u can depending on the system I have a Lorex system at my parents home and love it u also get motion alerts very nice system and when it comes to DVR system only time it gets tricky is when running the wire but there a very solid system