TrendNet TV-IP315PI Cameras returning errors after working for months...
Over the last month I have noticed some cameras returning "Excessive packet loss from network device" errors. The odd part is that they were working fine for several months. Paying more attention to which of the 7 cameras that were giving the errors and it is the 2 TrendNet TV-IP315PI. The others are all doing well. I rebooted the whole network and the cameras but that doesn't do anything. I went into the cameras and noticed that they were running H.264 so I upped them to H.265 and I reduced the frame rate. In October there was a firmware release for a security issue that was applied, but things were running fine for at least 4 months after it was applied. The cameras are both on the same PoE switch as 3 other cameras that are not reporting any issues. The cameras are 4K but so too are the the two Annke cameras on the same switch.
I am on the 6.1 of Security Spy.
Any ideas on what to try?
Comments
Something like this, I would be quite suspicious of corrosion at the camera ethernet connectors. I would pull them apart, clean with Deoxit, dip male end in silicone grease and reconnect.
This certainly could be the network (including cable issues). It could also be the upgrade to SecuritySpy 6, because this new version will report these issues more readily. This reporting has been turned down a bit in the latest beta version of SecuritySpy, so please install this as it should reduce the reporting of these errors. But still the underlying problem is packet loss, which is beyond SecuritySpy's control, and does point to a network or camera issue. With some cameras this is simply a common occurrence. The best advice is to make sure the network is as robust and performant as possible. This means connecting everything via good-quality Ethernet cables into a high-quality Gigabit-speed switch.
@guykuo Thanks for the comment. I had always wondered if doing that was safe and effective. Made sense to me but I couldn't find anyone who was doing that.
@Ben, unfortunately the issue started before SS6. I sort of was hoping (dreaming is more accurate) the upgrade would solve it. To your point though, this is not a SS issue.
On the network infrastructure side, last year I did a big upgrade to my setup. This included getting managed 10Gb switches that are now SPF connected, upgrading of cables that I could (the ones in the walls I can’t do anything about), and reducing the path complexity for my Mac Mini to the cameras and NAS. Doing so eliminated the NAS timeout/latency issues I was having.
@guykuo, when the weather improves (we are currently in a snow storm and at -8 degrees C) I will need to pull out the ladders and have a look. One of the cameras is at a location with two cables (2 cameras) and so I might also switch the cables between the two cameras and see if the other camera becomes problematic. Aside from the snow though, Calgary is pretty dry and I have not experienced corrosion issues in the years I have been running cameras. Always a first though.
It is possible too that I am being thrown off by the fact that the only two TrendNet cameras I have in the pool are the ones with the issue. As I type it has me thinking that even though I power cycled the switch, which killed power to the TrendNet cameras, I should actually unplug the Ethernet cables from the switch for 10 seconds or more to see if there is some other buildup.
In the very wet PNW, it's been essential to use silicone grease on the ethernet connections. Otherwise, even jacks well protected within walls and full water proofed connector housings, we get some green corrosion forming. I use enough grease to completely fill where the metal contacts are of the ethernet jack and plug. Easiest is to put the male end into the grease to pick up about 2 mm thick portion over its end and a over its metal contacts. Mind you, all my waterproofed connectors are protected from direct water contact, but this is still necessary.
Some also wrap the waterproof connectors with fusion tape (not vinyl electrical). I do that rarely because of the bulk.
In terms of the CAIG Deoxit, I use the little bottle with brush. If you see visible corrosion, that has to be mechanically removed before Deoxit. The Deoxit definitely takes care of discoloration or invisible level corrosion, but not if green residue has accumulated. I used to think Deoxit was snake oil, but after it completely solved problems with our older McGrath intubation handle having poor function after being cleaned with disinfectant, I was convinced. The disinfectants used in the operating room were corroding the electrical contact strips of the handles. That make the instruments unreliable during clinical use. Wiping down the contacts with Deoxit once before storage prevented the problem.