Use this article to understand optimum network requirements for your Blink devices.
Wi-Fi Network Requirements
- 2.4GHz Wi-Fi Network 802.11b/g/n
- A high-speed internet connection (DSL, Cable, Fiber) with a minimum upload speed of 2 Mbit/sec.
- IP Configuration: DHCP
- Wi-Fi Security: WEP, WPA, and WPA2.
Note: Blink does not support satellite internet due to high latency issues.
Things to check first
Start with the following:
- Verify signal strengths. Blink App > Device Settings > General Settings > Camera to Wi-Fi will show your device's signal strength.
- Find out more in the Network layout and Connectivity sections below.
- Power cycle all devices that allow connection to the internet.
- Verify your internet connection and account are active.
Network layout
Where to place your Sync Module
The Sync Module is the hub between the Blink app, Blink Servers and your camera. Without an internet connection, this data exchange is not possible.
In a typical situation (single building, no unusually dense construction materials), the Sync Module should be able to communicate with Blink cameras up to 100 ft. (30m) away in any direction. We recommend keeping the Sync Module near your wireless router for best signal strength. For optimum camera and Sync Module usage, three bars of signal strength displaying on the Sync Module screen is ideal.
Examples of less than ideal Sync Module locations:
- Behind a Television
- Inside a closed cabinet
- Directly on top of your Wi-Fi router
- In a basement
Examples of good Sync Module locations:
- On a window sill, in a central location between your indoor and outdoor cameras
- On TV stand or cabinet, and no less than 3 ft. (1m) and no more than 10 ft. (3m) away from your Wi-Fi router
- Near other equipment that may also be using your Wi-Fi
Connectivity
Network frequency
Wi-Fi Router Band Settings
DeletePassword
- Often, when adding a camera or Sync Module to your Blink system, the password is mistyped. Try carefully re-entering your password. If you continue to receive the "Incorrect password for Your W-Fi" message, try the next steps.
- Verify the password by checking if it's written on a sticker located on your router.
- Try forgetting the Wi-Fi network on your mobile device's network settings, and then reconnect to it. If you can successfully reconnect using this method, your password is correct.
Router settings
Make sure that your router is not blocking access to the Sync Module. This can happen if you are alerted that a device is attempting access but the name is not familiar. Blink devices are sometimes identified by their radio chip instead of the Blink product name.
Disable VPN
Do you use a virtual private network (VPN) on your mobile device? If so, please disable the VPN before you set up Blink devices. You can enable your VPN after you complete setup.
If you're continuing to have issues with VPN after setup, make sure your VPN server is in the same time zone as your device.
Important information to discuss with your Internet Service Provider (ISP)
We suggest speaking with your ISP to discuss your home network capabilities. Here is a guide for reviewing your network setup with your ISP.
- Upload speed - The Blink system requires a consistent minimum upload speed of 2Mbps per device. Any result lower than 2Mbps may cause latency and/or issues establishing or maintaining connection.
- Network congestion - The more devices in your home use Wi-Fi, the more they will be sharing your network's bandwidth. You can disable the Wi-Fi setting for non-Blink devices not in use and reenable it as needed.
- Old routing equipment - What is the age/model of your router? We recommend a router model less than 5 years old to ensure it supports the latest technology.
- Packet loss - This means bits of information are being dropped when communicated over the network. This can cause communication failure from your device to your router or your mobile device to your router. Packet loss can occur within your home (device to router) and/or within your connection from your router to your ISP's server.
- Privacy settings/Parental Controls/Firewalls - Network security is important. Ensure these settings are set up so they do not interfere with your ability to connect to your connection to your Blink system. Ensure that each individual Blink device is allowed to establish its own connection. Tip: you can white-list your Blink device's individual MAC addresses. If you are unsure how to do so, check with your ISP.
- Duplicate SSIDs - When two networks in the same location have the same SSID/name, your Blink system may try to connect to the wrong one. This other SSID may be in a different location that is too far for reliable connectivity or may be and incompatible network. Ensure you are attempting to connect to the appropriate SSID.