Modern security systems are increasingly built on the basis of available IP-Combining Xiaomi devices with Synology Surveillance Station software allows you to create a reliable DVR without monthly subscriptions to the manufacturer’s cloud services. This solution is ideal for those who value data privacy and want to store archives locally.
The main difficulty is that by default, Mi Home cameras use proprietary protocols closed to third-party software. However, by activating hidden functions or using special firmware, you can access the RTSP stream. It is this standard real-time data transfer protocol that allows you to stream video from the camera to any compatible NVR, including Synology systems.
In this article, we will cover all the steps of integration, from hardware preparation to fine-tuning motion detection, learn how to bypass the limitations of regional versions and ensure that the archive is stored on your NAS hard drive. Proper network configuration will be the key to the smooth operation of your security system.
Necessary equipment and network preparation
Before you start software setup, you need to make sure the physical readiness of the infrastructure. Xiaomi cameras are sensitive to the quality of the Wi-Fi signal, so for stationary observation points, it is strongly recommended to use a wired connection or powerful repeaters. Wireless interface often becomes a bottleneck when transmitting high-resolution video.
Your Synology network storage should be static. IP-This is critical because cameras need to know the exact address to send data streams, and if you change the server address dynamically, you'll lose the connection and the archive of records.
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Use a separate VLAN network for IoT devices to isolate cameras from the main home network and improve overall security.
Check your hardware compatibility list. Not all models support native RTSP output, but most popular Mi Home Security Camera devices are modifiable. Make sure Synology drives have enough storage space to accommodate the bitrate of the stream.
Activation of RTSP protocol on Xiaomi cameras
The most important step is to get a link to the video stream. The standard settings of the Mi Home app do not provide direct access to the video stream. URL-Devices manufactured for the Chinese market often require a change of region in the application to China, which can affect the response speed of the server.
For many models, such as Xiaomi 360 Home Security Camera 2K Pro, there is a method of activation through a special application or script that changes the parameters of firmware. After successful modification in the web interface of the camera or through the telnet, it becomes possible to generate a link format. rtsp://username:password@ip_address:554/stream1.
⚠️ Note: Modifying firmware or using third-party software to activate RTSP All actions you perform at your own risk, make sure that the device is not under a critical security update at the time of the intervention.
If your model supports ONVIF out of the box (often a business series or new models labeled "Global"), the process is simplified: you just need to go to the web interface of the camera through the browser, find the "Network" -> "Integration Protocol" section and turn on the ONVIF switchboard with the administrator password.
Setting up Surveillance Station on Synology NAS
After receiving_working_ RTSP In the Synology package center, find and install the Surveillance Station app. The dual-camera license is usually bundled, and more slots will need to be purchased.
Launch the app and go to the "IP Camera" section. Click "Add" and select "Quick Setup" or "Add Manual" if the automatic search fails. In the manufacturer's field (Brand), select "Generic" or "RTSP" if a specific Xiaomi model is not listed.
In the settings window that opens, enter the following data:
- 📹 Camera name: arbitrary name, e.g. “Input group".
- 🌐 IP-Address: static address of the camera on the local network.
- 🔑 Login / Password: data set during activation ONVIF standard (admin/admin).
- 🔗 Flow path: Insert previously received RTSP link.
Note the codec settings. Xiaomi cameras often use the H.265 codec to save space, but older NAS models may not support hardware decoding of this format, in which case the camera settings should switch the video stream to H.264 via the web interface.
Compatibility table and flow parameters
Different camera models offer different resolutions and bitrates. To optimize the load on the network and storage space, it is important to choose the right recording options. Below is a table with recommended settings for popular models.
| Camera model | Max, permission. | Recommended codec | Bitrate (Kbit/s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mi 360° 1080p | 1920x1080 | H.264 | 2048 |
| Mi Home Security 2K Pro | 2304x1296 | H.265 | 4096 |
| Outdoor Camera AW1 | 1920x1080 | H.264 | 3000 |
| Doorbell 2 | 1600x1200 | H.264 | 1500 |
When setting up a recording profile in Surveillance Station, keep in mind that high bitrate provides better detail, but fills the disk faster. For night recording, you can create a separate profile with lower parameters if the IR backlight creates noise on the matrix.
☑️ Checking camera connection
Optimization of recording and motion detection
24/7 video recording can quickly run out of space. Event recording is more efficient. Synology Surveillance Station has a powerful video analysis engine that can detect movement, change in audio stream or loss of focus.
Set up a recording schedule. For example, you can only record during the day if you detect movement, and you can record continuously at night. To do this, go to the Record tab in the camera settings and create a new profile. Check "Enable schedule" and select the desired time slots.
It is important to adjust the sensitivity of the motion detector correctly to avoid false positives from swinging trees or changing lighting. In the motion detection settings menu, use the masking function to exclude static objects or areas where movement is not of interest from the analysis.
How to reduce the load on the NAS CPU?
Remember to notify. Synology can send screenshots or short videos when an alarm is triggered via the DS cam, Telegram or email Push app, which allows you to instantly respond to events even when you are away from home.
Solving Common Connection Problems
Often users are faced with a situation where the camera is running in the Mi Home application, but does not connect to Synology. The first reason is the wrong format of the RTSP link. Make sure that the link is free of unnecessary characters and it begins with the rtsp:// protocol. Check the correct login and password input, taking into account the register of characters.
The second common problem is locking ports with a firewall. Make sure the NAS and router have port 554 open (standard for RTSP) and port 80 or 443 open for management. If you use complex network configurations with multiple subnets, check the routing rules between them.
⚠️ Note: If the camera is periodically turned off, check the Wi-Fi router's power saving settings. Some routers may break the connection to devices that do not transmit data for a long time, unless an exception for static devices is configured. IP.
Time out-of-synchronization between the camera and the NAS can lead to incorrect display of time stamps on the archive or problems with authorization for security certificates.
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The stability of the video surveillance system depends not only on the equipment, but also on the correct configuration of the network infrastructure and regular software updates.
Additional Opportunities and Integration
Once you have successfully set up the base record, you can expand the functionality. Synology supports integration with the smart home. You can customize scenarios: for example, when the Aqara door opener is triggered, the camera turns in the right direction (if there is a PTZ) and starts recording.
Use the app. DS Cam for mobile devices. It allows you to view streams in real time, control them. PTZ-You can use cameras and listen to two-way audio directly from your smartphone. DDNS Use Synology QuickConnect.
Regularly check the status of disks and event logs. The system will alert you to space shortages or recording errors. Automatic cleaning of the old archive (overwrite on top of the old one) should be enabled by default so that the system operates in a cyclical mode without human intervention.