Camera Direct FAQ

2026-08-18

Version 3.0

Overview

Brivo Eagle Eye Camera Direct is a simple solution that offers system flexibility and is ideal for businesses with multiple locations that require only a few cameras at each. Deploy Camera Direct cameras as a stand-alone cloud surveillance solution without the need for a Brivo Eagle Eye Bridge/CMVR, or combine them with an existing Brivo Eagle Eye camera system that’s already Bridge/CMVR connected and on Brivo Eagle Eye Video.

Questions & Answers

Is Camera Direct a new Cloud-based VMS?

No, Camera Direct is a direct-to-cloud solution that utilizes Brivo Eagle Eye Video and eliminates the need for a Bridge/CMVR. This means that there is essentially no training or education required, and your certified technicians are already ready for their first Camera Direct installation.

How are Camera Direct cameras added to the Eagle Eye Cloud VMS?

Connect your Camera Direct cameras to the internet and add them to Brivo Eagle Eye Video using their MAC addresses, or use the Brivo Eagle Eye Viewer mobile app for a simple setup by scanning the on-camera QR codes. Once added, your cameras will be ready to view in Brivo Eagle Eye Video quickly. Read this Setup Guide for more information.

What features are supported in Camera Direct and which ones are not?

Camera Direct connects cameras straight to the cloud with no on-site Bridge/CMVR, so most Bridge-dependent features simply move to the cloud and still work: Live View, History Browser, PTZ, motion detection, Smart Video Search, Smart Layouts, cloud AI analytics (Precision Person/Vehicle Detection, EEVA), Cloud LPR (all cameras, no VSP needed), Brivo Access integration, Camera I/O output triggers, pre-recorded audio-on-event, and Tunnel to Camera (remote access to the camera's UI without a VPN); Edge Storage Cloud Sync also covers the no-Bridge gap by buffering to the SD card during outages and back-filling the cloud on reconnect. What's not supported: on-Bridge analytics like line crossing and people counting (no Bridge to run them), full live 2-way audio/talkdown (only select camera models, still coming on i-PRO), and true local NVR storage (the SD card is for outage buffering, not long-term storage) — on-camera edge analytics (as opposed to cloud-side LPR/EEVA) is also currently limited to Axis and Brivo Eagle Eye Pro series cameras, with i-PRO in development.

Can customers that require more than 6 cameras use Camera Direct?

There is no limit to the number of cameras you can add using Camera Direct. Sizing is bandwidth math (~750 kbps-1250 per camera; ~40 cameras on a 30 Mbps uplink); Low-Bandwidth Mode cuts steady-state upload up to 70% for LTE and DSL sites.

Is Camera Direct interoperable with Bridge/CMVR supported cameras?

Yes, Camera Direct cameras can be mixed with Brivo Eagle Eye Bridge/CMVR-supported cameras to expand security system coverage in either a new or existing location. In cases where the security system grows, and a Bridge/CMVR is needed in the future, Camera Direct cameras can be connected to any Brivo Eagle Eye Bridge/CMVR.

Can Camera Direct cameras be added to an existing sub-account on the Eagle Eye Cloud VMS?

Yes, Camera Direct cameras can be added to an existing account within Brivo Eagle Eye Video. All of the cameras show up in the dashboard in the “direct-to-cloud” section and can be added to existing Layouts if required.

If a non-Camera Direct camera is added to the VMS, what will happen?

The camera will not work and will appear offline. Please note that you will not receive an error message when you add the camera, so do not add unsupported cameras.

Are there any Cloud VMS limitations with Camera Direct?

Yes. LPR/VSP, 2-Way Audio, and Bridge Analytics (line crossing, people counting, etc.) are not supported at present. However, Camera Analytics for Axis cameras and Brivo Eagle Eye Pro series, motion detection, and AI-driven functionality like EEVA, Smart Video Search, and Smart Layouts, along with the Brivo integration, will still function as expected.

Is Camera Direct video encrypted similar to a Bridge/CMVR, including the SD card?

Except for video that is stored on the SD card, video data is always secure and encrypted. This includes during transmission, storage, and playback.

Can I remotely connect and VPN tunnel into Camera Direct cameras?

Yes, remote tunneling is now available in all Camera Direct cameras.

Do PTZ functions operate as expected with Camera Direct?

Yes, PTZ functions for a Camera Direct camera can be accessed from the live view of the camera. The controls are the same as those used for a Bridge/CMVR connected camera.

How much bandwidth does a Camera Direct camera use?

Camera Direct cameras always stream full-resolution video to the cloud and require sufficient bandwidth. The amount of bandwidth needed depends on the resolution and bitrate set in the camera settings. For example, for 1080p, see the values below (these vary by resolution).
Sizing is bandwidth math (~750 kbps per camera; ~40 cameras on a 30 Mbps uplink); Low-Bandwidth Mode cuts steady-state upload up to 70% for LTE and DSL sites.

Do I need to open ports or set firewall rules for Camera Direct?

Camera Direct uses the following TCP ports. All connections are outbound-only, meaning they never accept inbound connections (so you do NOT need to set up, e.g., NAT rules).
TCP 80: Used to discover video termination endpoints in the cloud
TCP 443: Used to discover video termination endpoints in the cloud
TCP 8181: Used to transfer video to the cloud

Brivo Eagle Eye Camera Direct Subnets
Dispatch1v1.cameramanager.com
dispatch1v1.eagleeyenetworks.com
dispatch2v1.cameramanager.com
dispatch2v1.eagleeyenetworks.com
192.40.4.124
192.40.5.26
Additionally, the IP addresses used as outbound IPs for the Brivo Eagle Eye Bridge need to be whitelisted. More details can be found here.

Does Camera Direct work with Brivo Access integration?

Yes, the Brivo Access integration is cloud-to-cloud, and since Camera Direct connects to Brivo Eagle Eye Video, it will also work with Brivo Access.

How do I resolve camera offline status issues?

Check if the camera is accessible locally and has a stable internet connection. If it does, please contact our technical support team at support@een.com.

With sufficient local storage, can Camera Direct function as a CMVR?

Camera Direct functions more similarly to a bridge. Video is always synced to the cloud and is not intended for local storage, regardless of data capacity.

Are other camera manufacturers compatible with Eagle Eye Camera Direct?

Yes, Axis and I-Pro cameras are supported by Camera Direct and can be directly connected to the Cloud VMS without a bridge or CMVR. For more information about supported features and cameras, read App Note 078 and Video App Note 100.

Pricing & Billing

Is Camera Direct available via Eagle Eye Complete (an Operational Expenditure model)?

Yes, Camera Direct cameras can be purchased as part of the Brivo Eagle Eye Complete offering if desired. Brivo Eagle Eye Complete is a purchasing plan that allows you to reduce upfront costs and pay for the hardware as part of the subscription. View the Brivo Eagle Eye Complete web page for more details.

Understanding Edge Storage Cloud Sync

Is video recorded during an internet outage accessible?

Yes. The camera always records on the SD Card, and when the camera comes back online, all the data from the offline period is synced to the cloud.

Is a firmware update needed for Edge Storage Cloud Sync to work?

No, all existing firmware works with Edge Storage Cloud Sync.

How do I enable the Edge Storage Cloud Sync feature for a camera?

Insert the SD card in the camera. If it is a Brivo Eagle Eye Camera, the SD card will be formatted automatically from the cloud. Once configured, the camera will start recording to the SD card automatically. After you complete the steps above, Cloud Storage Edge Sync will automatically be enabled for the camera.

Are SD cards included with Camera Direct cameras?

No. Brivo recommends you procure the SD cards sold by Brivo, which have been stress-tested and approved for use with Camera Direct cameras.

Are there any limitations on the storage size of SD cards supported?

The storage size is dependent on the camera that you are using and not on Camera Direct.

Will Eagle Eye Cabinet Systems require updates to support Edge Storage Cloud Sync?

No. Brivo Eagle Eye Camera Direct Cabinet Systems include pre-installed and pre-formatted SD cards. No software update is required to use Edge Storage Cloud Sync.

How can I share feedback and suggestions about Camera Direct?

Please send all product-related feedback and recommendations to the Product Management team at pm_team@een.com.

For support please email: support@een.com

or give us a call at: 512-473-0501

Eagle Eye Knowledge Base

US: +1-512-473-0501

EU: 31 (0) 20 26 10 461

ASIA PACIFIC: +81-(3)-6869-5477

#1 In Cloud Media Video Surveillance Worldwide

Camera Direct FAQ

Camera Direct FAQ

Camera Direct FAQ

Is Camera Direct a new Cloud-based VMS?

No, Camera Direct is a direct-to-cloud solution that utilizes Brivo Eagle Eye Video and eliminates the need for a Bridge/CMVR. This means that there is essentially no training or education required, and your certified technicians are already ready for their first Camera Direct installation.

How are Camera Direct cameras added to the Eagle Eye Cloud VMS?

What features are supported in Camera Direct and which ones are not?

Can customers that require more than 6 cameras use Camera Direct?

There is no limit to the number of cameras you can add using Camera Direct. Sizing is bandwidth math (~750 kbps-1250 per camera; ~40 cameras on a 30 Mbps uplink); Low-Bandwidth Mode cuts steady-state upload up to 70% for LTE and DSL sites.

Is Camera Direct interoperable with Bridge/CMVR supported cameras?

Can Camera Direct cameras be added to an existing sub-account on the Eagle Eye Cloud VMS?

Yes, Camera Direct cameras can be added to an existing account within Brivo Eagle Eye Video. All of the cameras show up in the dashboard in the “direct-to-cloud” section and can be added to existing Layouts if required.

If a non-Camera Direct camera is added to the VMS, what will happen?

The camera will not work and will appear offline. Please note that you will not receive an error message when you add the camera, so do not add unsupported cameras.

Are there any Cloud VMS limitations with Camera Direct?

Is Camera Direct video encrypted similar to a Bridge/CMVR, including the SD card?

Except for video that is stored on the SD card, video data is always secure and encrypted. This includes during transmission, storage, and playback.

Can I remotely connect and VPN tunnel into Camera Direct cameras?

Yes, remote tunneling is now available in all Camera Direct cameras.

Do PTZ functions operate as expected with Camera Direct?

Yes, PTZ functions for a Camera Direct camera can be accessed from the live view of the camera. The controls are the same as those used for a Bridge/CMVR connected camera.

How much bandwidth does a Camera Direct camera use?

Do I need to open ports or set firewall rules for Camera Direct?

Does Camera Direct work with Brivo Access integration?

Yes, the Brivo Access integration is cloud-to-cloud, and since Camera Direct connects to Brivo Eagle Eye Video, it will also work with Brivo Access.

How do I resolve camera offline status issues?

Check if the camera is accessible locally and has a stable internet connection. If it does, please contact our technical support team at support@een.com.

With sufficient local storage, can Camera Direct function as a CMVR?

Camera Direct functions more similarly to a bridge. Video is always synced to the cloud and is not intended for local storage, regardless of data capacity.

Are other camera manufacturers compatible with Eagle Eye Camera Direct?

Yes, Axis and I-Pro cameras are supported by Camera Direct and can be directly connected to the Cloud VMS without a bridge or CMVR. For more information about supported features and cameras, read App Note 078 and Video App Note 100.

Is Camera Direct available via Eagle Eye Complete (an Operational Expenditure model)?

Is video recorded during an internet outage accessible?

Yes. The camera always records on the SD Card, and when the camera comes back online, all the data from the offline period is synced to the cloud.

Is a firmware update needed for Edge Storage Cloud Sync to work?

No, all existing firmware works with Edge Storage Cloud Sync.

How do I enable the Edge Storage Cloud Sync feature for a camera?

Are SD cards included with Camera Direct cameras?

No. Brivo recommends you procure the SD cards sold by Brivo, which have been stress-tested and approved for use with Camera Direct cameras.Are there any limitations on the storage size of SD cards supported?

The storage size is dependent on the camera that you are using and not on Camera Direct.

Will Eagle Eye Cabinet Systems require updates to support Edge Storage Cloud Sync?

No. Brivo Eagle Eye Camera Direct Cabinet Systems include pre-installed and pre-formatted SD cards. No software update is required to use Edge Storage Cloud Sync.

How can I share feedback and suggestions about Camera Direct?

Please send all product-related feedback and recommendations to the Product Management team at pm_team@een.com.

No. Brivo recommends you procure the SD cards sold by Brivo, which have been stress-tested and approved for use with Camera Direct cameras.

Are there any limitations on the storage size of SD cards supported?