CloudConnect: Video Upload Times

The following factors affect the amount of time it takes to transfer a video when a video request is made using the CloudConnect software:

1. Video Request Length:
   The length of video requested will affect the time it takes to transfer. Reducing the request to the minimum required time range will upload the minimum number of files from the vehicle and ensure the fastest transfer time.
2. Video Request Camera Quantity:
   The number of cameras that are requested will affect the transfer time. It is best practice to only request the views that are needed. If the vehicle has a road facing camera, driver facing camera, and 2 additional passenger/cargo facing cameras, when footage from a traffic accident occurs and fastest transfer is desired it is best to request the road facing camera view and driver facing camera and not request the additional passenger/cargo cameras. Request just 2 of the cameras will transfer twice as fast as all 4. If the exact time period for the event is not known, it is best to request a single camera view for the larger time period, then after review make another request for the other camera views from the specific event time period. This can reduce unnecessary upload of undesired video which would have significantly increased the time for upload.
   
   
3. DVR Recorded File Length:
   The DVR unit will record video in 10 minute files by default. If video is requested for a 1 minute period, and entire 10 minute file containing this 1 minute period is uploaded. If desired, the system can be configured to record in smaller file chunks such as 5 minutes or 2 minutes. This can increase speed considerably. If the majority of video requests are 10 minutes long, changing this will not increase speed and will result in more files sent up matching the requested time period.
   
   
4. DVR Recorded Bit Rate:
   Each video file is recorded based on a bitrate setting. The higher the bitrate setting the greater the video clarity. Reducing the bitrate setting will decrease video clarity but will result in smaller files and faster transfer times.
   
   
5. DVR Power Off Delay Time:
   File transfers can only occur when the DVR unit in the vehicle is online and has a network connection. Once the vehicle ignition is turned off, the unit will shut down after a preset time period (default 30 minutes). Increasing the power off delay time period will increase the amount of time the vehicle is available to upload files. If a request is made while the DVR is offline, it will not be transferred until the next time the vehicle is powered on and the DVR gets a network connection.
   
   
6. DVR Network Connection Speed:
   Some devices use 4G connection for uploads and others use Wi-Fi, depending on connection type, there are factors that may affect transfer speed: 
   • Wi-Fi - When a DVR is connected to Wi-Fi for transfer it is typically only connected when the vehicle is in a parking area, ensure adequate Wi-Fi coverage of the parking area and enough Access Point's (AP's) to handle the number of vehicles connecting at the same time is important. The location of the Wi-Fi antenna on the vehicle is important as well, the Wi-Fi antenna must be mounted near the vehicle exterior with best line-of-sight to the Wi-Fi AP(s). If connections are only made when in the parking area, most of the time the vehicle is not running, if requests are made after the vehicle is running, the DVR will only be able to upload as long as its Power Off Delay time (see above).
   • 4G - When a DVR is connected to 4G for transfer, the connection is usually active the entire time the vehicle is running. To get the best connection, the DVR unit's 4G antenna's should be placed near the vehicle exterior with minimal obstructions. If requests are made after the vehicle is running, the DVR will only be able to upload as long as its Power Off Delay time (see above).