REOLINK RLN12W 16-Channel Wi-Fi 6 NVR with 2TB HDD: specs and who it suits

The REOLINK RLN12W is a network video recorder (NVR) that records and manages footage from Reolink security cameras. It has 16 channels, dual-band Wi-Fi 6 and a built-in 2TB hard drive, so recordings stay on a device in your own home. Here is what the specs mean and how it fits with the cameras you may already have.

What an NVR does

An NVR is the box that receives video from IP cameras, stores it and lets you view it live or play it back later. Because the storage is a local drive, recordings don't depend on a cloud subscription. Reolink states that no additional fees are needed for live view and remote access.

It works with Reolink cameras only

This is the most important point. Reolink says the NVR works with its own cameras, with the exception of the 4G LTE versions. Cameras from other brands aren't covered by that statement. The brand lists compatibility with 16MP, 12MP, 8MP, 5MP and 4MP Reolink cameras.

Wi-Fi 6 and dual-band connection

The RLN12W has Wi-Fi 6 on both the 2.4 and 5 GHz bands, with WPA3 security. Reolink says this gives greater stability, quicker video transmission and lower latency. In general, 5 GHz is faster over short distances and 2.4 GHz reaches further through walls, so having both gives you flexibility in where cameras sit.

The model title notes that it does not have PoE ports. To add PoE cameras, Reolink says to use a Reolink PoE switch, or to connect a network cable and a power adapter. Battery Wi-Fi cameras can be added once both the camera and the NVR have the latest firmware. Plug-in Wi-Fi cameras need Ethernet cables for the first network configuration.

Recording and storage

The NVR records 24/7 to its built-in 2TB hard drive, and the storage can be expanded to 16TB. How many days of footage 2TB holds depends on how many cameras you add, their resolution and their recording settings. Higher-resolution cameras and continuous recording fill a drive faster than motion-triggered recording.

Live view and remote access

You can view live feeds and control the cameras from anywhere with an internet connection. Reolink says two-way audio needs a speaker to be added. Setup is meant to be simple: Wi-Fi cameras connect to the recorder without wiring, and all cameras are managed in one place.

Who it suits

It suits households that already own Reolink Wi-Fi cameras, or plan to, and want local recording with up to 16 cameras on one recorder. If you would rather use wired PoE cameras throughout, the missing PoE ports are worth weighing.

What to check before you buy

• Camera brand and model: confirm that every camera is a Reolink model the NVR supports.
• Wi-Fi coverage: check signal strength where each camera goes, since wireless cameras depend on it.
• Firmware: update battery cameras and the NVR before pairing them.
• Storage needs: estimate how many days of footage you need, and whether you want to add a larger drive.
• Placement: keep the recorder somewhere ventilated and out of sight, as the manual advises.
• Privacy and local rules: check the rules on filming public areas or neighbouring property.

The short version

• A 16-channel NVR, model RLN12W, with Wi-Fi 6 on 2.4 and 5 GHz.
• Built-in 2TB drive, expandable to 16TB, with 24/7 local recording.
• Works with Reolink cameras only (excluding 4G LTE versions).
• No PoE ports; PoE cameras need a PoE switch.
• Live view and remote access with no additional fees, per Reolink.

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