{"product_id":"reolink-36ch-network-video-recorder-rln36-expandable-36-cam-nvr","title":"REOLINK 36CH Network Video Recorder RLN36 - Expandable 36-Cam NVR","description":"\u003cp\u003eIn this review of the REOLINK RLN36 Network Video Recorder, the bottom line is simple: it is aimed at homeowners and small businesses who want a robust, expandable Reolink-only NVR that can manage many PoE cameras without fuss. The RLN36 stands out for letting users manage up to 36 compatible Reolink PoE cameras and for providing three HDD bays for long-term local storage; for anyone building a multi-camera 4K system and prioritizing integrated, local recording capacity, this NVR delivers clear advantages.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e36-camera management:\u003c\/strong\u003e The unit can simultaneously manage up to 36 Reolink IP cameras, making it suitable for larger residential sites or small commercial properties.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eReolink camera compatibility:\u003c\/strong\u003e Works with a broad range of Reolink PoE cameras including 12MP, 4K, 5MP, and 4MP models for consistent integration and feature support.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eExpandable via PoE switches:\u003c\/strong\u003e You can connect up to four PoE switches to the LAN ports to separate camera groups and extend coverage without latency issues.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eThree HDD bays:\u003c\/strong\u003e Three internal bays each support up to 16TB drives for a combined 48TB of local storage, suitable for multi-day continuous recording scenarios.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFast data transfer:\u003c\/strong\u003e The included USB 3.0 port helps back up important footage quickly to an external drive for archive or evidence export.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eIntegrated detection and playback:\u003c\/strong\u003e Integrates human and vehicle detection from compatible cameras to make event playback and search more useful.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWho It's For\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe RLN36 is best for homeowners with large properties, small business owners, or installers who already use or plan to standardize on Reolink PoE cameras and need local, business-grade storage and centralized management. It is especially useful where uninterrupted local recording and the option to scale up to dozens of cameras matter more than cross-brand compatibility.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThose who should look elsewhere include users who want an NVR that supports many non-Reolink camera brands or who prefer an all-cloud, subscription-based solution; this model is explicitly designed for Reolink PoE and specific compatible cameras and does not promise universal ONVIF compatibility with every third-party camera.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePros \u0026amp; Cons\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePros\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSupports up to 36 Reolink PoE cameras for large surveillance deployments without additional NVR units.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThree HDD bays allow up to 48TB of local storage, enabling extended continuous recording windows.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eExpandable via up to four PoE switches for flexible physical layout and reduced latency.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUSB 3.0 port and audio jacks provide practical backup and two-way audio connectivity with supported cameras.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCons\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOnly guaranteed to work with Reolink IP PoE cameras, so mixed-brand systems may not be supported.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNo HDDs included, so initial setup requires purchasing and installing compatible drives separately.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eProduct Type\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNetwork Video Recorder (NVR)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSupported Cameras\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eUp to 36 Reolink PoE IP cameras (12MP\/4K\/5MP\/4MP)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eHDD Bays\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e3 bays, each up to 16TB (NO HDD included)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eExpandable Ports\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLAN ports support connection to up to 4 PoE switches\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBackup Port\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eUSB 3.0 for fast external backup\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAudio\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMic\/speaker connections for two-way talk (RCA converters may be required)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eOur Verdict\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe RLN36 is a practical choice for users invested in the Reolink ecosystem who need a single NVR to handle dozens of PoE cameras with substantial local storage. It offers good value for larger deployments, straightforward expansion via PoE switches, and the capacity for business-grade recording, provided you plan to buy and install your own HDDs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDoes the RLN36 work with non-Reolink cameras?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAnswer: It is designed to work specifically with Reolink PoE IP cameras; support for other brands is not guaranteed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow much local storage can I install?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAnswer: The unit has three HDD bays with each supporting up to 16TB, allowing a maximum of 48TB total storage (HDDs not included).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan I expand camera connections with PoE switches?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAnswer: Yes, you can connect up to four PoE switches to the NVR LAN ports to separate and extend camera groups while maintaining integrated management.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"REOLINK","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48636668870875,"sku":"B09Y5VTBQW","price":189.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0724\/1043\/1707\/files\/41d1ytWu5oL._AC_SL1500.jpg?v=1778725359","url":"https:\/\/gearmusthave.com\/products\/reolink-36ch-network-video-recorder-rln36-expandable-36-cam-nvr","provider":"GearMustHave","version":"1.0","type":"link"}