Remote cameras via VPN - understanding bandwidth usage

[Elprebse]

Hi folks,

I am running 3 cameras on my BI server from a remote location. 6 more on LAN.
At that location WAN is 4G mobile data, and I have a 1000GB limit with my ISP (no other options there).
They are connected using internal IPs/ports through a VPN tunnel. BI server is running headless as a service.

All 3 cameras are setup with main and substreams and are recording only when triggered, which is typically 5-8 times per day in total.
10 second pre-trigger on camera E3.

1. Can anyone explain to me the logic behind main/substream. Especially how much/what is streamed to the server (for processing motion detection etc.), when not recording?
   Both streams or only substream? Can it be adjusted?
2. Can the bitrates in the status monitor directly translate to data upload?
3. Is it normal that camera E2's bitrate is 3x that of camera E1, when they are identical models (DS-2CD2342WD-I) with identical settings (see attachment)?

My objective is to lower the overall data usage from the location. Current usage is appr. 23-24GB per day, which leaves little room for other devices.

[HeneryH]

I suspect BI listens/ingests both main and substreams in their fullness but only records one or the other based on the logic settings in BI.

To get to your specifics... I don't think BI can save you bandwidth by only ingesting one stream or the other.

Experts?

You might need to spring for a second BI license and machine at your remote location and then just manage/view it remotely. BI will give you a discount for a second license.

[louyo]

You are replying to a post back in March. I think the recent outage borked the forums as well as other assorted features of Blue Iris. I suspect they are still in damage control.
I do best, performance wise, using TightVnc across a VPN.

Lou