Modernize Security Cameras Without Rip and Replace

Quick Summary

• Adopting Rhombus does not require replacing an entire camera fleet.
• Relay Core N100 and Relay Lite bring compatible third-party cameras into the Rhombus cloud-managed platform, which supports phased migration.
• Relay Core connects cameras through Real-Time Streaming Protocol streams and uses Open Network Video Interface Forum support when available. Buyers should verify each model before deployment.
• Connected cameras gain centralized remote access, unified management, and supported alerts and analytics. You can then add Rhombus cameras where they provide the most value.

Why “Rip and Replace” Is the Wrong Mental Model

A cloud video security migration does not automatically require replacing every camera. Organizations often assume otherwise because traditional video systems tightly couple cameras with a network video recorder, management software, and vendor-specific hardware. A platform change can therefore look like a complete hardware project even when much of the installed fleet still works.

Fleet-wide replacement creates avoidable problems when existing cameras remain serviceable. IT managers must plan network changes and limit downtime. Security directors must preserve coverage during installation. Facilities leaders must account for the remaining value of cameras, cabling, mounts, and prior labor. Replacing all equipment at once concentrates those costs and operational risks into one project.

A phased migration treats the camera fleet as infrastructure that can be adapted over time. Compatible third-party cameras can connect to Rhombus through Relay Core or Relay Lite, while Rhombus cameras can be added at locations where newer hardware provides the most value. You might prioritize high-risk entrances, difficult investigation areas, or cameras approaching end of life.

For organizations with compatible, functional cameras, phased migration is usually the more practical starting point. It spreads capital spending across planned upgrade cycles, reduces installation disruption, and avoids discarding useful hardware. You can also test cloud-managed access and centralized operations at a limited number of sites before expanding the deployment. Camera compatibility, network requirements, and connector capacity still need validation before rollout.

How Relay Core N100 and Relay Lite Connect Existing Cameras

Relay Core N100 connects compatible third-party cameras to the Rhombus cloud-managed platform. The N100 appliance fits deployments that require greater connector capacity, while Relay Lite provides a smaller-scale option for sites with fewer cameras. Buyers should confirm current channel limits and deployment requirements in the Relay connector specifications.

Relay Core N100 uses Real-Time Streaming Protocol, or RTSP, to receive video streams from third-party cameras. RTSP provides the baseline connection. When a camera supports Open Network Video Interface Forum, or ONVIF, the connector can use that standard to discover the camera and exchange supported device information. A camera does not need every ONVIF function to stream through RTSP, but its exact model and configuration must be compatible.

Once connected, authorized users can view supported cameras remotely and manage them alongside Rhombus cameras in one console. Depending on the camera, configuration, and licensed capabilities, users may also apply alerts, search tools, and analytics to connected video. Feature availability can differ from native Rhombus cameras because third-party hardware determines image quality, stream options, and other device-level functions.

Relay Core N100 and Relay Lite therefore support a hybrid deployment. You can keep compatible cameras in service, add Rhombus cameras where native capabilities provide more value, and manage both groups through the same cloud interface.

The Phased Migration Framework

1. Inventory the current camera fleet. Record each camera’s model, firmware, location, condition, and supported streaming protocols. Document network paths and retention requirements separately. The inventory identifies cameras for compatibility testing and helps you avoid budgeting for replacements before you know whether they are necessary.
2. Connect a representative group of existing cameras. Choose Relay Core N100 or Relay Lite based on the site design and required connector capacity. Start with cameras from different models and locations so you can test realistic network conditions. Confirm that users can access video remotely and use the Rhombus console functions supported by the deployment. A limited rollout reduces installation work and reveals compatibility issues before they affect multiple sites.
3. Place native Rhombus cameras where they add the most value. Prioritize cameras approaching end of life or failing to meet current coverage requirements. You can also target locations that need capabilities available through a suitable Rhombus model. For example, a critical entrance may justify replacement before a low-traffic storage area. Selective replacement directs the initial budget toward clear operational needs.
4. Expand during planned refresh cycles. Replace additional third-party cameras when they fail, reach the end of their useful life, or become costly to maintain. Add Relay capacity where compatible cameras remain practical. Staging the work by site or budget period reduces downtime and avoids coordinating a fleet-wide installation.
5. Choose the long-term mix based on operating results. Review support effort, network performance, camera reliability, and the features available at each location. Some organizations may eventually standardize on Rhombus cameras, while others may keep a hybrid fleet. A hybrid fleet lets you modernize on a planned schedule while keeping compatible, serviceable hardware in use.

Full Replacement vs. Phased Migration

A full replacement delivers a consistent camera fleet sooner, while phased migration spreads cost and deployment work over time. For organizations with compatible, serviceable cameras, phased migration can limit upfront spending and installation work while providing access to cloud video security.

Compatibility and Proof-of-Concept Checklist

Use this checklist before approving connector purchases or planning a multi-site rollout.

• Create a model-level inventory. Record each camera’s manufacturer, model, firmware version, resolution, frame rate, and location. Verify that each camera provides a Real-Time Streaming Protocol (RTSP) stream. Confirm Open Network Video Interface Forum (ONVIF) support where available.
• Validate cameras with their current firmware. Support can vary by model and firmware version, even within one product family. Test the exact combinations installed at your sites rather than relying on a general manufacturer claim.
• Review network design. Confirm that cameras can reach Relay Core N100 or Relay Lite across the required network segments. Document firewall rules, virtual local area networks, camera credentials, and any restrictions between sites.
• Estimate bandwidth requirements. Camera resolution, frame rate, compression settings, and viewing patterns affect network use. Measure representative streams during normal operation and peak remote viewing periods.
• Check connector and channel capacity. Match the number and type of camera streams against the supported capacity of each connector. Use the current Relay connector specifications when sizing Relay Core N100 or Relay Lite.
• Calculate full deployment costs. Include connector hardware, network changes, installation labor, configuration work, and any planned camera replacements. A phased rollout lowers initial spending, but each site can have different infrastructure requirements.
• Assign firmware ownership. Your organization remains responsible for monitoring, testing, and updating third-party camera firmware. Rhombus manages its platform and native devices, but it does not take over maintenance for connected third-party cameras.
• Run a scoped proof of concept. Select a representative site with several camera models and realistic network conditions. Test live and recorded video access, alerts, analytics, user permissions, and remote administration.
• Set acceptance criteria before testing. Define required image quality, connection stability, alert behavior, bandwidth use, and administrative effort. Use the results to adjust connector sizing and migration plans before expanding.

Where Existing NVRs Fit In

Relay Core N100 can connect compatible cameras to Rhombus without using an existing network video recorder (NVR) as an intermediary. The connector receives camera streams directly, so core Rhombus functions do not depend on the legacy recorder remaining online.

An existing NVR can remain in place when you need supplemental on-premise storage or want to preserve local archives during migration. The NVR remains optional infrastructure rather than a requirement for Relay Core.

Running both systems may require each camera to provide concurrent streams, which can increase network traffic. Before keeping the NVR, confirm that each camera supports the necessary concurrent streams and that the network can handle both recording paths. You should also compare the cost of maintaining the recorder against the value of additional local retention.

Where Phased Migration Hits Its Limits

A phased migration works best when existing cameras have useful service life and can meet each site’s requirements. Cameras that cannot provide a compatible Real-Time Streaming Protocol (RTSP) stream may need replacement. A lack of Open Network Video Interface Forum (ONVIF) support does not automatically rule out a camera, since Relay Core uses ONVIF only when the camera supports it. A proof of concept should confirm actual compatibility.

Aging cameras can make full replacement more practical at certain locations. Relay cannot correct poor image quality, unreliable hardware, unavailable firmware updates, or components nearing end-of-life. Continuing to maintain such cameras may cost more than replacing them during a planned installation window.

Native Rhombus cameras may also provide model-specific analytics or management capabilities that third-party cameras cannot deliver through Relay. Sites that require those capabilities immediately may benefit from direct replacement. You can still keep compatible third-party cameras elsewhere and replace them as budgets, maintenance schedules, and operational needs allow.

FAQs

Do I have to replace all my cameras to use Rhombus?

No. You can connect compatible third-party cameras through Relay Core N100 or Relay Lite, then add Rhombus cameras where their native capabilities provide more value.

What cameras work with Relay Core?

Relay Core connects cameras that provide a Real-Time Streaming Protocol (RTSP) stream. Compatibility depends on the camera model, firmware, network design, and available connector capacity. Validate representative models through a proof of concept and review the Relay connector specifications.

Does Relay Core require ONVIF support?

No. RTSP streaming provides the baseline connection. Relay Core uses ONVIF, a camera interoperability standard, when the camera supports it.

Can I keep my existing NVR?

Yes. Relay Core does not require a network video recorder (NVR) for core operation. You can retain an existing NVR when your organization needs supplemental on-premise storage or has other local retention requirements.

Who maintains third-party camera firmware?

Your organization remains responsible for updating and securing third-party camera firmware. Rhombus manages its platform and native devices, but connecting an existing camera does not transfer firmware maintenance to Rhombus.

What do connected third-party cameras gain?

Compatible cameras become accessible through the Rhombus cloud-managed platform. Available functions can include centralized remote viewing, alerts, analytics, and management, depending on the camera, connector, and deployment configuration.

Start With a Proof of Concept

A proof of concept lets you confirm compatibility and deployment costs before approving a broader migration. Test a representative group of camera models and sites. Verify Real-Time Streaming Protocol (RTSP) connectivity, Open Network Video Interface Forum (ONVIF) support where available, network performance, connector capacity, remote access, alerts, and analytics.

Use the results to decide which existing cameras should remain and where native Rhombus cameras would add value. A limited trial lets you resolve compatibility, capacity, and network issues before expanding to the wider fleet.

Schedule a live demo to assess how Rhombus could work with your existing camera environment.