Zmodo Beam Wi-Fi Extender & Hub for your Smart Home – A Comprehensive guide

In recent years, a lot of companies have started advancing comprehensive security solutions for smart homes. These security systems don’t just include individual security cameras – they include security cameras, entry sensors, doorbells, locks, and other security devices, all of which can be connected to a single network and made to communicate with each other.

For example, if one of the entry sensors gets triggered, the security cameras may automatically pan towards the sensors and start recording videos to send to your phone. This is a high level of customisation that wasn’t available – or affordable – a few years ago.

But as smart home technology has advanced, these systems have become more accessible. Zmodo, founded in 2009, stands out as one of the most affordable and accessible comprehensive security solutions on the market right now. The company produces high-quality security indoor cameras, outdoor cameras, video doorbells, and window and door sensors. All of these devices are connected to the same network and they actively communicate with each other.

However, for these devices to communicate with each other, they need to be in the same network. That becomes an issue in large homes – if your smart home devices are distributed across a vast geographical location, they can’t effectively connect to the same Wi-Fi network.

Well, Zmodo has a solution for that, as well, in the form of its Wi-Fi Extender and Hub called Zmodo Beam. But that’s not all – unlike most other Wi-Fi extenders, Zmodo Beam also functions as a smart home hub so it has a lot more utility than your typical Wi-Fi extender and it can connect to your existing Zmodo devices and sensors to send alerts.

In this article, we’ll discuss what Zmodo Beam is and how it can help you, and we’ll learn more about Zmodo security solutions.

Zmodo Beam, Simple by Design

Zmodo Beam is an extremely unobtrusive and minimalist device. It’s a brick-shaped white device measuring only 4.01" x 2.09" x 4.69” and it comes with three prongs. You can simply plug it into a regular 3-prong wall socket; there’s no need for complicated connections to router settings or wiring – simply connect it to the power socket. The device includes a status light on the front and a reset button on the side.

Zmodo Beam Features

The following is a detailed overview of Zmodo Beam’s features:

• Boost Signals: Zmodo Beam easily connects to your existing Wi-Fi network and extends the signal to a wider area. This is its primary function – making sure that there are no dead zones in your home and that all your Zmodo devices are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. It can boost signals to up to an area of 656 feet with 300Mbps.

• Smart Home Alerts: Zmodo Beam isn’t just a Wi-Fi extender – it also functions as a smart hub for your Zmodo devices. This device connects to your Zmodo doorbells and Zmodo window and door sensors. If someone presses the doorbell, this Wi-Fi extender starts chiming to let you know. Similarly, when the windows or doors open, it automatically sends a push alert to your smartphone.

• Connects all Zmodo Devices: Generally speaking, after installing the Zmodo app, you’ll have to install all the Zmodo devices individually, which can be a time-consuming process. However, Zmodo Beam automatically identifies all the Zmodo devices within its reach and connects them to the Zmodo app directly.

Zmodo Beam Specifications

• Boosted Wi-Fi Range: Up to 656ft/200m
• Wireless: Wi-Fi, 802.11 b/g/n
• Wi-Fi Speed: Up to 300mbps
• Working Modes: Access Point/Extender
• LED Light: Warm White
• Working Environment: 32°F to 104°F (Indoors)
• Power Supply: 90 - 240V AC Input USA Type A Plug
• Size: 4.01" x 2.09" x 4.69”
• Weight: 0.22lbs

Zmodo Beam Requirements

• 2.4GHz WPA/WPA2 Encrypted Wi-Fi Network
• iOS version 9.0 or above
• Android version 4.0 or above

Zmodo Beam Security

Zmodo Beam is one of the safest and most secure smart home solutions because their devices are connected to US-based servers and encrypted with industry-leading AES 256-bit encryption and a Transport Layer Security (TLS).

Zmodo Beam Cost

The Zmodo Beam Wi-Fi Extender costs $49 on the official website.

The best aspect of Zmodo devices is that you don’t have to pay a subscription fee for your Zmodo devices. You gain access to the recorded videos for 12 hours even if you don’t have a subscription plan. For some people, that’s enough time to access the recorded videos and save them to local storage if necessary.

However, the advanced cloud subscription packages give you access to the following features.

• The recorded videos can be stored in the cloud for 7 days or 30 days, depending on the cloud plan you opt for.
• You can set up smart motion zones within the cameras’ frame, i.e. you can demarcate zones that should or shouldn’t trigger the motion alert. This can reduce false alarms and focus your motion alarm better.
• The Zmodo app automatically creates time-lapse videos so you can go through the entire footage in a few minutes instead of spending hours on it.
• The Zmodo app comes with a video editing feature so you can modify and share the videos instantly through the app itself.

Zmodo Security System Features

Zmodo Beam doesn’t have a lot of features of its own – it’s primarily used to support your other Zmodo devices. As such, if you’re getting a Zmodo Beam, it’s likely that you’re also getting, or have already bought, a complete Zmodo security system. The following are some of the primary advantages and features of a Zmodo security system:

• Surveillance Cameras: You can add as many security cameras both indoors and outdoors as you want. The indoor security cameras are usually equipped with two-way audio communication, motion detection, and 16 feet of night vision. The outdoor cameras are weatherproof, have 65 feet of night vision, and are equipped with smart motion detection but without any audio support. You can connect all the cameras to the same network.
• DIY Installation: You can install the entire Zmodo security system on your own without any technical support. You can simply follow the instructions given in the manual and the system can be up and running within an hour.
• Wireless Devices: Most Zmodo devices are wireless – this means they don’t need ethernet connections to work but rather connect to your Wi-Fi network wirelessly. Most of them, however, do need to be connected to a power source.
• Mobile Alerts: Most Zmodo devices – Zmodo cameras, Zmodo window and door sensors, and Zmodo doorbells – send push notifications to your phone whenever they get triggered. The cameras get triggered by motion detection, the doorbells get triggered by motion or a simple doorbell ring, and the entry sensors get triggered when the windows or doors open and close.
• Smart Home Integration: Zmodo devices are all smart home compatible and they work with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant for voice control as well.
• Cloud Storage: The best aspect of Zmodo devices is that you get free cloud storage. The cameras and doorbells can store videos for up to 12 hours, which is enough time for you to view and download the videos to your phone. However, if you want the cloud to retain the videos for a longer duration, you’ll need to subscribe to one of Zmodo’s cloud plans.

Zmodo App Features

Zmodo App is extremely user friendly and gives you optimal control over all of your Zmodo devices. Once you add the Zmodo Beam to the app, all the other devices will automatically come online as well. Once they’re online, you can use the Zmodo app to enjoy the following features:

• Accessing live footage through the Zmodo cameras
• Communicating with other people using the two-way microphone and speakers included in the Zmodo doorbells and indoor cameras
• Receiving smart motion alerts and setting up motion zones for your security cameras
• Setting up schedules for motion detection
• Receiving alerts whenever the window and door sensors get triggered
• Viewing a complete timeline of motion alerts and entry sensor triggers
• Start or stop recording manually
• Take snapshots of live footage
• Create time-lapse videos of the footage so you can scan hours of video in a few minutes
• Edit and share recorded videos in the app
• Create and modify smart home modes like ‘away’, ‘sleep’, ‘home’, and others

Zmodo Beam Installation and set up

The following steps explain how to install Zmodo Beam:

• Connect the Zmodo Beam device to an AC outlet (90 - 240V AC Input).
• Download the Zmodo app from Google Play Store for Android phones or the App Store for iPhones.
• Create an account by entering your email address and phone number.
• Detect your Zmodo Beam and connect it to the smartphone’s 2.4GHz Wi-Fi network.
• Your Zmodo Beam is now configured and ready to transmit signals to your entire home.

Zmodo Support and Troubleshooting

Zmodo Support is available 24/7 by phone, live chat, or email – their representatives are distributed in offices across the globe including Europe, Australia, the United States, and China. You can usually find a representative in your home country, but they can’t really help you with technical support since there are a lot of Zmodo devices. In most cases, however, you can simply find the information you need to troubleshoot your Zmodo device from the online FAQs and knowledge base.

The following are answers to some of the most common troubleshooting problems associated with Zmodo devices.

How do I reset a Zmodo device?

Every Zmodo device comes with a reset button, although their location differs for each device. For example, in a Zmodo Beam, the reset button is located on the side. Find the reset button and hold it for 15 seconds.

What does it mean if a Zmodo device is blinking green?

If your Zmodo device is blinking green, it means you’re on the right path and the device is ready for a connection. You now have to download the Zmodo app, connect it to the Wi-Fi network and link your Zmodo device.

Why does my Zmodo camera go offline?

If your Zmodo camera has gone offline, it’s probably because of a connectivity issue. If there are no connectivity issues, then it may be because the camera is connected to the wrong SSID (wireless signal name). Most Zmodo cameras – with some exceptions – can only connect to 2.4Ghz Wi-Fi networks. Some people, however, have dual Wi-Fi networks – 2.4Ghz and 5Ghz – with the same SSID. In this case, your device may get confused and connect to the wrong Wi-Fi network.

You can rectify this issue by taking following steps:

• Go to your Wi-Fi router settings.
• Check your connection’s SSID and make sure both the 2.4Ghz and 5Ghz connections have different names.
• Now you can connect your Zmodo devices to the 2.4Ghz connection from the Zmodo app.

Other Zmodo Devices

As mentioned previously, Zmodo Beam merely supports your existing Zmodo devices and functions as a Wi-Fi extender and smart hub. The following is a list of some of Zmodo’s most popular devices that you can connect to the Zmodo Beam.

Zmodo Indoor Cameras

As the name suggests, Zmodo indoor cameras are installed within your home and they support two-way audio features, so you can communicate with your kids and pets when you’re away.

• Zmodo Sight 180: This is a 1080p camera with a 180° lens angle that can only be placed on a flat table since it doesn’t come with wall mounting brackets.
• Zmodo Sight 180 C: This is a 1080p camera with a 180° lens angle and it comes with mounting brackets, so it can be installed in walls and ceilings.
• Zmodo Snap PT: This is a 360° wireless Zmodo camera that can pan and tilt in all directions. It can be combined with your Zmodo window and door sensors so they automatically pan towards them when the sensors are triggered.

Zmodo Outdoor Cameras

Zmodo outdoor cameras are weatherproof cameras meant to be installed outside your home to prevent break-ins.

• Zmodo N Channel Business Security System: This is a complete network of Zmodo wired and wireless cameras with Zmodo repeaters and a Zmodo NVR.
• Zmodo 1080p Indoor/Outdoor Wi-Fi Camera: This is a 1080p outdoor Zmodo camera with advanced night vision and motion detection.
• Zmodo 720p Indoor/Outdoor Wi-Fi Camera: This is a 720p outdoor Zmodo camera with advanced night vision and motion detection.
• Zmodo Torch 360: This 360° Zmodo camera functions as a smart light as well because it’s fitted with an LED light with controllable lights and brightness. It doesn’t have night vision, but the ambient light provides enough light to capture videos.

Zmodo Doorbells

Zmodo doorbells are smart video doorbells attached to your door so you know who’s coming and you can communicate with visitors remotely even if you’re not home.

• Zmodo Greet Pro: Smart doorbell with a 1080p camera and two-way audio.
• Zmodo Greet HD: Smart doorbell with a 1080p camera, intercom, and smart motion detection – it works with Zmodo window and door sensors as well.

Zmodo Window and Door Sensors

Zmodo window and door sensors are entry sensors that get triggered whenever someone opens or closes the doors so you always know who’s coming and going. They can also work with devices like Zmodo Greet HD and Zmodo Snap PT – these panning cameras can turn towards the sensors when they’re triggered to capture video footage.

Conclusion

You have a lot of options on the market when it comes to Wi-Fi extenders – many of them are extremely cheap as well. However, it’s always beneficial to stay within a specific ecosystem. As such, if you have a Zmodo security system, then Zmodo Beam is the best Wi-Fi extender for you because it also functions as a smart hub for your devices and uniquely communicates with them.