HomeKit Secure Video Not recording

I recently encountered an issue with my LogiTech Circle View Doorbell camera, which is compatible with HomeKit Secure Video (HKSV). After some troubleshooting, I discovered that the underlying problem was related to the network configuration. I’d like to share my experience in case it helps others facing similar challenges.

Here’s what I found:

Network Architecture:

• • I maintain multiple VLANs in my home network, including separate segments for IoT devices and cameras.
  • My setup includes an Apple TV (ATV) as the HomeKit hub, as my HomePod didn’t perform optimally in that role.

Camera and IoT VLANs:

• • I connected my ATV to the IoT VLAN and the LogiTech camera to the Camera VLAN.
  • Both the IoT and Camera VLANs have WiFi networks that operate exclusively on the 2.4GHz band (important: avoid 5GHz).

iPhone Configuration:

• • My iPhone is on a separate VLAN from both IoT and Camera.
  • I’ve set up one-way communication from iPhone VLAN to both IoT and Camera using firewall rules.
  • The camera VLAN is blocked from internet access, while IoT devices have internet access (primarily for updates).

Critical Consideration:

• • HKSV requires two-way traffic between the camera and HomeKit hubs (ATV or HomePod). At least this is what I discovered from hours of working on this.
  • If you’re using separate VLANs, ensure that this two-way communication is allowed.
  • If you have a single VLAN with both IoT and cameras connected, ensuring that they operate on the 2.4 GHz band (rather than 5 GHz) is crucial for HKSV functionality.

In summary, if you’re experiencing HKSV issues, consider implementing separate VLANs for better network segmentation. It’s a highly recommended practice for maintaining security and optimizing performance. I discovered in my logs, after configuring my VLANs, that my LogiTech doorbell camera was attempting to communicate with a server in China—an occurrence I found quite peculiar.