How to Connect the GardePro Link Hub to Your Home Router
If you have just opened your GardePro Link 1.0 system, you may have a question that has come up for some first-time users:
If my home already has Wi-Fi, why does the Link Hub still need an Ethernet connection?
The answer becomes much clearer once you understand that Link 1.0 uses two different types of connections.
The cameras communicate wirelessly with the Link Hub. The Hub, in turn, connects to your home network through Ethernet.
In simple terms:
The cameras are wireless, but the Hub is wired to your home network.
This guide focuses on the practical side of getting started with Link 1.0. You'll learn how to connect the Hub to your home router, how the included passive PoE adapter fits into the setup, where to connect the Ethernet cable, and how to handle common home network configurations.
If you are interested in the technology behind the long-range wireless connection itself, see our guide to How Long-Range Wireless Trail Cameras Work.
Before You Begin
Before starting the installation, make sure you have the following:
- A GardePro Link Hub
- One or more compatible cameras
- The included passive PoE adapter
- The included Ethernet cable
- A home router or network gateway with an available LAN/Ethernet port
- The GardePro Link app
The Hub needs both power and a connection to your home network.
The included passive PoE adapter is part of the standard Hub setup and is used to provide power to the Hub through the Ethernet connection.
You do not need to change your existing Wi-Fi network simply because you are installing Link 1.0.
How the Link Hub Connects to Your Home Network
The basic connection is simple:
Home Router → Ethernet → Link Hub → Wireless → Compatible Camera(s)
There are two separate connections to understand.
Hub to Home Router
The Link Hub connects to your home network through an Ethernet connection.
This gives the Hub access to the network connection it needs to communicate with the app and cloud services.
Hub to Camera
The compatible cameras communicate wirelessly with the Link Hub.
The cameras do not need to connect directly to your home's Wi-Fi network.
You can think of the overall connection like this:
Camera → Wireless Connection → Link Hub → Ethernet → Home Router → Internet → GardePro Link App
This is also why the Ethernet cable does not need to run all the way from your house to an outdoor camera. The cable is used between the Hub and your home network, while the camera communicates wirelessly with the Hub.
Step 1: Find an Available LAN/Ethernet Port
Start by looking at the back of your home router or network gateway.
Many standard home routers have several Ethernet ports labeled:
- LAN 1
- LAN 2
- LAN 3
- LAN 4
These ports are normally used to connect wired devices to your home network.
Find an available LAN/Ethernet port and connect the Ethernet cable as part of the Link Hub setup.
What About the WAN or Internet Port?
Many routers also have a port labeled WAN, Internet, or something similar.
On a typical home router, this port is used for the router's upstream Internet connection.
For the Link Hub, use an available LAN/Ethernet port rather than the WAN/Internet port.
If your router has an unusual port layout, check the manufacturer's documentation to identify the correct LAN connection.
Step 2: Connect the Included Passive PoE Adapter
The Link Hub also needs power.
Use the included passive PoE adapter as part of the standard Hub setup.
The adapter supplies power to the Hub through the Ethernet connection.
For the initial installation, use the adapter and cables supplied with the Link Hub rather than substituting an unrelated power or PoE solution unless compatibility has been confirmed.
You do not need to understand the technical details of PoE to complete the installation.
The simple idea is:
The Ethernet connection links the Hub to your network, while the included passive PoE adapter provides power to the Hub through the Ethernet connection.
Step 3: Connect the Hub to Your Home Network
Once the Hub is connected to your router and receiving power, it can join your home network.
The Link Hub requires a home router with DHCP enabled.
What Is DHCP?
DHCP stands for Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol.
In simple terms, DHCP allows your router to automatically assign a network address to connected devices.
For example, when you connect a laptop, smart TV, or other wired device to your home router, you normally do not have to manually enter its network address. The router handles this automatically through DHCP.
Most standard consumer routers have DHCP enabled by default.
If DHCP has been manually disabled or your home network uses a more advanced configuration, check your router settings before completing the Link Hub setup.
Step 4: Complete Camera Pairing
After connecting the Hub to your home network, use the GardePro Link app to complete the system setup and pair your compatible cameras.
For initial pairing, keep the camera reasonably close to the Hub.
This makes it easier to complete the first connection before moving the camera to its final location.
Once pairing is complete, move the camera to the intended installation area and evaluate the wireless connection.
When choosing the final camera location, consider:
- Distance between the camera and Hub
- Trees and dense vegetation
- Buildings and walls
- Hills or changes in elevation
- Large metal structures
- The overall path between the camera and Hub
Wireless performance can vary depending on the installation environment. Open, unobstructed paths generally provide better conditions than heavily obstructed locations.
Where Should You Connect the Link Hub? 5 Common Home Network Setups
Not every home network looks the same.
Some homes use a single Wi-Fi router. Others use a mesh Wi-Fi system, a separate fiber modem and router, an ISP-provided gateway, or an Ethernet switch.
You do not need to understand advanced networking terminology to install the Link Hub.
The most important rule is:
Connect the Link Hub to an available LAN/Ethernet connection on the device that provides your home network.
Here are five common home network setups.
1. Standard Wi-Fi Router
This is the simplest and most common setup.
You have one main router that provides your home's Wi-Fi and wired network connections.
Typical setup:
Internet → Wi-Fi Router → LAN/Ethernet → Link Hub
If your router has several ports labeled LAN 1, LAN 2, LAN 3, or LAN 4, connect the Hub to any available LAN/Ethernet port.
This is the simplest arrangement when your router is located near the Hub.
2. Mesh Wi-Fi System
If you use a mesh Wi-Fi system, you may have a main router or gateway together with one or more additional mesh units placed around your home.
The Link Hub does not need to connect wirelessly to a mesh unit.
Instead, the Hub uses Ethernet to join your home network.
Typical setup:
Internet → Main Mesh Router/Gateway → Ethernet → Link Hub
When possible, connect the Hub to an available Ethernet/LAN port on the main router or gateway unit.
If your particular mesh system uses a different network arrangement, check its documentation to confirm which Ethernet port provides access to your home network.
You do not need to connect the Hub to every mesh unit.
3. Fiber Modem + Separate Wi-Fi Router
Some homes have two separate devices.
One device connects to the fiber Internet service, while another device provides Wi-Fi and manages the local home network.
Typical setup:
Fiber/ISP → Modem/ONT → Wi-Fi Router → LAN/Ethernet → Link Hub
In a typical setup, connect the Link Hub to the router's LAN/Ethernet port, rather than directly to the fiber modem or ONT.
The easiest way to identify the router is usually to look for the device that provides your home's Wi-Fi.
If your Internet provider has configured the equipment differently, follow the network configuration recommended by the provider.
4. ISP-Provided Gateway
Some Internet providers supply a single device that combines several functions, such as Internet access, routing, and Wi-Fi.
This type of device is often called a gateway.
You may only have one main box connected to your Internet service, with several Ethernet ports on the back.
Typical setup:
Internet → ISP Gateway → LAN/Ethernet → Link Hub
If the gateway provides your home's Wi-Fi and has an available LAN/Ethernet port, connect the Hub to that port.
You normally do not need to change your existing Wi-Fi settings simply to connect the Hub.
5. Router + Ethernet Switch
Some homes use an Ethernet switch to provide additional wired network ports.
For example, if several wired devices already use the available ports on your router, an Ethernet switch may be connected to the router.
Typical setup:
Router → Ethernet Switch → Link Hub
Depending on how your home network is configured, the Link Hub may be connected to an available port on the Ethernet switch.
However, if your router has an available LAN/Ethernet port, connecting the Hub directly to the router is the simplest option.
If you are unsure how your switch is configured, direct connection to the router is easier to troubleshoot.
What If My Router Is Far From the Camera?
This is an important point to understand about Link 1.0.
The Ethernet connection is between the Hub and your home network.
You do not need to run an Ethernet cable from your router all the way to the camera.
The camera communicates wirelessly with the Hub.
For example:
Home Router → Ethernet → Link Hub → Wireless → Outdoor Camera
This allows the camera to be installed away from the house without requiring an Ethernet cable to reach the camera itself.
However, the Hub still needs to be connected to your home network.
When planning your installation, think about two separate connections:
Router ↔ Hub
and
Hub ↔ Camera
The first is a wired Ethernet connection.
The second is the wireless connection used by the Link system.
The Hub's location therefore becomes an important part of the installation. For a deeper explanation of how long-range wireless communication works and how terrain and obstacles can affect it, see How Long-Range Wireless Trail Cameras Work.
Where Should You Place the Link Hub?
The Hub serves as the connection point between your home network and your wireless cameras.
When choosing a location, consider both sides of that connection.
Keep the Hub in a Stable Location
Place the Hub somewhere secure, dry, and appropriately ventilated.
Avoid locations where it could easily be knocked over or exposed to conditions outside its intended operating environment.
Avoid Large Metal Obstructions
Large metal objects and enclosed metal cabinets can interfere with wireless communication.
If possible, avoid placing the Hub inside a metal cabinet or directly behind large metal objects.
Consider the Camera Area
Think about where your cameras will be installed.
A Hub location that is convenient for your router may not always be the best location for communicating with cameras.
Try to choose a location that provides a practical balance between:
Router → Hub
and
Hub → Camera(s)
Do Not Focus Only on the Router
The Hub has two important jobs:
- Connect to your home network.
- Communicate wirelessly with your cameras.
Its ideal location should therefore take both connections into account.
Common Link Hub Installation Mistakes
If the Hub does not connect as expected, check these installation points first.
1. Using the Wrong Router Port
Make sure the Ethernet cable is connected to a LAN/Ethernet port on your typical home router rather than the WAN/Internet port.
2. Hub Is Not Receiving Power
Check that the included passive PoE adapter is connected correctly and that the Hub is receiving power.
3. DHCP Is Disabled
The Link Hub requires a DHCP-enabled home router.
If DHCP has been manually disabled, check your router's network settings.
4. Camera Is Too Far Away During Initial Pairing
For initial setup, keep the camera reasonably close to the Hub.
After successful pairing, move the camera to its intended location and evaluate the wireless connection there.
5. Hub Location Is Poor
If the Hub is surrounded by large metal objects, placed in an enclosed location, or positioned poorly relative to the camera area, wireless communication may be affected.
Try a more open location with a clearer path toward the camera area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Link Hub need Ethernet if my home already has Wi-Fi?
Yes.
The Link Hub connects to your home network through Ethernet, while the cameras communicate wirelessly with the Hub.
Having Wi-Fi in your home does not replace the Hub's Ethernet connection.
Can the cameras connect directly to my home Wi-Fi?
No.
The compatible cameras in the Link 1.0 system communicate with the Link Hub rather than connecting directly to your home's Wi-Fi network.
The Hub provides the connection between the cameras and your home network.
Do I need a special router for Link 1.0?
You do not normally need a special type of consumer router.
The key requirements are an available LAN/Ethernet connection and DHCP enabled on your home network.
If your network uses a more advanced configuration, consult your network equipment documentation to confirm the appropriate setup.
What is DHCP?
DHCP is the network function that automatically assigns network addresses to connected devices.
Most standard consumer routers have DHCP enabled by default, so you normally do not need to configure it manually.
Is the passive PoE adapter included with the Link Hub?
The Link Hub setup uses the included passive PoE adapter to provide power to the Hub.
Use the supplied adapter as part of the standard installation.
Can I use Link 1.0 with a mesh Wi-Fi system?
A mesh Wi-Fi system can be used when the Link Hub can be connected to the main router or gateway through an appropriate Ethernet/LAN connection.
The Hub itself does not need a wireless connection to the mesh system.
Can I connect the Link Hub through an Ethernet switch?
It may be possible depending on how your home network is configured.
If your router has an available LAN/Ethernet port, connecting the Hub directly to the router is the simplest setup.
If you need to use an Ethernet switch, make sure the switch is properly connected to your home router and provides access to the same local network.
Do I need an Ethernet cable between the router and the camera?
No.
The Ethernet connection is between your home network and the Link Hub.
The camera communicates wirelessly with the Hub, so you do not need to run an Ethernet cable all the way to the camera.
What if my router has no available LAN port?
If all of your router's LAN ports are already being used, you can consider using an Ethernet switch to add additional wired ports.
Alternatively, you can temporarily disconnect an unused wired device to determine whether the Hub works correctly.
For the simplest installation, a direct LAN connection from the router to the Hub is preferred when a port is available.
A Simple Way to Think About Link 1.0
If the installation still seems complicated, remember one simple rule:
Your home router connects the Hub to your home network. The Hub connects the cameras wirelessly.
In other words:
Camera → Wireless → Hub → Ethernet → Home Router → Internet → GardePro Link App
The cameras are wireless, but the Hub is wired to your home network.
Once you understand this distinction, the rest of the installation becomes much easier.
Conclusion
Setting up GardePro Link 1.0 does not require advanced networking knowledge.
For most homes, the basic process is straightforward:
- Find an available LAN/Ethernet port on your home router or network gateway.
- Connect the Link Hub to your home network using Ethernet.
- Use the included passive PoE adapter to power the Hub.
- Make sure DHCP is enabled on your home network.
- Complete Hub and camera pairing through the GardePro Link app.
- Move the camera to its final location and evaluate the wireless connection.
The most important point to remember is:
The cameras are wireless, but the Hub is wired to your home network.
If you want to learn more about the technology behind the wireless connection between the Hub and cameras, continue with our companion guide, How Long-Range Wireless Trail Cameras Work.
