How to configure an IP camera: instructions, tips

An IP camera is a digital video camera that can transmit data over Internet protocols on the network. This is a handy device, but in order to get full access to all its options, you will need to make certain settings.

An IP camera (outdoor or indoor) can also be described as a camera and a computer combined in one unit. The main components of this device include a lens, an image sensor, one or more processors and memory. Processors are used for image processing, video compression and network function analysis. Memory is used to store the firmware (computer program) and for local video recording. Thus, it is not necessary to connect the IP camera to the computer to ensure its uninterrupted operation.

Like a computer, the network camera has its own IP address, connects directly to the network and can be placed wherever there is an available connection. IP camera, the price of which is slightly higher, independently provides the functions of a web server, FTP (File Transfer Protocol) and e-mail, and also includes many other network and other IP-protocols. This is different from a webcam, which can only work when it is connected to a personal computer (PC) via USB or IEEE 1394 port. However, its software must be installed on the PC.

The modern model's wireless IP camera can be configured to transfer video over the network for real-time viewing and / or recording, either continuously, scheduled, event-triggered or at the request of authorized users. Captured images can be transmitted in Motion JPEG, MPEG-4 or H.264 video format using various network protocols, or uploaded as separate JPEG images using FTP, e-mail or HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol).

In addition to video recording, network cameras from some manufacturers provide event management and have "intelligent" functions, such as motion video, sound detector, active notification when trying to damage and auto-tracking. Most devices also assume I / O ports that allow you to connect to external devices, such as sensors and relays, and recording from an IP camera can be broadcast more. Other functions can include audio capabilities and built-in power over Ethernet (PoE) support. Many gadgets also support advanced security and network management functions. A state-of-the-art outdoor IP camera allows you to shoot high-definition images even in poor visibility.

Connection Features

Some IP cameras require an additional device for recording, while others can record their videos directly on a NAS (network storage device) or a PC that is configured to function as a server. Some of them even have built-in micro SD card slots, and can store content directly on this physical media. They can even have built-in servers, so sometimes you can access the entry remotely. How to configure the IP camera correctly? How should I synchronize with the Internet?

Where to begin?

If you are creating your own server, you must select a program for IP cameras, which you will need to install yourself. You can connect several pick-up devices to get a better idea of what is happening on the observed site.

Can I use alternative gadgets?

Instead of using a classic IP camera, you can use a simple "webcam" and connect it via USB to a computer running the corresponding recording software. This device is usually cheaper than an IP camera (the price of which is an order of magnitude higher), although it may not have some important functions (such as the possibility of night vision to record what is happening in absolute darkness).

Another difference is that the "webcam" must be connected directly to the computer via USB, while the IP camera can be in a completely different place and synchronized via Wi-Fi.

First and foremost, you need to select any software to monitor the webcam. Such applications serve to capture and record video that enters the lens. You should remember that the program for IP cameras (which can manage and regular "web") can be paid, but you can still achieve certain savings.

If you do this, you will need to keep your computer running in 24/7 mode, at least if you want to record all day events.

Smartphone as a Removing Device

If you have an old unused Android phone, you can turn it into a network security camera . In the end, any such gadget has a camera, Wi-Fi, as well as built- in computer functions - all this should shoot, save and record video.

Network or IP-cameras, in turn, are designed to work in a local area network (LAN) and over the Internet. In the LAN, they are managed within the computer network to which they are connected. With the additional configuration of this local network, you have the ability to allow cameras to monitor not only local, but also remote, and also over the Internet. How to configure an IP camera on a LAN?

Local access

Before you can configure the camera to work over the Internet, it is recommended that you enable all the necessary options for local access first. Read the technical documentation that came with the device for instructions on how to set it up first. After the camera is configured for local access, you will be ready to start the configuration for remote access to it via the Internet.

Remote access

Before you configure the IP camera on the local network to allow remote surveying, it is recommended that you examine the properties of the network administrator to make sure that you have the appropriate permissions. Otherwise, you can not perform remote access to the camera.

In order to configure the camera to work through the Internet, you will need to configure the Port Forwarding service. It allows you to access the camera from a remote location by forwarding the network ports used on the Internet. These ports are usually routed to your network router to redirect the ports used by the camera.

Obtaining an IP address

In order for the IP camera to transfer data through the Internet, you need to properly configure the network protocols. To access the router of your network to configure port forwarding, you will need the IP address of the router to which the camera is connected. You can get this information by requesting the network administrator of your network or by opening a command prompt in Windows and entering the Ipconfig / all command . To open a command window, you will need to click on the "Start" button, and then go to the "Run" button.

After doing one of the above, you will get the IP address of the router. You will need it in order to gain access to the router to configure port forwarding. The IP address of the network router will be displayed as the default gateway.

Access your network router

Now you need to go to an available router by entering its IP address in a web browser. Then you need to go to the configuration section where port forwarding is configured.

You must enter the local IP address of the camera, as well as its unique name associated with the specific port that needs to be redirected. Typically, the default port is 80. However, it is advisable to request information from the manufacturer of your device for additional configuration details. For example, a wireless IP camera with advanced settings may require more data to include all options.

Some devices require more than one port, which will be sent in order to get all the features offered by the functionality of the gadget. You will also be given the opportunity to choose the protocol that will be used. Common parameters are UDP or TCP. Your router can also have additional options. In most cases, you will need to select the "Both at the same time" protocol option. This will allow you to associate UDP and TCP with the forwarded ports. Once you have finished entering all the customizable options, click the "Apply" button to save the selected settings.

After the settings have been saved in the router configuration, you should be able to see this information displayed in the list. There may be other entries configured by default (will be present in the same list). The parameters of your connected device will be at the bottom of it under the IP Network Camera heading.

Internet access via the Internet

Now that you have configured the port forwarding on your network router to allow the camera to access the Internet, you can start to configure access to manage it. It is recommended that you initially try to get it from a remote location, not a local network. This is desirable to confirm that port forwarding is configured correctly.

How to set up the IP camera permanently?

While in a remote location, you will need to enter the public IP address provided by your Internet service provider (ISP) to be able to access the camera. If you do not know it, contact your support provider or online services to determine the details of your Internet connections. You will not be able to access the camera using a private IP address, because it can not be seen on the Internet (it is only available on the local network where the device is connected). In addition to entering a public IP address, you sometimes need to enter a port in the address bar. In most cases, port 80 will be redirected automatically, and so this line can be left blank when trying to access the camera. However, there are times when the IP camera will not use port 80. If this happens, you will need to enter the full IP address, then the colon and the port number used in the connection.