IP video surveillance system - how to select and configure a camera, connection to a computer. How to connect an IP camera to a computer in different ways

Or other objects. Therefore, it is important to know how to configure an IP camera connection. Please note that there is nothing complicated about this and you can configure it yourself. You just need to follow simple tips.

So, an IP camera is an ordinary one that can transmit a video stream in digital format over an Ethernet network with the IP protocol. Each such camera has its own IP address. Actually, these are its main differences from a regular camera.

Location

Most users who connect an IP camera on their own are usually dissatisfied with the result of its operation. There are often cases when the device operates with distortion or shoots video with obvious desynchronization of the audio and video stream. To avoid such troubles, you need to consider in more detail the process of connecting an IP camera via a router.

Checking the signal reception quality

The very first thing you need to do is choose the right camera location. If you have found a great place where you can attach it and then get a good picture, then you need to check whether it is possible to receive a signal at all (we are talking about wireless cameras).

The easiest way to find out is to bring your laptop or phone to the place where you plan to place the camera and check the Wi-Fi signal level. If the signal is weak or disappears altogether, then the camera will not be able to connect to the network and transmit the signal. Moreover, it will not be able to constantly transmit a video stream. Remember that concrete partitions are barriers to the Wi-Fi radio signal.

Channel congestion

We also note that even if there is no interference with the Wi-Fi signal, problems are not excluded. And it’s not even about the quality of the signal itself, but about the congestion of the network through which the camera transmits the signal. So keep this in mind when connecting your IP camera to your computer. If such a problem arises, and even with a normal signal level the picture will “slow down,” then you need to check in the camera control interface whether there are signals from other networks on the same channel. If they are present, then it is advisable to switch the camera signal to another network, but let the channel remain the same.

All these issues must be resolved immediately before connecting the IP CCTV camera. Only after this can we move on to our question.

Connecting an IP camera

Depending on which camera will be used, UTP cabling will (or may not) be required. As you already understand, this cable is needed for a wired camera; a wireless one works via a wi-fi interface. There is nothing complicated about this: you connect the cable to the computer, install the driver (included), after which the camera is detected in the system. The instructions are quite simple.

With a wireless connection it’s about the same, but there’s no need to lay a cable. That is, the connection diagram for IP cameras does not change much; the changes concern only the connection method.

Settings

To provide access to the camera via a local network or the Internet, you need to start a web server using the WebcamXP program or using the software settings of the router and camera. Before starting the server and organizing access to it from the Internet, we need to find out our IP address. If access to the camera via the Internet is not particularly necessary, then you can do without an IP address.

By the way, an IP address is a unique identifier of a device (it could be a computer, a router, or even a camera). Can be local or external. The latter are divided into static and dynamic. Static ones, in turn, are permanently assigned to a device connected to the Internet. As for dynamic addresses, they are temporary and usually work until the connection session ends.

Remember that your router connected to the network must have a “white” static address, otherwise you will not be able to access the camera via the Internet. If your provider provides you with a “gray” internal address, then either request a dedicated IP address service or change your provider. Without this, connecting an IP surveillance camera is impossible.

To check the address, you must first look at it in the local network connection status, and then check it on the 2ip website. If the two addresses match, it means you have a dedicated IP address and connecting the IP camera is possible. Otherwise, you need to contact your provider.

How to connect an IP camera to the Internet?

The camera is usually connected through a home router. It is through it that the camera transmits the flow. The most common router is TP-LINK TL-WR941. Let's show how to connect a camera using an example. It is assumed that the camera is already installed in its place and is ready to transmit the video stream. After installing the camera driver, we can change the port from 80 to another in the menu in the Basic ‒ Network ‒ Information sections. Let's take, for example, 20000. Also here you need to find out the address of our camera (it usually starts with 192.168.0...)

What do the instructions say? From the computer we open the router settings (usually you need to go to the address 192.168.1.1 through a browser), there we are interested in the Port forwarding section. Depending on the router model, it may be called differently. In popular TP-LINK models, you need to open the Forwardint ‒ Virtual Server section. In the window that appears, you need to create a new entry. We enter the value 20000 in the PORT line, and the address of our camera in the IP Address line. Next, click the Save button.

So we have created a virtual server, and the connection of the IP camera to the computer is almost complete. If you type http://your_ip_address:20000 in your browser, you will immediately be taken to the menu of the camera that you just connected. Now you can watch the broadcast from anywhere where there is Internet access.

In the settings of the camera itself, you can set a password to access it. This is necessary so that no one can connect to it via the Internet. Only those users who have a login/password pair will have access.

Additional functions

If the camera will work around the clock, then simple video shooting is enough. Many other features may not be required. For example, almost all more or less normal cameras have a movement tracking function, thanks to which the camera “sleeps”, but suddenly “wakes up” if movement is detected in the frame. When organizing a security system, it is necessary to connect a large number of cameras. In this case, you cannot do without the IP Surveillance program, which supports connecting up to 16 cameras. Consequently, the organization of security of offices, warehouses and other premises is carried out only with the help of such programs. A simple virtual server using router configuration programs is not enough.

Conclusion

There is nothing fundamentally difficult about connecting a wireless or wired IP camera. The only difficulty is in installing and laying cables to the network and computer (if it is not a wireless camera). And the entire setup takes on average 10 minutes, and sometimes less.

Analog video surveillance systems are being replaced by an IP camera, which, like a computer, has its own IP address. The device was developed quite recently, but immediately won the championship in ease of use and functionality. The main purpose of the device is security and monitoring of objects. Information is recorded and transmitted in encrypted form.

What is an IP camera

The best technology for visual surveillance is an IP camera that transmits images in digital format over TCP/IP networks, for example, over WiFi. At industrial and public facilities, in homes or offices, such surveillance systems have become, if not a mandatory attribute, then a very common technique. IP cameras record everything that happens in the room or around it. Information may be needed to ensure security, control the work process, and discipline employees.

Principle of operation

IP surveillance cameras are a mini-computer that performs a limited number of functions: receiving a signal (audio, video), data compression, transmitting information to the receiver. The image enters the CCD matrix and is converted into an electrical signal. Unlike analog systems, the IP video image is transmitted via a local network or the Internet. Each device has an IP address, an IP server, and an integrated network interface. Data, thanks to a static address, can be accessed anywhere in the world.

Kinds

IP video cameras quickly burst onto the market, quickly gaining popularity. Manufacturers are constantly improving equipment, adding additional functionality, and expanding its capabilities. The result is an extensive product range. It can be classified according to several parameters:

1. Terms of Use. The location in which the IP camera will be used determines the quality of its housing. Outdoor use will require serious protection from dust, dirt, precipitation, and temperature changes. In some cases, a vandal-proof housing is needed. Inexpensive options with minimal protection are suitable for the home.
2. Viewing angle. Based on this parameter, cameras with a fixed (standard, wide-angle, telescopic) and variable viewing angle and focus (rotary systems) are distinguished. There are also panoramic ones that can rotate 360°.
3. Availability of additional options. For certain operating conditions and requirements, additional functions have been developed: IR illumination, sound recording, recording data on a memory card, image enlargement, motion sensor and others.

Connection

Even without involving the services of specialists, you can connect an IP video camera. There is a connector on the back of the device for a wired connection. It will help answer the question of how to connect an IP camera to a computer or laptop. To do this, you will need a network cable with the appropriate connectors. For a wireless connection, a router is used.

Settings

Using certain settings, you can get full access to the options of an outdoor or indoor IP camera. The devices operate autonomously, so no other equipment is required. Install the camera in the desired location, configure the connection, shooting quality and operating conditions. You can connect directly to the local network using a wired or wireless method. Modern models already have an internal network or a program for connecting to the Internet.

Buy an IP camera

The consumer market offers a wide range of models of this modern technology. Manufacturers from many countries around the world offer products that differ in functionality, shooting quality, methods of transmitting information, design and other features. They have a common main function - transmitting video images in digital format.

Wanscam

A multifunctional device from Wanscam provides the ability to view video not only online, but also recorded. High resolution, many additional functions, simple setup of the IP camera for viewing via the Internet make it a leader among indoor surveillance devices:

• Model name: Wanscam megapixel HD HW0026-1;
• price: 1100 rubles;
• characteristics: internal, color image, wireless;
• pros: memory card up to 64 GB with the ability to view remotely through an application for devices with Android, Windows and iOS, high resolution 1280*720 pixels, low power consumption, infrared filter;
• cons: not found.

Another successful development of the famous Wanscam brand is HW0052. The IP camera provides high-quality resolution for clear images, a powerful processor, and protection from humidity and low temperatures. This device is ideal for connecting to a video surveillance system from several cameras in a country house:

• Model name: HW0052;
• price: 2150 rubles;
• characteristics: street, viewing angle – 85 degrees;
• pros: easy setup, automatic activation of IR illumination;
• cons: no audio, no memory card.

Ocam

Taking care of its customers, Ocam offers a wide range of cameras for remote surveillance of a home, office, factory or surrounding area. Buying an IP surveillance camera from Ocam is a step towards business or home security. Among the products, the following option is in particular demand among consumers:

• Model name: OCam M3 WiFi;
• price: 3450 rubles;
• characteristics: indoor installation, IR illumination, built-in microphone and speaker, network protocols - DDNS client, DHCP client, HTTP / HTTPS, IPv4, IPv6, RTSP, TCP/IP, IP address filtering, 1 mp CMOS GPU sensor;
• pluses: night photography, motion sensor;
• cons: high cost.

Another popular device for monitoring your home or office is OCam M3 WiFi. Simple controls, switching modes in one click, recording photos and videos are advantages that many users appreciate:

• Model name: M3 WiFi series;
• price: 3920 rubles;
• characteristics: room, sound and motion recognition, viewing angle – 120 degrees;
• pros: built-in microphone, speaker;
• cons: no recording to the cloud.

Philips

Vast experience in equipment manufacturing is the basis for Philips’ success in the development and creation of IP video cameras. Products with different functionality and in any price category are entering the market. The existing version is reliable and guarantees good shooting quality even in difficult working conditions:

• Model name: Philips Wireless Home Monitor Silver;
• price: 5990 rubles;
• characteristics: internal, wireless, hard drive capacity – from 1 GB;
• pros: highly sensitive microphone, reliable encryption method, ability to connect 16 monitors;
• cons: not found.

PHILIPS offers a high-quality option for monitoring your home or office at an affordable price:

• model name: IP camera PHILIPS M100E/12;
• price: 3999 rubles;
• characteristics: internal, video resolution - 640x480 pixels;
• pros: unique encryption code for each connection, noise and motion sensor;
• cons: not found.

TP-Link

TP-Link's production is located in Taiwan and is known throughout the world. The products belong to the budget segment of the market, but are of decent quality. The excellent cost-quality ratio has led to high demand for such a camera:

• Model name: DCS-5020L;
• price: 5020 rubles;
• characteristics: color, rotating, Wi-Fi support, focal length 2.2 mm;
• advantages: large coverage of the observation area, low cost;
• cons: no anti-vandal housing.

For home and office, an excellent option that can be purchased cheaply through promotions and discounts is the TP-LINK NC200 IP camera. The wireless cloud camera can be configured to automatically send messages to your smartphone or computer when motion is detected, keeping your home safe. It only takes a few minutes to set up an IP camera; the manufacturer has simplified the task as much as possible:

• Model name: TP-LINK NC200;
• price: 2490 rubles;
• characteristics: internal, cabinet-mounted, viewing angle – 64 degrees;
• pros: high functionality, motion detection, email notification;
• cons: no IR illumination.

Hikvision

The Chinese company Hikvision specializes in the production of video surveillance equipment. The company occupies a leading position in this market segment. Products made in China are of high quality. The following device is actively sold worldwide:

• Model name: DS-2CD2542FWD-IS;
• price: 16,000 rubles;
• characteristics: dome, 4 MP resolution, rotating;
• pluses: anti-vandal protection;
• Cons: IR illumination only up to 10 meters.

An inexpensive option for working outdoors would be the Hikvision DS-2CD2022WD-I. You can order the device on the Aliexpress trading platform, in online stores in Moscow, St. Petersburg or other Russian cities with delivery by mail. The compact body, sufficient functionality, and the presence of IR illumination (up to 30 meters) make this device popular and best-selling:

• Model name: DS-2CD2022WD-I;
• price: 9990 rubles;
• characteristics: outdoor, 2 megapixel resolution, 2 video streams, fixed lens type, minimum illumination for color shooting - 0.01 lux;
• pros: affordable price, support for night mode;
• cons: no vandal-resistant case, low expansion, no power supply included.

Rubetek

Specializing in the production of devices for the Smart Home system, Rubetek is a well-known supplier of IP cameras. The products are distinguished by thoughtful details, high quality, and belong to the middle and high price segment. One of the successful solutions for the home is presented below:

• Model name: RV-3404;
• price: 3690 rubles;
• characteristics: internal, viewing angle – 355 degrees, motion sensor;
• pros: two-way voice communication, external memory card, high resolution;
• cons: plastic case, high cost.

For constant visual monitoring of the territory, experts recommend paying attention to the IP512E-1.0MP. Video recording can be done to the cloud, external storage or internal memory:

• name: IP512E-1.0MP;
• cost: 3261 rubles;
• characteristics: outdoor, mechanical IR filter, viewing angle – 73 degrees;
• pros: infrared mode, fast connection;
• cons: no vandal-proof housing, no Wi-Fi connection.

Zodiac

High-tech solutions for organizing video surveillance. A wide product range, ease of management and configuration, decent quality have become the reason for the popularity of the product among individuals and institutions. The following system is one of the top sellers:

• name: Zodiak 909W;
• cost: 5950 rubles;
• characteristics: internal, rotating, dimensions 105x100x130 mm, night shooting mode - up to 10-15 meters, mobile platforms - Android, IOS;
• pros: built-in microphone and speaker;
• cons: no recording to the cloud.

For street surveillance, several camera options are produced under the Russian brand Zodiak. A compact sample with high video quality deserves special attention from consumers:

• name: Zodiak 814W;
• cost: 4990 rubles;
• characteristics: outdoor, Wi-Fi support;
• pluses: presence of a microphone, recording on a memory card;
• cons: small viewing angle – 65 degrees.

Beward

IP video surveillance is the specialty of Bevard. The narrow focus of activity and the long period of work have become the reason for the affordable price of products with the highest quality. From a series of professional IP cameras for video surveillance, the following option is in demand:

• Model name: Beward CD630;
• price: 6099 rubles;
• characteristics: street,
• pros: night shooting mode, mechanical IR filter, affordable price;
• cons: no Wi-Fi, vandal-proof housing.

Among Bevard's budget options there are many worthy representatives who can ensure the safety of your home. N1250 deserves consumer attention:

• Model name: N1250;
• price: 4077 rubles;
• characteristics: internal, color, motion detector, Wi-Fi module;
• pros: quick installation, Russian-language web interface;
• cons: not found.

Orient

Orient has a special position in the market. The manufacturer has improved the product as much as possible, eliminating any problems during equipment installation. Good resolution, great detail, attractive design make the equipment famous among buyers:

• Model name: ORIENT IP-950-SH14B;
• price: 3528 rubles;
• characteristics: outdoor installation, matrix size 1/3 inches, automatic day/night shooting mode;
• pros: IR illumination range up to 20 meters, waterproof and frost-resistant housing;
• cons: no anti-vandal protection.

Budget and miniature Orient IP-940-OH10B is a good buy for those who want to install indoor surveillance. The product is characterized by high signal clarity, although it belongs to the cheap range:

• Model name: Orient IP-940-OH10B;
• price: 2220 rubles;
• characteristics: Ethernet port, color, dome, internal;
• pros: metal case, powerful IR illumination;
• cons: access only from the Internet Explorer browser.

How to choose an IP camera

A large variety of products can be challenging. To make the right purchase and not pay dearly for unnecessary functionality, start from a number of criteria:

1. Installation location. Cameras can be installed indoors and outdoors. For external variations, protection from temperature, moisture and mechanical influences is provided.
2. Illumination and sensitivity. The presence of day/night functions and IR illumination are important parameters when operating the camera in low light conditions.
3. Focal length and camera resolution. To solve each problem, you should select your own parameters. For a general overview, you need a wide-angle lens and VGA resolution. Determine the denominations of banknotes - high resolution. Vehicle license plate identification – long-focus lens.
4. Video quality and stream size. Modern compression algorithms provide greater archive depth with a small volume of storage systems. Customizable shutter speed, auto iris and other image adjustments create high-quality video.
5. Speaker and microphone. These functions are needed, if necessary, not only to observe, but also to hear what is happening and to convey a message.
6. Price category. Security is expensive. Network cameras that are too budget-friendly may not be of sufficient quality. The reliability of products that will work under any conditions can be determined by focusing on the reputation of the manufacturer and supplier.

Video

Connecting IP cameras to a video surveillance system is a step forward compared to conventional web cameras or popular analog cameras that have long conquered this market. Today they are also in great demand because they have a number of advantages, such as the ability to digitize and broadcast ready-made compressed video to the network without delays or glitches. In addition, the IP camera can be easily connected to an existing local WiFi network and controlled from any computer and over the Internet. This article will talk about at a construction site IP cameras through the program included on the disk.

What is the difference between setting up an IP camera and a webcam?

What is an IP camera, I am often asked by people who do not understand the topic. Indeed, it would seem that the webcam, which we connect via a USB cable, also shows the picture. But in reality, these are two fundamentally different things.

If the main purpose of a USB camera is communication via video calls on Skype or its analogues, then IP cameras were originally created specifically for network video broadcasting, which is used in surveillance systems. The key word here is “IP”, that is, it is no longer just a device connected as an addition to a computer or router and configured through the program included on the disk, but a full-fledged participant in the network - the same as all the computers, hubs, routers and DVRs, which also have their own IP address on the local network and can be configured accordingly via the web interface at their local address.

IP cameras are available both connected via cable and via WiFi. The latter are more expensive, but benefit from the absence of the need to run wires, which is convenient if the video surveillance system is installed after renovations have been carried out in the room. However, difficulties arise in high-quality signal transmission to the router. Therefore, it is not recommended to install them too far from the signal source.

Types of IP cameras

Before moving directly to the guide to setting up an IP camera, let’s look at the varieties that exist today. By design they are divided into:

• Square cameras (Cube)
• Cylindrical cameras (Bullet)
• Box cameras
• Dome cameras
• PTZ cameras

Dome and case are the most used of the non-rotating ones. I won’t go into detail - a lot of literature is devoted to describing the characteristics.

There are also models designed for indoor installation and outdoor IP cameras. The latter are more protected from the external environment and are used for outdoor surveillance. But today I will show you how to connect an IP camera for your home using a rotary type model as an example. Its advantage is the ability to control the shooting direction using a special program, which means you can immediately cover a large circular space from one point.

So, you have chosen a good location, attached it - now it’s time to find out how to connect an IP camera. First of all, connect it to the computer with a network patch cable and connect it to the mains. This is done either through a regular wire with an adapter that comes with the kit. But there are also models that support PoE technology, that is, when power is transmitted over the same network cable as the video picture. Such a camera is easier to install, since there is no need to run one extra wire to it.

1. Let's start with the web interface. You need to check the instructions or the sticker on the camera or box for the default IP of your camera. For this one it looks like 192.168.0.20. This means that in order to get into its admin panel, you need the computer to which you connected it to have an IP from the same subnet, i.e. we give it an address, for example, 192.168.0.11.

   To do this, go to the “Network Center”, right-click on “Local Area Connection”, go to “Properties”. Here we select “Internet Protocol Version 4” and enter the setting as in the screenshot. We specify the IP of our camera as the gateway.

   

2. After that, through the browser, go to the camera address http://192.168.0.20 and log in to the admin panel - from the instructions we take the login and password values ​​​​to enter the settings - admin/admin or admin/1234 or something else specified in the specification for your device . If you connect only one and directly to the computer, then you don’t need to do anything additional. But using just one IP camera is not practical—you can get by with a webcam. Therefore, I will consider the option of connecting several cameras via a wifi router.
3. Next you need to change its IP address to match the range used on your local network. I'll be basing this off on typical connection settings that most routers use.

   

   Go to the top menu “Administration”, and in the side menu - “Configuration> Network”.

If the function of automatically distributing DCHP addresses is activated on your router and if you do not want to view IP cameras via the Internet, then check the Dynamic IP (DCHP) box and forget.



4. If you want to watch what is happening in your room from the Internet, then we will do everything ourselves. My router has the address 192.168.1.1, which means that for the first camera we will, say, set the address 192.168.1.11. To do this, check the “Fixed IP” checkbox and enter the following data (detailed screenshot one at the bottom - underlined in red):
   • IP: 192.168.1.11
   • Subnet Mask: 255.255.255.0
   • Gateway: 192.168.1.1 (this is the router’s IP)
   • DNS IP Address: 192.168.1.1 (same)

   

5. Next, in both cases (with or without DCHP), we write Port Number: 8181 (underlined in purple). If your camera model does not have this setting, then it uses web port “80” by default - remember this value.

   We leave the rest empty.

   

6. We apply the settings of the IP camera, disconnect it from the computer and plug it into the router into a free LAN port. After this, on the computer in the local network connection settings (if it connects to your router not via WiFi, but via a cable), remove all previous settings and check the boxes to automatically obtain IP and DNS.

   

   

7. And we return the patch cord that was used to connect the computer to the router back to the network card.
8. We go to the new IP address assigned to the camera, log in again and go to the menu in the “Wireless” section, if there is one and the camera can work via WiFi. Then we enter all the data of our wireless network to automatically connect to it - SSID and password. Save and reboot the camera.

   

   

9. We disconnect it, connect the next one and do the same, only we indicate 192.168.1.12 as the IP, and the port is 8282. And also with all the others - how many of them do you have there, the main thing is to give them different ips and ports (if this is how I said it was acceptable).

Setting up an IP camera via WiFi on a router

At this point, the connection of IP cameras is completed - go to the router.

After we have configured the IP addresses of the cameras from the computer, we turn them off and either connect them with cables to the network connectors of the router (if the cameras are not wireless), or simply activate the wifi mode to connect to our wireless LAN.

Here we need that when accessing any address on your local network from an external network (Internet), the router knows which camera should be shown. In each model, these settings are located in different sections; you need to find something like Port Forwarding. In Asus routers, this happens in the “WAN” section, “Virtual Server” tab. First, activate the virtual server with the checkbox.

• Service name - any name, for example, “Camera 1”
• Port Range - Port assigned to the first 8181 camera
• Local IP address - 192.168.1.11 (camera IP)
• The local port is the same as in point 2 - 8181, or 80 if it was not possible to configure the port in the camera itself.
• Protocol - TCP
• Protocol number - 1 (or any other number)

We do the same with entering data for the remaining cameras - I emphasize once again,

for each camera - its own separate port and its own IP address, so that you don’t get confused with them later and so that all programs through which you can work with video surveillance systems correctly perceive the paths for each camera.

Phew, almost everything. Now, if you have a static external IP address from your provider (), then enter in the browser:

"http://your_static_ip:8181"

and we get to viewing the picture from the first camera.

If your IP is dynamic, but white (it won’t work with gray addresses), then you need to activate work through the DynDNS service, which allows you to assign a specific third-level domain name to your dynamic address. First, activate it in the router in the “WAN” section, “DDNS” tab.

With ASUS routers you can use their own service completely free of charge. I described in detail how to do this. For other routers, you can use the free services of the NO-IP service, which I described in detail, as well as using the example of use with a Zyxel router.

After going through these registration procedures and saving the parameters in the services, go to the browser at the address “http://your_domain.asuscomm.com:8181” (or whatever you ended up with depending on the service you used) and watch the picture from camera no. 1.

Configuring IP cameras through the utility

Now let's take a look at what's on the installation CD that came with it, and how to configure the IP camera through the proprietary utility. But first, we need to connect the cameras to our network again - in this case, we can do this directly directly to the router and at the same time all the cameras at the same time - we do it.

Since I am showing an example of a product from Trendnet, there are two applications on their disks. Other companies have their own programs for IP cameras for their initial setup and management.

The first one is IPSetup. It allows you to change the factory settings of the cameras. After installing and launching it, a window will appear with a list of all video cameras connected to the router - their current factory address and name.

We click on each of them and set for them our names, login and password for access, as well as new IP addresses in accordance with the range that is used in your local network.

After this, you can also use their browser to log into the administrator’s web interface using their IP address and configure it at your discretion.

Let's talk a little more about what you can do here. I have already shown the basic settings for working through a router, but the camera software also allows you to work with a regular switch (in other words, a “tee” of sockets for a LAN), which does not have the functions of a router - a DCHP server, working with DDNS, port forwarding, and so on. .

Everything you need is already here, in the cells themselves. Thus, in the “Network” section, the basic parameters for working within a local network are configured - the IP address is set, as well as the ability to directly work with one of the DDNS dynamic address services.

In the “Event Config” section, you can configure the actions of the motion detector that will be performed when the sensor is triggered - an email alert, recording to an FTP server or a flash drive connected to the camera.

And in “Event Setting” the data for working with FTP or E-mail is configured. To save video to an FTP server, which can be your drive connected to the USB port of the router (more on this), you need to specify its address, login and password.

Sending a message when a motion sensor is triggered to Email works in such a way that the letter arrives as if from a postal address. Therefore, to send a notification by email, you need to know, in addition to your mailbox data, the address of the SMTP server of your mail provider. If we take mail from Mail.Ru as an example, it will look like “smtp.mail.ru”, where “mail” is a subdomain of your mailbox. That is, to send a message from the mailbox [email protected], write the specified SMTP address. And for mail [email protected]— smtp.inbox.ru. We enter SMTP, login and password for the mailbox from which the message will be sent, and the email address to which the notification will be sent, after which a letter with a screenshot will be sent with each movement.

Also, if you want not to write around the clock, you can configure the IP camera’s operating schedule in the “Schedule Profile” section.

These are the basic settings - learn the rest yourself, there is nothing complicated about them.

Program for IP cameras

We have completed all the settings for the IP cameras, but it’s not convenient to work with them through a browser. Here is the time to remember again the software that came with the cameras on CD - now let's look at the second program for IP surveillance cameras - SecurView. It allows you to simultaneously add into one control panel everything that we can see in the “Live View” section in the web interface, which shows the image from each camera separately.

After installing the program, you need to add each camera separately. We launch the program and in the right window in the “Settings” section, in the “Camera List” item, all IP cameras connected to the network will be displayed. Click on one of them, press the “Add Camera” button and enter your login/password to access it.

We do the same with all our cameras. After adding all devices to the program, it should look something like this:

Just like through the browser control panel, here you can set a recording schedule, send notifications and other useful functions.

Despite the more or less sufficient functionality of the software supplied with IP cameras from the manufacturer, to build a professional video surveillance system, I would recommend working with more advanced software, for example, the convenient and multifunctional program for IP cameras WebcamXP. How? You already know this if you read the article to which I provided a link at the beginning of this page.

I hope this information about setting up and connecting IP cameras will be useful to you when organizing your own video surveillance system. Share your impressions and experience of using them in the comments!

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How to connect and configure an IP camera to view video through your phone. Using WPS to quickly connect to a WiFi camera. Programs for smartphones with which you can watch broadcasts and manage video surveillance.

Connecting the WiFi camera to the Internet

Before you can broadcast on your phone, you must connect the camera to a wireless network. The connection is made via the WiFi Protected Setup protocol or by manual data entry. Before establishing a WPS connection with an IP camera, make sure that the device you are using supports this technology.

You can check the presence of the WPS function on the camera box, on the manufacturer’s official website, or in the instructions. WiFi Protected Setup is indicated by an icon that looks like two arrows, each pointing to the end of the other. The IP camera body may have a separate button for quick connection, marked with this icon.

Press the button and then activate WPS mode on the router. This is done by pressing the same button on the router (no later than 2 minutes) or through the web interface. You can also connect a video surveillance device by entering a PIN code in the control panel of the router. The code is located on the IP camera box, a separate insert, or among the data on a sticker at the bottom of the device.

UniFi Video app

This utility from Ubiquiti Networks is a professional tool for organizing video surveillance from your phone. Separate versions of UniFi Video are developed for different operating systems, including mobile ones: iOS and Android. After the initial setup and adding the IP addresses of the cameras used, the utility provides the following options:

• Switching between different IP cameras;
• Display broadcast parameters;
• Setting up the picture;
• Changing the shooting mode;
• Rotation using PTZ technology (Pan-tilt-zoom);
• Sound control.

Uninterrupted operation and wide functionality are the main advantages of the application. The main disadvantage of Ubiquiti software is the requirement to use a network video recorder (NVR). Therefore, this solution is more suitable for connecting video surveillance in a large house or office.

You can connect up to 50 different IP cameras to your Ubiquiti NVR system. If you plan to work with 1-2 devices, it is advisable to use solutions without a network video recorder. If necessary, video can be recorded to an SD card or cloud storage. This will help reduce the cost of equipment and further maintenance of the surveillance infrastructure.

It is important to know! For UniFi Video to work correctly, the NVR controller version must be at least 3.1.0.

TinyCam Monitor program

Using this application on your phone, you can view simultaneous broadcasts from several cameras. The total number of devices that can be connected for viewing in the TinyCam interface is 16. The program also has a paid version - TinyCam Monitor Pro, which has a set of additional features:

• Bidirectional audio transmission without restrictions (if the equipment supports this function);
• Record video to an SD card, FTP server or cloud storage;
• Support for software and hardware motion sensors;
• Work using a secure SSL protocol (encryption of received and transmitted data);
• Transmit sound in the background;
• Free technical support from the developer;

MEyePro and MEyeProHD

These programs allow you to connect to WiFi cameras from your phone, save screenshots and video clips from broadcasts, and control several devices at once. For IP cameras with PTZ support, additional controls have been added to the interface. Using MEyePro you can also adjust picture and sound settings.

Important tip!

To test the capabilities of the utility, use the WiFi test camera, access to which is provided by the developers. Connection information is provided on the program page on Google Play.

Training video: Connecting an IP camera to a smartphone on Android or iOS

Eye 4 application for monitoring Vstarcam cameras

The best option for viewing video from Vstarcam devices on your phone is the Eye 4 utility. It allows you to integrate IP cameras into the Smart Home system, and not only access image and sound. Using built-in functions, you can control all parameters of video surveillance equipment.

• – the most functional equipment for security systems of any configuration and scale. Their use provides many benefits to an organization or individual:
• High image quality and resistance to interference and other electromagnetic interference;
• The ability to connect to an existing office computer network and the use of wireless Wi-Fi technologies eliminate the need to install an additional network indoors;

The ability to connect to a local power source via a network adapter or use PoE (Power over Ethernet) 802.3 af technology, which allows you to supply the necessary voltage through a regular twisted pair network cable.

There are several ways to organize via an IP camera:

• Using a cable connection (directly or through a router) with all information output directly to a local PC, with further processing of the video signal using utilities or programs;
• Using a Wi-Fi router and utilities included with the IP camera or special software that significantly expands administration capabilities;
• Using regular network routers via the global network.

Connecting the camera

1. Directly - oblique crimping is used (crosswise method of distributing twisted pair wires in an RJ-45 connector);
2. Through a router (hub, switch) - a direct type of arrangement of wires in the connector is used.

A little theory

To gain access to the internal firmware of the camera, regardless of whether through a global or local office network, you must assign a unique name to the device - an IP address. The following types of IP addresses exist:

1. White addresses are a unique, inimitable code used on the Internet. It is also called a public (global) address. It can be used to gain access to the network from anywhere in the world, since global addresses are routed by provider servers.
2. Gray addresses refer to the organization’s local network and cannot be seen from the outside. There are three classes of gray address subnet:

External IP addresses are conventionally divided into static - fixedly assigned to the equipment and not changing for the entire duration of the contract with the provider, and dynamic - changing over time or after each new login to the network.

You can determine which address the provider provided by connecting the line it laid to the PC using the following network resources:

• _2ip.ru
• _speed-tester.info/ip_location.php
• _smart-ip.net

Camera setup via DynamicDNS service

This method is the easiest, but has several conditions for its use. First, the camera itself must support the DynamicDNS service. Secondly, the router must use a dynamic white IP address, which must be ordered from the provider for an additional fee. Then we register a unique DNS domain name on one of the sites that provide similar services, for example:

• _dynru.ru
• _hldns.ru
• _dyn-dns.ru
• _ipnodns.ru

This name is entered in the appropriate fields. After a certain time (depending on the caching settings of the provider), the camera will contact the local router IP address registered in it, the DNS resource and update the current DDNS record settings.

Configuring an IP camera to the Internet directly without a router

This method is supported by many models of modern devices. To do this, a cable provided by the provider is connected to the camera via an RJ-45 interface. Through a remote PC, you can log into the camera firmware via the web interface at the address provided by the provider.

To connect, you can only use a white IP address; this setting allows you to use only one camera, which is extremely wasteful, given the cost of the provider’s services.

Connecting multiple IP cameras via a router

If you plan to connect the entire video surveillance system, consisting of several dozen cameras, then in addition to setting up the DDNS domain on the camera and having a white IP address, you must have a router. Configuring the video surveillance system's access to the global network involves the following steps:

1. Setting up Internet access;
2. Serial connection of IP cameras to it using cables or Wi-Fi connection;
3. You need to go to the firmware of each camera in turn and change the port value in the DNS access settings. The current default value of 80 is replaced with any network-unique number between 1000 and 65000.
4. The next important step is to “port forward” the router in the corresponding menu item on its firmware. (log in through the web interface using the IP address provided by the provider and assigned to the router earlier).

For many manufacturers and models of routers, the port forwarding procedure is slightly different.

Port forwarding

Traffic is redirected from the incoming port of the router to the ports of network devices using NAT (NAPT) technology; most modern network devices support it.

D-Link

Having entered the router firmware via the web interface, you must press the “Advanced settings” button. From the menu that appears, select the “Firewall” section, and in it “Virtual servers”.

Filling out the template:

• The name is unique, but convenient for identification on the network;
• Protocol – selected from the drop-down menu, usually the most common protocols are PCP/IP 4 or 6;
• External port (start/end) – indicate the port from the information provided by the provider. Usually there is only one, so the final parameter is not filled in;
• Internal port (start/end) – indicates the range selected by the user (from 10000 to 65000).
• The internal and remote IP address of the server is filled in only if the user has a multi-level network using domain names. The fields are usually left blank;
• Changes made to the settings are saved.

Most D-Link routers have ready-made settings templates in their firmware, information from which (range of ports for cameras and DNS name) can be transferred to external devices.

TP-Link

Similar parameters are filled in in the menu item “Forwarding” → “Virtual Servers” → “Add New”.

Fields used:

• Service port – this means an external port;
• Inland port;
• IP address.

ASUS

The fields are filled out in the “Internet” menu, “Port Forwarding” tab; the fields are located at the very bottom of the page:

• Port range – you can specify one, a range separated by commas, or a mixed value;
• Local address – internal address of the camera;
• Local port – internal port of the camera;
• Protocol – connection type, usually PCP/IP 4 or 6.

Conclusion

Access from any external resource to the configured IP camera will look like this:

HTTP:// (white address registered on the router): (unique port number assigned to the video camera.

Thus, you can connect to the camera not only from a PC, but also from a tablet, smartphone or laptop. To do this, you need to install the appropriate software on the device. It is usually provided for free distribution by the camera manufacturer. You can download the program from the company's official website.

For devices running Android OS, you can download the corresponding applications from the Play Market resource, and for Apple gadgets from the Apple Store resource. Naturally, unlike Windows tablets, you have to pay for these programs.