An IP (Internet Protocol) camera is a digital security camera that transmits video over a network, similar to how your phone or computer connects to the internet. However, setting up an IP camera can be tricky, especially if you're unfamiliar with network configurations. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to add an IP camera to your LAN (local area network) for around-the-clock surveillance.
Part 1: How to install an IP camera
IP cameras come in two types: wired (PoE) or wireless (Wi-Fi). This means the installation process may vary depending on the type you choose. Before starting, you'll need to assemble the following tools for a smooth installation and configuration:
- Ladder
- Marker
- Screwdriver
- Drill machine
- Level
- Ethernet cable (for wired IP cameras)
Method 1: How to Install a wired IP camera
Installing a wired IP camera may look messy and time-consuming due to the cabling issues. In this case, you'll need:
- An internet router from your ISP
- A PoE switch.
- Cat 6 LAN cables.
- NVR (optional) for recording footage
- HDMI cable (to connect NVR to a display)
Let's get to the IP camera installation steps below:
- Grab your Cat 6 LAN cable and connect one end to your home router and another end to the PoE switch.
- Get one Ethernet cable and use it to connect your camera to the PoE switch. Connect each to the PoE switch using separate cables, if you have multiple cameras.
- Next, grab your NVR (network video recorder) and connect it to the PoE switch using another LAN cable. Use a HDMI cable to connect the NVR to the display monitor.
- Lastly, confirm that all the connections are correct, then power on your setup. You're now ready to configure your setup and monitor your home or property.
Pro Tip:
Do you want a better wireless coverage for remote access? You can connect a Wi-Fi repeater to the PoE switch using an Ethernet cable to extend the range.
The diagram below clearly illustrates the IP camera setup:
Method 2: How to Install a Wireless IP camera
Wireless IP cameras don't need network cables. You only need to plug the power adapter to the nearest power source to complete IP camera installation. Note that some cameras are solar-powered or battery-operated, needing no cables at all.
Steps to install a wireless DC-Powered camera:
- Choose a good location: high vantage point and near a power source.
- Place the mounting template on the surface and drill holes.
- Install the camera and secure it using screwdrivers.
- Connect the DC adapter to the camera.
- Connect the camera to Wi-Fi via a mobile app.
Steps to install a Solar or Battery-Powered wireless camera:
- Choose a position to install the camera. You don't need a power source in this case, so you can mount it on a wall, ceiling, or outdoor pole.
- Carefully place the mounting template into position, then start drilling the holes.
- Grab your screwdrivers to secure the wireless IP camera.
- Connect it to Wi-Fi and configure you preferred settings.
Pro Tip:
For long-term outdoor use, consider a solar-powered wireless camera to reduce battery recharging.
Part 2: How to configure IP cameras on network
After setting up your IP camera system, the next step is to configure it for network access. This allows you to monitor your camera remotely. The good news is that you have already done all the hard work.
Follow these steps to configure the IP camera system to the network:
Method 1: Configure a wired IP camera system
- Start by using a Cat 6 Ethernet cable to connect your monitoring screen to the network switch. Most computers have an Ethernet port at the back.
- Power on the monitor to view your camera's network screen. Note that the layout could be different depending on the camera brand. If the cameras appear offline, proceed to the next step.
- Open the menu and then find the network settings. Now find the DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) option. Keep DHCP enabled to allow your home router to assign an IP address to your camera and NVR automatically. If you want to prevent your router from changing your camera's IP address, turn off the DHCP.
- Next, find the IP address of the network video recorder (NVR)in the network settings. Write it down somewhere. This will come in handy when adding the camera to your NVR system.
Pro Tip:
If your camera doesn’t connect, check our another guide: Why Does My Security Camera Keep Going Offline for more detailed troubleshooting tips.
Method 2: Configure a wireless IP camera system
It's more straightforward to setup IP camera with a wireless connection. All you need is the manufacturer's camera app to configure your setup.
We'll use the eufy Security app for illustrations in the steps below.
- Downloadthe eufy Security app from Google Play Store or Apple's App Store.
- Create an account with a username and password.
- Tap the "Add Device" button or the plus (+) iconin the app.
- Choose the device you wish to set up.
- Power on your IP camera or base station and connect it to a Wi-Fi network.
- Follow the on-screen instructions on the camera app to scan a QR codeon the camera.
- Complete the configuration steps shown in the camera app to initialize the device.
Part 3: How to add an IP camera to an NVR
An NVR is more like the 'central processing unit' of an IP camera system. It's here that you can access all the footage, feeds, network settings, and more.
Follow the steps below for NVR and IP camera setup:
- Connect your PC to the network switch. We'll use it to tell the NVR exactly where to find the connected cameras.
- Download and install an SADP (search active device protocol) tool to find the IP address of your camera. Note that different brands have their proprietary discovery tools, as indicated in the manual. If not, refer to the camera's manual or contact the camera manufacturer for assistance.
- Open the SADP tool to view your Local Area Network (LAN) Details. Besides the IP addresses, you'll often see details like device status and model.
- Copy and paste the NVR’sIP address into your browser's URL bar. Tap "Enter" to open the login interface of the NVR system. Log in with the default username and password indicated in the user manual.
- Navigate to settings or configuration options (this may vary by camera brand) and select your camera.Then change the camera's IP address to match the address provided by the SADP tool.
- Configure the network settings like DNS, IP address, and gateway. This allows that the camera can communicate smoothly on the network.
- You can now choose your preferred video such as resolution, frame rate, format, and compression, as well as audio settings. Remember to configure the username and password.
- Once your camera status should now be online, you can enjoy live remote monitoring.
Part 4: IP Camera Troubleshooting
You may encounter issues when setting up an IP camera system. Some of these problems can often prove a little complex to resolve.
So, below, we'll list a few troubleshooting solutions for an offline IP camera after setup.
- Check the Power Support: Is the IP camera receiving power from the NVR? This is the first question to answer. Confirm if the cable connection is secure. Also, check if your router connection is working.
- Restart the Camera: If the camera is offline after setup, refresh the monitoring page to see if it comes online. You can also disconnect the power supply, wait for a few seconds, then reboot the camera. This should solve most connectivity
- Verify Camera Details on the Network: Check if you entered the correct camera IP address on the NVR network settings. Remember, the camera and the NVR must be on the same network. Also, check if the login details are correct.
- Contact the Manufacturer: If everything else fails, contact the camera manufacturer for assistance. Your connectivity problems could be due to a faulty camera. In that case, they may send a technician or replace the camera.
FAQs
How to activate IP camera?
To activate an IP camera, you must connect it to an NVR using an Ethernet cable connected to a switch. The switch acts as the IP camera system's network and power supply point. Remember, you must access the NVR's website interface to configure the camera IP address and settings.
How do I connect my wireless IP camera?
You only need the official camera app to connect it and start viewing live footage. These mobile apps provide a centralized platform to configure all the network and camera settings. Note that some wireless cameras may come with separate power cables.
What is required to install an IP camera?
1.First, you must have a stable internet supply from a router.
2.If the router is functioning, connect it to your switch using a Cat 6 cable.
3.You'll also need Ethernet cables to connect your camera, NVR, and display monitor.
4.And yes, you'll need a computer to log into the NVR network and configure the camera settings.
How do I set up an IP camera for remote viewing?
To view camera feeds remotely, connect it to a network using an NVR, then
find the NVR IP address. Open the NVR IP address on your browser, then
use the SADP (search active device protocol) tool to find the camera IP addresses.
Now go to the NVR network interface to change the camera IP address. This way, your camera status will be active for remote viewing on any computer.
Conclusion
See, an IP camera setup process isn't complex. Follow the steps above to configure the camera's IP address on your NVR network to start monitoring camera feeds remotely. Remember, using a wireless camera system can help avoid all the cabling and setup hassles. These cameras are just as good as traditional CCTVs, albeit with more convenient setup and monitoring.