How to Configure a Video Recorder for Remote Viewing

Network / Internet Connectivity

In order to set up your NVR / DVR for remote viewing, you’ll need to connect to your LAN through the Internet (a Wide Area Network). Your devices connect to the Internet via your gateway router, which has two IP addresses – one on the LAN and the other on the WAN.

Depending on your service provider, your router’s local address will usually be 192.168.1.1. Any devices connected to that router – cellphones, laptops, tablets, and NVR/DVRs – are given a distinct last number at the end of the address instead of the default “1.” Under typical conditions, these addresses can only be accessible locally.

For home and small companies, the WAN address can be static (usually for large organizations) or dynamic (typically for residential and small businesses). Internet Service Providers (ISPs) cycle dynamic addresses for security or power fluctuations. Any online service seeking to access your network requires either regular manual updates or a static moniker to call since its WAN address changes at random.

Setup a DDNS server address/ Static IP

Before getting a DDNS address check with your internet service provider (ISP) you have static IP service in use. You can use your static IP address instead of DDNS address.  DDNS assigns a moniker to your network, ensuring that you can connect to it even if the IP address changes. This is accomplished using a DDNS service, which assigns your network a unique pseudonym. You’re essentially giving your router a static URL that’s connected to its dynamic WAN address so you can use an Internet browser or a smartphone app to reach it.

Configure Port Forwarding

Port forwarding ties certain ports on your router to a LAN device, sending traffic to that device — in this example, your NVR/DVR. You can’t select a device on your LAN to visit without port forwarding. By logging into your router’s IP address on the local network, you may forward ports.

Assign Your NVR/DVR a DDNS Address

After you’ve configured port forwarding and DDNS, you must give the DDNS hostname to your NVR. Enabling DDNS and entering the credentials for the hosting site – username, password, and hostname – will be required in the network settings of your NVR. Any web service that accesses that hostname from now on will be automatically redirected to your NVR.

Reserve IP Addresses for Your NVR/DVR

One exception to all the routing hoops you must jump through to remotely see your NVR/DVR is that you cannot access the remote security camera stream while on the local network. If you’re using a mobile device, you’ll need to add your NVR/DVR as two separate devices with separate IP addresses. The login and password will stay the same, but you will no longer be required to input the ports for the local connection. After completing all this setup make sure you reserve the IP address for NVR/DVR.

Use Houston Security Solutions to Assist You

Setting up remote viewing is important for safeguarding your home, but it is not the only consideration. Obviously, you’ll need a security camera system first, and you may also require an access control system or a burglar alarm. Professionals develop and install the greatest security systems, both commercial and domestic. Give Houston Security Solutions a call if you’re interested in purchasing a security camera suite or simply want more information about surveillance systems. We’d be delighted to share the knowledge that has made us Texas’s best local security system installation for almost a decade.