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How to set up a network camera

Network cameras (a.k.a IP cameras) are gaining popularity rapidly among consumers due to their ever-improving quality,

features and declining prices. An HD network camera

that normally cost over $300 in 2012 can be bought under $60 in 2021. Traditional typical users of network cameras are

enterprises that have professionals for installation and maintenance. Many consumers choose the DIY approach to set up their

cameras. This article is meant to help these users. It by no means can replace the help from professionals that is needed for

a variety of reasons – complexity of a video surveillance system, user lacking required basic computer/network knowledge,

demanded expedition…

There are literally thousands of models of network cameras in use. It is impossible to have a set of instructions fitting

every model perfectly. We use a popular model (M1034-W) by the network camera inventor – Axis – in this article. The setup

steps for the vast majority of other network cameras are either identical or very similar to the ones described here.

A word about ONVIF?. Detailed explanation about ONVIF is beyond the scope of this article. An average user may only need

to know that ONVIF is an international standard. An ONVIF conformant camera offers the maximum compatibility and

interoperability with many software and hardware on the market. Generally speaking, ONVIF conformant cameras have more

features and better quality than traditional non-ONVIF network cameras.

You can find numerous ONVIF conformant models on any popular online stores such as Amazon or eBay

For this article, we assume the reader has very basic computer and network knowledge. Technically savvy users may find

many parts are too rudimentary for them.

Network configuration

Network cameras are different from web cams and analog CCTV cameras. Web cams are connected to computers by USB cables.

Analogy CCTV cameras are connected to servers by coax cables. Network cameras are connected to a network for access just like

computers are connected to networks. Each network camera is actually a computer with a CPU and memory. I process images from

CCD (Charge-coupled Device) or CMOS (Complementary Metal-oxide Semiconductor) sensors, send to clients (e.g. apps) and hosts

a web server.

Configure Apps

Most users want to access their network cameras outside their LANs (e.g. outside their homes). The next section will

explain how to access the cameras via Wide Area Network (WAN) (e.g. via cellular connections). Unless you are experienced

with the camera and its configuration, it is extremely important to make sure the camera works on your LAN first. This is

because the WAN access will never work if the LAN access does not work. If it works on your LAN, it will be very easy to

diagnose any issues with the WAN access.

Many apps have automated the setup process to a great degree, and it usually takes less than 1 minute to set up a camera

before starting enjoying its video.

The following is for setting up a camera with apps Onvier for Android, and IP CENTCOM for Windows 8.1/10 and Windows

Phone.

What is a Video Codec?