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While installing a security camera system for Apartment or business, the whole idea is to keep watch of your property and loved ones. So, knowing how to watch cctv camera from anywhere using internet is not just an essential but also a necessity.
In the normal language, we call this feature Remote Access since it’s allowing you to “remotely” stream and control your camera. If it’s an IP camera with active motion detection, you can receive real-time push notifications when there’s activity on the site. And in the case of PTZ (Pan Tilt Zoom) functionality, you can comfortably move the camera around without having to be in the main control room.
Even so, there are various ways that you can use to remotely stream your wired or wireless security camera system. This is what we’ll be discussing on our page today, starting with some basics on how to configure your security camera with the internet.
How To Set Up The CCTV Camera On A Local Network
Before you can start streaming your CCTV camera wirelessly, the first step is to configure it with the local network. At this point, you should have completed the installation and connected the camera to a router with internet access. So, the configuration is the only remaining thing.
If certain everything is performing as needed…
Find the IP Address of your CCTV camera.
This is a must-have if you would want to remotely stream your CCTV camera outside on a different network. That’s when using the provider’s client software or the web browser.
Usually, there are various ways that you can use to check the IP address of your IP camera. However, router configuration software and the online IP camera address finder tools are the simplest to navigate and use.
Configure the CCTV camera with DDNS Services
Once you have gotten your camera’s IP address, you can now remotely access the data from any location using the internet. However, most internet service providers usually offer their customers a dynamic IP address for the local WAN connection. So, the address of the camera is likely to change now and then, and unless you have the new IP address, you can’t access your camera.
To save you the trouble of checking the newly assigned IP address, therefore, you’ll need to configure your camera with Dynamic Domain Name services (simply DDNS). This setting is more like a magic trick that gives your home network a memorable address that it’ll be using every time the ISP’s address changes. Hence, allowing you to access your CCTV camera even from the outside network.
Regardless, not all the routers come with a DDNS feature. So, you can consult your ISP in case you miss it from your router configuration page.
Port forward the Security Camera through the router
In non-technical terms, port forwarding is a way to make your CCTV camera accessible remotely and on an outside network. It allows the camera to communicate with the viewing device through the internet without the restrictions of the router’s firewall.
Similarly, different router models have varying menu interface and port forwarding methods. The results, however, should be the same, in which case you assign unique port numbers to your cameras. Then, adjust their port forwarding settings respective to the router configuration method.
How To Watch CCTV Camera From Anywhere Using the Internet
Once you have the three internet setups ready, there’s certainly nowhere you can’t be able to stream your security cameras from. Whether you’ll be using a phone or PC, the cameras can now communicate with the internet without limitations.
The three different ways you can use to do this include:
Using the Mobile Apps
This is the simplest way that you can use to stream and operate your IP cameras over the internet. The app is usually from the security camera providers, which means you won’t need to worry about any compatibility issues. It also has advanced encryption technology to heighten the security of your data, or else privacy.
In addition to that, the security firms usually update these mobile apps regularly, releasing new versions with improved features. Hence, making it more user-friendly and efficient.
Still, streaming IP cameras via the manufacturer’s app is straightforward to set up and use. It takes less than five minutes to configure as you just need to enter the camera’s Unique ID number (UID). Or else scan the QR Code if it’s there and visible enough.
Once active and running, the smartphone app requires no port forwarding or DDNS settings. But still, you can remotely access your CCTV camera/s through the internet from any location.
Using the Client Software
The manufacture’s client software is more like the smartphone app, only that you’ll now use on the PC or laptop. It’s also straightforward to use, which starts with downloading and installing the software to your device. Then, launch and securely add your security camera/s using the UID code.
Unlike with the mobile app, however, client software doesn’t have the option to scan the QR Code of the camera. The system allows you to either enter the camera UID or auto-search the IP address.
Once done with the setup and launching the software, you just need to click the “live preview” icon in the top left. Then the client software will open a camera grid, which you can now use to drag the camera/s you wish to view.
Using A Web Browser
This step now is a little tricky to use since you’ll first need to set up the DDNS and port forwarding. As mentioned earlier, this will help establish communication between the CCTV system and the internet, without the limitation of the router’s firewall.
Once you have all the essential information at hand, you just need to open your web browser and enter the camera DDNS URL address. In this case you decide to continue working with the original IP address of the camera, your URL Address should be in the format http://(IP address):(Camera port number).
Example: if the WAN IP Address is 183.38.7.205 and the camera port number is 8705. The URL address that you use on the web browser should be http:// 183.38.7.205:8705, which should work inside and outside the local network.
Points to Note:
While the article has emphasized IP cameras, all the above techniques apply to NVR stations as well. The recorder, however, is the hub for all the connected cameras. So, all the configuration should be done on it and not the individual cameras.
Final Verdict:
Now that internet has become a basic necessity, remote viewing is an added benefit that you should take advantage of. Not only will your property be secure, but also you’ll have peace of mind even when you’re away.
Even better, most of the latest security camera systems have advanced features like motion detection and active deterrence like a siren. So, you’ll always receive real-time intrusion alerts and you can scare away the burglars as if you were there.
Nonetheless, syncing your security cameras with your home network has its drawbacks as well. The major one is the risk of hacking, which could undermine your sense of privacy. So, you must choose the right security provider and ensure your internet activities are encrypted and secure. That’s your app and or client software should be up to date all the time.
