Analog surveillance set-ups are gradually losing their ground to IP security cameras. Though the former are admittedly endowed with some strong sides, their IP modifications offer one big win in the plus column — remote viewing.
Remote security camera access is an absolute must-have when you're on the trip and all the while wish to watch over your household directly from your smartphone, laptop or computer or feel much more reassured being able to remotely supervise your business or give an eye to your nearest and dearest whenever you miss them.
1. Remotely access security cameras
If you’re trying to watch your home or the people in it, you need to have access to the video feed wherever you are. You want to be able to have the security camera connected so it can be viewed directly through your computer or by CCTV remote access.
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This is where FlexiHub comes in by making it possible to view surveillance cameras over the Internet.
Here’s how you can use it to connect your security camera to the Internet. Follow these simple steps to access your security camera anywhere you have an Internet connection.
Step 1: Register for a FlexiHub account. After that, choose the subscription plan that is best for you and start a free trial.
Step 2: Start by physically connecting your security camera to your computer(server). Then install the FlexiHub software on both the server and the remote computer (client) that will be accessing the camera remotely.
Step 3: To share the security camera over the Internet, simply start the software on both machines using the same login credentials.
Step 4: Click 'Connect' on the remote computer to access a security camera.
Once connected, you can use any specialized software to access and remote control the security camera.
The software is cross-platform and works as a Windows service or UNIX daemon. This allows you to log into FlexiHub and close the app without losing your connection.
If you do not have access to the Internet and would like to utilize the software exclusively in the local area network, then USB Network Gate is definitely should be taken into account. One of its main features in comparison with FlexiHub is the ability to work via LAN when FlexiHub needs a constant Internet connection to access remote cameras. Another great feature of USB Network Gate is the ability to tunnel USB traffic over the RDP protocol.
2. What is remote video surveillance?
Basically, we’re talking about the real-time video monitoring accessible pretty much worldwide via any Internet connected device, be it your laptop, a PC and so forth. All you need to do is enter your network security camera`s IP address in the browser's address bar just as you'd do with a website. Further on we'd go into some specifics of port-forwarding and DDNS needed for this, but as soon as those two are configured correctly and you've got an IP address for online viewing, that's when you will get to a whole new level of convenience with an easy remote access to your security camera.
By default security cameras with remote access have no compatibility issues with a rich set of web browsing software, though it should be pointed out that each browser has its own list of supported devices.
How to access security camera over the Internet
Before getting to the subject matter, it bears mentioning that for the following actions to work out, you should begin with installing your IP security camera and connecting it to a router.
Step 1: For a start let's find out your camera's IP address. To do that open configuration software of your router and find there a list of attached DHCP clients. Typically its titled DHCP Clients Table or Attached Devices. If you aren't sure which IP belongs to your camera, just check its hardware address (MAC address). Then enter the obtained IP in the address bar of any Internet browser and provide your login credentials.
Step 2: Check to see which HTTP port is currently used by your camera. Some Internet service providers block port 80 that is set by default and therefore it will be necessary to change it. To do so click on SETTING then go to BASIC and unfold the Network pull-down box to find the Information tab. For the changes to be saved you’ll need to reboot the camera.
Step 3: Next thing to do is to configure port forwarding settings on your router so that you would get a remote access to your security camera from any PC.
Open the management page of your router, go to the Forwarding tab and add new virtual server with the IP and port number of your security camera. For the Protocol setting we recommend to use All. With that done your camera will be using the port at your option and the only bit remains to be done is noting down your router's WAN IP.
Step 4: Enter http://(WAN IP):(port number) to the address bar of any Internet browser.
Once you`ve accomplished those simple steps, you gain remote security camera access from any computer.
USB webcam as an IP surveillance camera
Another method of remote monitoring is by using a USB webcam as an IP surveillance camera. To accomplish this you need to follow these steps:
Step 1: Configure Dynamic DNS on your computer using your web browser using any of the free options readily available. This enables you to communicate with other computers connected to your router.
Step 2: Install webcam software that enables you to monitor your webcam from a remote location. Start the software and have it stream or monitor your webcam.
Step 3: To view the webcam remotely, use any Internet-connected device and connect to your computer through your Dynamic DNS account.
FlexiHub
Requirements: Windows XP/2003/2008/Vista/7/8/10/Server 2012
