Windows, macOS, Linux, Android
4.8 Rank based on 78+ users
So, you need to access a security camera remotely, only not sure how to make this work? Having issues with viewing a security camera over the Internet, Wi-Fi, or any other network, except for your LAN?
Just keep on reading this post for an easy-to-follow guide on how to watch CCTV cameras from anywhere using the Internet. We summarized the three options for security camera remote viewing, and it’s up to you to pick your favorite.
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.
FlexiHub is specialized software for connecting USB devices over the Internet, which includes remote viewing of security cameras.
FlexiHub offers a built-in feature called Redirection Server, which allows viewing security cameras connected to a different subnetwork on a computer.
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.
Wonder how FlexiHub looks in action? You can check out this quick video guide:
Another method to obtain remote access to security cameras is using an original software tool by your camera’s maker. Usually, they provide a specialized app fully compatible with every camera model they sell and don’t omit to release fresh updates or introduce some extra functionality. In all likelihood, one of those features can help you to view a security camera over the Internet.
So how to remotely view security cameras using the Internet with a method known as port forwarding?
Here’s an easy-to-understand guide on accessing security cameras remotely with the use of port forwarding. This method works just fine for any IP camera make, and you can apply it to access security cameras outside of your LAN or Wi-Fi network. Plus, it’s pretty good for remote viewing of your NVR footage.
When it comes to CCTV remote viewing over the Internet, the first step is always the same: you need to find out the IP address of your security camera.
More often than not, this piece of info can be found on the status page of the camera application program. If not there, look through the list of DHCP clients currently connected to your router.
Follow this link and copy (or write down) your router’s WAN IP address. Mind that you’ll have to do this every time you need remote access to your security cameras, unless your Internet service provider grants you a permanent IP address (a good bet they didn't do that).
In case you want to know how to view a security camera over the Internet and not ever have to bother checking your router’s external IP, there is one other way. You can make your security camera available for remote viewing through the use of the DDNS service in such a way that the only thing you’ll have to remember is your camera’s hostname.
You need to know exactly which port your camera is connected to. Using said number, your router can distinguish the camera from other peripherals and manage its traffic.
Go to your camera device settings and copy these two numbers: RTMP port and HTTP port. Keep in mind to not use the same port numbers for remote viewing of your other cameras, if you’ve got those.
Use your router’s web interface to configure port forwarding rules.
At this point, you’ve collected all the data you need. So here’s how to access security cameras using that data - in the browser, enter a URL address which consists of WAN IP and the port number.
E.g., the WAN IP is 101.02.104.105, and your camera is connected via the HTTP port number 8111, meaning, you’ll need to enter “https://101.02.104.105:8111”.
Finally, you’ll be able to view real-time footage from your CCTV camera online, even if at the moment you are outside your LAN.
