How to Remotely Monitor Home CCTV Security Cameras
Security cameras intended for unattended operation are usually connected to a recording device, generally a DVR. If the DVR can be networked, you have the ability to monitor the security cameras from any computer with Internet access. Networked DVRs can also give you the ability to control and adjust the cameras remotely, and listen to any audio the cameras capture. While the setup for these systems varies slightly by model, in general the procedure is fairly simple.
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Things You'll Need
- One or more CCTV cameras, installed with cable
- Networked DVR
- Video Monitor
- Cable or DSL service
- High-speed Internet Modem/Router
- Computer with Internet access
Instructions
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1
Connect the cable or cables to the rear of the DVR by screwing the coaxial connectors into the jacks marked "Camera 1," "Camera 2," and so on until they are all hooked up.
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Connect the monitor to the "Video Out" or "Monitor" jack with the supplied cable. Turn the DVR and the monitor on and follow the manufacturer's instructions to adjust the settings for each camera.
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Connect the DVR to one of the open jacks on the rear of your modem or router.
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Enter the setup menu on the DVR and follow manufacturer's instructions to set or acquire an IP address, a Subnet address and a Gateway address. Make note of the IP address that is set for the DVR and set a user name and password for log-in.
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Set up port forwarding on your router if necessary. This is usually done by logging into your router's IP address via an Internet-connected computer, although many manufacturers will have you visit their websites, where they host utilities that handle the process for you. In a typical installation, ports 80 and 2000 on the router need to be forwarded to the IP address of the DVR.
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Open your web browser and enter the IP of the DVR in your address bar. Enter the name and password you set up on the DVR. You will see a control interface that allows you to select which camera you wish to monitor or adjust. Typically, one camera view is already displayed by default.
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Tips & Warnings
Networked DVRs normally have indicator lights that show whether they are communicating with the Internet. Keep an eye on these if you're having difficulty viewing your security cameras remotely.
Some CCTV DVRs also have audio jacks, so that sounds recorded by the cameras can be heard remotely via your Internet link to the DVR.
Be sure to set a secure password for your DVR. If your system allows, your password should consist of capital and lower-case letters, numerals, and special characters like "@" and "&." Setting an easily guessable password can allow hackers to gain control of your surveillance camera system, viewing and recording from it at will.
References
Resources
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