How to Connect Two Security Cameras With One Wire

Many modern security cameras include an Ethernet port, which allows you to connect and view them on a computer. Nevertheless, because most computers have only one Ethernet port, you might find it slightly difficult to connect more than one security camera to your PC in order to monitor multiple areas. By using a standard network router or switch, you can connect two or more security cameras to your PC using a single cable from your computer.

Things You'll Need

• Mounting hardware for the cameras
• Screwdriver
• Drill (optional)
• Heavy-duty extension cords (optional)
• Three Cat-5 Ethernet network cables
• Broadband router
• Software installation disc for the security cameras
• CCTV hum filter (optional but recommended)

Instructions

1. Follow the manufacturer instructions to mount the two security cameras in areas of your home or business that you want to monitor. Use the drill to create pilot holes for the mounting screws. Use the screwdriver to secure the cameras to the wall or ceiling.

2. Connect the AC power cord to the cameras. Plug the AC power cord into a nearby electrical socket. If there is no socket nearby, use a heavy-duty extension cord.

3. Connect the Cat-5 Ethernet cable to the network jack on the rear of the first camera. Connect the other end of the cable to an empty port on your broadband router. Do the same for the second security camera.

4. Connect an Ethernet cable to the RJ-45 port on your computer. Connect the other end of the cable to the router.

5. Insert the software installation disc for the security cameras into the CD/DVD drive of your computer. When the installation wizard screen appears, follow the on-screen instructions to install the monitoring application on your PC. Restart your computer if prompted.

6. Launch the monitoring application on your computer. Click “Tools” or “Options” on the menu bar. Click “Detect Cameras” or “Detected Cameras.” Wait for the application to search for cameras connected to the network and display the IP address assigned to them by the router.

7. Click “View” or “Monitor” on the toolbar. The display from the cameras appears in the preview window of the application.

Tips & Warnings

• If using a security camera with a built-in microphone, you might hear hum or a buzzing sound when using the Ethernet connection. If this happens, connect a hum filter to the Ethernet cable that leads from the camera to the router.

• If the monitoring application cannot detect the security cameras on the network, open the configuration page for the router in your Web browser and ensure that the DHCP server setting is active and enabled. Refer to the user guide for your router for the IP address and login credentials needed to access the router configuration page. After you enable the DHCP server on the router, it should assign an IP address to each camera automatically. After enabling the DHCP server, restart the router and the monitoring application. The application should detect the cameras after making the changes on the router.