Network device
Every IP device, also referred to as network device, in a network has its own and unique IP address. So every network (IP) camera, doorbell, access control reader, smart home bulb, Network Video Recorder (NVR) and every smartphone and PC needs its own IP address. The IP (Internet Protocol) address is a number by which all IP devices in the same network can find each other and can collaborate. Some IP devices allow logging in (via a web interface) by entering the IP address in a web browser on a PC/Mac in the address bar or allow logging in using product software on a PC/Mac. The IP device can then be configured and managed via the web interface or software.
Entering network data such as an IP address is often not necessary for products that are intended to be installed by an end user (consumer). The (manual) setting of network data and the ability to log in to a web interface is often necessary and possible with IP devices for which the manufacturer focuses on installation and configuration by an installer. Because manufacturers make it increasingly easier for the installer to install an IP product it is our experience that with some basic knowledge of a network and some product study the installation and configuration can also be properly performed by a person who is not an installer. Our service focuses on making the right choice based on a specific situation, preferences and budget, and providing information and tools that are required for the DIY installation.
Networks
The following types of networks can be distinguished:
LAN = Local Area Network: the wired network in, for example a house or commercial building.
WLAN = Wireless Local Area Network: the wireless (WiFi) network in, for example a house or commercial building.
WAN = Wide Area Network: the internet.
IP address in a LAN and WLAN
An (IPv4) IP address consists of a series of numbers in four groups, for example 192.168.0.255. Each of the four numbers always has a value from 0 to 255. The number is also referred to as the IP range of the network. Every IP device in a (W)LAN needs an IP address that starts with the same numbers where only the last number is unique for a specific IP device. When in the same IP range IP devices like a Network Video Recorder and an IP camera can "see" each other and work together.
The first four numbers are set for the (W)LAN in the router. The last number is assigned by the router to an IP device. The router can determine this itself (dynamically via so-called DHCP that is also activated in the network device) or because an IP address is set fixed in the IP device for that device (static). The last number of an IP address may only be used in a network by one IP device otherwise a conflict will arise. The last number that is assigned (automatically or manually) must therefore be a unused number in the network.
All network products have a preset IP address that is set by the manufacturer. Manufacturers often use the same address for their products. The standard IP address of a Dahua IP camera, for example, is 192.168.1.108. The standard IP address can be found in the documentation of the IP device. Sometimes DHCP is enabled in order to be able to provide the IP device automatically with a free IP address by the router. If DHCP is not activated and the first four digits of the address do not match the first four digits of the (W)LAN, a PC in that network will not be able to find the IP device. An unused IP address must therefore be assigned to the IP device manually. Many manufacturers offer free software for scanning the network from a PC or Mac for the presence of their products. Dahua has specific programs for this in the Dahua Toolbox (also for X-Security products) and Hikvision has the SADP tool. For Safire this software is also called SADP. Often the free Video Management Software (VMS) also has this function built in. An NVR can also scan for products of the same brand in the network. After the products are found an IP address and often the subnet mask and default gateway must be entered: the network data.
An IP device that can only be connected via WiFi almost always has a specific procedure that must be performed with the app for the product. The (automatic) setting of the network data is part of that procedure.
For many IP products it is also necessary to activate (or initialize) the product when it is first put into use by providing it with its own login details. This is often part of the procedure for setting the network data. It is of course important to remember the login details. A pasword reset procedure can often only be done by the factory and sometimes costs wil be charged.
In case an IP device is included in the network via DHCP at first use we recommend turning it off later and set the IP address to fixed.
Find your network settings
The IP range, subnet mask and the default gateway (often the IP address of router in the network) of your own (W)LAN network can be found in various ways. On a Windows PC this can be done by clicking Start, entering "cmd", clicking Enter and then entering "ipconfig" in the opened Command prompt window and clicking Enter. Then the IP address (of the PC), the subnet mask and the default gateway are displayed. On a Mac you can go to the System Preferences menu, click Network, click Advanced and then click TCP/IP. The IP address of the PC/Mac that is displayed can not be used for another IP device. The first four digits of the IP address must be copied and for the last digit an unused number must be chosen between 0 and 255. The network data can also be found by logging in to your router. In the router menu the used IP addresses can be found. Another method to find out what the IP range is and which addresses are in use is by installing an IP network scanner app on a PC/Mac, smartphone or tablet and perform a scan while it is connected to the same (WiFi) network.
Alternative method
Sometimes the special software tools of a manufacturer cannot find the IP products in a network. This can be caused by a firewall or other blocking software, settings or hardware in a network or PC/Mac. When this happens an alternative method can be used to set the network data of the IP device: the IP address of the PC/Mac is set in the IP range of the default IP address of the IP device. When, for example, a Dahua IP camera is used the default address is 192.168.1.108. The PC/Mac can then be given the address 192.168.1.50. You will then be able to log in to the IP camera via the web browser or product software and set the (W)LAN network data for the IP camera. After saving the new network data in the IP device the PC/Mac is reset to its original IP address.
Internal and external IP address
The IP address in the (W)LAN is described above. This is also referred to as the internal IP address. When the LAN is connected to the internet (WAN) the internet provider also assigns an IP address to the LAN. This is referred to as the external IP address. The LAN has one external IP address that is converted by the own router to internal IP addresses. The internal and external IP address almost always are not in the same IP range. The external IP address can also change from time to time because it has not been made fixed by an internet provider.
There are various techniques that can be used to access an IP device in your network via the internet (WAN) with for example a smartphone app. A so-called Port forwarding can be set manually in the router. A port (number) is thereby added to the external and internal IP address so that a request to connect via the external IP address with a port number is referred to an internal IP address with a port number. A tool for looking up the external IP address and open ports can be found at:
YouGetSignal. Port forwarding can lead to connection problems when the external IP address is not fixed. Port forwarding is also not always a safe connection method. For that reason manufacturers are increasingly using a different connection method: P2P (peer-to-peer). Manufacturers often use their own name for the P2P method. Port forwarding is not required when using P2P. The manufacturer uses a central P2P server that establishes a WAN connection between an IP device in a (W)LAN and a smartphone or PC/Mac in another (mobile) network. To setup the P2P connection a QR code is often used that can be scanned with a smartphone app. After scanning the login details can be entered after which the connection willl be established. It is still necessary that the IP device is included in the (W)LAN network using the correct network data (IP address).
This knowledgebase article is based on questions and feedback we have received from our customers. We did not try to cover all details in this article. Please let us know if you have any questions or comments.
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