Setting up your NVR for remote viewing is critical to surveillance today. It lets you watch your security camera feeds while out and about.
Your security camera system is designed to protect your premises 24/7, especially when you’re not there. Even if you’ve got a video monitoring company helping out, you still want to check in on the system or be notified if a problem arises.
In this guide, we’ll cover the essentials of setting up and accessing your NVR for remote viewing.
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6 Easy Steps on Setting Up NVR For Remote Viewing
1. Understand Your Network
Setting up your network video recorder for remote viewing requires you to access your Local Area Network (LAN) from the Internet (a Wide Area Network).
Your devices connect to the Internet through your gateway router, which is assigned two different IP addresses—one on the LAN and one on the WAN.
Depending on your service provider, your router’s local address will generally be 192.168.1.1. Any devices connected to that router – smartphones, computers, tablets, NVRs – are assigned a different last number at the end instead of ‘1’. These addresses can only be accessed locally under normal circumstances.
The WAN address can either be static (generally for large businesses) or dynamic (for residential and small businesses). Internet Service Providers rotate dynamic addresses for security purposes or power fluctuations.
2. Setup DDNS
Setting up DDNS gives your network a nickname that ensures you can reach your network even when the IP address changes. This is done through a DDNS provider that associates your network with a customized nickname.
You’re giving your router a static URL linked to its dynamic WAN address so you can access it from an Internet browser or smartphone app.
3. Set Up A Port Forward
Port forwarding assigns specific ports on your router to a device on the LAN, directing any traffic requesting those ports to that device – in this case, your NVR.
You can only specify a device on your LAN to visit with it. Ports are forwarded by logging into your router on the local network via its IP address.
4. Assign The DDNS Hostname To Your NVR
Once you’ve set up port forwarding and DDNS, you must assign the DDNS hostname to your NVR. In your NVR’s network settings, you must enable DDNS and enter the credentials for the hosting site—username, password, and hostname.
From now on, any web service that requests that hostname will be automatically routed to your NVR for remote viewing.
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5. Set Two IP Addresses For Your NVR
One catch to all the routing hoops you have to jump through to remote view your NVR is you can’t view the remote security camera feed when you’re on the local network.
You must enter your NVR as two devices with separate IP addresses if you’re using a mobile device. The username and password will remain the same, but you won’t have to enter the ports for the local connection on your IP cameras.
Using a smartphone app only requires you to fill in the NVR’s credentials once, but you’ll have to set two IP addresses for your NVR.
The first will be the local address you can access when you’re within your home or business WIFI range. The second will be the IP address you’ll connect to when viewing your security cameras remotely. You’ll also have to switch on and off the wireless network manually.
Also read: What is Managed WiFi?
6. Verify That Local Viewing and Remote Viewing Works
Once the network itself has been configured, you can log in to your NVR from any Internet-connected device.
Logging in from a computer is usually as simple as entering your DDNS hostname into an Internet browser and using the NVR’s username and password to view your feeds.
On a smartphone, you’ll need to use a compatible app, or you won’t be able to connect to your security cameras. Once you enter the credentials into the mobile apps, you can see your live feeds and save footage in any remote location if you have a cellular signal, Internet, or Wi-Fi access.
Optimizing Your NVR for Reliable Remote Viewing
Setting up an NVR for remote viewing is just the first step—ensuring consistent performance, security, and accessibility requires additional optimization. Many users experience connectivity issues due to incorrect home network configurations, unstable network cables, or misconfigured http port settings.
Below are key strategies to enhance your security system for seamless remote access.
1. Assigning a Static IP for Your NVR
A common issue with remote access is the NVR losing its IP address after a router restart. Assigning a static IP prevents your NVR from being assigned a different NVR’s IP address, ensuring a stable connection.
2. Strengthening Security Measures
Remote access can expose your security cameras to cyber threats. Follow these best practices:
- Change default passwords on your video management software and IP cameras.
- Restrict http port access to trusted networks only.
- Use a VPN to create a secure connection instead of relying solely on an open home network.
3. Testing Remote Access on Multiple Devices
After completing the setup, verify accessibility on both a mobile phone and a desktop device. Some configurations may work on a mobile device but fail on a PC due to firewall restrictions. Ensuring compatibility across different platforms minimizes troubleshooting later.
By implementing these optimizations, your NVR for remote viewing will remain reliable, secure, and fully functional, providing uninterrupted access to your security cameras whenever needed.
FAQs
Do I need to configure my router for NVR remote viewing?
Yes, you may need to configure port forwarding on your network router. This involves setting up a specific network cable and server port that needs to be opened so that the PoE NVR can communicate with the Internet for remote access. Refer to your NVR’s manual for specific port numbers.
What should I do if I cannot access my NVR remotely?
Check your internet connection and ensure your PoE NVR is properly connected to the router. Verify that the correct port is forwarded in your router’s settings.
Restart your devices, including the NVR, router, and the viewing device. If problems persist, contact the support team for your NVR.
Why does my NVR keep disconnecting from my home network?
If your home network isn’t properly configured, your router may assign a new IP to your NVR, causing disconnections. Assigning a static NVR’s IP address and checking your network cable connections can help.
Can I improve remote viewing speed on a mobile phone?
Yes, using a faster internet service provider, reducing the video resolution on your video management software, and ensuring a strong mobile device connection can enhance streaming quality.
Let Safe and Sound Security Support You
Setting up remote viewing is crucial to securing your property, but there are other aspects. You obviously need a security camera system first, and you might also use an access control system or a burglar alarm.
The best commercial and residential security systems are planned and installed by professionals. If you’re interested in getting a security camera suite or just want more information on surveillance systems, call Safe and Sound Security.
We’re happy to share the experience that has made us California’s best local security system integrator and installer for nearly ten years.
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