How To Remotely View Security Cameras Using The Internet

As technology continually improves, becoming less expensive and more accessible, security systems are becoming implemented more and more commonly. For the average citizen, security and peace of mind are their first prerogatives and have become a basic necessity. To choose the right surveillance system for your situation, it’s important to have a basic knowledge of the different kinds of technology available. This article discusses IP cameras and how to access your IP security cameras remotely over the internet.

What Is An IP Camera?

A standard IP camera uses an Ethernet cable to connect to a network or Network Video Recorder. After the IP camera is physically hooked up to the network (cabling can run up to 1500 feet), you can access it and use it remotely from anywhere in the world through the camera’s IP address/password.

Using An IP Camera

Newer models of the IP camera may offer image processing capabilities and highly advanced image refining options such as VCA (video content analysis), WDR (wide dynamic range), and ROI (region of interest). If you are looking for specific features, our helpful sales associates at TriStar Commercial will help you find the right kind of camera for your security needs. One item of note with IP cameras is that there is always a slight (1-2 sec) delay when transferring the footage to your monitor. However, this shouldn’t be much of a problem unless you have an explicit need to watch things the exact second they occur. IP cameras can also boast up to 4K resolution, along with all of the other perks of built-in image processing.

Do IP Cameras Need The Internet?

Having an internet connection is necessary if you want to set up IP cameras for remote viewing. However, you can still access your IP security cameras on your smartphone through 4G/3G mobile data apps if there is no WiFi available.

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How To Stream IP Cameras Over The Internet Through Manufacturer’s App Or Client

The easiest and most convenient way to set up an IP camera to view remotely is to use the manufacturer’s app or Client. Manufacturers design every part of both the App and Client, so there are no concerns regarding compatibility issues when watching CCTV cameras from anywhere through the internet, unlike third-party software. Moreover, security camera providers regularly release new software versions offering improved features. You can easily watch your CCTV cameras from anywhere using the internet thanks to P2P technology, such as checking on your remote cabin from the comfort of your couch. Below we break down the configuration of an IP camera on the internet in three simple steps:

Step 1: Download the app or Client to your phone or computer
Step 2: Launch the app and input a unique ID number (UID) to configure the camera device
Step 3: On the App or Client, click on the camera to view your IP camera over the internet outside the home network.

Most of the time, the camera software sellers only allow you to watch CCTV cameras from the same brand from anywhere with the internet and don’t work with the security cameras from other brands.

How To Stream IP Cameras For Viewing Through Port Forwarding

The other option to stream IP cameras over the Internet is to set up a security camera through a web browser remotely. Port forwarding can remotely access IP cameras through different WiFi connections for all security camera brands, along with NVR remote viewing. Below we list the steps to setting up your IP camera for remote viewing via port forwarding.

Step 1: Determine Your Security Camera’s IP Address: The first thing you need to do is find your camera’s IP address. The security camera software generally has a page displaying your network status, along with the security camera’s IP address. You can also refer to your router configuration software and find a screen displaying the attached DHCP clients’ IP addresses.
Step 2: Keep An Eye On Your Router’s WAN/External IP Address: You can get your home network’s current WAN IP address here. If you want to save yourself the trouble of checking the WAN IP address of the router each time you need to check the IP cameras on the internet, or if you are unable to locate the new WAN IP address when you’re not home, you can use the DDNS service to configure remote viewing for your IP camera/ The biggest advantage DDNA offers is that it allocates a hostname to your camera, so you won’t have to memorize your IP address. This makes it a lot simpler for you to watch your CCTV cameras anywhere you are in the world through the internet. You can ask one of the friendly, experienced security experts here at Tristar Commercial about how to access your Reolink IP cameras from the Internet remotely through DDNS.
Step 3: Look At The Camera Port Numbers And Forward Ports To The Router: When setting up an IP camera for remote viewing, you need to use the port numbers. Routers use ports to limit the data you can access on your IP camera and distinguish between different devices. If your network has multiple security cameras and you want to view all of the IP cameras remotely online, keep in mind you’ll need to use different port numbers. Depending on your specific situation, you may change the port numbers. After you’ve established the “RTMP port” and the “HTTP port” from the camera device settings, your next step in configuring security IP cameras to allow for remote viewing is to set up the port forwarding rules. To do so, you need to log into the web interface of your router.
Step 4: Put In The URL Address: After you’ve obtained all the necessary information, the last step in setting up an IP camera to view remotely is to open your web browser and input the URL address, consisting of the port number and your WAN IP address. If your WAN IP address is 182.48.192.190, for example, and the HTTP port is 3001, the URL address you input on the web browser should be “http://182.48.192.190:3001.” After generating a URL, you can easily access your IP security cameras from anywhere in the world outside of your home network.

Setting up online remote access for IP security cameras is a fairly straightforward process. Thanks to advancements in technology, you can check in on your property from anywhere in the world for free. TriStar Commercial is a top security system consultant and installer located in Austin, TX. Work with TriStar Commercial for your security system needs today!