How to configure and connect an IP camera to the Camdog video security system
You can connect any IP camera supporting the RTSP or HTTP protocol to the Camdog service. You can do it with the following steps:
- Check your camera manufacturer.
- Configuring network device (router).
- Configuration of an IP camera (if needed).
- Obtaining a connection string for the video stream.
- Connecting the camera to the Camdog service.
GENERAL KNOWLEDGE
RTSP is a real-time streaming protocol used for remote stream playback from any type of video camera or similar device.
MJPEG is a video compression format and type of video stream used for remote playback.
H.264 is a video compression format for a very broad application range that covers all forms of digitally compressed video.
How does video transmission work?
So, how does all is work? Any IP camera captures the video and broadcasts it to a remote client (your device - app, service, DVR, etc.). This is a secure connection, so you can't be worried about your privacy. Usually, cameras have two channels for video transmission. Each channel can be accessed by means of specialized software using a special link which calls a "connection link" or URI in some sources. Below you can see an example of a connection link with a brief explanation of the parameters:
Example of a connection string (URI) for an RTSP-based Axis camera:
rtsp://admin:password@192.168.1.200:554/axis-media/media.amp
explanation of the link:
RTSP — the type of the protocol
admin — the login for the Axis camera
password — the password for the Axis camera
192.168.1.200 — the IP address of the camera (you can obtain it from your Internet provider or admin)
554 — the RTSP port of the camera
So, how to connect your camera guided by our plan above?
1. Check your camera manufacturer.
Considering that you read this tutorial, you had got some issues with the AUTO connection mode in our Camdog service. It's not a problem- let's connect a camera via MANUAL mode. Check the connection link example in your instructions for your camera or on the manufacturer’s site in the device specifications section.
If such information is missing, use our online database: Connection parameters database
- Choose the manufacturer of the camera.
- Locate your device model. Choose RTSP or MJPEG options to connect. We suggest using RTSP always when possible.
2. Do you have a public static IP address?
In order to be able to view the camera video from anywhere in the world, you must have a public IP address. The public IP address can be static or dynamic. Camdog service uses a permanent IP (static) address only. We don't accept dynamic IP addresses due to privacy terms. Your static IP address should be provided by your internet provider.
3. How to configure your network equipment or camera?
If you connect the IP camera within a corporate network, contact your system administrator!
If you have your own static IP address for each camera- you can skip this topic.
If you have one IP address assigned to you from your internet provider you can connect a few cameras to your router. So, how you can do it?
Your router setup can have two parts:
- Set up an IP address that will be reserved for a camera.
- Redirection of network ports if needed.
So, how to assign an IP address to a camera?
- Make changes in the router settings
- Make changes in the camera settings
Let's show it in the first example with the Axis E-1428 camera. Before you proceed to IP address reservation, please be sure that you enable DHCP in your router settings. The procedure is described in the router manufacturer’s instructions.
The IP address reservation procedure:
1. Connect the router via network cable to the camera. Please be sure that you connect the power cable to the camera too.
2. Connect your notebook/PC/phone to your private network, and enter the router IP address in the browser address bar (most often 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1).
3. Find your camera IP address assigned by the router by default.
Windows: Press WIN and R simultaneously, enter cmd, and press Enter. Enter the arp -a command and press Enter.
7. If you made all correct - press the Test button and the Save button. Remember your new IP address. Don't forget to change your password to new more reliable.
8. Reboot the IP camera or reconnect it to the router. It has a static IP address within your network now.
4. How to redirect network ports
If you have your own static IP address for each camera- you can skip this topic.
If your equipment does not support the UPnP function or you want to redirect the ports manually:
1. Open the router settings and go to the Forwarding section. Select Port Triggering/Forwarding and click Add New.
2. Specify the network ports: the internal port (the value is specified in the manufacturer’s instruction, most often 554 to RTSP ) and the external port (that will be accessible from the outside world).
Do not use these ports: 20, 21, 22, 53, 80, 110, 443, and 3389 as they are most often used by various utility services.
3. Save the settings and reboot the router. The ports are redirected.
When you are connecting several IP cameras, you have to allocate and configure individual network ports for each of them.
You can find examples of port forwarding in our Connection parameters database
5. How to configure an IP camera?
IP camera settings can be implemented via a browser or an app. Please follow the manufacturer’s instructions when configuring it.
To set up your camera connection with Camdog service you need to know the connection link (URI). You can find it using the manufacturer’s documentation or in the camera web interface. If this information will be missing, use our Connection parameters database
6. How to add an IP camera to the Camdog service
Go to the Cameras tab. Press the + Add Camera button in the upper-right corner:
Choose AUTO mode if your camera supports the ONVIF connection (try to do it by default).
Add your camera NAME ->Choose Location-> add IP camera static address (ONVIF IP)->Choose ports for ONVIF and RTSP-> login/password.
Press TEST CONNECTION if all data is filled.
If your data is correct you will get the PROFILES field where you can choose your own.
By default, the first Profiles_0 is usually the best quality and FPS profile.
Press the SAVE button.
OR
Choose MANUAL mode if your camera doesn't support the ONVIF connection or you had any issues during the AUTO mode connection. Add only the camera name and connection link (URI), and choose a location. Please note that your login/password is involved in the URI string. Press TEST CONNECTION if all data is filled. You will get an OK window when the connection will be set up.
Press the SAVE button.
WE PROVIDE AN ADDITIONAL HELP WITH CAMERA MODE!
In the new version, we have provided a NEW module that can help to add the connection string (URI).
We have a database of 20,000 cameras model that can help you with URI setup.
In order to start, press the Generate button and go through a quickly generate process.
So, now your camera is connected to the Camdog service.
If you have any questions feel free to drop us a line there Contact