Channel Vision — IP Camera & DVR Network Setup Guide

Channel Vision's general-purpose IP Setup Document for configuring Channel Vision IP cameras and DVRs on a home or office network — covering network information gathering, camera IP assignment, DDNS setup, port forwarding, and common troubleshooting issues.

Step 1 — Gather Network Information First

Before beginning setup, collect the following from the customer (required, no exceptions):

• Homeowner or professional installer? (Channel Vision only provides free phone support to installers/dealers, not homeowners doing self-install)
• Router brand, part number, username, and password
• Modem brand, part number, username, and password
• WAN IP address (customer can find this at www.ipchicken.com)
• DVR username/password (defaults: username admin, password 123456)
• Whether the customer has a Static or Dynamic IP address

Verify the customer has a CAT5 cable connecting the IP camera to the router or switch.

Step 2 — Find the Computer's Network Settings

1. Click "Run" on the computer, type cmd, and press Enter to open a command prompt.
2. Type ipconfig /all and press Enter.
3. Record the computer's IP address (for reference only — do NOT enter this into the IP camera).
4. Write down the Default Gateway (e.g. 192.168.1.1), DNS Server (use the first one if two are listed), and Subnet Mask (e.g. 255.255.255.0).

Step 3 — Configure the IP Camera

1. Connect the IP camera to the switch/router and power it on.
2. Open "IP Installer" (included on the disk that came with the camera) and click "Search."
3. Click on the camera's Server Name found in IP Installer.
4. Make sure "Static" is selected at the top of the configuration screen.
5. Assign the camera an IP address using the same first 3 number groups as your Default Gateway (e.g. if the gateway is 192.168.1.1, the camera's address starts with 192.168.1._). Use a different host number (2-250) than your computer's.
6. Enter the Subnet Mask, Default Gateway, DNS Server, and a Port — Channel Vision recommends port 8000.
7. Click "Submit."
8. Test by opening http://(camera IP):(assigned port) in Internet Explorer, e.g. http://192.168.1.208:8000.

Note: The first connection through Internet Explorer will prompt an ActiveX control install. IE 6, 7, 8, or 9 is required (IE6 is unreliable). If ActiveX doesn't load, go to Tools > Internet Options > Security > Custom Level and set every ActiveX-related option to "Prompt" (unless already Enable/Disable).

Step 4 — DDNS Setup (for remote access with a dynamic IP)

1. Go to www.dyndns.com and select "Free Dynamic DNS," then "Get Started." (Requires creating a free DynDNS.org account.)
2. Choose a Hostname for the DVR (must use the dyndns.org domain option).
3. Set Service Type to "Host With IP Address."
4. Click "Use auto detected IP Address" (same number available at www.ipchicken.com), then "Add To Cart," "Next," and "Activate Services."
5. Copy the resulting hostname (e.g. customerdvrname.dyndns.org) — this will be unique to each customer.
6. On the IP Camera's network page, select the "DDNS" button, enter the DDNS information, and click "Apply."

Port Forwarding

Port forwarding is required to view the camera from outside the home/office network. Forward a chosen port (e.g. 5400) to the camera's internal IP address, using TCP protocol. Steps vary by router brand — general references:

• SMC routers: Advanced Setup > NAT > Virtual Server. Enter the DVR's internal address and the port, select TCP, click Apply, then Restart.
• LG routers: Advanced > Port Forwarding tab. Enter the camera's IP and port, check "Enable Port Forwarding," click Add, Select, then Apply.
• Wikipedia's port forwarding overview: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Port_forward (not affiliated with Channel Vision)
• Router-specific picture walkthroughs: screenshots.portforward.com (not affiliated with Channel Vision)

Common Issues

• 2Wire modem/router combos: Don't use "LAN" mode in IP Installer — select "DHCP" instead. Assigning a LAN address prevents the 2Wire router from detecting the camera, which blocks port forwarding.
• Router can't port forward: Rare, but some routers simply lack this capability.
• Router is defective for port forwarding: Also rare, but possible.
• Camera works internally but not externally after port forwarding: Usually caused by (a) incomplete network setup on the camera (missing DNS server or wrong subnet mask), or (b) the customer unknowingly has two routers on the network — you cannot view the camera externally with two active routers unless one is fully disabled and used only as a wireless access point.

Manufacturer: Channel Vision, Costa Mesa, CA 92626 — 1-800-840-0288 — www.channelvision.com