Network DVR4-Wi — Network Setup Guide

Overview

This guide covers connecting a Network DVR4-Wi to your existing network for local and remote (internet) access. We strongly recommend having an IT professional or certified installer perform this setup. The DVR's default IP address is 192.168.0.100, port 80.

Step 1 – Connect the DVR Directly to Your PC

Connect the DVR directly to your computer (no internet connection needed) using an RJ45 network cable.

Step 2 – Match Your PC's IP Configuration

Temporarily change your PC's network IP configuration to match the DVR's factory default subnet so the two devices can communicate once connected. (Note whatever settings were previously configured on your PC so you can restore them later, after the DVR's IP has been changed.)

1. Windows XP: Start → Settings → Control Panel → View → Network Connections
2. Right-click "Local Area Connection" → Properties
3. Select "Internet Protocol [TCP/IP]" → Properties
4. Choose "Use the following IP address" and enter an address on the DVR's default subnet (ignore DNS server fields), then click OK

Step 3 – Enable ActiveX Controls (Internet Explorer)

The DVR's web interface requires Internet Explorer with ActiveX controls enabled to access full features.

1. Internet Explorer → Tools → Internet Options
2. Security tab → Internet zone → Custom Level…
3. Security tab → Local Intranet zone → Custom Level…
4. Enable: Automatic Prompting for ActiveX Controls, Binary and Script Behaviors, Download Signed ActiveX Controls, Download Unsigned ActiveX Controls
5. Click OK

Step 4 – Connect to the DVR

With the correct PC IP address set and the DVR connected via RJ45 crossover/patch cable, open Internet Explorer and browse to 192.168.0.100 (the DVR's default IP). When prompted, log in with the default credentials:

Change this password after setup — see the full User's Manual, page 17, for instructions.

Step 5 – Change the DVR's IP to Match Your Network

In the DVR's web interface, click "Network" and set the IP parameters to match your final internal network configuration (DNS server information is available from your router). After changing settings, click "Submit" to apply — the DVR will reboot for the new IP address to take effect. You will temporarily lose access during the reboot; this is expected.

Step 6 – Connect the PC and DVR to the Router

1. Restore your PC's original IP configuration (from before Step 2).
2. Disconnect the direct RJ45 link between the PC and DVR, and connect both the PC and the DVR to ports on your router. Restart the PC.
3. After restarting, open Internet Explorer and browse to the DVR's new internal IP address (e.g. 192.168.2.109) to confirm connectivity over the router.

Step 7 – Router Setup for Remote Access

To access the DVR remotely over the internet, you must configure port forwarding on your router.

1. Log into your router's admin interface (e.g. 192.168.2.1 for many Linksys routers — default is a blank username with "admin" as the password, which you should change).
2. Go to "Applications & Gaming" → "Port Range Forward" and add an entry (e.g. named "DVR").
3. Forward port 8000 (default DVR video port) and port 1500 (audio, if enabled) to the DVR's internal IP address (e.g. .109).
4. Enable the rule and save settings.

Private vs. public IP: A network DVR typically shares a router's single public (often dynamic) IP address via a private internal IP. The router's virtual server / port forwarding function redirects the DVR's private IP address to the public IP so remote access works. Example: DVR private IP 192.168.2.109, after configuring the virtual server the remote URL format is http://public_ip:port_number, e.g. http://123.123.123.123:8000.

Notes

Your router must be separately configured for your internet connection type (static or dynamic IP) before port forwarding will function correctly. For additional network settings, refer to the full DVR User's Manual, page 41.