If you want to view your DVR over the internet, and it is behind a Router, you will need to use "Port Forwarding".
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You need to create a local IP in the DVR and port forward to it in the router. This Local IP has to be in the same Gateway range as the Router, if you are unsure check the Router and locate the Status section, or goto windows XP COMMAND PROMPT and type in IPCONFIG.
Look for Gateway. If the Gateway is 192.168.1.1, then you can make the DVR's IP anything from 192.168.1.2 - 192.168.1.255. Also you will need to use the same SubNet Mask, which is typically 255.255.255.0, and also use the same gateway.
Next Find out what port the DVR uses. Easiest way is to read the DVR manual. Look for the network section of it. Also, if it comes with network software, check to see if in the connection area of it, if it shows a port number. Also check the server software/Programming (Network section of it) to see if a port is listed. Alot of times it can also be as simple as just Port 80, which is an HTTP port.
Now to access the Router itself, use the Gateway you just located.
If the gateway is 192.168.1.1, then enter that into the Browser location and click enter. A username and password is typically required but it will depend on the router. For Linksys use "admin", "admin", for DLinks normally by default it doesnt require a user or password. Check the link at the end of this to find your router.
Then, once logged into the Router, in the Applications & Gaming Section / Servers of the Router, you need to add a Server/Application. Call it whatever you like.
Enter the port number and select TCP only.
Where it sais Port 0 to 0 enter the same port number twice.
Or if the DVR uses for example, ports 3550, 4550, 5550, 6550, and there is nothing else utilizing the ports inbetween, then you can actually just enter one line, 3550 - 6550.
Enter the DVR/Cameras internal IP.
Enable it.
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If the port was 1024, and the Local IP is 192.168.1.200, then it would be:
NAME = Anything you want
Port = 1024 TO 1024
TCP/UDP = TCP
LOCAL IP = 192.168.1.200
ENABLED = CHECKED
OR
NAME = Anything you want
Port = 3550 TO 6550
TCP/UDP = TCP
LOCAL IP = 192.168.1.200
ENABLED = CHECKED
Set up additional entries for as many ports the DVR uses, to the same local IP. Check your DVR manual and it's networking section for all additional ports required. Also check the DVR software itself.
If the router has enough free entries, then seperate them, use it like DVR_HTTP for the browser port, DVR_AUDIO for the audio port, etc.
If you are going to use VNC to a PC DVR, then you would need to set up port 5900, and perhaps call it VNC_DVR, for example.
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Using Port Forwarding, using your static IP / DDNS from outside, and the DVR/Camera software, or Browser, it will connect to the DVR/Cameras Internal IP and port.
Next, it depends on the port and DVR. If it is using port 80 or you are connecting via Internet Explorer, you can goto DynDns.org and get a free account, set up a name and enter your static IP. This will be a DDNS connection.
With the Linksys router for example, you can enter your account info in the Router's DDNS section, and it will update it regularly so you never need a static IP.
Other routers also have this feature and support various DDNS companies.
Also, in the router, some stand alones require the DMZ to be enabled for that internal IP. PC DVRs never need it as far as I know, and I would not recommend it for a PC system.
To find out specifics on the type of Router you are using, visit:
http://www.portforward.com/english/rout ... rindex.htm
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Found this useful also: DLink Router Emulator:
http://support.dlink.com/emulators/di614+/h_wizard.htm
They have the link on the support page for the router.
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If you have any questions please post it in the Computers/Networking Forum. Alot of DVRs will differ, if you get stuck, ask a question.
Hope this helps someone.
Thanks.
Rory
