How to Configure NVR for IP Camera on a Network?
Security of property and people is an important requisite for any business. Today, businesses are investing in various types of security solutions to improve their business safety. Over the years, Network Video Recorders (NVR) have emerged as one of the popular security solutions. They are used with IP cameras to improve the security. What makes them superior? How to setup NVR for IP camera on the network? This post discusses everything you wish to know about NVR and configuring it for IP cameras.
What is NVR?
A Network Video Recorder (NVR) is a system featuring a software application. This system is designed to collect and store the videos captured by all cameras connected to the network. NVR records these videos on mass storage devices. Unlike other storage devices, it features no specific video capture hardware, and the software is operated on a dedicated device. NVR is usually employed on the IP video surveillance systems, and they are capable of streaming video/audio data on a single cable.
A Brief Introduction to NVR Setup
NVR can be set up with or without a Power over Ethernet (PoE) or Non-PoE switch. PoE switches are used with PoE compatible cameras. The cameras are plugged into the PoE ports of NVR and they require no individual power adapters to function. Non-PoE models feature no ports for plugging for cameras. However, they feature an inbuilt scan function that can scan the camera on the same network. The scan feature is also used by PoE models.
For configuring, the NVR for IP camera on the network using PoE switch, you will require some components and accessories including a power cable, an Ethernet cable, SATA cables, security screw, and a power supply cable for hard drive installation. Most manufacturers provide technical assistance during the connection process or they also supply an easy-to-understand instruction manual with the product and accessories.
NVR is very much similar to digital video recorders (DVR). DVR is mainly used with analog cameras, whereas NVR is used with IP Cameras. It is basically a DVR of an IP camera.
How to Configure NVR for IP Camera with a PoE Switch?
The configuration starts with a hardware setup. Here is how you can proceed with the hardware setup:
- Take the Ethernet cable from the router and connect it at the back of NVR. Ensure that NVR is connected to the Internet.
- Use Ethernet cables to connect the IP cameras to PoE NVR. As the NVR is enabled with the PoE technology, it can easily power the IP cameras.
- Take an HDMI cable or a VGA cable to connect NVR and TV or monitor. Ensure that you use the right input to connect the TV or the monitor— HDMI 1, HDMI 2, or VGA.
When these steps are performed properly then NVR and IP camera connection can be easily made. Software setup is the next step in the configuration, and this can be easily done by following the instruction manual provided by the manufacturer.
How to Configure NVR for IP Camera without PoE Switch?
As discussed before, NVR without PoE switch has no Ethernet ports at its back panel. It utilizes an external power adapter or an external PoE switch to power each IP camera. Like NVR with a PoE switch, the configuration of NVR for IP camera without a POE switch also begins with the hardware configuration. Here is how to proceed:
- Take an Ethernet cable to connect the LAN port on the external PoE switch and the router. Then connect the router with the non-PoE NVR.
- Use Ethernet cables to connect all IP cameras to the PoE switch RJ45 ports. The PoE switch will deliver power as well as support video transmission.
- Use an HDMI cable or VGA cable to connect the monitor and the NVR. Always use the right input for making the connection.
Recording will be enabled only when users add the cameras to NVR. This can be easily done by referring to the steps in the instruction manual.
Important Questions on Setup of NVR with IP Camera Answered
Here is everything you may want to know about the configuration of NVR with IP Camera:
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Why NVR must be connected to the Internet?
NVR when connected to the Internet provides easy remote access of the recordings. It sends alerts or notifications to users regularly and creates backup of the videos on cloud storage solutions. In the absence of the Internet, NVR will record and stream the videos, but they will not be remotely accessible to users.
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What is the maximum transmission distance of the camera from the NVR?
The maximum transmission distance of the Ethernet cable connecting the NVR and an IP camera is 100 meters. This distance limited due to the attenuation of signals. The Ethernet extender is used to extend the transmission distance beyond 100 meters.
In addition to all the steps and points covered in the post, it is always important to check the compatibility of NVR with the IP cameras on the network. Also, it is important to ensure that the NVR supports the camera resolutions because many of them cannot support 12MP or 4K security cameras. Along with these, it is also important to use quality PoE switches for the connection. Versitron provides PoE media converters and switches in different configurations.