DIY Security Systems
Streaming your security cameras over the internet can surely provide you peace of mind while you are away. Yet, many of you may find the setting up your IP camera for remote viewing a bit daunting. So, how to remotely view security cameras using the internet? In this article, we’ll show you the two easiest ways to set up a security camera for remote viewing so that you can access CCTV cameras at home from anywhere using the internet for added home safety.
Two Ways on How to Remotely View Security Cameras via the Internet
There are two basic ways to access your security camera using the internet remotely:
Streaming via Manufacturer’s App or Client
The easiest and most convenient method on how to remotely view security cameras using the internet is to use the manufacturer’s App or Client. The App or Client is designed for the security cameras by the manufacturers themselves, so unlike third-party software, you don’t need to worry about compatibility issues when watching CCTV cameras from anywhere using the internet.
On top of that, the manufacturer will also release new software versions periodically to unlock more advanced features. Thanks to the P2P technology, you can watch your CCTV cameras and monitor your loved ones from anywhere using the internet in a breeze.
Here are the steps on how to stream via Manufacturer App or Client:
- Step 1: Download the Manufacturer App or Client to your phone or computer.
- Step 2: Launch the app and enter the unique ID number (UID) to add your security camera device.
- Step 3: Click your camera on the App or Client, and view your security camera over the internet outside your home network.
The best thing about this method is that your family members can also stream your security camera over the internet simultaneously. As long as you have the App on your phone, and a reliable connection, you can check on your loved ones anytime, anywhere.
This method is definitely the easiest way to view your camera online. Although the P2P applications contain safety vulnerabilities, your manufacturer can still take advantage of the encryption technology available to prevent exposure of your privacy. However, please note that this method only allows you to access CCTV cameras of the same brand and will not work with other brands.
Set up Security Camera Remote Viewing via Port Forwarding
Are there other ways on how to remotely view security cameras using the internet? If you are curious and can manage to do some technical setups, then the answer is yes. If you intend to stream your security camera via an online browser, then the best method to use is through port forwarding. Here are the steps:
Step 1: Find the IP address of your security camera
To watch your CCTV cameras using a browser, the first thing is to find your camera IP address. Typically, the security camera software has a page that shows your network status, including the IP address of your CCTV.
Step 2: Check the WAN/External IP address of your router
If you want an easy way to check the router’s WAN IP address whenever you access your security cameras online, use the DDNS service to configure your security camera on the internet for remote viewing. This is also applicable when you can’t find the new WAN IP address.
The main benefit of DDNS is that it will assign a specific hostname to your camera, so you don’t have to memorize your IP address, making it more convenient for you to access your CCTV cameras from anywhere using the internet.
Step 3: Check the security camera port numbers & forward ports to the router
The port numbers are used when setting up how to remotely view security cameras using the internet. Routers rely on ports to limit data that can access your camera and adapt between multiple devices. If you own two security cameras on your network and you want to view both online remotely, remember to use different port numbers for each camera.
After you have received the “HTTP port” and “RTMP port” from the camera device settings, the next thing to do is to configure security cameras for remote viewing. It allows you to log into your router’s web interface to set up the port forwarding commands.
Step 4: Enter the URL address
Now that you have collected all the necessary information, the final step to set up your security camera for remote viewing is to open your web browser and type in the URL address, which consists of your WAN IP address and the port number. Then you can view your security cameras online for free outside your home network.
If you would like to download videos from web page, you may use Internet Download Manager software.
Conclusion
The two methods presented above allow you on how to remotely view security cameras using the internet. Doing so can help you feel at peace, even though you are away from home or your business.
These methods are simple to do, as long as you have a bit of knowledge regarding the internet and computer processes. However, if all the terms tend to be unfamiliar to you, asking for professional help won’t hurt. Find out more about Security Cameras.