Remote access to DVR

Remote access to CCTV via broadband.

Easily said, but not always that straight forward!

Requirements and considerations if you want our engineers to install:

1. An Ethernet socket on the DVR and a spare Ethernet socket on the router.

(If the DVR is not located near to the router) then a cat-5 cable or patch between the router and the DVR will be required!

(We can do this at a cost depending on how far etc.)

2. We will need full access to the routers setup pages.

(So you must have the Admin name and password ready for the engineer to logon).

3. If you want a preferred local IP is to be used for the DVR, have this ready, otherwise

our engineer will sensibly assign an IP that is free and available.

4. Ideally for remote access, your DVR would need to have web serve capability.

This means that these types of DVR are viewable from mostly any computer anywhere without extra software.
You can also alter the serving port number should you have another web host running on port 80

( The default port for serving web sites and browsers )

           Some older DVR’s and some specialised recording equipment that don’t have a web serve facility,
             will use dedicated software for remote access, and this is where further “Port forwarding”
            services may need to be setup in both the remote viewing site’s router as well as the DVR’s end.

(For this reason, a visit to the remote viewing site/sites may also be necessary).

Don’t assume you can view all DVR’s from just any internet café or wherever!

Most recent DVR’s make use of the port 80 (The std web port for web browsers)

But port forwarding at the remote site is still required.

Example Ports:

Service

PORT

FTP

SSH

SSL

443

TELNET

SMPT

WEB / HTTP

IMAP

143 or 585 or 993

Pop3

110

Remote Desktop (MS)

3389

PC Anywhere

5631 + others(5632,65301,22)

Now here is the most important bit!

Are you on a (Fixed-Static IP) or a (Dynamic IP which can change)?

If you are on a Fixed IP, there’s nothing else you need to have prepared.

The rest is fairly straight forward for our engineers.

(However if you are not on a fixed IP, then the following is for you!)

Dynamic IP and DDNS providers / update settings.

If you don’t know much about DDNS then don’t worry because it’s easier to set-up than you may think!

Below is a detailed explanation so that you may understand. Once you grasp the concept, it’s not difficult to do!

Most domestic homes and small business are likely to have a dynamic internet IP which although cheaper than static,

they will change by hour day week, and also if you loose power or reset your router It varies.

So if you want to remotely connect to your site you will need to know what your new (Public or Internet) IP is!

This is where a DDNS (Dynamic Domain Name System) service comes in. (No-ip or Dyn-DNS etc) are typical providers.

The cost is +/- £6 a year and take's only 1/2 an hour to set up!

There are some free ones’ but you may need to re-register monthly, and some redirect to advertising before your site! So pay the small fee for an enhanced service!

How “Dynamic DDNS” works:

So when your dynamic public IP changes "and it will", the DDNS provider will be able to redirect web queries to your site's new IP because it’s been informed of your new IP by the (Updater)!

What's an updater? (A script or program or setting in your router that will inform your DDNS provider what your new IP

address is! This can be found in either your Router or DVR’s configuration, also can be a small program (free from your DDNS provider) running on a computer that is connected to the internet and is left switched on! (A home server maybe?)

Note: A lot of new routers and DVR’s have a built in DDNS updater service (see picture below). Make the router your

first choice, because it’s always switched on! Also the router will be first to know if your IP has changed, so it will update quicker! If not then use the DVR. Failing that you will need to use the updater program that is free from your DDNS provider. Install it on a computer or server that’s left switched on. This will monitor and up-date your provider should your IP change.

Here’s an example:

When you setup the DDNS service, the provider will give you with a free Domain name (XXX.com) or whatever. The DDNS service now makes sure that (XXX.com) is always pointing to your site’s IP public address, because you are updating to the DDNS service whenever your IP changes.

So…today your internet IP is 81.200.122.102 and has (XXX.com) pointing to it by your DDNS service.

The next day or so, your internet IP changes to 81.187.122.13.

The UPDATER now informs your DDNS provider about your new public IP.

Because DDNS provider is the holder of the domain name (XXX.com) it can redirect all internet queries from other users and DNS servers around the world to your new public IP.

(So now you can remotely access your CCTV - Computers and other devices at your home or business using the (XXX.com) name from anywhere in the world!

You could also buy your own customised domain names like “Freds_classic_cars.co.uk” and redirect this to (XXX.com).

Serve a web-site from your business or home computer; it opens a whole new realm of possibilities!

When you buy domain names, there is always a free redirect facility, and other advanced options, so you’re always in control !

(.co.uk’s are about +/- £8 for 2 years, where as .com’s are more +/- £12 per year.

Have a look on the internet, there are plenty independent providers and also your DDNS provider will sell Domain names!

PROS: This method is cheaper than a static IP and more secure, as you can easily change the domain name. (A dynamic IP could save +/- £10 a month on your internet bill, against static costs )!

CONS: If you’re IP changes, the DDNS service can take
1 or 2 minutes to propagate around the World.

An example of a “BT Home Hub” DDNS updater settings page:

If you are fortunate to have a router with DDNS update, then apply the simple settings here.

This example is for “No-IP” (a typical DDNS service provider).

The BT home hub has other providers as well.

1: Your logon

name with your

DDNS Provider!

Usually it's your

email.

2: Service Provider: Select

from the pull

down menu.

3: The free

domain name

that you got when you

registered with

your DDNS

service.

Because DDNS requires half an hour or so to setup a new account, plus a small payment to the DDNS provider.

For this reason we would expect this to be done prior to our engineer’s visit.

We recommend (No-ip) as a provider, as the account setup on the internet is very simple to understand.

Also I believe that BT and other service providers offer a DDNS service. So If your router or DVR has built in client other than (No-ip) you may want to use it in preference.

Beware of certain free DDNS as they redirect via advertising pages and some also need monthly renewal.

Typical cost of an enhanced service that does not require maintenance is about £6 per year.

OR....Go Static?

You may consider all the above to be a bit involved, but once setup it’s very reliable. You may like to take the easy option of a

Static IP, but please note that your current internet service may not necessarily be upgradeable! You may need to re-subscribe.

Other methods to obtain your site’s dynamic IP Via stand alone updater’s

IP Mailer programs:

There are many stand alone email updaters that will post your IP changes to your web-mail or mobile phone.

Using one of these would require a computer at the remote site to be switched on all the time, to be able to post the update info to your your phone or a web mail address.

Some of these utilities are free, but here’s one that is very good and only costs £2.50 per computer .

The licence is forever and it works as a service or in windows start-up.

Link

Notice here how the IP has changed 4 times inthe last 6 days!

IP Mailer programs:

PROS:

It costs little or nothing to Setup and does not involve anyone else.

For added security, only you will know what your IP is today!.

CONS:

You won’t be able to serve a public web page from this setup.

(Because it’s not informing the internet of your IP changes! )

You may have to wait for an email before you can logon to your

PC or CCTV.

People you want to share, may not be able to access your site.

Because they don’t share your email. Unless you set up a free hotmail account, so everyone involved will be able to share login details and retrieve posts regarding your latest IP status!)

On the whole, not as reliable. (But worth a thought!)

With this information you may feel confident enough to attempt it yourself. It’s up to you!