This article outlines the key terms and concepts essential for installing and troubleshooting IP cameras, NVRs, routers/modems, and PoE switches.
IP Address (Internet Protocol Address)
A unique number assigned to each device on a network, such as a camera or NVR.
Example: 192.168.1.10
→ Think of it like a phone number for each device on the network.
LAN (Local Area Network)
The internal network that connects devices such as cameras, NVRs, and computers within a home or business.
→ A LAN is usually managed by a router.
WAN (Wide Area Network)
The external internet connection.
→ Your LAN connects to the WAN through a modem or router.
Router
A router connects your local network to the internet (WAN).
It also assigns IP addresses to devices on your LAN.
→ Gateway: The Gateway is usually the IP address of your router.
Switch (Network Switch)
A network switch facilitates communication between multiple cameras, the NVR, and other devices, such as computers and mobile devices, on your network.
→ A PoE switch can also provide power to compatible cameras.
DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol)
DHCP is the system that automatically assigns IP addresses to devices on a network.
→ DHCP is useful during installation, but many installers switch to static IP addresses (IP addresses that do not change) for greater control and predictability.
DNS (Domain Name System)
When you type a website name such as www.google.com, your computer does not understand the name directly. It needs the IP address, such as 142.250.190.36, to connect to the website or device you are trying to reach.
→ DNS translates the name (www.google.com) into the IP address that the computer can use.
If you use a Dynamic DNS (DDNS) service, since home IP addresses often change, DNS regularly updates the mapping.
→ example.dyndns.org → Camera or NVR
This allows the domain name to continue pointing to your camera or NVR even when the home IP address changes.
MAC Address
A hardware-based unique ID assigned to each network device.
→ A MAC address is useful for identifying specific cameras on a network.
ONVIF
ONVIF is a standard that allows IP cameras and NVRs from different brands to work together.
→ It helps ensure compatibility between devices.
NAT (Network Address Translation)
NAT allows multiple devices, such as cameras and NVRs, to share one internet connection by converting private IP addresses to a single public IP address.
→ Private IP addresses → NAT → Public IP address
It also hides internal devices from the outside, providing an additional layer of security.