Security DVR to Internet?

Question

Trying to connect a security camera DVR to the internet.

I'm a bit confused. I've entered my IP, Subnet mask and Gateway as it appears in my router configuration (and the data sheet provided by the ISP). This is not working.

My actual IP appears to be different when looking at "Find my IP" sites online (172.16.**.** vs 24.155.***.** ) Could this be a problem?

I know my question isn't clear, but it's a bit much to type.

Thanks

Answer 1

Your router has two IP addresses.  One address faces your ISP (and the internet).  This is the one that starts with 24.155.  It also has a private (inward facing) IP address 172.16.1.1  All the devices on your local network will have a similar looking IP address.  This address is not routeable from the internet.  (i.e. no one can connect to, ping or "see" this address from the internet).  

Your router/modem does Network Address Translation (NAT) to map the private address with the public address making the private-to-public transition nearly transparent to the end user.

Ok.  So here's your problem.  Your camera or DVR has a private address and you want to address it from the public internet.  There are three ways to do this:

(1) You have to figure out configure your router to allow connections from the internet directly to your camera/DVR.  If your modem/router doesn't allow this, there are ways to trick NAT into allowing the connection.  For info on how to do this search for "NAT Hole Punching".  This becomes much more difficult if you have a dynamic IP address with your ISP instead of a static IP address.

(2) Have your camera/DVR initiate the connection to your computer on the public internet.  (this may not be possible depending on your equipment).

(3) Have a 3rd party server that keeps track of how to connect to your camera/DVR.  This is especially valuable if you have a dynamic IP address with your ISP.   Cisco/linksys cameras use the tzo.com service.

I would think your camera/DVR would have a manual that would explain how to get it to work in a private network with NAT.