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Connecting With Cameras Through Virtual Ports (VMAX IP Plus)

Updated

 

VMAX IP Plus: Accessing Cameras Through Virtual Ports

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Affected Roles:  All Users

Last Edit:  July 22, 2026

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Virtual Ports

This article explains how to access cameras connected to the VMAX IP Plus using Virtual Ports without the need to connect a PC directly to the back of the NVR or to the same network switch as the cameras.

Virtual Ports allow users to access a camera’s web interface through the NVR, eliminating the need to physically connect a computer to the camera network. This feature provides a convenient way to configure and manage connected cameras remotely through the NVR interface.

 

Note:  To access cameras through the NVR’s Virtual Ports, the VMAX IP Plus must be connected and set up on a local network.  To learn more about setting up the network settings, please read Network Setup For The VMAX IP Plus.

 

Virtual Ports are used when:

  • You need to access the camera's web interface.
  • You need to change camera settings without disconnecting the camera.
  • A laptop cannot directly connect to the camera's PoE network.

Supported Devices

  • VMAX IP Plus Series
  • VMAX® IP G4
  • DW IP Cameras

 

Address Assignment

When attempting to connect with a camera’s web client to manage settings or monitor video streams, users normally must connect their computer directly to the camera’s PoE switch and assign the NIC card so that the computer can identify on the network.

However, through the use of Virtual Ports, users can connect with the cameras through the NVR, without having to physically connect a computer to the onboard PoE switch of the VMAX IP Plus.

When cameras are connected to the NVR’s PoE switch, they are assigned to an IP address that differs from the IP address scheme of the NVR itself.  This allows the NVR to manage its connected cameras with less interference from other devices that may be on the network.

For example, Cameras connected to the built-in PoE ports use an internal IP range managed by the VMAX IP Plus. This prevents conflicts with devices on the customer's local network.

This setting can be managed in the Network menu of the NVR.

 

Virtual Port Assignment

Where a user would normally have to physically connect their computer to the NVR’s PoE switch to access a camera’s web Graphical User Interface (GUI), if the computer is connected to the same router network as the NVR, the user can access the camera through its assigned Virtual Port.

Virtual ports are assigned to the VMAX IP Plus’s cameras depending on the physical PoE port that they are plugged into.

 

Using the table above, if a camera is connected to PoE Port 1, it is automatically assigned to Virtual Port 18001.  Likewise, if a camera is connected to PoE Port 8, it is automatically assigned to Virtual Port 18008.  Virtual ports for the VMAX IP Plus Series can range from Virtual Ports 18001 – 18016.

 

Connecting Through Virtual Ports

Before commencing:

  • Verify that the NVR is connected to the local network.
  • Determine the camera's physical PoE port number.

To establish a connection with a camera through the NVR’s virtual camera web ports, it is necessary to know the IP Address of the VMAX IP Plus and the specific PoE Port to which the camera is physically connected. 

  1. Open a web browser on your computer. 

 

Note:  If your computer is not connected to the same Local Area Network (LAN) as the NVR, but is accessing it from an external network (WAN), ports 18001 – 18016 must be forwarded in the NVR’s local router to enable a successful connection. 

 

  1. Input the NVR’s Local IP Address, followed by the camera’s assigned Virtual Port. 

If connecting from an external network, enter the NVR’s Remote/Public IP or DDNS, followed by the camera’s assigned Virtual Port. 

 

URL Structure:  http://:

 

Example:

 

  1. The camera’s web client will prompt you to log in to the camera before it can display the web GUI.

Enter the Username and Password of the camera to complete your connection through the Virtual Port.

 

  • NOTE: For cameras connected to the built-in PoE switch, please use the following information:
    • Username:  admin
    • Password: !A_NVRs MAC (please enter in all lowercase and without colons)

 

 

 

If the cameras are connected through an external switch, you may use either the default camera password or the updated password if it has been modified.

 

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For More Information or Technical Support

DW Technical Support: https://www.digital-watchdog.com/contact-tech-support/

DW Sales: sales@digital-watchdog.com | www.digital-watchdog.com

Rev: 06/25                              Copyright © DW. All rights reserved. Specifications and pricing subject to change without notice.                            

 

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