Connecting Through Virtual Ports (VMAX IP Plus)
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Affected Roles: All Users
Last Edit: August 19, 2024
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Virtual Ports
The VMAX IP Plus recording unit features a local PoE switch (15.4W per PoE channel) that is locally integrated into the unit. By connecting cameras directly to the onboard PoE switch, most IP cameras can be easily powered and added to the recording unit.
When communicating with IP cameras over a network, the use of the IP address and port number of the device are required. However, cameras that are connected through the onboard PoE switch of the VMAX IP Plus are assigned to a virtual port and the NVR's sub-network, meaning that the IP addresses that are assigned to the cameras differ from the common IP address scheme of the network.
This article will outline how virtual ports are assigned to cameras that are connected to the VMAX IP Plus, as well as how to connect with the cameras using a web browser.
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.
Supported/Affected 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, if a VMAX IP Plus is assigned to an IP address of 192.168.10.201, and its cameras are assigned to an IP scheme of 10.0.0.x, the NVR knows that when communicating through its PoE switch to use a 10.0.0.x scheme.
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
To connect with a camera through the NVR’s virtual camera web ports, you will need to know the IP Address of the VMAX IP Plus and which PoE Port the camera is physically connected to.
- Open a web browser on your computer.
Note: If the computer is not connected to the same Local Area Network (LAN) as the NVR, but is connecting from an external network (WAN), ports 18001 – 18016 must be port forwarded in the NVR’s local router for connection to succeed.
- Enter the NVR’s Local IP Address, followed by the camera’s assigned Virtual Port.
If you are 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://<NVR_IP_Address>:<Virtual_Port>
Example:
- 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<MAC Address of NVR> (lower case)
For More Information or Technical Support
DW Technical Support: 866.446.3595 (option 4)
https://www.digital-watchdog.com/contact-tech-support/
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DW Sales: 866.446.3595 [email protected] www.digital-watchdog.com
