✅ Step-by-Step: Configure CCTV Cameras on an NVR

1. Unpack and connect the hardware

1. Connect the NVR to a monitor (HDMI/VGA).

2. Connect your mouse to the NVR’s USB port.

3. Connect the NVR to your router (for network access/remote viewing).

4. If the NVR has a built-in PoE switch, plug cameras directly into the PoE ports.
   If no PoE, plug cameras into an external PoE switch, then into the same LAN as the NVR.

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✅ 2. Power up devices

1. Power ON the NVR.

2. Power ON/plug in IP cameras (PoE or 12V DC).

3. Wait 1–2 minutes for devices to boot.

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✅ 3. Initial NVR Setup

When the NVR boots:

1. Set language & region.

2. Set date & time (important for recording accuracy).

3. Create a new admin password (never use default).

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✅ 4. Network Configuration

Go to NVR Settings → Network and:

4.1 Assign a proper IP

• Enable DHCP OR

• Set a static IP for the NVR.

Example:

IP: 192.168.1.50
Gateway: 192.168.1.1
Subnet: 255.255.255.0

4.2 Ensure the NVR and cameras are in the same network

All devices should share the same subnet:

• Example cameras: 192.168.1.x

• NVR: 192.168.1.y

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✅ 5. Add Cameras to the NVR

Go to:

NVR Menu → Camera / Channel / Camera Management

You will see a list:

5.1 If your NVR has PoE ports

• Cameras plug in directly → NVR auto-detects them.

• Status should turn Online.

• If not → click Refresh / Auto Add.

5.2 If using external PoE switch (shared LAN)

1. Click Add Camera.

2. NVR discovers cameras via ONVIF or manufacturer protocol.

3. Select each camera and click Add.

If it asks for camera login credentials:

• Default is often admin / admin or device’s password.

• Change them immediately for security.

5.3 Manual Add (if auto add fails)

Enter:

• IP Address

• Port (usually 80 or 8000 for Hikvision-type, 37777 for Dahua)

• Username

• Password

• Protocol: ONVIF or Manufacturer-specific

Then click Save.

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✅ 6. Fix Common Issues While Adding Cameras

Camera shows “Offline” or “Invalid Password”

• Go to a computer → open browser → type camera IP.

• Login → change password to match NVR add settings.

• Ensure ONVIF is enabled in camera settings.

Camera not discovered

Check:

• Same LAN? Same subnet?

• PoE switch providing correct power?

• Cable length < 100m?

• Firewall on router not blocking multicast?

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✅ 7. Configure Recording Settings

Go to:

NVR Menu → Record → Schedule

Set:

• Continuous

• Motion detection

• Event-based (line-crossing, intrusion)

• 24/7 recording or custom schedules

Also configure:

• Resolution (2MP, 4MP, 8MP)

• Frame rate (15–25 fps recommended)

• Bitrate (2–8 Mbps depending on resolution)

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✅ 8. Configure Storage

Go to:

NVR Menu → HDD → Storage Management

• Ensure HDD is initialized.

• Set overwrite = enabled so old footage is replaced automatically.

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✅ 9. Adjust Camera Image Settings

Go to NVR → Camera → Image:

• Adjust brightness/contrast

• Set WDR (wide dynamic range)

• Set IR mode (Night/Auto)

• Correct lens focus (if varifocal)

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✅ 10. Enable Remote Viewing (Optional but Useful)

Method 1: QR Code / Cloud P2P

1. NVR → Network → P2P / Cloud.

2. Ensure status = Online.

3. Open mobile app: Hik Connect, Dahua DMSS, Uniview EZView, etc.

4. Scan QR code to add NVR.

Method 2: Port Forwarding

Forward these from your router:

• HTTP port

• Server port (e.g., 8000, 37777)

• RTSP port (554)

Use DDNS if you need a stable hostname.