This page explains how to set up network cameras on your local network. If you want to make your cameras directly available to a Mac running SecuritySpy from a remote location, without needing a computer on the local network, please also see Internet connection, Public IP addresses, and Setting up your router.

Cameras with a DHCP address by default

If you have a router on your network that provides a DHCP service, many network cameras will automatically connect by DHCP when you first plug them in.

To help you find out the IP address assigned to the camera by DHCP, download the Network Device Finder, a small utility which lists the IP addresses of devices on your local network.

Type the camera's IP address into a web browser to access its settings.

Assign the camera a manual IP address on the same subnet as the rest of your network. Make sure this IP address is not within the range reserved for DHCP by your router.

If the camera lets you choose between a JPEG or MPEG4 mode, make sure that JPEG is selected.

You will need to restart the camera for the settings to take effect.

Cameras with a fixed address by default

If the network camera has a fixed IP address by default, or if you do not have a DHCP service running on your network, you may need to temporarily change your computer's IP address in order to access the camera for the first time.

To change your Mac's IP address, open System Preferences, choose Network, and double-click on Built-in Ethernet (or AirPort if your Mac is connected to the network wirelessly). Click on the TCP/IP tab to access your Mac's IP address settings.

Assign your Mac a manual IP address on the same subnet as the network camera's default IP address, which should be listed in the camera's manual.

You can then open the network camera's settings by typing the default IP address into a web browser. Assign the camera a manual IP address on the same subnet as the rest of your local network. Make sure this IP address is not within the range reserved for DHCP by your router, if you have one.

If the camera lets you choose between a JPEG or MPEG4 mode, make sure that JPEG is selected.

Restart the camera, and return your Mac's IP address to its original setting.