How to Connect & Use a Remote Video Security Camera

A network camera lets homeowners monitor areas inside and out of their homes and grounds, transmitting live images of the chosen site that they can watch from any computer that has Internet access. Installing a security camera is simple, as long you pay attention to your user manuals. Your security camera's instructions will guide you in setting up an IP address for your camera feed. According to Home Security Guru, a web resource for home security: "Understanding basic home security best practices could mean the difference between keeping your home safe and becoming the victim of a break-in."

• 1

  Choose the optimal location for your camera and mount it. Place it close to a power outlet and your wireless Internet router. The camera's cable will need to reach both. Your camera's mounting equipment will include a rod to connect to the camera, which attaches to a base. Screw the base to the wall with the screws that come with the camera mount, and connect the camera to the rod. Some camera models do not mount to a wall at all, but do nestle in a cradle like a phone. Setting up your camera's view after you have it connected to the Internet may take some trial and error.

• 2

  Plug the camera's supplied A/C power cord into the outlet. Connect the network cable that comes with the router to the designated port on its back side. Plug its other end into the camera.

• 3

  Install the software that came in your camera equipment package onto whatever computer you have connected to your router. This is to establish a connection with the camera. The procedure will vary, depending on your manufacturer and model, but will involve getting the camera's IP address from your manual or the body of the camera and entering it on the computer. Create passwords and user information as the computer prompts you to.

• 4

  Go to a computer somewhere outside your home to test your ability to access the camera's live feed remotely. Type your camera's IP address into the browser bar. This should bring up your camera's menu. Enter your user name and your password when prompted. You can now watch your site from any computer.

• 5

  Practice using your camera from a remote location. Depending on your camera's capacities, see your user manual to practice watching in real time, recording and storing video of the site, zooming, moving around corners, etc.