LOREX Technology LH330 EDGE2 Appendix B: Assigning a Fixed IP to your DVR, Dhcp, Example

Appendix B: Assigning a Fixed IP to your DVR

Appendix B: Assigning a Fixed IP to your DVR

When connecting to your DVR through a local area network (LAN), you have the option of connecting to your system by entering the local IP of the DVR in a web browser. The local IP of your DVR is like your home’s address. If someone wants to visit you, they need to know your home address. Similarly, the local IP of your DVR is your DVR’s address.

The problem arises when the local IP address of the DVR changes. Imagine moving every three months—nobody would ever be able to find you. To solve this problem, we can assign a fixed IP address so that the local IP of your DVR will never change.

What’s the difference between DHCP and Fixed IPs?

DHCP

DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) allows your router to automatically assign an IP address to devices that are connected to it. DHCP is a convenient method for connected devices on your router to have an IP address immediately. This allows devices connected to your router to work right away on the network.

In this example, your router has assigned an IP address to your laptop, your desktop, and your DVR.

Example

Laptop

192.168.0.81

Computer

Router

192.168.0.82

DVR

192.168.0.83

Each time the router restarts (due to power failure, etc.), there is no guarantee that the router will assign the same IP address to your laptop, desktop, or your DVR. The router may assign a new IP address to all of the devices connected to it. This can be a problem if you want to connect to your DVR locally, since the IP address of the DVR has changed.

This can also create problems for remote connections, because your port forwarding rules may be lost. Port forwarding requires you to specify the local IP address of your DVR. If that address changes, the router will no longer be forwarding the ports to the correct address, and you may have to re-configure port forwarding.

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