7.3 Port Forwarding

All TCP/IP (Internet) networking uses software ports. Ports can be thought of as channels on your television. By default, all web page traffic is on channel (port) 80. By default, the Observer uses port 80 to deliver its web page to your browser and port 1600 to send video. Therefore, both of these channels (ports) must be open (not blocked by your router/firewall) to incoming traffic in order for you to connect to the camera from the Internet. Also, these two ports must be forwarded or redirected to the camera’s LAN IP address by your gateway router. Your router’s setup software should provide a utility for port forwarding or redirecting. Appendix D: Router configuration contains setup help for some popular home networking gateway routers currently on the market.

NAT and port forwarding for a typical home gateway router.

In the case shown in the illustration above, port 80 and port 1600 should be forwarded to IP 192.168.0.3.

Note: Forwarding ports to your camera does not pose any additional security risk to your LAN. Before setting up port forwarding, it’s best to configure your camera to use a static LAN IP since your port forwarding setup will need to be updated if the camera’s LAN IP address changes.

7.4 Default Gateway

Devices (PCs, cameras, etc.) on your network connect to the Internet via a gateway. For most home networks, a NAT type router serves as the gateway. For business LANs, the gateway may be a PC running gateway software. In order for any device on your network to get connected to the Internet, it must know the LAN IP address of your gateway. If your camera is set up to use DHCP, then it will retrieve this information automatically from your router.

However, if you have configured your camera to use a static IP address, you must also be sure that you have set the correct gateway IP address in order to connect your camera to the Internet. Refer to Chapter 5: Observer Setup Utility for more help on this topic.

Note: It may not be possible to test WAN (Internet) access to your cameras from a PC connected to the LAN. To be sure that your cameras are accessible by the Internet, you should contact someone you know with Internet access (preferable broadband) and have them enter your WAN IP address into their browser.

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Veo 802.11b manual Port Forwarding, Default Gateway

802.11b specifications

The Veo 802.11b is a notable wireless networking standard that emerged in the late 1990s as one of the first widely adopted protocols for local area networks (LANs). Operating in the 2.4 GHz frequency band, 802.11b provided users with the ability to connect to the internet and share resources without the constraints of wired connections.

One of the primary features of 802.11b is its maximum data transfer rate of 11 Mbps, which was impressive at the time of its release. This speed allowed for basic internet usage, file sharing, and general network connectivity. While this might seem slow by today’s standards, it laid the foundation for the rapid evolution of wireless technologies.

Veo 802.11b utilized Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS) technology, which enhanced the reliability of the connection by spreading the signal over a wider frequency range. This technique helped to reduce interference, particularly in environments with multiple wireless devices operating on the same frequency. The standard also included mechanisms for ensuring data integrity, such as the use of cyclic redundancy check (CRC) algorithms.

In terms of range, Veo 802.11b offered coverage of approximately 100 to 300 feet indoors, and up to 1000 feet outdoors depending on environmental factors. This range made it suitable for home networks and small office environments, allowing users to access the internet from different locations within a building without the need for cumbersome cabling.

Another characteristic of the 802.11b standard was its compatibility with the earlier 802.11 standard, ensuring that devices using both protocols could operate together. This backward compatibility facilitated a smoother transition for users upgrading their systems, as they could maintain connectivity with older devices while enjoying the benefits of faster wireless networking.

Security was also an important aspect, though initially limited. The standard employed Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) for data encryption, which provided a basic level of security to protect wireless communications. However, as vulnerabilities were discovered in WEP, the need for stronger security protocols became evident, leading to further developments in later standards.

Ultimately, the Veo 802.11b played a pivotal role in revolutionizing wireless communications. It established the groundwork for further advancements such as 802.11g and 802.11n, which provided higher speeds and greater efficiency. While newer standards have since eclipsed its capabilities, 802.11b remains a significant milestone in the evolution of wireless networking technology. Its influence can still be seen in the pervasive use of wireless networks in homes, offices, and public spaces around the world today.