As more users rely on mobile apps as their primary way of controlling surveillance systems, remote access is key. The challenges of remote access are however unique because there must be a balance between ease of access, security, and difficulty to configure.
Port Forwarding
Recorders and IP cameras can be remote-accessed by port forwarding by mapping their private IP addresses to the public IP addresses of the user’s router. As a result, the configuration of the router must be changed, and most level entry networks will have difficulty doing it correctly. It is also important to remember that if multiple devices are to be viewed remotely, necessary external ports must be mapped correctly to internal ports. If this is not done properly the devices forwarding the same port will result in errors.
Universal Plug And Play
Universal Plug and Play or UpnP automates discovery and configuration of devices on a local network using a set of protocols. When using UPnP devices will automatically be able to manage ports in routers without manual intervention, eliminating the need for manual port forwarding. However, in most cases UPnP is unreliable because most business networks have this function turned off making it necessary to use port forwarding.
Often there are a number of reasons why the mapping of ports available for devices may not work properly. For example, it may have been added multiple times, might conflict with other devices, or have not been added at all. Unfortunately when users run into this, error information is seldom available leaving the user with no way to troubleshoot. These factors have contributed to manual port forwarding becoming more prevalent in commercial surveillance.
Risk Of Being Hacked
As a result of using UPnP or port forwarding, one’s devices are visible to the public internet allowing anybody to attempt to connect and access them. It is possible for hackers to attack countless devices each day by researching vulnerable devices or by trying different IP addresses. For this reason we recommend keeping devices private.
Cloud or Phone Home
In order to reduce complexity and errors, cloud connections are becoming more popular. Configuration of cloud connections typically requires little or no user interaction.
In recent years, video management software has added cloud-based access to sites that can be accessed remotely or via mobile devices. Without port forwarding, this method enables remote monitoring without a direct connection to the cloud.
A cloud connection is the easiest and most reliable option to access your home or business remotely. For some IT administrators of businesses and corporations though they worry that these devices will be able to bypass their firewalls.
Virtual Private Networks
The most popular method of connecting remote cameras and sites historically has been virtual private networks, typically using hardware appliances located at each site. The appliance creates a tunnel, creating what amounts to a single video network, despite the fact that each server is located in a different place.
If you are looking to add new security features into your business, like Remote Network Access let RC Security help. Our continued research and partnerships with premium brands allow us to offer better quality every time.
