Connecting cameras to FortiRecorder only
You can use this scenario if you want a new, dedicated network where you install your FortiRecorder, FortiCam or third-party ONVIF cameras, and any other devices such as an access control system (ACS). The built-in DHCP server on FortiRecorder is enabled to automatically give IP addresses to the devices, so you don't need a separate DHCP server or router.
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If you already have a DHCP server, do not use these instructions. Instead use Connecting cameras to a DHCP server and FortiRecorder. |
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If isolated from your office LAN, this network topology provides maximum network security because no other devices or untrusted computers are connected to your surveillance network. Due to this isolation, this network topology can also be used if you want to test a third-party camera or other device with FortiRecorder in a lab. |
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Use Ethernet network cables to connect port1 of FortiRecorder and your computer to a power-over-Ethernet (PoE) switch.
Do not plug in your cameras yet.
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Change your computer's IP address to be 192.168.1.98 with subnet 255.255.255.0. Steps vary by whether you use Apple macOS, Linux, or Microsoft Windows.
Alternatively, you can use a different IP address, but it must be on the same subnet as the default IP address of FortiRecorder port1: 192.168.1.0/24.
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On your computer, open a web browser and go to:
Log in with the username
adminand no password. -
Change the password. For details, see Setting the "admin" account password.
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Configure the built-in DHCP server:
- On the FortiRecorder GUI, go to System > Network > DHCP.
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Click the New button.
- Enable Enable DHCP server.
- From Interface, select port1.
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In the DHCP IP Range area, click New. Enter a range of IP addresses (pool) that is larger than all of the devices that you want to connect.
DHCP IP addresses must be in the same subnet as the IP address that you will give to port1. For example, if port1 is 192.168.1.9/24, then a DHCP range for 10 cameras could be 192.168.1.10-192.168.1.19.
- Click the Create button to close the dialog, and then click the Create button to start the DHCP server.
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Configure port1:
- Go to System > Network > Interface.
- Select port1. Click the Edit button.
- Enable Discover cameras on this port.
- Click OK.
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Use Ethernet network cables to connect the cameras to the switch.
If you connected the cameras too soon, before a DHCP server was available, then they are using a default IP address.The default address will not work with your network. To fix this, unplug the cameras and then plug them in again. This reboots the cameras and requests a correct IP address from the DHCP server.
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Discover and configure the cameras:
- Go to Camera > Configuration > Camera.
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Click the Discoverbutton.
After several seconds, a list of cameras appears. Newly discovered cameras are highlighted in yellow, and their Status column displays Not Configured.
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Double-click each camera to configure its settings. For details, see Configuring cameras.
Repeat this step for all cameras.
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To verify that FortiRecorder is able to receive video from the camera, go to Monitor > Video > Video. You should be able to see the camera's live video feed.