Hardware Setup

1. Choose the Right Location

   • Cool, secure area away from moisture

   • Close to a router/switch for easier wiring

2. Mount and Connect Cameras

   • Connect IP cameras to PoE switch or directly to the NVR (if PoE ports exist)

3. Install the Hard Drive (if not included)

   • Open the NVR case, mount HDD using SATA power & data cables

   • Recommended HDD types: WD Purple, Seagate SkyHawk

4. Connect Monitor, Mouse, and Network Cable

   • HDMI/VGA to a display

   • Ethernet cable from NVR → Router/Switch

5. Power on the NVR

   • Wait for the initial boot and setup wizard

Software & Network Configuration

1. Initial Setup Wizard

   • Set admin password

   • Set date/time and time zone

   • Enable NTP (automatic time updating)

2. Add IP Cameras

   • If using PoE ports: auto-detect

   • If using LAN cameras: add manually

     • Set each camera’s IP address within the same network range

3. Configure Storage

   • Go to Storage / HDD Management

   • Format the disk for recording

4. Create Recording Schedules

   • Choose Continuous or Motion Detection

   • Set different schedules per camera if needed

5. Remote Access

   • Use mobile app (ex: HikConnect, gDMSS, Reolink)

   • Options:

     • P2P (recommended, easier)

     • Port forwarding (advanced)

6. Optional Features

   • Email notifications

   • Smart AI analytics (people/vehicle detection)

   • Backup to FTP/NAS

Cable Layout Example:

IP Cameras → PoE Switch → Router → Internet
↓
NVR Server

Or if your NVR has PoE ports: