We're been asked about this many times so
here is the complete guide to setting up your Axis IP camera or video server
with its very own Axiscam.net
domain name.
First of all, what is Axiscam.net Well, it's all about accessing your camera
from another location across the internet. The beauty of IP cameras is that you
can connect to them from anywhere in the world, but in order to do so you must
know the address to type into your browser. This is known as your public IP
Address
Public IP Address
This address is given to you by your Internet Service Provider (ISP). So if
you have your broadband with BT then BT will allocate you a public IP address
from their pool and this will become your personal public IP address, or
internet address.
The downsides
Sounds easy enough, but there are two major downsides. Firstly, a public IP
address is not something we can easily remember as it consists entirely of
numbers. An example of a public IP address is http://216.239.59.104which is
actually the same as typing in http://www.google.co.ukinto your browser. I
know which I find easier to remember
Worst still is that a regular domestic broadband account will generally be on
a dynamicpublic IP address. This means that if you do manage to remember your
IP address, chances are it will change the next time you try to use it!
The Solution
The solution is to use a Dynamic DNS service which is exactly what
Axiscam.netis. Dynamic DNS services allow you to register
your public IP address. Once registered you can select a much more memorable
name for your camera such as bobscam.axiscam.net and the service will
translate the public IP address into the more meaningful name for you
automatically.
Also, by registering, your camera will make continuous updates to the service
automatically, so if your public IP address does change your camera will be kept
up-to-date on the service. This means that by typing in your Axiscam.net
address you will have access to your camera permanently.
It's a neat solution and something which Axis provide free of charge
to their camera users.
Great, How do I set this wonderful service up?
Enough blabbering, let's see how to set this up:
Step 1: Install your camera on the local network. Make sure
it can be accessed locally through an Internet browser and it has a steady green
light on the front.
Step 2: On the camera, press the reset button once. The
green light should flash for a moment and then return with a steady light.
Step 3: Go to http://www.axiscam.net/ and enter the serial
number of your camera (same as the MAC address) and then click the proceed
button.
Step 4: You will be directed to a page showing a temporary
domain name for your camera. The temporary domain name will only work over the
local network and will expire in 14 days unless made permanent. To enable
external access you should make the address permanent.
Step 5: It will then show you a list of parameters as
below:
These cannot be changed as they come directly from your camera, so this is
for confirmation only.
Step 6: Underneath those parameters you will find an option
to enter your own unique subdomain for your camera. This is where you choose
what to call your camera. Enter a name and click the 'savebutton.
Finish: That's all there is to it. Your camera should now be
set up.
As ever, if you have any questions relating to this guide please leave a
comment and we would be happy to give you an answer as quickly as we can.
