How to Install a Wireless Webcam for Remote Internet Viewing
By John Granby
Webcams have come a long way in both capabilities and functionality. These cameras now can be purchased with a built-in Wi-Fi connection that can be accessed remotely. This means that you are no longer required to dedicate a computer with a USB connection to broadcasting video as you chat with family or friends. Additionally, the wireless aspect of these devices makes it possible to place one or several cameras around your home or office for remote security surveillance. The cameras are designed for quick and easy setup, and you don’t need a high level of skill to configure a webcam for your Wi-Fi network.
Step 1
Connect your webcam directly to your network router using an Ethernet cable. This is only required for configuring the device.
Step 2
Configure the wireless settings of the camera using your home or office Wi-Fi network requirements. This will include the proper SSID for your network as well as any security keys required to access your network. Follow the instructions provided in the user manual for your particular webcam model.
Step 3
Disconnect your webcam from the router and allow it to connect via Wi-Fi to your network. Test the video stream by accessing the camera using the supplied instructions for your camera model.
Step 4
Test the video access from a computer outside your local network. If no video appears, review the documentation for your webcam and router to determine if any of the network ports that the camera uses are blocked by your router firewall.
References
Tips
- If your router's firewall is blocking network ports that your camera requires, then it might not be possible to access the webcam from outside your Wi-Fi network. Check your documentation for instructions on how to open the required ports on your router.
Writer Bio
John Granby began his writing career in 2000 as a founding member of a tech industry website targeted at WAP developers. He has provided in-depth coverage of the wireless industry, served as a speaker at several conferences and authored a book on Bluetooth. Granby earned a Bachelor of Science in computer engineering from Purdue University.