WIRED --
Easiest, most reliable and best video quality (RECOMMENDED):
Assign the IP camera a static IP, assign the PC or laptop a different static IP, both on same subnet (like 192.168.1.X) then connect together with an Ethernet cable. Open browser and input camera IP address and user/password, to view use cam's webGUI or use your choice of camera viewing software that works with your camera. Many cams provide a stream that can be viewed by
VLC, a free player. This would be the easiest, most reliable and would provide the best quality of live video.
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WIRELESS --
More difficult, least reliable and less video quality (NOT RECOMMENDED):
If absolutely mandatory to use a smartphone or tablet wirelessly (NOT recommended) instead of a wired laptop or PC to view, instead use a wireless router (not in service, not connected to Internet), disable DHCP in router, and insure it's LAN IP is on the same subnet as the camera. Once DHCP is disabled in the router it basically becomes a switch with a wireless access point, no routing required because you have already assigned a static IP to the camera and any device you want to use to view the camera will also need a static IP.
In the wireless configuration of the router, note the SSID (Wi-Fi name) and set up wireless security with WPA2 or WPA2-Personal, enter a wireless security code of your choice with at least 10 characters.
Connect the camera to the router with an Ethernet cable.
In the smartphone or tablet, turn on Wi-Fi and give the device a static IP, on same subnet as the router(like 192.168.1.X). Scan for Wi-Fi SSID, connect, input wireless security code when prompted. Once connected, open browser and input camera IP address and user/password. To view you can also use an IP camera viewer app (like
TinyCam Pro,
Live Cams Pro) configured as needed with make/model, stream URL, etc., user/password of camera.
This wireless setup only works inside your area within range of the wireless router.