Dahua DVR-Xfinity Modem

[rbaron]

This may sound like a strange question but hear me out.....

I have a 8-channel Dahua NVR, which runs 8 cameras. I had to replace my Xfinity modem and the cameras did not work afterward. No matter what I did with my computer, I could not get it to work. So I bit the bullet and called the people who installed the cameras.

After waiting 5 days for him to show up which was the earliest appointment I could get, he hooked up a small monitor to the DVR and made some adjustments, and within 8-10 minutes, he was done and I was up and running again. He changed the IP address from 192.168.1.xxx to 10.0.0.xxx. Total cost: $236.99

So I am asking, where can I go online to learn how to do something like this by myself? The company charges $150 just to come out and X amount per hour, starting from when the tech leaves his last job and is on the way to you. Highway robbery.

Is there any place on line to go?

Thanks much,

Rich

 

[TonyR]

I'm sure there is a place but I don't know myself.

This topic has been covered many times here on IPCT.

It's generally easier (IMO) to log into the new modem/router and change its LAN (gateway) IP to the same subnet as the NVR's LAN.

Since it's likely a POE NVR he chose instead to log into the NVR and change its LAN IP to match the subnet of the new modem/router.

BTW, you said "DVR" in your post's title but "NVR" in your post...which is it?
"DVR" usually implies analog cameras or hybrd (mix of analog and IP) where as "NVR" implies IP cameras.

 

[bigredfish]

^^^^
This

While it may have taken a few posts, we could have likely helped you correct it in short order.

#1 problem i see with new users is they have no understanding of basic networking.

 

[rbaron]

I'm sure there is a place but I don't know myself.

This topic has been covered many times here on IPCT.

It's generally easier (IMO) to log into the new modem/router and change its LAN (gateway) IP to the same subnet as the NVR's LAN.

Since it's likely a POE NVR he chose instead to log into the NVR and change its LAN IP to match the subnet of the new modem/router.

BTW, you said "DVR" in your post's title but "NVR" in your post...which is it?
"DVR" usually implies analog cameras or hybrd (mix of analog and IP) where as "NVR" implies IP cameras.

Tony R,

It is a DVR not NVR. My mistake.

You said it is easier to log into the new modem and change the gateway to the same subnet as the DVR's LAN. How do I know my DVR's Subnet just by sitting at my computer? Is there a way to check that?

Thanks much,

Rich

 

[rbaron]

^^^^
This

While it may have taken a few posts, we could have likely helped you correct it in short order.

#1 problem i see with new users is they have no understanding of basic networking.

Tony R,

While I am not a new user, and have had cameras for several years I never was able to learn or watch what the tech does when he comes out. I wish I would have paid more attention when he set it up and even asked questions. I do have some basic knowledge of networking but putting together why or what needs to be in the "fields" is a bit confusing to me.

Thanks for jumping in. If it ever happens again, I will come here first and ask questions.

Rich

 

[Madflamethrower]

Not faulting you OP, but your situation is EXACTLY why I am avoiding hiring anyone to do my install/setup. They lock YOUR system access with a password so only they can make any changes, which equals more $$$. F that!! There is a fairly steep learning curve to these cameras and setting up the system, but its not that hard if you are determined.

Are you able to get out of the contract? How long does the contract last?

 

[bigredfish]

So
After waiting 5 days for him to show up which was the earliest appointment I could get, he hooked up a small monitor to the DVR and made some adjustments, and within 8-10 minutes, he was done and I was up and running again. He changed the IP address from 192.168.1.xxx to 10.0.0.xxx. Total cost: $236.99

That tells me that when they installed the new modem/router (you didnt mention a separate router so I assume its one of those combo devices), it was using 10.0.0.x as the DHCP range (the range of IP's the device assigns to various things on your network)

Your old modem/router used 192.168.1 X and because your DVR defaults to 192.168.1.108, it worked fine.

With the new modem/router sending out 10.0.0.x addresses and your DVR being set to static, the two devices could not communicate. By changing the DVR IP address to 10.0.0.X now they can.
*Note your computer is likely NOT a static IP but DHCP which means it accepted whatever IP the modem/router sent it. At that point your PC could not talk to the DVR either.

Suggestion is to get your own Router, have them put the Modem in Bridge mode, allowing you to control your own network. This makes your router the network traffic Boss and the modem is simply a device to pass through the Internet connection.

 

[Madflamethrower]

I'm sure there is a place but I don't know myself.

This topic has been covered many times here on IPCT.

It's generally easier (IMO) to log into the new modem/router and change its LAN (gateway) IP to the same subnet as the NVR's LAN.

I'm not sure which router the OP has, but Xfinity/Comcast no longer allows customers to access the router settings. Even with the app, there are limited functions you can change. With a new router, all your devices reset and you have to reinstall all of them. I wonder if thats why you had problems?
I ran into this recently with my XB8 when I wanted to switch to 2.4 so that one of my game cameras would work 600' away from my house. I ended up buying another router and added it to the XB8. Now I can pick up every notification and motion instantly as far as 600' away.

My days with Xfinity are limited as yesterday, the fiber install crew for Frontier showed up. I expect to be dumping Xfinity soon. I think its BS if I'm renting a router and can't access router settings.

 

[bigredfish]

I'm not sure which router the OP has, but Xfinity/Comcast no longer allows customers to access the router settings. Even with the app, there are limited functions you can change. With a new router, all your devices reset and you have to reinstall all of them. I wonder if thats why you had problems?
I ran into this recently with my XB8 when I wanted to switch to 2.4 so that one of my game cameras would work 600' away from my house. I ended up buying another router and added it to the XB8. Now I can pick up every notification and motion instantly as far as 600' away.

My days with Xfinity are limited as yesterday, the fiber install crew for Frontier showed up. I expect to be dumping Xfinity soon. I think its BS if I'm renting a router and can't access router settings.

Exactly why you have/force them install it in bridge mode and tell them you'll be managing your own network with your own router

 

[wittaj]

Exactly why you have/force them install it in bridge mode and tell them you'll be managing your own network with your own router

Plus the other benefit to having your own router is control of your bandwidth. Some ISPs tout their far reaching wifi hotspots as a selling point to use their mobile service.

When using an ISP issued router, they can use it as a hotspot for their other customers, which depending on that persons use, could slow down your internet speeds.

Don't believe me, turn on to allow you to connect to an ISP hotspot and walk around your neighborhood and see if you find which neighbors are providing that without them knowing it LOL.

Or go to your ISP and see if they have a map showing the wifi hotspots that are clearly at a residential house:

 

[TonyR]

Tony R,

It is a DVR not NVR. My mistake.

You said it is easier to log into the new modem and change the gateway to the same subnet as the DVR's LAN. How do I know my DVR's Subnet just by sitting at my computer? Is there a way to check that?

Thanks much,

Rich

From Windows PC that's on your LAN type:

• Type Windows key + R at the same time
• In the window that opens type "cmd" with no quotes and hit <Enter>
• In the black command window that opens type "ipconfig" with no quotes and hit <Enter>
• The IP address next to "Default Gateway" will be the subnet of your LAN.

 

[Madflamethrower]

From Windows PC that's on your LAN type:

• Windows key + R at the same time
• In the window that oens type "cmd" with no quotes and hit <Enter>
• In the black command windowsthat opens type "ipcong" with no quotes and hit <Enter>
• The IP address next to "Default Gateway" will be the subnet of your LAN.

good to know...thanx! I knew about ipconfig for clearing dns

btw...I assume you meant ipconfig? ipcong doesn't do jack...I tried lol

 

[Underhill]

I don’t know what they’re charging you per hour but I’m going to guess it’s between 120-140. This is not “highway robbery.” That’s my rate here in KC and I’m on the cheaper end vs my competitors like SEI, SIG and C & C group who are all 30-40% more.

 

[TonyR]

good to know...thanx! I knew about ipconfig for clearing dns

btw...I assume you meant ipconfig? ipcong doesn't do jack...I tried lol

Yes, IPCONFIG.
I was in too big of a hurry.
I edited it, thanks!

 

[Madflamethrower]

Yes, IPCONFIG.
I was in too big of a hurry.
I edited it, thanks!

You threw me a curve for a min. Thought it was something new lol

 

[TonyR]

You threw me a curve for a min. Thought it was something new lol

I was just trying to see if you were paying attention......

 

[Madflamethrower]

I was just trying to see if you were paying attention......

I try to as there is much to learn still. Its those little details like what you posted that get my attention.

 

[Flintstone61]

 

[TonyR]

I try to as there is much to learn still. Its those little details like what you posted that get my attention.

FWIW, I began writing a "IPCT Noob's Basic Networking" last year but have struggled to keep it on-target and keep the size down. It's not intended to be comprehensive but instead a step-by-step guide to help set up and configure IP cameras, PC's etc. from a network standoint. It will contain no info on camera settings regarding exposure settings or optmizing night and/or LPR operation. I'm leaving that up to those that know that much better than myself.

I tend to get verbose, likely attributed to over 30 years of writing technical articles to train others in the signals and lighting field and writing special provisions and job specifications for county and city projects. When writing such content there is little room, if any, for technical mistakes or content errors that come back to bite you in the ass.

Speaking for myself, I'm a hands-on person and if a guide is too long I won't read it. Not necessarily a good trait but I'm being honest here. So for the benefit of others out there like me, I'll try my best to keep it concise and on-point with no padding.....but not so short as to leave out what I consider the most valuable points.

This recent bout with rectal cancer is another wrench being thrown into the works but I'm hoping that I will feel like working on it since my immune system will be in the toilet soon and I'll spending lots of time here at home. Today, Jan. 29th will be day 8 of my radiation and chemo-therapy. I go everyday for 5 weekdays and have the weekend off. The initial plan is for 25 days of treatment and then they'll see if the tumor has shrunk enough to remove it.

Right now I don't feel too bad, appetite and energy level OK but my arthritis is flaring up in hands, shoulders, feet and lower back. My biggest issue is diarrhea which wife tells me is only going to get worse.....great.....something to look forward to.

 

[Madflamethrower]

@TonyR

I tried searching for your Noobs Basic Networking thread, but didn't find it. Do you have a link as I'd be interested in reading it. You along with several others here post some very useful info that I always take the time to read, no matter how long it is. I checked my file of saved threads and posts and must not have seen it yet.

Wish you the best with recovering. Positive thoughts heading your way!