Router advice?

[beerboy1953]

Any suggestions for an easy to set up router that will reserve IP addresses for a power outage restore and easy port forwarding so I can run Iris remotely? I have 5 cameras and assorted PCs, tablets, phones.
Thanks

 

[bguy]

On my router I can set static DHCP addresses. I do it for all the known items on my network. That way if something unknown pops up I can check it out. I use 3rd party Tomato firmware, so I don't know if I'd call it "easy". DD-WRT is another 3rd part firmware that also has static DHCP. You would have to get a router that is supported, then flash it, then configure it. I don't know if there are any off the shelf routers that have a similar feature. Of course there are web sites that will sell you a pre-flashed router. If you are looking for cheap, you can probably get a supported router for less than $20.

As for port forwarding, any router should be able to do that. But have you considered Teamviewer? It's easy, and free for private use.

 

[Heimir]

look at pfsense.org

Works great.

 

[Kawboy12R]

Lots of folks forward ports from their cameras but it isn't good security practice. Cameras, especially the cheap Chinese ones everybody seems to love, are basically sitting ducks waiting to be hacked. DO NOT port forward any cams inside your home unless you really like strangers watching you and posting the "good" stuff on Reddit or porn sites. Look into a VPN or just forward the ports of the NVR or software that manages your cameras, but even then TONS of NVRs and DVRs are wide open because they have known unpatched vulnerabilities. Some cams even have the "feature" that anybody can grab a snapshot repeatedly without logging into the camera (no password required). Port forwarding outdoor cameras = not good. Port forwarding indoor cameras = horrible.

 

[bguy]

He noted that he wanted to "run Iris remotely". So I still stick with my recommendation. A VPN server capable router is nice, but Teamviewer is easier. I wouldn't port forward for access to a Windows computer either.

 

[beerboy1953]

On my router I can set static DHCP addresses. I do it for all the known items on my network. That way if something unknown pops up I can check it out. I use 3rd party Tomato firmware, so I don't know if I'd call it "easy". DD-WRT is another 3rd part firmware that also has static DHCP. You would have to get a router that is supported, then flash it, then configure it. I don't know if there are any off the shelf routers that have a similar feature. Of course there are web sites that will sell you a pre-flashed router. If you are looking for cheap, you can probably get a supported router for less than $20.

As for port forwarding, any router should be able to do that. But have you considered Teamviewer? It's easy, and free for private use.

I thank you for your suggestions. I researched the DD-WRT and it seems to be what I am looking for. As I am getting way too old to mess with this stuff myself, I went to Flashrouter and bought the package. Teamviewer may work but I still need to read the manual on Iris to
see what I need. I just want to use my IP cameras as an away alarm. Thanks again for prompt response. I will probably look to you often.