How to Add IP Camera to NVR or Hybrid DVR (ONVIF & RTSP Guide)
If you are searching for:
- how to add IP camera to NVR
- how to connect IP camera to NVR
- how to configure NVR with IP camera
- IP camera NVR system setup
- add a network camera
- IP camera configuration
This step-by-step guide explains everything clearly.
You will learn how IP camera connection works on a local network, how to add IP cameras from another location, and how to use Private, ONVIF, or RTSP protocols correctly.
3 Ways to Add IP Camera to NVR
You can add a network camera to your IP camera NVR system using three methods:
- Private protocol
- ONVIF
- RTSP stream.
Each method affects features, AI support, and camera control. Choose the correct one based on your camera type and network setup.
How to Connect IP Camera to NVR using PoE and LAN (Before Adding)
You can power and connect your IP camera in three ways:
- Directly to NVR PoE port
- Through a PoE switch on the same router
- Using 12V DC power adapter connected to router
If connected directly to NVR PoE ports, Camius cameras usually auto-add using Private protocol.
For best results, connect one camera per PoE port. Do not connect multiple cameras through a switch into a single PoE port.
Make Sure All Devices Are on the Same IP Segment
To avoid network connection issues, your IP camera, NVR or DVR, and router must be on the same IP address segment.
Example:
- IP camera: 192.168.254.2
- Router: 192.168.254.1
- NVR or DVR: 192.168.254.100
All devices must start with 192.168.254.x
Set the subnet mask to 255.255.255.0
If the IP segments do not match, the NVR will not detect or connect to the camera.
Where to Configure IP Camera on the NVR
To configure NVR with IP camera, use the local HDMI interface. Move the mouse to the bottom left corner or right-click on Live screen and go to:
Setup >> Channel >> IP Channels (if you are using web browser to access the NVR, navigate to Remote Setting >> Channel >> IP Channels)
This menu allows you to take the following actions:
- Add IP camera
- Edit IP camera connection
- Delete camera
- Change protocol
- Configure PoE mode
This is the main IP camera configuration area.
IP Camera Configuration Menu Explained
Inside the IP Channels menu you will see:
1- Switch Mode
- Auto mode supports plug and play through PoE.
- Manual mode allows adding IP camera manually using Private, ONVIF, or RTSP.
2- PoE Mode
- Auto limits bandwidth to 100 Mbps.
- EPOE supports long cable runs over 100 meters but limits bandwidth to 10 Mbps.
3- State
- Green icon means camera is connected.
- Grey icon means connection failed.
4- Auto Assign IP
- Automatically corrects IP address if camera is not in the same network segment.
5- Default Password
- Sets default credentials for Private, ONVIF, or RTSP connection.
Select the suitable Protocol from the dropdown (Private is for Camius IP cameras), enter the IP camera(s) credentials (User Name and Password), and click Add. Green status indicates a successful connection; grey status could show a password or network error.
Grey color state icon means the IP camera failed to connect to the NVR. Click the gray icon to show the failure reason:
- If the failure is “User name or password error“, the camera user name and password are different from the default user name and password.
- If the failure is “Failed to connect to the camera, please check the network connection“, it means the network parameter might be incorrect or incompatible with the Onvif protocol.
How to Add IP Camera to NVR on Local Network (LAN)
If the IP camera and NVR are connected to the same router, follow these steps.
Step 1: Search for the Camera
- Click the expand icon next to Add Device
- Click Search
- NVR scans for IP cameras on the same LAN
Step 2: Fix IP Address if Needed
If the IP camera is not in the same subnet:
- Select camera
- Click Batch IP Modification
- Assign IP address in same network range
- Click OK
- Search again
This ensures proper IP camera connection and prevents subnet conflict.
Step 3: Select Protocol and Add
- Select the camera and click Add.
- Choose the correct protocol:
- Private for Camius cameras
- ONVIF for third-party cameras
- RTSP if ONVIF fails
- Enter: Username and Password and Port
- Click Add to complete the IP camera configuration
Which Protocol Should You Use?
Private Protocol (Recommended for Camius)
It is best for:
- Full AI detection
- Light and siren control
- PTZ control
- Plug and play activation
Private protocol enables full feature control within your IP camera NVR system
ONVIF Protocol (Third-Party Cameras)
Use ONVIF when:
- Adding non-Camius IP cameras
- Camera supports ONVIF standard
You may see Connect Mode:
- General = HTTP
- Security = HTTPS
If HTTPS is not supported, system switches automatically to the HTTP.
RTSP Protocol (Stream Only)
RTSP allows:
Video preview
Recording
RTSP does NOT support:
• AI detection
• Camera configuration
• Advanced features
Use RTSP only if ONVIF is unavailable
Connect Individual IP Cameras Using RTSP Stream
If your cameras have individual IP addresses accessible on your local network, you can connect directly to each camera using its RTSP stream.
RTSP is enabled by default on Camius IP cameras.
This method connects directly to the camera’s live video feed.
Before You Start
Make sure you:
- Save the username and password for each IP camera
- Identify the camera’s local IP address
- Confirm RTSP is enabled under Network >> RTSP
RTSP Stream Format
Use the following RTSP URL structure:
Main Stream rtsp://CAMERA_IP:554/ch01/0
Substream rtsp://CAMERA_IP:554/ch01/1
Mobile Stream rtsp://CAMERA_IP:554/ch01/2
Where:
CAMERA_IP = camera’s local IP address
80 = default RTSP port
ch01 = channel number
0 = main stream
1 = substream
2 = mobile stream
Example: rtsp://192.168.1.75:554/ch01/0
This connects directly to the camera’s main video stream.
How to Add RTSP Camera to the NVR
- Go to Setup >> Channel >> IP Channels
- Click the + icon on an empty channel
- Select RTSP as protocol
- Enter the camera IP address
- Enter port
- Enter username and password
- Click Add
RTSP allows preview and recording but does not support AI features or camera configuration.
How to Connect IP Camera to NVR from Another Location
If the IP camera is on a remote network:
- Camera must have public IP or domain
- Required ports must be forwarded on router
Manually enter:
- Public IP or domain
- Port
- Protocol
- Username and Password
- Then click Add
This is how to add a network camera from another site to your IP camera NVR system.
Automatic Camera Addition
If Automatic Camera Addition is enabled:
The NVR will:
• Scan local network
• Add available IP cameras automatically
This is useful when installing multiple cameras at once
How to Edit or Fix IP Camera Configuration
If camera IP address, port, username, or password changes:
- Click Edit icon next to channel
- Update connection details
- Click OK
This allows quick repair of IP camera connection issues.
DHCP vs Static IP for IP Camera
Inside the Edit menu you can choose:
DHCP
- P assigned automatically
- NVR assigns IP if connected to PoE
- Router assigns IP if connected through switch
Static
- You manually configure IP address
Static IP is recommended for stable IP camera configuration in larger systems
How to Delete IP Camera from NVR
To remove a network camera:
- Click Delete icon on the channel
OR - Select multiple channels. Click Delete Camera
PoE Mode Settings for Long Cable Runs
Camius NVR supports two PoE transmission modes for IP camera connection. These settings are useful when you need extended cable distances or optimized bandwidth allocation.
You can access PoE settings under: Setup >> Channel >> IP Channels >> Mode dropdown
Auto Modem is used for standard installations.
- Supports up to 100 Mbps
- Recommended for cable runs under 394 ft (120 meters)
- Delivers full bandwidth for 4K and high bitrate cameras
Best for most residential and commercial installs using standard Cat5e or Cat6 cable.
ePoE Mode is used for extended cable runs.
- Supports up to 755 ft (230 meters)
- Maximum bandwidth 10 Mbps
- Ideal for long-distance perimeter or warehouse deployments
Note: When using ePoE mode, adjust encoding settings if needed. Lower bitrate or use substream for remote viewing if bandwidth becomes limited.
How to Select PoE Mode
- Go to Menu Setup
- Open Channel
- Select IP Channels
- Choose the appropriate Mode from the dropdown
- Click Apply
Use Auto mode by default. Switch to ePoE only when cable distance exceeds 394 ft.
This section supports long-distance IP camera connection planning and improves system reliability in large-scale installations.
Advanced Setup: Default Password & Activation
Navigate to IP Channels >> Advanced Setup
You can:
- Set default password for Private, ONVIF, RTSP
- Use Admin password to activate cameras
- Reset IP channel connection
- Import or export camera settings
This simplifies managing large IP camera NVR systems.
