VIAAS FAQs

 

Q) How do I configure the camera network settings?

A) In most cases, Camera 1.1 will automatically configure itself, just plug it in. If you really need to modify the settings, for example to set a static IP address, there are two mechanisms. If Camera 1.1 is connected to the service go the Settings page, click on the Network tab, then click on Modify Network Settings.

If Camera 1.1 is not connected, access it from the local network (ethernet) either by accessing http://169.254.123.123:8888/ or with BonJour (a browser technology to automatically discover things like cameras, which is supported by Safari and available as a plugin for Firefox).

If you are using Windows 7 (NT, XP, Mac, Linux etc. all automatically support "link local addresses"), you will probably have to change your network settings. Go to Control Panel->Network and Internet->Network and Sharing. Click on Local Area Connection and click properties. Double Click on IP Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4). If Obtain IP Address automatically is checked, click on "use the following IP address", and type in address 169.254.123.1, subnet 255.255.0.0 and default gateway of 255.255.1.1. If you are already setting your IP address manually, write down the current settings, then change them as directed above. Close out the dialog boxes with OK back to Network and Sharing Center. You should now be able to access the .123.123 web page. When you have completed configuring your cameras, change your Window 7 settings back to the original.

If you are trying to set up Camera 1.1 before you mount it, a good technique it to create a private network directly from your computer. Plug Camera 1.1 into the "out" side of a POE injector to give it power, and the other side of the injector directly into your PC. Bonjour and the 169... address will just work.

Q) What network configuration do I need to do?

A) NONE - for almost all networks, VIAAS Camera 1.1 will just work. But if you have a very tightly locked down network, you will need to allow the camera to access the VIAAS service through one of port 733 (recommended), port 443, or port 80 as an outbound HTTP connection. If your network is this tightly controlled, you may want to adjust the network parameters of the camera, which you can do through VIAAS if the camera is connected, or through bonjour via the name "Http server on <your camera id>"

Q) How do I connect the cameras to the network via WiFi?

A) We've have deployed multiple cameras using cost effective Ubiquiti NanoStation and PicoStation to install our cameras in remote locations where power is available, but network access is not close at hand. Due to the high power and efficient design of the Ubiquiti equipment, very long ranges can be support (100s of meters) with good throughput.

We don't stock the Ubiquiti products in our store, but we use their major distributor, Streakwave. The following are links to the Ubiquiti products on the Streakwave site:
Pico2HP - PicoStation2 1000mW 2.4GHz AP
NanoStation 2L (NS2L)

The configuration below creates a new wireless network using the PicoStation-HP as the "base station" and the NanoStation at the cameras. If you would like to use your existing wireless network, skip the PicoStation configuration and use the SSID/password data from your existing network for the NanoStation.

Configure PicoStation as the Base Station and create the wireless network (skip if you are using an existing wireless network):

1. Connect the PicoStation to your existing, hard-wired network and plug in the PicoStation power adapter.
2. Use a laptop physically connected to your network to create an SSID name for the base station. Follow the directions on the box to find the initial IP address of the PicoStation.
3. The PicoStation can be configured to either bridge the network or create a new, private subnet and route traffic. If you choose the private subnet option (we usually do), configure the PicoStation to act as a DHCP server for the network.
4. Disconnect the laptop from the wired network and connect wirelessly to the SSID created above.
5. Verify that you can reach the internet.

Configure the NanoStation(s):

1. Connect the NanoStation to your existing hard-wired network and configure as a wifi client.
2. Attach it to the SSID and credentials of your network (either existing or the one just created on the PicoStation).
3. Disconnect the NanoStation from the hardwired network and connect to the LAN port of the NanoStation via physical ethernet cable to a laptop.
4. Make sure that the wireless connection on the laptop is disabled.
5. Verify that the laptop can reach the internet - congratulations, your new network is working.

For each remote camera:

1. Connect the LAN connection of the NanoStation power adapter to the LAN IN connection of the camera POE injector.
2. Connect the camera to the OUT connection of the camera POE injector.
3. Plug in both the POE Injector and the NanoStation.
4. The camera will boot and and connect to the service with in 2-3 minutes.

It is also possible to create a remote group of cameras utilizing a single NanoStation by substituting a POE switch in place of the POE Injector. Using the POE switch we sell in our store, you can connect up to 4 remote cameras using a single NanoStation.

Please contact support if you need additional guidance.

Q) How do I install VIAAS?

A) Plug a VIAAS camera into a Power over Ethernet connection. The camera will automatically use your broadband connection to communicate with VIAAS. Log into your account and watch your video. It really is that easy.

The VIAAS cameras are Power over Ethernet (PoE) devices. Power comes over the Ethernet cable itself, so there is only one connector. The cable is normal - any Ethernet cable will work - but you need a PoE port. You can make a regular Ethernet connection into a PoE connection with an injector or PoE switch. We sell these in the store or you can get one at most computer equipment retailers.

Mounting the camera is covered in video or text. We include a good zoom lens and a camera mount for both drop ceilings and screwmount.

Q) What do I need to install on my computer?

A) NOTHING. VIAAS uses the ubiquitous Flash player for the user interface. If you browse the Internet, you almost certainly have it, but if you don't it will be automatically installed in your browser at the site. Flash works with almost any operating system and browser combination. So just go to www.viaas.com and login.

Q) How much bandwidth do I need?

A) For a full discussion, see the bandwidth FAQ. But the simple answer - using Bandwidth Shaping you can typically support 4 cameras on a basic broadband connection (384kbps uplink) with minimal impact on you current traffic and up to 8 if you dedicate the link.

Q) What do I need to install a camera?

A) The most important requirement is a broadband connection with at least 384 kbps uplink bandwidth. Almost all DSL, Cable or other broadband connections meet this requirement. The bandwidth FAQ can give you more information.

VIAAS cameras are Power over Ethernet (PoE) devices and get power from the Ethernet connector. You need a PoE port for each camera. If don't have one you can make a normal Ethernet port into a PoE port with an injector (adds power to a single Ethernet connection) or a PoE Switch (gives you several powered ports). We sell both in the store.

For other accessories a good way to get the right answer is to use the wizard in the store - it provides you compatible options and accessories directly inline when you purchase a camera. In most cases you can install VIAAS cameras without tools.

Q) Can VIAAS be used outdoors?

A) VIAAS Camera 1.1 is an indoor camera and the camera should not be placed outdoors on its own. The camera is compatible with third party outdoor camera housings - we provide links for a few that work well in the store.

Camera 1.1 works just fine through a window - Example, the "Outside Front" and "Front Window" screenshots have been taken with a camera that is behind a window.