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How to connect cameras to the Ajax security system

How to connect cameras to the Ajax security system

Video surveillance has long been a top feature request from Ajax security system users. And there’s a reason we ask users for feedback! Now the Ajax Security System app for iOS and Android can broadcast RTSP streams from security cameras. The video surveillance in addition to protection against break-ins, fire and flooding, as well as automation.

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Why do you need a camera?


• To know exactly who has entered your home (especially in case of a break-in).
• To keep an eye on the cleaners while you’re away.
• To watch your kids, even when you’re halfway across the globe.
• To monitor whether your employees are at their desks at 9:00 sharp.


You can connect any IP camera that uses the RTSP protocol to the Ajax security system. There are no restrictions on brands or models, and the application supports up to 10 cameras or streams.

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We didn’t choose RTSP by accident — the protocol is supported by hundreds of cameras. It gives users the maximum possible freedom of choice when it comes to video surveillance equipment. Although this means that connecting a third-party camera is somewhat more complicated than connecting our Ajax devices (when you just need to scan a QR-code to connect Ajax products). We are currently working to integrate popular cameras into the security system. And then you’ll be able to store video on a server and view it online. But in the meantime, you’ll need a third-party NVR to record video streams.

How to connect an IP camera to the Ajax

If your ISP provides a static IP address:
Connect the camera to the router and configure it using the camera’s manual. Assign a free static IP address to the camera on the internal network. Check which port is being used for the camera’s RTSP stream (the default is 554) and set up port forwarding on the router. If several cameras are connected to the router, set up port forwarding for each camera.

Generate an RTSP URL (for each camera), which will allow Ajax to receive the video stream. To do this, either refer to your camera’s manual or use the RTSP URL generator:

Select the camera manufacturer from the list:

camera integration ajax 2

Choose the model of your camera:

camera integration ajax 1

Specify the static IP address provided by the ISP (WAN IP router). If necessary, change the username and password, as well as the stream number:

camera-integration-ajax-4-1

Each stream is added to the Ajax Security System application as a separate camera. To select the optimal stream (for example, video with sound or in HD resolution), refer to the camera’s manual.

Click the “Generate” button and copy the RTSP URL of your camera:

camera-integration-ajax-3-1

Add the port number to the generated URL:

Example of the generated URL:
https://admin:admin@192.168.1.20/cgi-bin/snapshot.cgi?loginuse=admin&loginpas=admin

Generated URL with the port number:
https://admin:admin@192.168.1.20:554/cgi-bin/snapshot.cgi?loginuse=admin&loginpas=admin

You should add the number of the forwarded port of the camera to the URL!
If your ISP does not provide a static IP address, use the DynDNS service.
Using the Ajax Security System app, go to the menu to add new devices (cameras). This is where you’ll be able to specify the name, the RTSP URL and the room:

add-new-cam


In order to view the video stream, just open the camera in the Ajax Security System application:

cam-action


To provide access to the cameras to users of the security system, activate “View cameras” setting through the hub menu:

cameras-access-ajax


Configuring a camera and a router and then creating an RTSP-link is a non-trivial task for an ordinary user. Therefore, if you have any questions during the connection process, refer to our instructions on the integration of IP-cameras into the Ajax security system.

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