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Awesome! Thanks guys! I'm leaning to an 8 port Hikvision NVR. Any specific model I should look at? Or dealer for best service/price? Do they ALL provide full 1080p across all 8 channels at the same time? The fine print is hard to figure out sometimes...

Hey guys- I setup a WIN7 box to run my IP Cams. I have 2 NICs installed- 1 for the internet, 1 for the IP Cam network. I don't want the IP Cams using up the bandwidth on the internet network- so I have a 2nd NIC (1 Gig w/ Cat6) installed, going right into the POE switch out of the computer. Everything is installed and working properly- except I can't find the cams on the network. I have yellow light on the switch, green on the NIC. When I go to the Network configuration- it says the NIC is working properly. However, when I click on the properties of the Network from that NIC- it says 'unable to Obtain Valid IP Configuration'. Do I need to merge these 2 networks together? Or is there something I'm missing here? Thanks for the help!

What is that software? I don't think I have that to the best of my knowledge...

Awesome! I got it working! Thanks for all the help! Here's what I had to do- I had to login to the ToughSwitch at 192.168.1.20. I had to change the IP Address to 192.168.2.20, and then the GATEWAY to 192.168.2.1, subnet mask to 255.255.255.0. I then had to change the settings in my NIC2 to: 192.168.2.10, subnet 255.255.255.0. Then, once I enabled the NIC1 w/ DHCP it all came together! *NOTE- that ToughSwitch has a Management Port, which, they recommend you use to access the Switch Control Panel (although you don't have to). That port is only 10/100. When I switched the cable from my NIC2 to one of the Regular 1-8 ports on that switch (I turned off POE), I then got the Network to say it's at 1gig (instead of 100mb). I have other questions/issues- but that's for a different thread. I can't thank you guys enough for all the help! YOU ROCK!

Hey Buell- Thanks for the reply. I'll check the pack version. 4 of the cams are bullets, the other one is a dome. The dome and 2 of the bullets are working. 2 of the other bullets are not. Those 2 are the same as the other 2 that are showing up. Could they be not showing because of bandwidth/setting issues? Dumb question here- but- where do I adjust the camera settings? ie- iframe, frame rate, resolution, etc. Lastly- should I go back into that switch and setup a separate VLAN different than the default one labeled 'Management'? Do I label those ports as Tagged or Untagged? Not sure what 'tagged' means in that control panel...

ok- next update... I disabled NIC1 (internet access). In the NIC2 settings, I changed the IP to 192.168.1.1, SM to 255.255.255.0. I can still access the POE switch control panel via 192.168.1.20. In there, I see that VLAN is setup to '1' and nicknamed Management. I tried setting up a '2' VLAN, but got nothing. Now- the cams all popped up on the SADP software. I changed the IP on each of them to 192.168.1.101 to 192.168.1.105 respectively. I booted up the Hikvision software (Milestone still doesn't find the cams on the network)- and it finds all 5 of the cameras. However, only 3 of them actually show a picture- the other 2 do not. The 3 images I do receive have a REALLY slow lag in real time- ie- 30+sec from someone walking thru the room until it shows on the screen. The picture is not smooth either- very very choppy. Back on the switch- there's a MANAGEMENT PORT, which, the manual says to only use to access the switch settings- it's only a 10/100. This is the port that I've had CAT6 running to out of the NIC2 on my machine. I switched that cable to a different port (# on the switch- and after that- I get the same results (ie- bad lag, only 3 cams showing, etc). So- the issues now are: -5 Cams found, but only getting picture on 3 of them -Milestone not finding cams -Video is very slow/choppy w/ bad lag -NIC1 still not hooked up We're getting there! Any ideas to resolve these issues? Thanks guys!!!

Hi there- I REALLY appreciate you taking the time to help me! I changed the ports to 48v. I don't know how to access the IP address of the cameras? I installed SADP (Hikvisions cam tool)- and it's supposed to find the cameras on the network... but it finds NOTHING at all. Same thing with the IVM-4200 software they have. So, from what I can tell- it doesn't even think there's cameras on there before I can change their IP. I've quadruple checked the cable connections, the switch, etc. There's got to be some sort of IP or port setting issue? Any ideas?

ok- here's the latest... I changed the NIC2 to the recommended settings, but still no-go. I couldn't get access to the switch control panel. So in the switch manual, it says to use 192.168.1.20 for IP, and 255.255.255.0 for subnet (I tried others, and it wouldn't let me access it). So, that gave me access to the switch control panel now. I turned on the POE on the ports to 24v and got green lights on the switch now. Back in the Network Properties for the NIC2- it not longer says 'no network access', but now it just says 'no internet access'. Which is fine since I"m not trying to connect to the internet. It's also showing a LOT of packets being sent. So- looking good, right? I startup Milestone- do the hardware find wizard- nothing. No camera found. I try both the specific brand and all manufacturer options- still no cameras found. I'm beating my head against the wall here- any ideas as to what I'm missing? The cameras are definitely hooked up, using CAT6 directly to the ports on the switch. BTW- using CAT6, Hikvision 3mp cameras (Chinese brand), and Ubiquiti TS-8-PRO TOUGHSwitch. Thanks for the help guys!

ok- re-reading your reply... so instead of setting up IP automatically, I just assign the IP on the card myself? Also- should I be using IP4 or IP6, or both? Thanks again!

Awesome- thanks for the reply! Can you explain HOW I do that then? Just so I understand, you're saying I need to establish a different static IP for that NIC? Any help you can give is VERY appreciated!

Hey guys- I have a ReadyNas Pro I want to setup and use the Milestone software to control (3) 3mp IP Cameras. Is there a way to avoid using the ReadyNas software/license, and just use the volume to store the recorded videos on? Thanks for the help!

Hey guys- Long story short- we fired an employee and it's been a huge legal mess. We have a feeling that he is going to break into the office and steal/trash the place. Obviously, we'd like to get a system in place before that happens. The goal is to capture FACES of anyone who breaks in. I have a couple former long term cops working for us, and they both say the same thing- too many cam systems are wasted because it shows what the theif did, but could not identify them. I want to make sure the system we go with avoids this problem. I've been reading this forum the past week, and like many others- my head is spinning. I'll keep it brief as to what we need and looking for. 6-8 IP Cameras (no less than 1080p). Must have decent IR. NVR wired system Easy to install/maintain, add additional cameras as needed, etc. Ability to login via browser off site, as well as iOS devices. Store footage for 2 weeks at a time. No choppy footage, looking for smooth, full action from all cams. Budget- $2-3k -We have 2 storage garages- 1 is about 15'x22', the other is 24'x24' or so. I'm thinking a dome cam in each of those- something with a wide enough angle so we can get the entire area. The goal here is to mount the cam INSIDE the garage, either on ceiling or wall, so we can recognize faces easily as well as monitor activity (not only burglary but also during business hours to watch employees and see if they're 'working'). At night there's no additional lighting inside and is pretty pitch black, so IR would have to be decent. It's a fairly small space so don't think I need anything 'hardcore'? - Inside the office is the main room where everyone works for the most part. It's also a portal to other hallways to individual offices as well as the entry doors (front, back and warehouse). Again I'm thinking a dome cam or two here, but would like to capture faces. In this room it'd be GREAT if we had 1-way audio so I could listen in on occasion if I needed to. Otherwise this is to monitor employees and potential burglars. At night we usually have some lighting on, but not 100% all the time. - Outside the office- thinking a couple Bullet Cams for now. I've seen systems at CostCo and whatnot- but am open to suggestions on what to get and where to get it from. I'd REALLY appreciate any help you can give! Thanks!

Exactly. I just wanted to check and make sure it was possible. I'll just mount the NAS and set Milestone to record directly to that. Thank you!!!

Actually- just came across this article. Seems very informative to my last questions- http://www.axis.com/products/video/about_networkvideo/bandwidth.htm Another question for you guys on system design. What are pros/cons to going with a NAS with a network computer running the software instead of a PC w/ multiple drives installed? I have a synology for a different network (backup only) and absolutely love it. Just curious how you guys feel about using a NAS instead? edit: let me clarify. What are the pros/cons to using a NAS for storage only and then a client PC running Milestone as the software?

Oops- yeah, forgot to look for that spec! Question- Is there a point (ie- # of cams running at 1080p - 3MP+, 15+fps) where you would need a 2nd nic on your computer just to handle the bandwidth? In other words, if I'm using the 8 port POE switch and running all 8 cams at 3MP- will the single Cat5e into my computer handle that kind of bandwidth? Or would I need to install a 2nd Nic, 2nd switch, etc at a certain point? I just don't want to have my cam resolutions limited due to bandwidth.

BTW- just found this switch for a little cheaper- your thoughts? http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833150095

Buell- Thank you for all the time you've spent helping me! I really appreciate it! After spending MANY MANY hours researching- it seems like you're right on for what I need. I'm going to building my own, use the Milestone, and go with the Hikvision DS-2CD2732F-I(S) 3MP Domes (4-5 of them for now) for the interior of the office, as well as warehouse areas. Questions- 1) Where's a good place to buy these (you can PM me if you want). Seems like I can find the Chinese versions for $259. However, I can get it from AliExpress for $200 shipped. I assume that's also the Chinese versions. 2) Where can I get the US version, and how much can I expect to spend? 3) For my outdoor use- I'm trying to decide between just using these, or the Hikvision DS-2CD2032-I Bullet cam. Seems like the dome has vari-lens up to 12mm as well (but IS more expensive than the bullet for the same lens length). Is there an advantage to using the bullet over the dome? Again, where's the best place to buy the bullet? 4) I know you recommended the Switch earlier in this thread, so I'll probably go with that (haven't researched those at all). Should I go with Cat5e cables? Anything specific I need to know before I order those, or will any Cat5e work? Thank you SOO much!

Actually- Reading your reviews on the software now. With Milestone- can it 1) Record continuously on one camera, while separately logging motion detection on the same camera? This way I can go back and review JUST the events that were picked up by motion detection as needed- but have the full, continuous footage if I ever need it? 2) Record audio from all the cameras? Thanks!!!

Ahhh- makes a lot of sense. I'll go ahead and build my own, since I like the idea of future proofing, and not being limited to hdd space. I need to record/save for about 16 days at a time, so I'll need quite a bit of expandability options. With that said- it seems as if you lean towards Acti over the Hikvisions, is that right? Any pros/cons to either? Also- the Milestone XProtect Essential- is the $49/cam per year, or a one time purchase price? I can't find any pricing info on their site. Any other software you'd recommend that would allow me to hook up nearly any brand camera in the future as I grow into the system? Thanks for the help! " title="Applause" />

ok- so I have a computer with Windows Home Server 2011 on it. Will that work with any of the software? Or do I need to get Windows 7/8 instead? Once the software is installed, is it pretty plug-n-play? Or is there a lot of configuring? I just don't want to get too bogged down setting this all up. That's why the CostCo pre-packaged systems/nvr's are appealing to me. However, I'm open to doing it if, long term, gives me the most upgradability and more open to new technologies/cameras, etc. Essentially, do I get a better system for the same money by building the NVR myself?

Also- what's the process for hooking up sound on these dome cameras? I just need 1-way audio so I can hear what's going on. Do I need to buy a separate mic, or is that built in? Can I get audio from multiple dome cams on the same network at the same time? Thanks!

BTW- how does the one you're talking about compare to this one? http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16881400019

Awesome- thanks for the info. Questions- Where's the best place to buy the cameras from (ie- cheapest?) Which cameras offer the 1 LED you are talking about- and what kind of price are they? I'm sure they're much nicer and more expensive than these, just curious. They're probably overkill for my needs here. I think these Hikvisions are probably more than enough for what I'm doing- but still curious Lastly- if I build my own system (I already have a PC that's fairly new, and not doing anything now- perfect for this project)- are there any limitations in software if I upgrade cameras later down the road? How 'set it and forget it' is the DIY system you're suggesting? I know I can tinker with it for a while to my heart's content, I just need to get something up and running ASAP. Thanks!

Does anyone know what the specs are, or the model # on the CostCo Lorex NVR and Cams? 3MP? How many IR LEDs? etc??? Thanks!

Hey guys- Looking to buy a decent system, but curious if anyone offers good black friday deals in the past (ie- costco, sams, etc). If so, I'll try to hold off on my purchase. Thanks for the help!