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How to Establish Remote Access to Security Cameras

Editorial Team Mar 14, 2025

Many individuals use security cameras to monitor their homes and businesses. Remote access to the cameras is vital to their effective usage. Most webcams utilize USB connections, enabling remote access via USB over IP software. This technique allows you to view your cameras from any location with an Internet connection.

In this article, we present multiple methods of viewing a security camera remotely so you can select the one that best fits your needs.

Contents

Remote Access to Security Cameras over Network
Port Forwarding for Remote Access to Security Cameras
View IP Cameras Online With Browser-Based Tools
Using Smartphones for Remote Access to Security Cameras

Remote Access to Security Cameras over Network

Remote access over an IP-based network like the Internet or LAN offers users secure and consistent connectivity. This technique provides direct access to remote cameras without using cloud services. We will look at software solutions that offer reliable remote camera access. We’ll compare USB Network Gate and FlexiHub to help you choose the best solution for your requirements.

How to Access IP Cameras Remotely with USB Network Gate

Specialized software such as USB Network Gate simplifies establishing remote access to security cameras. The software lets you view and control a network-connected security camera from any device attached to the same network. USB Network Gate is a licensed solution that provides secure remote camera access.

1

Install

Install - Connect the secure camera to a local machine, known as the server. Install USB Network Gate on the server and the client machine that will view the camera remotely.

2

Share

Share the camera - Launch USB Network Gate on the server. Open the Local USB Devices tab and locate the camera you want to share in the device list. Click the Share button next to the camera’s name.

3

Connect

Connect remotely - Start USB Network Gate on the client machine. Navigate to the Remote USB Devices tab and find the desired security camera. Click Connect next to the device name.

Check out our video guide, which answers all your questions about this efficient software solution.

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How to View an IP Camera Remotely With FlexiHub

FlexiHub lets you share USB devices remotely over an IP-based network like the Internet or WiFi. The software lets you access USB devices with a physical connection to a system from other machines on the same network. FlexiHub is a versatile solution that supports all types of USB devices, including security cameras, storage devices, and printers. The tool requires a subscription. Multiple plans are available to address various usage scenarios.

How to Use FlexiHub to Establish Remote Camera Access

1

Register a FlexiHub account for a free demo and select the best subscription that fits your needs.

2

Connect the security camera to the server.

3

Install Flexihub on the server and the client machine that will access the camera remotely.

4

Launch the software on the server and client using the same account.

5

Click Connect on the remote client to access the camera.

Comparing the Benefits of USB Network Gate and FlexiHub

It is essential to choose a method of remote security camera access that fits your needs. Your comparison of USB Network Gate and FlexiHub illustrates their similar functionality and differences in connectivity methods and licensing models. The table below will help you select the right tool for your requirements.

Software

USB Network Gate Visit website

FlexiHub Visit website

Supported devices

USB devices

USB and COM port devices

Sharing USB over LAN

Sharing USB over LAN (without Internet access)

Sharing USB over the Internet

(with public IP address)

Sharing USB dongles over the Internet

(with public IP address)

Simultaneous connections to the shared USB dongle

Sharing COM port devices over the Internet

(on Windows)

Access in RDP session

Per-session isolation in RDP

Per-user isolation in Windows

QUIC Protocol support

Security

authorization
encryption

Login tokens for safe account sharing

Tunnel Server

no need for an external IP
multi-network communication
works through the Firewall

Cross-platform compatibility: Server Side

Windows
Linux
macOS
Android

Windows
Linux
macOS
Android

Cross-platform compatibility: Client Side

Windows
Linux
macOS

Windows
Linux
macOS

License model

License-based

Subscription

Online account creation required

Free demo limitations

1 shared USB device, 14 days

5 sessions with remote devices, 30 days

Port Forwarding for Remote Access to Security Cameras

Port forwarding is a technique for remote IP security camera access from outside your WiFi network or LAN.

The following steps will get you started with port forwarding for an IP camera.

1

Identify the camera’s IP address through the camera app or by looking at the list of DHCP clients on your router.

2

Obtain your router’s external (WAN) IP address by utilizing an IP-checking website unless you have a static IP assigned by your ISP. You can also use a DDNS service and assign a hostname to your camera to streamline access.

3

Check your camera’s RTMP and HTTP port numbers. Each camera on the network should have unique port numbers to prevent conflicts.

4

Set up port forwarding on the router utilizing the device’s web interface to create port forwarding rules, using the camera’s port numbers and IP address.

5

Access the camera by combining the WAN IP address and camera’s port number into a URL like https://108.22.122.107:8112 and entering it into a web browser. You can now view the camera in real time from outside your local network.

These steps let you easily configure port forwarding to monitor secure camera footage from any location.

View IP Cameras Online With Browser-Based Tools

Many security camera manufacturers provide remote access via online IP camera viewing tools. These solutions eliminate complex network configurations and offer seamless remote connectivity over the Internet.

Use the following steps to access a camera with an online IP viewer.

1

Create an account on the camera manufacturer’s website.

2

Navigate to the online camera viewer page.

3

Add your camera details, including the IP address, port number, username, and password.

4

View and control the camera remotely through the web interface.

Using Smartphones for Remote Access to Security Cameras

Smartphones offer users a convenient method of accessing security cameras remotely. Since most of us always have our phones with us, this technique provides peace of mind by allowing viewing at any time and from any location. We will explore using cloud storage or mobile apps to view CCTV footage from your security cameras.

Viewing CCTV Footage via Cloud Storage

Many CCTV systems provide users with cloud storage that allows secure access to live and recorded footage. A cloud-based setup lets you monitor the footage from any location with an Internet connection.

The following steps will enable you to view camera feeds remotely.

1

Connect to cloud storage and configure your CCTV system to upload footage automatically.

2

Access the cloud platform with a mobile app or web browser.

3

Log in with your account credentials.

4

View live or recorded footage from the cloud platform.

Viewing IP Cameras Remotely on iPhone or Android

Use dedicated iPhone or Android apps provided by the manufacturer to view cameras over the Internet. Typically, these apps are regularly optimized and updated with new features.

The setup is simple.

1

Download and install the manufacturer’s app on your phone or device.

2

Connect the camera by adding its unique ID (UID).

3

Tap the camera icon in the app to view the feed remotely.

Examples of camera viewing apps include:
Reolink – Support Reolink cameras on iOS and Android.
Arlo – The official app for Arlo security cameras.

Note: Another option is proprietary software developed for your brand of camera. Camera manufacturers typically offer a dedicated app that allows remote device access.

The apps ensure compatibility with the camera and offer a less complex method of remote access than IP camera port forwarding. They usually provide easy setup, secure connections, and automatic software updates.

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Information

Requirements

Requirements: OS: Windows 7 SP1/8/8.1/10/11; Windows Server 2008 R2/2012/2012 R2/2016/2019/2022
Architectures: x86, x64, ARM64, 9.26MB free space

Latest version

Latest version: v11.0.2697, Released 3 Mar, 2025 Release notes