Actiontec 54 Mbps Wireless Network Camera User Guide
Table of Contents CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION.............................................................................................. 1 Overview ............................................................................................................................ 1 Features......................................................................................................................... 1 Internet Features .........................................................................................
Main Screen ..................................................................................................................... 42 Adding Cameras to the Camera List ............................................................................. 44 Adding Cameras on the Internet ................................................................................. 45 Modifying an Existing Camera................................................................................... 46 Viewing Live Video ..............
Chapter 1 Introduction 1 This chapter covers the features, components, and capabilities of the Actiontec 54 Mbps Wireless Network Camera. Overview The Actiontec 54 Mbps Wireless Network Camera has an integrated microcomputer and a high quality CMOS digital-Image-Sensor, enabling it to display high quality live streaming video over your wired LAN, the Internet, and for the Camera, an 802.11g Wireless LAN.
• Multi-Protocol Support. Supporting TCP/IP networking, SMTP (E-mail), HTTP, and other Internet related protocols, the Camera can be easily integrated into your existing network. • Easy Configuration. A Windows-based “Wizard” application is provided for initial setup. Subsequent administration and management can be performed using a standard Web browser. The administrator can configure and manage the Camera via the LAN or Internet. • Viewing/Recording Utility.
Physical Details Figure 2: Camera: Front and Back Views Front Panel Focus Ring Normally, it is not necessary to adjust the focus. The default focus range is from 1 meter (3 feet) to infinity. If the image is not clear, try adjusting the focus. Microphone The built-in microphone is mounted on the front. There is also a connection for an external microphone on the rear. Connecting an external microphone will disable the built-in microphone. Ready LED On - Power on. Off - No power.
Power Input Connect the supplied power adapter here. MIC In If required, an external microphone can be attached here. Attaching a microphone here will disable the built-in microphone on the front. Microphones designed for use with computers are usually compatible with this microphone input. LAN port Use a standard LAN cable to connect your Camera to a 10/100BaseT hub or switch. Note: Attaching the LAN cable to the Camera disables the wireless interface. Only one interface can be active at any time.
Package Contents The following items should be included: If any of these items are damaged or missing, please contact your dealer immediately. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.
2 Chapter 2 Basic Setup This chapter provides information about installing and configuring the Actiontec 54 Mbps Wireless Network Camera. System Requirements • To use the LAN interface, a standard 10/100BaseT hub or switch and network cable is required. • To use the wireless interface on the Camera, other wireless devices must be compliant with the IEEE 802.11b or IEEE 802.11g specifications. All wireless stations must use compatible settings. Installation Figure 3: Camera Installation 1.
Activating the LAN interface disables the wireless interface, because only one interface can be active. The LAN interface is recommended for initial configuration. The default wireless settings for the Camera are: Mode: Infrastructure ESSID: Actiontec WEP: Disabled 3. Adjust the Antenna Screw the antenna to the rear mounting point of the Camera, then adjust the antenna to an upright position to improve wireless reception. 4.
Setup Initial setup should be performed using the Setup Wizard. This program can locate the Camera even if its IP address is invalid for your network. You can then configure the Camera with appropriate TCP/IP settings for your LAN. Subsequent administration can be performed with your Web browser, as explained in chapter 3, “Web-based Administration.” Setup Procedure 1. Insert the supplied CD-ROM into your drive. If the setup program does not start automatically, run Setup.exe in the root folder.
2. The next screen lists all of the Cameras on your LAN. Figure 5: Camera List Screen • 3. Select the desired Camera from the list on the left. The current settings for the selected Camera will be displayed in the table on the right. • Click Next to continue. You will be prompted for an administrator name and password. • If using the default values, enter administrator for the name, and leave the password blank. • Otherwise, enter the Administrator ID and Password you previously set on the User screen.
4. On the following TCP/IP screen, shown below, choose Fixed IP or Dynamic IP. Dynamic IP address is recommended. Figure 7: Fixed or Dynamic IP Selection Click Next to continue. 5. If you chose Fixed IP Address, the TCP/IP Settings screen appears. Figure 8: TCP/IP Settings • Enter an unused IP Address from within the address range used on your LAN. • The “Subnet Mask” and “Default Gateway” fields must match the values used by computers on your LAN.
6. The “Wireless Settings” screen appears. Figure 9: Wireless Settings 7. • Mode - If you have an access point or wireless broadband router, select Infrastructure. Otherwise, select Ad-hoc. • Authentication Type - Select the value used on your LAN. • ESSID - Enter the value used by your other wireless devices. • Domain - Select the domain to match your location. • Channel - For Ad-hoc mode, select the channel used by your other wireless devices.
• Keys - If using WEP, the default key must match the key used on your other wireless stations. The other keys are optional. You can enter the key value directly, or generate a key by entering a string into the “Passphrase” field, and clicking the “Generate” button. If using WPA-PSK on your access point or router, enter the same pre-shared key. This is an alphanumeric between 8 and 63 characters long, and is case-sensitive. Click Next to continue to the following screen. 8.
10. After clicking Save, you will see the screen below. Figure 13: Final Screen If desired, you can click Web UI to connect to the camera using your Web browser. 11. Click Exit to end the Wizard. Setup is now complete.
Chapter 3 Advanced Viewing Setup 3 This chapter provides information about the optional settings and advanced features for viewing video on the Actiontec 54 Mbps Wireless Network Camera, and is aimed at experienced network administrators only. Introduction After setting up the Camera, it can immediately be used by all users on your LAN. Refer to chapter 5, “Viewing & Recording,” for details on viewing and recording live video.
2. From the “Administration” menu, select Image. You will see a screen similar to the one shown below. Figure 14: Image Screen 3. Make the required adjustments, as explained below, and save your changes. Video Settings Resolution Select the desired video resolution. The default resolution is set to 320*240. Image Quality Select the desired image quality. The default “Image Quality” is set to “Normal.” Note: Higher image quality requires more bandwidth.
Controlling User Access to the Video Stream By default, all users can connect to the Camera and view live video. If desired, you can limit access to known users by requiring each user to login to the Camera with their individual username and password. To Enable This Feature: 1. 2. 3. Connect to the Web-based interface of the Camera. (See Chapter 4, “Web-based Management,” for details.) From the “Administration” menu, select User. In the “User Access” section, activate Only Users in database.
Making Video Available From the Internet If your LAN is connected to the Internet (typically via a broadband gateway/router and broadband modem), you can make the Camera available on the Internet. Wireless/Ethernet Network Camera Setup The Camera configuration does NOT have to be changed, unless: • You want to change the port number from its default value (1024). • You want to use the DDNS (Dynamic DNS) feature of the Camera. Second Port Configuration Normally, HTTP (Web) connections use port 80.
2. Enter and save the correct DDNS settings in the “Network” screen of the Camera. Figure 17: DDNS Settings - Network Screen 3. Operation is then automatic: • The Camera will contact the DDNS server whenever it detects a change in the Internet IP address, and inform the DDNS server of the new address. • Internet users can connect to your LAN using the domain name allocated by the DDNS service provider.
The port for the Port Forwarding / Virtual Server entry above is the second port number specified on the Network screen of the Camera. Viewing Via the Internet Clients (viewers) will also need a broadband connection; dial-up connections are NOT recommended. Using the Windows Viewing/Recording Utility If using the “Windows Viewing/Recording” utility, the details of the Camera must be entered on the “Internet” tab of the “Add Camera” screen.
Motion Detection/E-mail Alerts The “Motion Detection” feature will send you an e-mail when motion is detected. If desired, a short video file can be attached to the e-mail. The Camera will compare consecutive frames to detect changes caused by the movement of large objects. The motion detector can also be triggered by: • Sudden changes in the level of available light • Movement of the Camera itself Try to avoid these situations.
3. 4. 5. 6. In the “Show ‘From’ as” field, enter the e-mail address you want to display as the sender when you receive the e-mail. This should be a genuine e-mail address, otherwise spam filters may block your e-mail. Enter a suitable “Subject” for the e-mail. Enter the address of the SMTP server in the “Outgoing Mail SMTP Server” field. If the SMTP server requires a “login” in order to send e-mail, activate My Mail Server Requires Authentication and enter your login name and password.
Chapter 4 Web-based Management 4 This chapter provides setup details of the Actiontec 54 Mbps Wireless Network Camera’s Web-based interface, and should be consulted by experienced network administrators only. Introduction The Camera can be configured using your Web browser and must have an IP address compatible with your computer. To do this, use the supplied Wizard, as described in the previous chapter.
Welcome Screen When you connect, the following screen will be displayed. Figure 21: Welcome Screen The menu options available from this screen are: • View Video - View live video using your Web browser • Administration - Access the Administration menu • Exit - Terminate the connection to the Camera These options are explained in the following sections.
View Video Screen This screen is displayed when you click View Video. Figure 22: View Video Screen • You may see a prompt regarding an “OCX” file, like the example below. You must install this OCX file in order to view the video. Click Yes. Figure 23 OCX Prompt • Video will start playing automatically. There may be a delay of a few seconds while the video stream is buffered.
Administration Menu Clicking Administration on the menu provides access to all the settings for the Camera.
NTP (Network Time Protocol) Time Server Enable or disable the Time Server feature as required. If enabled, the Camera will contact a network time server at regular intervals and update its internal timer. Server Address Enter the address for the desired NTP server. Update Schedule Determines how often the Camera contacts the NTP Server. Select the desired options.
Network Screen This screen is displayed when the “Network” menu option is clicked. Figure 25: Network Screen Data - Network Screen IP Setting Obtain Address Automatically If selected, the Camera will obtain its IP address and related information from a DHCP server. Only select this option if your LAN has a DHCP server. Fixed IP Address If selected, you must assign the following data to the Camera. • IP Address - Enter an unused IP address from the address range used on your LAN.
Wireless Setting Mode Determines the type of wireless communication used by the Camera. • If you have an access point, select Infrastructure. • Otherwise, select Ad-hoc. Authentication Type Select the appropriate value (Open System or Shared Key), as used on your LAN. Note: In Infrastructure mode, either setting will normally work, since most access points can use both methods. ESSID This must match the value used by other devices on your wireless LAN. Note: The SSID is case sensitive.
Second Port Enable this feature if required. If enabled, then HTTP connections (using your Web browser or media player) can use this port number instead of the standard HTTP port 80. • If you already have a Web server on your LAN, then you should enable the second port, and use this port number instead of port 80. • If enabled, enter the desired port number to use for connections to the Camera. The default is 1024.
WEP Screen This screen is accessed by clicking Configure on the Network screen and selecting WEP from the “Security System” menu. An example WEP screen is shown below. Figure 26: WEP Screen Data - WEP Screen WEP Encryption WEP Encryption Passphrase Select the option used on your wireless LAN. • None - This is the default. If selected, data is not encrypted before being transmitted. • 64 Bit Encryption - If selected, data is encrypted, using the default key, before being transmitted.
When inputting a key value, follow these rules: • For 64-bit encryption, keys must be 10 characters. • For 128-bit encryption, keys must be 26 characters. • Keys must be entered in hexadecimal format. Hexadecimal characters are A - F and 0 - 9.
WPA-PSK Screen This screen is accessed by clicking Configure on the Network screen and selecting WPA-PSK from the “Security System” menu. An example WPA-PSK screen is shown below. Figure 27: WPA-PSK Screen Data – WPA-PSK Screen WEP Encryption WPA-PSK Encryption Select the option used on your wireless LAN. WPA Shared Key Enter a case-sensitive alphanumeric key (from 8 to 63 characters in length) here.
Data - Image Screen Video Settings Resolution Select the desired video resolution format. The default resolution is set to 320*240. Image Quality Select the desired image quality. Default is set to “Normal.” Note: Higher image quality requires more bandwidth. Power line frequency Select the power line frequency (50Hz or 60Hz) used in your region, to improve the picture quality under florescent lighting. Adjustment Brightness The default is “Automatic.
User Screen This screen is displayed after clicking User. Figure 29: User Screen Data - User Screen Admin Login Administrator ID • Enter the name of the administrator here. Do not use spaces, punctuation, and special characters in the administrator name. • The name is case insensitive (case is ignored), so you cannot have two names differentiated by case only. Password Enter the Administrator’s password here. Verify Password Re-enter the Administrator password here.
Add/Modify User Screen This screen is displayed after clicking Add or Modify from the User screen. It is used to enter details of each user. Figure 30: Add/Modify User Screen Data - Add/Modify User User Name Enter the name of the user. Do not use spaces, punctuation, and special characters in the name. Also, names are case-insensitive (case is ignored), so you cannot use two names with the same spelling, but different cases. User Password Enter the user’s password.
E-mail Screen If desired, you can use the E-mail feature to have an e-mail sent to you whenever motion is detected. Because of the sensitivity of the CMOS digitizer, the motion detection feature is not usable in situations where the level of illumination changes rapidly. In this situation, the change in light intensity will trigger the motion detection. . Figure 31: E-mail Screen Data – E-mail Screen E-Mail Alerts Enable Activate to enable the E-Mail Alert feature.
Outgoing Mail SMTP Server Enter the address of the SMTP (Simple Mail Transport Protocol) server to be used to send e-mail. If the SMTP server requires a "login" to send mail, activate My Mail Server Requires Authentication and enter your login name and password for the SMTP server. (This is usually the same as the POP3 server used to receive e-mail.) Delay between E-mails Use this to ensure your e-mail inbox is not flooded with e-mail alerts. Select the desired time delay between e-mail alerts.
Status Screen . Figure 32: Status Screen Data - Status Screen System Device Name Displays the name of the Camera. Description Displays the description of the Camera. F/W version Displays the version of the firmware installed. You can upgrade the firmware by clicking Upgrade Firmware. You need to obtain the firmware upgrade file first. Network MAC Address Displays the current IP address of the Camera. IP Address Displays the IP address of the Camera.
Video Resolution Displays the image size of the video stream. Current Viewers Displays how many viewers are currently viewing the video stream. Log Log Data Displays the log records of various system activities Buttons Refresh Updates the log and any other data on screen. Restart Restarts the Camera. Note: This will break any existing connections. Anyone watching or recording live video will be disconnected.
Upgrade Firmware Screen This screen is displayed when you click Upgrade Firmware on the Status screen. Figure 33: Upgrade Firmware Screen This screen allows you upgrade the Camera’s firmware. Before using this screen, you must download the upgrade file to your computer. After downloading the upgrade file: 1. Click Browse, and locate the upgrade file. 2. Select the file, then click OK. The filename appears in the “Upgrade File” field. 3.
Chapter 5 Viewing & Recording 5 This chapter describes how to view and record the live video stream generated by the Actiontec 54 Mbps Wireless Network Camera. Overview The recommended method to view video is to use the “Windows Viewing/Recording” utility. Installation 1. Insert the supplied CD into your CD-ROM drive. If the “Setup” program does not start automatically, run Setup.exe in the root folder. The “Welcome” screen appears. Figure 34: Welcome Screen 2. 3.
System Tray Icon When started, the utility creates an icon in the system tray on the taskbar next to the clock. Figure 35: System Tray Icon This icon has the following functions: • Animation - If a recording is in progress, this icon animates. Otherwise, it is stationary. • Hover - Hovering your mouse over this icon will generate a pop-up informing you of the current status. • Double-click - This will display the main screen, shown below.
Cameras - Camera List • The “Camera List” displays all Cameras you have defined. If you have not defined any Cameras, this list will be empty. For each listed Camera, the following data is shown: • Device Name - The name of the Camera. • Connection Type - This displays either “LAN” or “Internet,” indicating the type of connection used to connect to the Camera. • Description - If the Camera administrator has entered a description, it will be displayed here. • Status - Normally, this will be blank.
Adding Cameras to the Camera List To add a camera to the Camera List, click Add Camera on the main screen. You will see a screen like the example below. • Cameras on LAN - displays all Cameras found on your LAN. This list can be updated by clicking Refresh. • Camera Data - displays the data for the selected Camera. Figure 37: Add Camera from LAN To add a Camera to the Camera List on the main screen: 1. Select a Camera from the list on the left. 2.
Adding Cameras on the Internet If the Camera you want to add is not on your LAN, but is available via the Internet, click Internet. You will see a screen similar to the one below. Figure 38: Add Camera from Internet To add a camera to the “Camera List” on the Main screen: 1. Enter the “Camera Data” in the panel on the right. See below for details. 2. Click Test to check that a connection and login can be performed successfully. 3. Click Add.
Modifying an Existing Camera You can change the settings for an existing Camera by selecting it in the “Camera List” on the Main screen, then clicking Modify Camera. You will see a screen similar to the one below. Figure 39: Modify Camera • Data on this screen is the same as for the Add Camera screens. • Click Test to check that a connection and login can be performed successfully.
Viewing Live Video To view live video, select a Camera in the “Camera List” on the Main screen, and click View. For each camera, a new viewing window will open similar to the one below. Figure 40: Viewing Live Video Controls are provided to stop and start viewing, and to start recording the video stream. Play - Use this to re-start viewing (after clicking Stop). Record. - Click to start recording the current video stream. While recording, this button will be red. To stop recording, click the button again.
Recording Video You can record video while watching, or schedule recordings to occur when you are absent. Recordings are stored in a standard Microsoft ASF file format, and can be played using Microsoft Media Player. Before recording, you should review the “Recording Preferences” to ensure they are suitable for your computer. Recording Preferences To set the Camera’s recording preferences, click Preferences below the “Recordings” panel on the Main screen. You will see a screen similar to the one below.
Live Recordings You can start and stop recording from the View screen, using the controls provided. Figure 42: Viewing Live Video Controls are provided to stop and start viewing, and to start recording the video stream. Play - Use this to re-start viewing (after clicking Stop). Record. - Click to start recording the current video stream. While recording, this button will be red. To stop recording, click the button again. Stop.
Files To view recorded video or snapshot (still image) pictures, click Files under the “Files” panel on the Main screen, then select the desired option. Figure 43: Files Screen To view a list of all recorded files, click Recorded Video, and you will see a screen similar to the one below. Figure 44: Recorded Files This list shows all of the recorded files. The following operations are supported: • Play - Play the selected file using Microsoft Media Player. • Delete - Delete the selected file.
Scheduled Recordings Recordings can be scheduled at any time, for any known Camera (your computer must be powered up at the scheduled time). To use this feature, click Schedule under the “Recordings” panel on the Main screen. You will see a screen similar to the one below. Figure 45: Scheduled Recording List This screen lists all scheduled recordings. For each recording, the following data is shown: • Camera - Displays the recording Camera. • Date - Displays the date the recording will be made.
Schedule Definition Screen If Add or Modify is clicked, a screen similar to the one below appears. You can then enter or modify the details of this schedule. Figure 46: Schedule Definition Screen Data - Schedule Definition Camera Select the Camera to be used. If the desired Camera is not listed, you must define it by clicking Add Camera on the Main screen. Schedule Type Select the desired option: Start Day • One Time - Only one recording is made, at the specified date and time.
Viewing With Your Web Browser The recommended method to view live video from the Camera is to use the Windows utility. However, you can also use your Web browser, if necessary. Viewing Over Your LAN To establish a connection from your computer to the Camera: 1. Start your Web browser. 2. In the Address text box of the browser, enter the IP address of the Camera. In the example below, the Camera’s default IP address is used: http://192.168.0.99 3.
5. Click View Video, and a screen similar to the one below appears. Figure 48: View Video Screen • If using Internet Explorer on Windows, you may see a prompt regarding an “OCX” file, as shown below. You must install this file in order to view the video. Click Yes. Figure 49: OCX Prompt • Video will start playing automatically. There may be a delay of a few seconds while the video stream is buffered.
Viewing Via the Internet If the LAN with the Camera is connected to the Internet and configured correctly, you can connect to the Camera via the Internet. See “Making Video Available From the Internet” in chapter 3 for details about the required LAN configuration. To establish a connection from your computer to the Camera via the Internet: 1. Obtain the Internet address and port number of the Camera from the administrator. 2. Start your Web browser.
5. Click View Video and a screen similar to the one below appears. Figure 51: View Video Screen • If using Internet Explorer on Windows, you may see a prompt regarding an “OCX” file, similar to the one below. You must install this OCX file in order to view the video. Click Yes. Figure 52: OCX Prompt • Video will start playing automatically. There may be a delay of a few seconds while the video stream is buffered. Note: Viewers need a broadband Internet connection to view video effectively.
Chapter 6 Troubleshooting 6 This chapter covers problems the user may encounter while using the Actiontec 54 Mbps Wireless Network Camera, and possible solutions. Overview This chapter covers some common problems users may encounter using the Camera, and some possible solutions to them. If you follow the suggested steps and the Camera still does not function properly, contact your dealer for further advice. Problems Problem 1: I can't connect to the Camera with my Web browser to configure it.
Problem 4 I can't connect to the Camera using a wireless connection. Solution 4 1) If a LAN cable is connected to the LAN port, the wireless interface is disabled. Only one interface can be active. 2) Check that your computer and the Camera have compatible wireless settings. • Mode (Infrastructure or Ad-hoc) must be correct • ESSID must match • WEP settings must match • In Ad-hoc mode, the channel should match, although this is often not required Problem 5 My video quality suddenly deteriorates.
Appendix A Specifications A Actiontec 54 Mbps Wireless Network Camera Model Actiontec 54 Mbps Wireless Network Camera Resolution Support 640x480, 320x240, 160x120 (color) Image Alteration Brightness, Color (red, green,blue) Video Options Motion-detection, time stamp, text overlay Microphone Built-in microphone and microphone jack for external microphone Audio Options On/Off control on Web interface, Windows playback Standards Compliant with IEEE 802.11b, 802.
Regulatory Approvals CE Approvals The Actiontec 54 Mbps Wireless Network Camera meets the guidelines of the European Union and complies with the 99/5/EEC and RTTE 99/5EG directives, including the following standards: • EN60950 • EN300 328-2 • EN301 489-1 • EN301 489-17 This is a Class B product. In a domestic environment this product may cause radio interference in which case the user may be required to take adequate measures.
Limited Warranty HARDWARE: Actiontec Electronics Inc. warrants to the end user (“Customer”) that this hardware product will be free from defects in workmanship and materials, under normal use and service, for twelve (12) months from the date of purchase from Actiontec Electronics or its authorized reseller.
WARRANTY, PLEASE REFER TO THE END-USER LICENSE AGREEMENT GOVERNING THE USE OF SUCH SOFTWARE OBTAINING WARRANTY SERVICE: Customer may contact Actiontec Electronics Technical Support Center within the applicable warranty period to obtain warranty service authorization. Dated proof of purchase from Actiontec Electronics or its authorized reseller may be required.
THE PRODUCT, OR ANY OTHER CAUSE BEYOND THE RANGE OF THE INTENDED USE, OR BY ACCIDENT, FIRE, LIGHTNING, OTHER HAZARDS OR ACTS OF GOD.
