3. Installation and Configuration

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The 211A runs an embedded web server and in order to access this server, you must assign an IP address to the network camera. There are six ways to do this:

Axis IP Utility UPnP ARP/Ping Axis Dynamic DNS Service DHCP Static IP

Axis recommends using its IP Utility to configure the IP address of the 211A. This is done by connecting the Axis 211A to your network and popping the installation CD into any computer running Windows 2000 / XP. The IP Utility will automatically run and find all the Axis cameras on your network.

Figure 4: IP Utility automatically finds all Axis cameras on the network

Right-clicking on a camera (Figure 4) will allow you to set its IP address and view its built-in Home Page. You can verify that you are configuring the correct camera by matching up the serial number reported by the utility (Figure 5) with the number on the underside of the camera.

Figure 5: Setting the IP Address

Figure 6: Success!

Users of operating systems other than Windows will have to use the other four methods of setting the IP address. Note that DHCP is enabled by default and the camera will default to 192.168.0.90 if it doesn't find a DHCP server.

Axis Dynamic DNS Service

If you're going to make the 211A accessible from the Internet, you'll probably be interested in Axis' Internet Dynamic DNS Service. This is a FREE service that allows you to assign a fixed domain-based address to your Axis network camera that can track the changing IP addresses used by most ISPs.

You configure the service by connecting the 211A to your network, and pressing the control button on the underside of the camera once. The Status Indicator will turn green while it connects to the Internet and talks to the Axis Internet Dynamic DNS Service. You then surf to the Axiscam.net webpage and type in the serial number on the underside of the camera to complete registration.

Tip: This service will not work if your Internet connection runs through an HTTP Proxy. You'll also need to open the port used by the camera (default is 80) on your router's firewall.