Security systems and LTE connections

Video surveillance systems are a great way to keep an eye on your property and utilizing LTE internet allows you to do so even in remote areas where internet is typically not available. However, setup may be a bit tricky. Here are a few tips for successfully getting camera systems installed and working.

Definitions and groundwork

1) A modem is a device which brings the internet into your home or office, in our case LTE internet.
2) A router connects to your modem and disperses the internet to your internal network whether wired or wireless.
3) A Wi-Fi range extender, sometimes called a range expander, is a type of wireless repeater used to expand the reach of a wireless LAN. The device is situated in between a base router or access point and a client that is not close enough to receive acceptable service or one that is on the other side of a barrier.
4) Sometimes a modem will have the router integrated.
5) Ports (Software ports) are an important part of internet addressing and help to define the destination for packets of data.
6) Network address translation (NAT) is a method of remapping one IP address space into another by modifying network address information in the IP header of packets while they are in transit across a traffic routing device (or node).
7) A static Internet Protocol (IP) address (static IP address) is a permanent number assigned to a computer by an Internet service provider (ISP).
8) A dynamic Internet Protocol address (dynamic IP address) is a temporary IP address that is assigned to a computing device or node when it's connected to a network. A dynamic IP address is an automatically configured IP address assigned by a DHCP server to every new network node (or NAT).
9) Whitelist: a list of people or things considered to be acceptable or trustworthy.

Firewall Configuration and Testing

Typically, cameras need to have the ports opened, not a static IP. Many times the camera will error out stating that there are too many layers of NAT. Most of the time, it does not matter how many layers of NAT there are as long as the PORTS are open on each layer of NAT. It sounds complicated, but it really isn't. The first thing to do when diagnosing camera connectivity is to remove all routers from the equation. Basically we're going to connect the camera directly to the modem. Once this is done, test the camera to see if it works. If it does not, then ports will need to be opened within the modem. You will need to contact the camera manufacturer to determine with ports to open (or whitelist).

Once the camera is confirmed to be working on the modem, connect the router to the modem and the camera to the router and repeat the process. If the camera does not work, open the ports in the router. Continue this process for each router and wifi extender in your network.

Don't give up!

If you read this article and are LOST, do not be too ashamed to ask for help. Google is your friend, here. There are many websites devoted to camera and security systems. With a little perseverance, cameras and security systems can work using LTE internet.