Scenario: You run a home office or a small retail shop and would like to install an Axis network camera, for instance, pointing towards the entrance so that you can monitor activities locally from your PC--not via the Internet. (If Internet access is required, see Access via Internet.) 

The following outlines the simplest set up involving the following components: 
PC, switch, network camera and Ethernet cables.

• Step 1: Identify your network video needs

• Do you want a camera for use indoors only or for both indoor and outdoor use?
• Do you want a camera with a fixed angle and focus or one that you can remotely pan, tilt or zoom?
• Do you require any features such as motion detection, alarm notification, power over Ethernet, audio...?
• Do you want to simply view remotely or also view and record? Consider a video management software for recording purposes.
• Do you require protective housing for the camera?
• Determine how many cameras are required to provide adequate coverage for your needs.
   

• Step 2: System requirements

• If your building isn't already wired with access to a local area network, which allows you to simply plug the network camera into a network outlet, then you will require the following equipment:
  - a switch which will act as a the central connection point between your network camera and your local PC
  - at least two Ethernet cables: one to connect your network camera to the switch and another to connect the local PC to the switch
   

• Step 3: Installation

• Connect all the devices to a power source and to each other via the switch.
   

• Step 4: Assign an IP address for the network camera

• You need to assign an IP address for your network camera so that you can reach it from a Web browser on your local computer. You can choose between an automatic and static IP address. (Click here for more info.) A static IP address is recommended as it will prevent the IP address from changing. 
• In this simple scenario, Axis provides two methods of setting up the IP address for the network camera. You can use the AXIS IP Utility software, which is on the CD that comes with the product or can be downloaded from www.axis.com, or the ARP/Ping method. Follow the network camera's installation manual.
   

• Step 5: Complete the network camera installation

• Once an IP address has been assigned, open a Web browser on your local computer and enter in the network camera's assigned IP address. For first time users with Internet Explorer Web browser, the Axis network video product will automatically ask you if you want to download a software program called Axis Media Control (Active-X). This program is essential for viewing live video from an Axis network camera/video server. It also provides controls for MPEG-2, MPEG-4, audio, motion detection and pan/tilt/zoom on the Live View page for network video products that support such features. (Other Web browsers might have native support for streaming video that doesn't require an Active-X component.)

Click 'Yes' button to install Axis Media Control (Active-X)

• The network camera's 'start page' will then display live video feed from the camera along with hyperlinks for changing the camera setup, such as image resolution, network and e-mail settings.

NEXT: Gain access to the Axis network camera via the Internet