DVR to Router Set-up Guide

How to Connect a DVR to a Router

When purchasing a new device such as a router or a DVR, it can be so exciting that you just want to have it all quickly connected and ready to use. While setup isn’t all that difficult, you want to make sure it’s done properly and in a way to allow you the best picture quality possible. This is a tutorial on how to connect a DVR to a router.

For our example, we will be using the Linksys BEFSR41 router and the DVR-8004G. However, just about any DVR and router will work with these instructions. First you want to connect the power adapter to the router. Next, run an RJ45 cable between the uplink port on the router and your internet source, whether it’s a cable modem, DSL modem, or other router. Our Linksys router has an uplink port labeled ‘internet.’ Others label the uplink port differently. It’s also common to use the highest numbered port. For the final two connections, run an RJ45 between the router port and the computer and another RJ45 from the router port to the DVR.

After all the connections are made, it’s time for the PC side of things. On your computer, select the ‘Start’ menu and then ‘Run,’ typing in “ipconfig’ and then clicking ‘ok’. There should be three addresses listed, one for IP, subnet, and gateway; note down all three.

Next you’ll power on the DVR, find the menu page, and select network settings. Here you can set the IP address to be the same as the PC, with the exception of the last three digits. These you want to make unique. Write down the IP address including the last three unique numbers. The subnet and gateway addresses should be set to the same IP address as your PC. Some models give you the option for a port number; make a note of this if it is the case.

From here, you can now get to the DVR from your computer. To do so, you’ll need to enter your IP address into a browser. You’re also ready to access your DVR remotely from a computer outside your home network. To do this, take a few minutes to set up port forwarding. In an open browser, enter the default IP address for your router. In the pop-up login box, type in the default name and password. This might be “admin” and “admin”, check your manual to be sure.

From here, you’ll need to find the router menu for port forwarding. Our Linksys example uses the selections Applications-> Port Range Forwarding. Here, set the port to “80” unless the DVR lists something different. The IP address should be set to the DVR’s. Finally, make sure that your changes are enabled and saved. Your router will restart and then be ready for use. Simply open up a browser and enter http:// followed by your home IP address.

It may seem like there are many complicated steps but the process is really quite simple. Plus, you only have to go through these steps once and then everything will stay set up for you. If you need any connecting cables, please visit BestPriceCables.com for great prices and free shipping on all orders over $75.