Enabling Bridge mode on an Onboard PoE Recorder

Introduction

Our new FX and MX 16MP series NVRs now feature bridge mode, a significant upgrade from our previous models that lacked this capability. Bridge mode allows these NVRs to support third-party and multi-lens cameras, providing greater flexibility and compatibility. This enhancement can also provide direct streaming from the cameras to your home automation setups with the ability of the local network to communicate with the cameras on the onboard PoE switch of the recorder. With bridge mode, users can easily incorporate various camera types and brands, optimizing their surveillance systems to meet diverse and advanced security needs. Below are some pros and cons of onboard PoE's different modes.

 

Onboard PoE Recorder in Route Mode (Default mode)

Pros:

1. Plug and Play Convenience: The primary advantage of router mode is the ease of setup. The system will automatically initialize and configure the cameras, making it user-friendly and reducing the time required for setup.
2. Simplified Network Configuration and Security: Since the recorder acts as the router, there is no need to manage complex network settings or worry about IP address conflicts. This will also reinforce network security by air-gapping the cameras to the NVR PoE.
3. Optimized for ICRealtime Cameras: Ensures compatibility and optimized performance with the ICRealtime cameras, providing a seamless experience.

Cons:

1. Limited to ICRealtime Cameras: Router mode restricts you to using only cameras of the same brand, limiting flexibility and options for expansion.
2. Single Lens Camera Limitation: If your security needs require Multi-lens cameras or other advanced camera types, route mode will not support them.
3. No Direct Access to the Cameras from the local network: The recorder's PoE ports are considered a separate network that is managed by the recorder only. 

Onboard PoE Recorder in Bridge Mode

Pros:

1. Support for Third-Party Cameras: Bridge mode allows for greater flexibility, enabling the use of third-party and multi-lens cameras to be plugged into the built-in POE, which can be crucial for specialized surveillance needs.
2. Home Automation capabilities: Cameras plugged into the onboard PoE can be accessed on the local network infrastructure, allowing for streaming to home automation and other integration setups.
3. Enhanced Configuration Options: Advanced users can benefit from more control over network settings and camera configurations, potentially optimizing performance and security.

Cons:

1. Manual Configuration Required: Cameras must be statically assigned IP addresses and manually configured, which can be time-consuming and require more technical expertise.
2. Complex Network Management: Managing the network and ensuring all devices communicate correctly can be more complex and may require additional network management skills.
3. The upload connection from the recorder can throttle the throughput of connecting to the cameras: The PoE switch of the recorder will still have limitations due to the camera connections passing through to the network port of the recorder (refer to the upload bandwidth on the NVR's spec sheet) so take note of the NVR's resources when accessing the cameras on the onboard PoE from the local network. Additionally, we do not recommend using a PoE switch on the built-in POE of the recorder because you will be using a port designed for one camera for multiple connections, causing resources to be throttled.

Summary

• Route Mode is ideal for users seeking simplicity, ease of setup, and using only ICRealtime single-lens cameras.
• Bridge Mode is suitable for more advanced users who require flexibility, support for third-party and multi-lens cameras, Home Automation streaming support, and are comfortable with manual network configuration and management.

How to setup bridge mode

Note: This setup is recommended before adding cameras to the NVR. Also, the recorder's network port should be plugged into a local network with a functional DHCP.
Once enabled, cameras added to the built-in PoE will acquire an IP from the local network DHCP. We recommend that these cameras be set to a static IP address.

1. From the main menu, go to advanced settings (from local or web gui)
   
2. From the advanced settings menu, select Network
   
3. From the Network Menu, select Switch
   
   
   
4. From the Switch Menu, select the tick for Bridge
   
5. Select Apply in the bottom right-hand corner, then click OK (this step will require a reboot)
   
   
   

After the reboot is completed, you will be able to interact with the cameras on the on-board PoE switch of the recorder from the local network.