Table of Contents
Introduction
As of Sept 15th, 2025 the P2P connectivity server will have undergone a software upgrade to harden security connection protocols and improve connectivity speeds. Because of this update many "legacy" applications will no longer be able to connect to the P2P server.
Any existing Windows or MacOS SmartICRSS deployments (build year 2020 or older) will need to be updated to the latest version of IC Now which can be downloaded from: https://icrealtime.com/downloads. Legacy mobile deployments will be affected as well, which includes ICRSS Pro / IC View. To maintain uninterrupted connectivity on your mobile device, IC View+ will need to be installed from the Google Play or iOS App Store.
If for any reason you cannot update affected devices to use the latest / most secure software packages there are a few ways to maintain connectivity with a bit of additional configuration. In most cases you will want to setup a DDNS address then configure port forwarding as the most basic setup. If there are concerns about using port forwarding then you could also utilize a direct connect VPN or a mesh VPN service.
DDNS
To avoid having to purchase a static IP address from your ISP or randomly losing connectivity due to your WAN IP address being changed by your ISP at random intervals it is also recommended you utilize a DDNS (dynamic domain name service) address. There are many free services such as NO-IP, FreeDNS, DuckDNS, but your router may also have the service built into it:
Port Forwarding
Port forwarding is a networking technique used on routers or firewalls that allows external devices (computer/mobile) to access services on a private network (such as a home or office network) through specific ports. In this case you would need to log into your router/firewall and port forward the TCP port (default 32789) of your NVR/HDVR to allow for remote access. An few guides are listed below based upon the top 5 consumer brand routers:
If your router is not listed above and require assistance PortForward.com has multiple guides providing assistance for lesser known or discontinued routers.
✅ Pros:
- Simple to Set Up
- No VPN or Client Required
- Low Latency
- Works with Any Device
⚠️ Requirements:
- Public IP Address
- Access to Router Admin Panel
- Static LAN IPs or DHCP client reserverations
- Security Hardening
- Dynamic DNS
- Single Point of Entry
- Limited to Certain Ports/Protocols
Router based VPN
If there are concerns or restrictions regarding port forwarding another option would be to utilize a direct connect VPN (virtual private network). A VPN is a service that creates a secure, encrypted connection between your device and the internet. It hides your real IP address and routes your online activity through a remote server, providing privacy, security, and access to restricted content. Your router may have a built-in VPN server or at the very least allow you to connect using a 3rd party VPN provider such as ExpressVPN, NordVPN, PrivateInternetAccess, etc.
TP-Link VPN installation guide
Netgear VPN installation guide
Linksys VPN installation guide
✅ Pros:
- Direct Secure Access
- No Vendor Lock-In
- High Performance
- Static Routing Options
- Supports Full Tunneling
- Mature & Widely Supported
⚠️ Requirements:
- Port Forwarding Access
- VPN-Capable Router/Firewall
- DDNS or Static WAN IP
- Networking Knowledge
- Device Compatibility
Mesh based VPN
Mesh VPNs such as Tailscale, ZeroTier, Netmaker (self hosted), & Headscale (self hosted) offers easier setup, lower latency, higher performance, identity-based access control, & NAT traversal. This will allow connections even from behind the strictest of firewalls (e.g. CGNAT). One of the biggest benefits to using a mesh VPN though, is that it requires no port forwarding unlike traditional VPN servers. As long as your device has an outbound connection "it just works".
If self hosting isn't possible preventing the use of Netmaker & Headscale, both Tailscale and Zerotier offer free plans which in most use cases is more than enough.
✅ Pros:
Zero config
Works behind CGNAT
Built-in DNS
Free
⚠️ Requirements:
You need any always-on device (like a Pi, mini PC, or NAS) on the same network as the IC Realtime recorder to act as the mesh VPN gateway.
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