Required Network Configurations for DW Spectrum Remote Connection
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Related Digital Watchdog VMS Apps: DW Spectrum® IPVMS
Complexity: Low to Medium
Last Edit: November 26, 2024
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DW Spectrum® Remote Access
To access your DW Spectrum® system from an external network, you will need to make your system available for access through the Internet.
To allow external network access to your DW Spectrum® system, there are 3 options that you may use; DW Cloud, Traditional Port Forwarding, and static block IP addressing.
DW Cloud™
To use DW Cloud for Remote access, refer to our documentation related to DW Cloud setup. If a firewall/Sonicwall is in use, refer to our Passlist documentation to allow communications to our cloud services.
Spectrum 3.2 and older
Servers and clients using DW Spectrum 3.2 and older are no longer supported with the use of DW Cloud.
Requirements:
- Not Applicable; Update as soon as possible.
Spectrum 4.0 - 4.2
Servers and clients are still able to function with DW Cloud, however DW Cloud services have been optimized for 5.0-6.0.
Requirements:
- Passlist (If firewall/Sonicwall is in use)
Spectrum 5.0 - 6.0
Servers and clients using 5.0 and newer function best with the current DW Cloud architecture, which includes additional security items.
Requirements:
- Passlist (If firewall/Sonicwall is in use)
- Installing necessary CA certificates (if not already installed). Refer to our article on the necessary certificates if connection issues are found.
Traditional Port Forwarding
You will need to port forward the TCP port within your router (or firewall settings) to allow access from the Internet to your DW Media Server. By default, DW Spectrum uses TCP Port 7001. If you want your server to be Internet accessible, you will need to forward this port value (7001).
When using traditional port forwarding, the router will require a port forwarding/application rule to forward traffic using the server's port to the server. More information can be found on our article explaining Port Forwarding.
There are different methods to connect to your server that will need to be taken into consideration:
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Router Public IP (Leased) - This method will allow you to connect with your router's public IP and is completely free. However, most Internet Service Providers will use a dynamic leased IP address. This means that the address may change at any given time and your connection will not function until you get the new IP address.
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Router Public IP (Static Block) - Many ISPs allow for the purchasing of static IP blocks. One of the static IP addresses can be applied to the router. This will ensure that your public IP address does not change.
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DynamicDNS (DDNS) - Numerous options are available to associate your router's WAN IP with a URL of your choosing. While your WAN IP may change, these services will update the DNS service with the new IP, allowing you to maintain connection with the DDNS of your choosing.
NOTE**: Digital Watchdog Technical Support does NOT offer assistance with the creation and management of port forwarding rules. Technical support will assist in locating the necessary information in relation to the server, but difficulties/issues with port forwarding will need to be addressed by either the ISP or network administrator of the location.
Static Block IP Addressing
Similar to Router Public IP (Static Block) mentioned under port forwarding, a block of static IP addresses can be purchased from an ISP. By applying a static address to the server directly, you can use the same IP address for the server anywhere. This method is generally not recommended, as it would allow open and total communication to your server.
For More Information or Technical Support
DW Technical Support: 866.446.3595 (option 4)
https://www.digital-watchdog.com/contact-tech-support/
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DW Sales: 866.446.3595 [email protected] www.digital-watchdog.com
