Enabling ONVIF On AXIS Cameras
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Affected Roles: Owner, Administrator
Related Digital Watchdog VMS Apps: DW Spectrum
Complexity: Low to Medium
Last Edit: August 6, 2024
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Third Party Additions
When ONVIF compliant devices are added to a camera network, DW Spectrum, as well as the VMAX IP Plus Series NVRs, will attempt to automatically add it to the Server when using their Auto Discovery feature. However, if the camera is a third-party device and is using its factory default features, issues may arise during this process.
AXIS cameras, for example, can be discovered within the camera network, but will often be unable to be automatically added due to their default security settings. Following AXIS’s v5.40 firmware update, the camera’s ONVIF function is disabled by default.
This article will outline how to configure an AXIS camera for making additions to a VMAX IP Plus unit or to DW Spectrum.
Note: Please use the Digital Watchdog camera compatibility lists for DW Spectrum or for the VMAX IP Plus if you are unsure if the camera will be supported by your Server or NVR.
Supported/Affected Devices
- DW Blackjack Series
- VMAX IP Plus Series
Detecting the Camera
When configuring an IP camera, the user must know the camera’s networking information in order to connect with the camera’s web interface, add it to a Server, or for general network awareness.
Most third-party camera manufacturers will provide a detection software tool that can be used to locate the camera on the network, identify its IP address, or to identify its model information.
To acquire this type of software, you can visit the AXIS Management Tools web page and download either the AXIS IP Utility tool or AXIS Device Manager tool.
Alternatively, if you know the camera’s default login information, ONVIF Device Manager (ODM) is another detection tool that can be used to locate and identify ONVIF compliant devices within the camera network. ODM can be acquired from the Source Forge website.
Note: If you are unsure which tool to use or require further assistance, please contact AXIS for more information regarding their cameras. Camera menu layout and features vary by camera model.
Configuring the Camera
To enable ONVIF in an Axis camera:
- Locate the camera on the network.
If you do not know the networking information of the camera, use either ODM or the AXIS discovery tools to locate the camera on the network.
- Open a web browser and enter the camera’s IP address into the address bar.
Enter the camera’s Administrator login. Refer to the AXIS camera’s User Manual to obtain the default information.
Note: If you are using the default login of the camera, you may be prompted with a notification to change the camera’s password.
Note: If the camera is connected to the integrated PoE switch of a VMAX IP Plus NVR, please read Connecting With Cameras Through Virtual Ports (VMAX IP Plus) to connect with the camera. Otherwise, you must connect the camera to a PoE switch that is separate from the VMAX IP Plus to continue with this setup.
- Select the System Options menu.
Select the ONVIF menu.
Click the Add button to add a new ONVIF User.
- To create an ONVIF profile for use with Digital Watchdog products, we recommend the following settings:
- Username: admin
- Password: admin
- Confirmation: admin (same as Password)
- Level: Administrator
Click the OK button to add the new ONVIF profile.
Note: These login settings are the same User Name and Password that will be used when adding the camera to DW Spectrum or to a VMAX IP Plus.
- The new ONVIF profile will display in the Users List.
Click the Save button to apply the changes.
