Configuring Windows Firewall for DW IP Finder

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Affected Roles:  Administrator, Owner

Related Digital Watchdog Apps:  DW IP Finder

Last Edit:  December 16, 2024

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Firewall Permissions

DW IP Finder can be a helpful tool when configuring the settings of DW MEGApix IP cameras. However, it is a common issue for Windows Firewall to block communication between the surveillance solutions of the DW Spectrum Server and cameras on the local network. An example of this might be the DW IP Finder tool encountering difficulty locating certain IP cameras or being unable to locate cameras at all.

This article will outline how to change the Windows Firewall security settings to allow the DW IP Finder application, specifically, to have an easier time communicating with your DW MEGApix IP cameras.

 

**NOTE:  You can acquire the latest version of the software from the DW IP Finder product page, under the Software tab.

**NOTE:  Before beginning this process, ensure that the DW IP Finder program is not running. If it is currently running, close the program. It is recommended that the connection between the cameras and the server be through an unmanaged network switch. If you are using a managed network switch, be sure to configure its network settings to allow unhindered local traffic between your devices and the server.

 

Supported/Affected Devices:

• DW Blackjack® Server Series
• DW MEGApix® IP Camera Series

 

Configuring Firewall Permissions

To allow DW IP Finder to communicate through a Windows Firewall:

1. Open the Windows Start Menu and search for “Firewall”.

Select “Allow an app through Windows Firewall”.

 

 

2. The Allowed Apps window will display.

Click on the Change Settings button to enable the ability to change the security settings.

 

3. Locate and select the program, then enable both Private and Public permissions.

**NOTE:  If you do not have the DW IP Finder program listed, please refer to the Manually Adding DW IP Finder to Windows Defender Firewall section below.

 

4. After enabling DW IP Finder permissions through the Windows Firewall, DW IP Finder will now be able to locate your DW MEGApix IP Cameras.

 

Manually Adding DW IP Finder to Windows Defender Firewall

If you have installed the DW IP Finder application but the program is not listed among the allowed apps for Windows Defender Firewall:

1. Open the Windows Start Menu and search for “Firewall”.

Select “Allow an app through Windows Firewall”.

 

2. The Allowed Apps window will display.

Click the “Change settings” button, then click the “Allow another app…” button.

 

3. In the Add an app window, click the “Browse…” button and set the Path to the DW IP Finder program folder located in:

 

4. Select the DW IP Finder application and click the “Open” button.

 

5. Click the “Network types…” button.

 

6. Place a check for Private and Public network types then click the OK button.

Click the Add button to add the DW IP Finder program to Windows Defender Firewall.

 

 

 

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Rev: 06/25                              Copyright © DW. All rights reserved. Specifications and pricing subject to change without notice.