*These instructions will point you in the right direction to setup Dynamic DNS, in the event you don’t have a static IP address at the location of your DVR and help you understand your router and port forwarding. These instructions will work if you have already gone through Networking Quick Start 101 and have access to your DVR through your LAN.

Connecting to Luxon Video equipment through the Internet.

There are 2 basic steps for viewing your DVR outside your LAN (Local Area Network).

1. If you do not have a static IP address you will need to setup a Dynamic DNS.
   
   • If you DO have a static IP address follow the instructions from Networking Quick Start 101 and enter your Static IP Address instead of your LAN address. Not sure if you have a Static IP? Call your internet service provider (ISP).
     
   • Remember that Static stays & Dynamic changes! Static IP addresses stay the same all of the time so you can enter your static IP into your DVR and never worry about it not working. Dynamic IP addresses occur when the ISP gives a computer network an IP address that is different every time it connects. If this is your situation, you will need a dynamic DNS service that will update their name servers with your new IP address each time you log on.
     
2. You will need to forward a port on your router.

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Step #1

Luxon Video’s Series -- HVR, DVRH, DVRL, & DVRE all have a very easy DDNS setup built into the DVR. If you will go into the NETWORK SETUP and then select DDNS SETUP on this series of DVR’s you will only be a few clicks away from a Dynamic DNS name that will not change. Keep in mind that you have already networked your DVR for access on your LAN so you do not need to touch the LAN SETUP or TRIGGER PORT. Dynamic Domain Name System (DDNS) allows a DNS name to be constantly synchronized with a dynamic IP address. In other words, it allows those using a dynamic IP address to be associated to a static domain name so others can connect to it by the domain name.

1. Enable DDNS - The item is used to enable or disable the Dynamic Domain Name Service. Select to enable the service, or to disable.
2. Host Name - The item allows users to setup a domain name, which is used for entering the DVR through internet on the remote PC. To setup the host name of the DVR, follow the bullets below.
   • Select <Name> from DDNS Setup menu and press ENTER. A virtual keyboard displays as below.
     
   • Use Direction keys to select a character.
   • Press ENTER to add the selected character to the entry field.
   • When it’s done, move the cursor to and press ENTER to save the settings and exit.
     NOTE: Each DVR should have a unique host name.
3. DDNS Port –The item allows users to setup the port for DDNS. Use the same as the port you entered when setting up your LAN settings on your DVR.
4. Submit/ Update - When the settings are finished, move the cursor to this item and select to submit the settings.
   NOTE: If more than one DVR has the same domain name, only the first one will be submitted successfully.
5. ezDDNS - enables the users to register for host name automatically. Press ENTER and select . The following screen will be displayed:
   

Once the setting is completed, the DDNS address will be:
http://hostname.ddns.iview-ddns.com

For example: If the chosen host name is “H264DVR”, then the address will be:
http://H264DVR.ddns.iview-ddns.com


Luxon Video’s S Series must be given a Dynamic IP through a FREE third party DDNS service such as:

DynDNS

You can get up to 5 subdomain names like yourname.dyndns.org which you can redirect to either a static or dynamic IP address. Alternatively, they also provide URL or web redirection where you can get hostnames (subdomains of domain names like doesntexist.org, webhop.net, webhop.org, etc) that are redirected to your actual URL. I'm not sure if there are any advertisements imposed on your site when you use their web redirection service.

The Google Public DNS Service

This is one of the oldest and longest running free DNS services providing 2 name servers for your website. If you need a name server or two for your site, and don't wish to use your web host's name servers or pay for commercial DNS services, try this one. Managing your domain records require some expertise though, since they do not provide you an easy interface like some of the other free and commercial DNS servers. However, you really get to control nearly every aspect of your domain records. You can add A records, CNAME records, MX records and nearly everything else that can go into the name server records for your domain You can have unlimited number of domains here. Note: they rely on donor hardware and connectivity for their name servers.

No-IP Dynamic DNS, Static DNS for your Dynamic IP

No-IP offers you Dynamic DNS so that you can run your websites from your own computer. They also provide you with a short hostnames (like yourname.hopto.org) that you can redirect to your existing website, ie, URL redirection. They also redirect email sent to you@yoursite.no-ip.com to up to three email servers/addresses of your choosing. You can have up to a maximum of 5 subdomain names here.

At Luxon Video we are most familiar with DynDNS but they are all very much alike. You set up a username and password to create an account. You then select the Dynamic DNS Service you would like and select Get Started. You are asked to choose a hostname and your outside IP address (usually auto detected) by going to www.whatismyip.com and continuing from there. Follow the directions and it is quite simple.

You now enter that hostname into a browser that is outside of your LAN after you have forwarded the ports on your router and you are in business. Keep in mind that this free service will go inactive if it goes unused for over 30 days. If that is a problem call your ISP about a static address or pay for a pro account.

Step #2

Things get a little more difficult when it comes to port forwarding, mainly because every brand of router is setup different or looks different. The only guide you may ever need for port forwarding a router is found at:

WWW.PORTFORWARD.COM

Find the orange link "Start Here" (or click here)

Portforward.com gives you the why’s and step by step how’s of port forwarding and a lot about routers in general. You will find a Router List link at the top of their page that takes you to a list of routers that they have detailed instructions and pictures on forwarding ports within that router. Just choose your router and go.

If you still can’t connect after several attempts contact the IT person in charge of the network. They will be able to help!