There are various methods for finding a video camera on a local network — some good, some not so good. Keep in mind that the methods listed here will show all devices on the network, and you'll have to identify the actual IP camera yourself, largely through trial and error.

That said, this doesn't rule out getting a positive result. In this article, we'll walk through several different methods for finding IP cameras on a network.

What Is a Local Network in a Video Surveillance System?

A local network is a computing setup designed to process, transmit, and store information strictly within one specific site.

Thanks to the range of equipment that can be deployed, local-network video surveillance systems are able to transmit and analyze large volumes of information.

The Not-So-Good Search Methods. TOP 6

If you need to find an IP camera within a large system, there are several ways to approach it. There are 7 methods in total, and only one of them can really be called a good one.

This raises a question: is it actually safe to use digital equipment if it can be discovered this easily?

First, we're only listing possible options here — none of them guarantee a 100% result.

Second, IP equipment is better than analog. For more on this, see “AHD (TVI, CVI) vs. Network IP Video Surveillance: A Breakdown.” For stronger system protection, you can opt for cloud monitoring. It's more secure and offers more functionality — see for yourself:

  • •          “Cloud Storage and the Fear of Hacking: 6 Possible System Threats”
  • •          “Debunking ‘Cloud’ Myths: TOP 4 Misconceptions New Users Have”
  • •          “Cloud vs. Hard Drive: Revisiting Secure Data Storage”

Now let's get back to the camera search methods and look at each one in more detail.

Manufacturer Utilities

A utility is a small program bundled with the main software that performs standard tasks. Every manufacturer has its own utilities.

The downside to this method is that these utilities only find devices from their own brand.

Windows Built-In Tools

In 2019, Windows 10 added support for ONVIF Profile S. However, the operating system can only find local-network cameras that support this particular profile.

Any other devices won't show up using this method.

Default IP Addresses

Every device arrives at the store with a factory-set IP address. This information can be used when searching for equipment.

That said, keep in mind that this method only really works if there are just 1–3 cameras in the system — otherwise the search turns into an endless chore. Also, the default IP address may have been changed during installation at the site, in which case this method won't work.

Network Scanners

There are various programs, both paid and free, for finding IP cameras on a network. However, there's an issue that complicates identifying the device.

The IP equipment will show up, but its address won't be displayed, so you'll have to check all the information manually. This brings back the same problem as the previous method: you might not know that information, or you could get lost in the flood of data if there are too many cameras in the system.

The Router Interface

A router can function as a network scanner. That means using it will show you IP addresses. But to access the router, you need its login credentials, and these are often kept hidden from outsiders.

On top of that, the router will show all devices without distinguishing between them. In other words, you'll see a camera and its IP address in the list, but there's no realistic way to tell which IP belongs to the camera.

Video Monitoring Software

Some developers build a device-search feature directly into their software. This method can serve as a substitute for a utility, though it requires more effort to configure the system.

The Good Method

A universal tool that can find any IP camera on a local network and its subnets can be considered the good option here — the Herospeed Search Tool. The program is free and works with any operating system.

Wrapping Up

There are various ways to find an IP camera on a local network, but the first 6 methods can't guarantee a positive result. It's better to use the Herospeed Search Tool.