How to Change Ip Address on Avigilon Camera

How to Change Ip Address on Avigilon Camera

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Changing the IP address on an Avigilon camera is essential when moving cameras or resolving network conflicts. This guide walks you through using Avigilon Insight Tools, web interface, or CLI to safely reconfigure your camera’s network settings without downtime.

Quick Answers to Common Questions

Tip/Question?

Can I change my Avigilon camera’s IP while it’s streaming video?

Yes, but disconnect from the network briefly during the change to avoid interruptions. Most modern cameras handle reconnection smoothly.

Tip/Question?

What if I forget the camera’s current IP address?

Use Avigilon Insight Tools or a network scanner like Advanced IP Scanner to discover devices automatically without guessing IPs.

Tip/Question?

Do I need to restart the camera after changing the IP?

Not usually. The camera applies the new IP immediately. However, a quick power cycle can help resolve lingering connection issues.

Tip/Question?

Will changing the IP affect firmware or settings?

No, IP changes only affect network configuration. All video settings, motion detection, and user accounts remain intact.

Tip/Question?

Is it safe to use DHCP for Avigilon cameras?

It’s possible, but static IPs are recommended for stability. Use DHCP reservations to automate assignment without losing control.

How to Change IP Address on Avigilon Camera: Complete Step-by-Step Guide

Whether you’re relocating an Avigilon surveillance camera, resolving network conflicts, or preparing your system for expansion, knowing how to change the IP address on an Avigilon camera is a critical skill for any security professional or IT administrator. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step—from preparation to verification—ensuring your camera remains accessible and functional after the change.

Avigilon cameras are high-performance IP devices that rely on stable network configurations to deliver reliable video feeds, analytics, and integration with control systems like Avigilon Control Center (ACC). When the IP address changes, it can disrupt connectivity unless handled properly. With the right tools and knowledge, changing an Avigilon camera’s IP address is straightforward and can be done in under 10 minutes.

Why You Might Need to Change an Avigilon Camera’s IP Address

There are several common scenarios where changing the IP address of an Avigilon camera becomes necessary:

How to Change Ip Address on Avigilon Camera

Visual guide about How to Change Ip Address on Avigilon Camera

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  • Camera Relocation: Moving a camera from one network segment to another often requires a new IP address due to subnet differences.
  • Duplicate IP Conflicts: If two devices share the same IP, the camera may lose connectivity until the conflict is resolved.
  • Network Redesign: During infrastructure upgrades, reassigning IPs helps maintain organized and scalable network architecture.
  • Security Hardening: Isolating cameras on separate VLANs or subnets may require new IP assignments for policy enforcement.
  • Firmware or Configuration Updates: Some updates reset network settings, requiring reconfiguration.

Regardless of the reason, the process remains similar across all Avigilon models—including H4, H5, and H8 series cameras.

Before You Begin: Preparation and Requirements

To avoid connectivity issues, proper preparation is key. Follow these steps before modifying the camera’s IP address:

Gather Necessary Information

  • Current IP address of the camera (if known)
  • New desired IP address within the correct subnet
  • Subnet mask (typically 255.255.255.0 for most setups)
  • Default gateway (usually your router’s IP)
  • DNS server information (optional but recommended)
  • Access to the camera via a direct Ethernet connection or same-subnet network

Tools You’ll Need

  • Computer with a web browser (Chrome, Firefox, Edge)
  • Crossover or standard Ethernet cable
  • Avigilon Insight Tools (recommended for beginners)
  • Network scanner (e.g., Advanced IP Scanner, Angry IP Scanner)
  • Access to the Avigilon Control Center (ACC) server

Recommended Network Setup

For safety and reliability, connect your computer directly to the camera using an Ethernet cable. Avoid Wi-Fi unless absolutely necessary. This ensures uninterrupted access during the change.

Method 1: Using Avigilon Insight Tools (Easiest Method)

Avigilon Insight Tools is a free utility designed specifically for managing Avigilon devices. It automatically discovers cameras on your network and allows you to modify settings like IP addresses with a few clicks.

Step 1: Download and Install Avigilon Insight Tools

  1. Visit the official Avigilon website: https://www.avigilon.com/support
  2. Navigate to the “Downloads” section
  3. Search for “Avigilon Insight Tools” and download the latest version
  4. Run the installer and follow the setup wizard

Step 2: Launch Insight Tools and Discover Cameras

  1. Open Avigilon Insight Tools
  2. Click “Discover Devices”
  3. Wait 1–2 minutes for the tool to scan your network
  4. You should see your camera listed under “Discovered Devices”

If the camera doesn’t appear, ensure it’s powered on and connected to the same network as your computer.

Step 3: Select the Camera and Modify IP Settings

  1. Right-click on your camera in the list
  2. Choose “Configure Device”
  3. In the “Network” tab, locate the current IP address
  4. Enter the new IP address, subnet mask, and gateway
  5. Optional: Assign a hostname (e.g., “Cam-Floor1-East”)
  6. Click “Apply” or “Save”

Step 4: Confirm the Change

  1. Refresh the device list in Insight Tools
  2. Verify the camera now appears under the new IP address
  3. Try opening the camera’s web interface by entering the new IP in your browser

Method 2: Changing IP via Web Interface (Direct Access)

This method works best when you know the camera’s current IP address and can access its built-in web interface.

Step 1: Connect to the Camera

  1. Connect your computer to the same network as the camera
  2. Open a web browser and enter the camera’s current IP address (e.g., http://192.168.1.100)
  3. If prompted, log in using default credentials (admin/admin) or your custom login

Step 2: Navigate to Network Settings

  1. Go to the “Configuration” menu
  2. Select “Network” or “Network Settings”
  3. Choose “IPv4” settings

Step 3: Configure New IP Address

  1. Change the “Obtain IP Automatically” option to “Manual”
  2. Enter the new IP address (e.g., 192.168.1.150)
  3. Set the subnet mask (e.g., 255.255.255.0)
  4. Enter the default gateway (e.g., 192.168.1.1)
  5. Leave DNS blank unless required by your network
  6. Click “Apply” or “Save”

Step 4: Test Connectivity

  1. Disconnect and reconnect the Ethernet cable
  2. Open a new browser tab and enter the new IP address
  3. Confirm you can access the login page

Method 3: Using Command Line Interface (CLI) – For Advanced Users

Some Avigilon models support CLI access via Telnet or SSH. This method is faster but requires technical familiarity.

Step 1: Enable CLI Access

  1. Access the camera’s web interface
  2. Go to “System” > “Services”
  3. Enable “Telnet” or “SSH”
  4. Note the port (default: 23 for Telnet, 22 for SSH)

Step 2: Connect via Terminal

  1. Open PuTTY (Windows) or Terminal (macOS/Linux)
  2. Enter the camera’s current IP address
  3. Log in with username: admin, password: admin

Step 3: Execute Network Commands

ifconfig eth0 down
ifconfig eth0 192.168.1.150 netmask 255.255.255.0 up
route add default gw 192.168.1.1 eth0

Replace IP values with your desired settings. Save changes if prompted.

Updating Avigilon Control Center (ACC) After IP Change

Once the camera’s IP is updated, you must re-add it to the Avigilon Control Center to restore video feeds and analytics.

Step 1: Log into ACC

  1. Open the Avigilon Control Center client
  2. Log in with administrator privileges

Step 2: Remove Old Camera Reference

  1. Go to “Settings” > “Device Management”
  2. Find the old camera entry and select “Remove”
  3. Confirm removal

Step 3: Add Camera with New IP

  1. Click “Add Device”
  2. Enter the new IP address
  3. Follow the wizard to complete configuration
  4. Test video playback

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Issue: Camera Not Found After IP Change

Solution: Use a network scanner to verify the new IP is active. Check firewall settings and ensure the camera isn’t blocked by VLAN policies.

Issue: Unable to Log In After Change

Solution: Reset the camera to factory defaults using the physical reset button, then reconfigure the IP and password.

Issue: Duplicate IP Error Persists

Solution: Restart your DHCP server or manually assign a unique IP not used by other devices.

Issue: Video Feed Missing in ACC

Solution: Verify port forwarding (if behind NAT) and check ACC’s device list for error messages.

Best Practices for Managing Avigilon Camera IP Addresses

  • Use Static IPs: Avoid relying on DHCP to prevent unexpected IP changes.
  • Document All Assignments: Maintain a spreadsheet mapping IPs to camera locations.
  • Leverage DHCP Reservations: Bind MAC addresses to IPs for semi-automatic assignment.
  • Update Network Diagrams: Keep infrastructure maps current after changes.
  • Schedule Regular Audits: Scan networks quarterly to detect rogue devices.

Conclusion

Changing the IP address on an Avigilon camera doesn’t have to be intimidating. Whether you use Avigilon Insight Tools for simplicity, the web interface for direct control, or CLI for speed, each method ensures your camera remains online and functional. By following this guide, you’ve learned how to safely reconfigure your camera’s network settings, update your control center, and troubleshoot common pitfalls.

Remember: always verify connectivity after making changes and keep detailed records. With these skills, you’ll manage your Avigilon surveillance system like a pro—no matter how complex your network grows.