Connecting two Hikvision NVRs to a single router is seamless with proper IP addressing and VLAN segmentation to avoid conflicts. This 2026 guide walks you through assigning unique subnets, configuring DHCP settings, and optimizing bandwidth for smooth, simultaneous operation—ensuring reliable surveillance across both systems without network slowdowns.

How to Configure Two Hikvision NVR in One Router 2026 Guide

Key Takeaways

• Assign unique IPs to each NVR to avoid network conflicts.
• Enable DHCP on the router for automatic IP allocation.
• Configure port forwarding for remote access to both NVRs.
• Use VLANs to segment traffic and improve network performance.
• Sync time settings across NVRs for consistent recordings.
• Update firmware to ensure compatibility and security.

Why This Matters / Understanding the Problem

Running two Hikvision NVRs (Network Video Recorders) in one network isn’t just for large businesses—it’s a smart move for homeowners with multiple properties, security managers handling different zones, or anyone wanting to segment camera feeds for better control. But here’s the catch: if you just plug both NVRs into the same router without planning, you’ll run into IP conflicts, slow performance, and even total network crashes.

That’s why the How to Configure Two Hikvision NVR in One Router 2026 Guide is more than just a technical walkthrough—it’s a roadmap to a reliable, scalable security setup. Whether you’re managing cameras in your backyard and garage or running surveillance for two offices, proper configuration ensures smooth video streaming, remote access, and long-term flexibility.

Many users assume “just plug and play” works. Spoiler: it doesn’t. Without correct network segmentation, port forwarding, and IP management, your NVRs will fight over resources. This guide walks you through every step, so you avoid the common headaches and get a clean, professional-grade setup.

What You Need

Before diving in, gather these tools and materials. Having everything ready saves time and prevents mid-process frustration.

• Two Hikvision NVRs (any model—DS-7600, DS-7700, etc.)
• A single router (preferably Gigabit-capable with multiple LAN ports)
• Ethernet cables (Cat5e or Cat6) – one per NVR and for cameras
• Computer or smartphone for configuration (connected to the same network)
• Hik-Connect account (free, for remote access)
• Access to your router’s admin panel (usually via 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1)
• Static IP addresses (we’ll assign these during setup)
• Port forwarding knowledge (don’t worry—we’ll explain it simply)

Bonus: A network switch (if your router doesn’t have enough LAN ports). For example, if you have 8 cameras per NVR, you’ll need 16+ ports total. A 24-port switch is a great investment.

Pro tip: Label each NVR and cable (e.g., “NVR1 – Front Yard,” “NVR2 – Backyard”) to avoid confusion later. This small step makes troubleshooting way easier—especially when using the How to Configure Two Hikvision NVR in One Router 2026 Guide in real-world scenarios.

Step-by-Step Guide to How to Configure Two Hikvision NVR in One Router 2026 Guide

Now let’s get into the meat of it. We’ll walk through each step carefully, ensuring both NVRs work smoothly without stepping on each other’s toes. This method works for any Hikvision NVR model and most modern routers (TP-Link, Netgear, Asus, etc.).

Step 1: Power Up and Connect Both NVRs to the Router

Start by placing both NVRs near your router. Connect each NVR to the router using an Ethernet cable—plug one end into the NVR’s LAN port, the other into a LAN port on the router (not the WAN/internet port).

Power on both NVRs. Wait 1–2 minutes for them to boot up. You’ll see the status lights turn green or blue, indicating network connection. At this stage, both NVRs will likely get dynamic IP addresses from your router’s DHCP server (e.g., 192.168.1.100 and 192.168.1.101).

Warning: Don’t connect cameras yet. We’ll do that after network configuration. Connecting cameras too early can complicate IP assignment.

This first step is critical because it establishes a stable base for the rest of the How to Configure Two Hikvision NVR in One Router 2026 Guide. Think of it like laying a foundation—skip it, and everything else becomes unstable.

Step 2: Access Each NVR’s Web Interface

Open a web browser on your computer (Chrome, Edge, Firefox). Type the IP address of the first NVR into the address bar. You can find this by:

• Checking the NVR’s on-screen menu: Go to Menu > System > Network. Look for “IP Address.”
• Using a network scanner app (like Fing on mobile) to list all devices on your network.

Log in with the admin credentials (default is usually admin and a password set during first setup). If you’ve never logged in before, the NVR will prompt you to create a password.

Repeat this for the second NVR using its unique IP. Now you have both NVRs accessible via browser.

Pro tip: Bookmark both NVR login pages for quick access later. Use descriptive titles like “NVR1 – Front Property.”

Step 3: Assign Static IP Addresses to Each NVR

Dynamic IPs can change, which breaks remote access and port forwarding. We need to assign static IPs so each NVR keeps the same address.

On NVR 1’s web interface:

1. Go to Configuration > Network > TCP/IP.
2. Change “Obtain IP Address Automatically” to Manual.
3. Enter:
   • IP Address: 192.168.1.10
   • Subnet Mask: 255.255.255.0
   • Gateway: 192.168.1.1 (your router’s IP)
   • DNS: 8.8.8.8 (Google DNS) or your ISP’s DNS
4. Click Save.

For NVR 2, repeat the process but use a different IP to avoid conflict:

• IP Address: 192.168.1.11
• All other fields stay the same.

After saving, both NVRs will reboot. Wait for them to come back online (1–2 minutes).

Why this matters: Static IPs prevent the “Where did my NVR go?” panic. They’re essential for the How to Configure Two Hikvision NVR in One Router 2026 Guide to work long-term.

Step 4: Configure Port Forwarding on Your Router

Port forwarding lets you access your NVRs from outside your home network (e.g., using the Hik-Connect app on your phone). Without it, remote viewing won’t work.

Log into your router’s admin panel (usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1). Look for Port Forwarding under Advanced Settings, NAT, or Virtual Servers.

For NVR 1 (IP: 192.168.1.10), create a new rule:

• Service Name: NVR1
• Internal IP: 192.168.1.10
• Internal Port: 8000 (default Hikvision port for streaming)
• External Port: 8001 (we’ll use 8000+1 to avoid conflict)
• Protocol: TCP (some routers let you select both TCP/UDP)

For NVR 2 (IP: 192.168.1.11), create another rule:

• Service Name: NVR2
• Internal IP: 192.168.1.11
• Internal Port: 8000
• External Port: 8002
• Protocol: TCP

Save both rules. Restart the router to apply changes.

Warning: Never use the same external port for both NVRs. That’s a guaranteed conflict. The How to Configure Two Hikvision NVR in One Router 2026 Guide uses staggered ports (8001, 8002) to keep everything separate.

Step 5: Enable Hik-Connect on Both NVRs

Hik-Connect is Hikvision’s cloud service for remote access. It’s free and easy to set up.

On each NVR’s web interface:

1. Go to Configuration > Network > Advanced > Platform Access.
2. Check Enable under Hik-Connect.
3. Click Register (if not already registered).
4. Log in with your Hik-Connect account (create one at hik-connect.com).
5. Click Save.

The NVR will connect to the cloud. You’ll see a green checkmark or “Online” status.

Repeat for the second NVR. Use the same Hik-Connect account for both—this lets you manage everything in one app.

Pro tip: Enable “Push Notifications” in the Hik-Connect app so you get alerts for motion detection or offline NVRs.

Step 6: Connect Cameras and Test Network Performance

Now it’s time to plug in your cameras. Connect each camera to its respective NVR using Ethernet cables (PoE ports on the NVR power the cameras).

On each NVR:

• Go to Camera > Camera.
• Click Search to auto-detect connected cameras.
• Assign a name (e.g., “Front Door,” “Back Gate”).
• Set recording schedule and motion detection zones.

Test the network: Play live feeds on both NVRs simultaneously. Check for lag, dropped frames, or freezing. If you see issues, it might be a bandwidth problem.

Use your router’s traffic monitoring tool (under “Bandwidth” or “Traffic”) to see how much data each NVR is using. A 4-camera NVR typically uses 8–12 Mbps. Two NVRs = 16–24 Mbps total.

Warning: If your internet upload speed is less than 25 Mbps, remote viewing may lag. Consider upgrading your plan or reducing camera resolution.

Step 7: Set Up Remote Access (App & Web)

Download the Hik-Connect app (iOS/Android). Log in with your Hik-Connect account.

Tap + > Add Device. The app will auto-discover both NVRs. Tap each to add them.

For web access (on a computer):

• Open hik-connect.com.
• Log in and click your NVRs under “My Devices.”

You can now view live feeds, playback recordings, and adjust settings from anywhere.

Pro tip: Use the app’s “Split Screen” mode to view both NVRs side by side. Great for monitoring two properties at once.

Step 8: Optimize for Security and Reliability

Don’t leave your network exposed. Hikvision devices are often targeted by hackers.

Take these steps:

• Change default passwords: Use strong, unique passwords for each NVR and your router.
• Update firmware: Go to System > Maintenance > Upgrade on each NVR. Check for updates monthly.
• Enable HTTPS: In NVR network settings, switch from HTTP to HTTPS for secure web access.
• Disable UPnP: In your router, turn off Universal Plug and Play. It can open unwanted ports.

Also, label each NVR’s recordings clearly. Use naming conventions like “NVR1_2026-04-15” so you can find footage fast.

Why this matters: A secure setup is part of the How to Configure Two Hikvision NVR in One Router 2026 Guide. Don’t skip it—your privacy depends on it.

Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even with the right steps, small errors can ruin your setup. Here’s what to watch for:

Use VLANs for Larger Networks (Advanced)

If you have 10+ cameras or multiple networks, consider setting up VLANs (Virtual LANs) on your router. This isolates NVR traffic from your home Wi-Fi, reducing congestion and improving security. Not all routers support VLANs—check your model first.

Avoid DHCP Overlap

Your router’s DHCP server should not assign IPs in the range you’ve reserved for NVRs (192.168.1.10 and .11). In router settings, set the DHCP pool to 192.168.1.100–192.168.1.200. This prevents conflicts.

Test After Every Change

After each step (especially port forwarding), test remote access. If it fails, undo the last change and try again. This “step-by-step testing” saves hours of troubleshooting.

Common Mistakes

• Same IP address for both NVRs: Causes network chaos. Always use unique static IPs.
• Using port 80 for external access: Many ISPs block port 80. Use 8001, 8002, or 8554 instead.
• Skipping firmware updates: Outdated firmware has security holes. Update quarterly.
• Plugging NVRs into a Wi-Fi extender: Use wired Ethernet only. Wi-Fi is unstable for NVRs.
• Forgetting to restart the router: Port forwarding won’t work until you do.

Remember: The How to Configure Two Hikvision NVR in One Router 2026 Guide is only as good as your attention to detail. Take your time, double-check settings, and document everything.

FAQs About How to Configure Two Hikvision NVR in One Router 2026 Guide

Can I use two NVRs with different Hikvision models?

Absolutely. Whether you have a DS-7604 and a DS-7716, the process is the same. Just make sure both support Hik-Connect for remote access. Check the model number on the back or in the manual.

What if my router has only 4 LAN ports?

No problem. Add a network switch (like a TP-Link TL-SG108). Plug the switch into one of your router’s LAN ports, then connect both NVRs and cameras to the switch. It expands your port count without sacrificing speed.

How do I access both NVRs from the Hik-Connect app?

Log into the app with your Hik-Connect account. Both NVRs will appear under “My Devices.” Tap one to view its cameras. Use the app’s “Multi-Screen” feature to monitor both NVRs at once.

Will this slow down my internet?

Only if your upload speed is too low. Two NVRs streaming remotely use about 20–25 Mbps of upload bandwidth. Most home plans offer 5–10 Mbps upload—so yes, it might lag. Upgrade to a 50+ Mbps plan, or reduce camera resolution (e.g., from 4K to 1080p).

Can I use a NAS instead of two NVRs?

You can, but NVRs are simpler for beginners. A NAS requires more setup (like setting up a surveillance station) and may not support all Hikvision features. For most users, two NVRs are easier and more reliable—especially with the How to Configure Two Hikvision NVR in One Router 2026 Guide.

What if one NVR stops working after configuration?

First, check the network cable and power. Then, log into your router and see if the NVR’s IP is still active. If not, reset the NVR to factory settings and restart the process. Keep your static IPs and port numbers written down for quick re-entry.

Is it safe to open ports on my router?

Yes, if done correctly. We’re only opening ports for specific IPs (your NVRs), not your entire network. Combined with strong passwords and firmware updates, it’s safe. Just avoid opening port 80 or 23 (common hacker targets).

Final Thoughts

Configuring two Hikvision NVRs on one router isn’t just possible—it’s a smart way to scale your security system without buying a new router. The How to Configure Two Hikvision NVR in One Router 2026 Guide gives you the tools to do it right: static IPs, staggered port forwarding, Hik-Connect setup, and security best practices.

Remember, the key is planning. Label your devices, test after each step, and document your settings. A few minutes of prep now saves hours of frustration later.

Now that you’ve got the hang of it, consider expanding: add a third NVR, integrate with smart home systems, or set up automated backups to a USB drive. The possibilities are endless.

Your security system should work for you—not the other way around. With this guide, it finally will.