Computer Access Setup - Amcrest H5 Series Quick Start Manual

6. Computer Access Setup

There are 2 ways to access your DVR from a computer (laptop or desktop) which are: locally or
remotely.
Local Access: Logging into your DVR's web interface from a computer or laptop device
connected to the same network as your DVR (home, office, etc.).
Remote Access: Logging into your DVR's web interface from a computer or laptop device
connected to a network outside of your home or business network (coffee shop, work computer,
etc.)
Local access is preferred by those who, for security reasons or personal preference, do not wish
to make their DVR accessible from outside their network. However, there are several options
available for remote access that use standardized and secure network protocols including SSL,
TLS, DDNS, etc. Most other users require remote network access by way of their smartphones,
tablets, laptops, or computers, wherever they are.
The following section will cover both means of access (local and remote). Keep in mind that any
user can have both local and remote access simultaneously if they so choose.
Before accessing your DVR through a web browser, the following two steps must be
completed:
1. You must access the DVR's web interface with its IP address.
2. You must install the Amcrest web browser plugin.
An IP address is just an identifier given to any devices that connect to a network. People use
names, but internet-connected devices use a set of numbers called an IP address to talk to each
other. Once you have the IP address, your computer will be able to find and communicate with
your DVR.
A browser plugin is just like a translator. Using your DVR by itself, without a computer (the built-
in interface featured in previous parts of this guide) is different than using it on your computer. By
using the DVR on your computer through a web browser, you need to introduce a new piece of
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