How to set up web cam.

I bought a Dlink camera yesterday. It is supposed to let one see home while away from home, upon demand so it isn't using a GB per hour of home internet data all the time. I find it works on the computer and iphone at home with both camera and viewer on the same wifi. But setup for use away from home is complicated and lacking instructions. Some viewers seem to require a fixed IP address; ours changes. Even the local IP of the camera will change. Also,
"To view your IP Camera remotely over 3G/LTE network, it requires to setup DDNS + Port forwarding for your Internet router at your home/"

I can add a port forwarding rule in the router setup but it requires internal and external port numbers I don't know.

I'm getting the impression I must use a Dlink router in order to get any instructions. The Dlink free app stalls upon running on the iPad. The $2 app only works locally.

Would I face similar problems with the Foscam?

EDIT: I apologize to Dlink! The free Dlink lite app fooled me - the opening screen was an instruction screen; one has to go several pages to the right to see the working login screen. It works, no port forwarding needed.

Harvey51 wrote:
I bought a Dlink camera yesterday. It is supposed to let one see home while away from home, upon demand so it isn't using a GB per hour of home internet data all the time. I find it works on the computer and iphone at home with both camera and viewer on the same wifi. But setup for use away from home is complicated and lacking instructions. Some viewers seem to require a fixed IP address; ours changes. Even the local IP of the camera will change. Also,
"To view your IP Camera remotely over 3G/LTE network, it requires to setup DDNS + Port forwarding for your Internet router at your home/"

I can add a port forwarding rule in the router setup but it requires internal and external port numbers I don't know.

I'm getting the impression I must use a Dlink router in order to get any instructions. The Dlink free app stalls upon running on the iPad. The $2 app only works locally.

Would I face similar problems with the Foscam?

Yes, I needed to set up port forwards on the Foscams I installed. But you can choose the port. The Foscams can be configured to provide their ip address via email, so I did not bother with a DDNS that provides a name instead of an IP.

As an example I set up a port forward on my router at our campground that takes incoming traffic on port 8100, 8101, and 8102 and forwards that to an internal IP address 192.168.0.xx:810x (the IP address of the webcams)

Just use the same internal/external ports... don't use port 80, 223, 23, or 443. There is a listing of common ports here

click

I used 8100, 8101, and 8102 as there is nothing assigned at those ports.

I am using a Sharx 3904 - it was purchased through SebecTec for about $40 less than available on Amazon. I hooked up with SebecTec through a weather hobbyist forum where SebecTec is a regular contributor.

The Sharx allows you to view live video feed or still images through a web browser or cell phone. A static IP is NOT required, the instructions include how to use 'www.no-ip.com' to set up your camera for this. I did not use the service but if I remember correctly the service was free for < 5 cameras. If you needed more than that there was a monthly fee.

The Sharx can also send still images via ftp or to a Dropbox account or all of the above. This can be based upon a set schedule or on a motion trigger or both.

The other IP Camera that gets very high reviews for use as a still "weather cam" is HikVision models. You can get LOTS of information about setting up a camera like you are talking about from WxForum.net - Weather Web Cams.

The new Foscams have a cloud service and method to avoid port forwarding. Here is one onsale for $75.

http://clicks.aweber.com/y/ct/?l=GeQnk&m=3g_mS1gEBdVZeBt&b=b.LrMcsh207PyITyuDB3eQ (link from email). Use "Cloud720" for coupon to get the $75 price.

Product description from Amazon
The Amcrest HDSeries 720p Wi-Fi video camera helps you stay in touch with what you love anytime, anywhere. With its quick mobile setup process, you will have secure access to your camera's video stream in no time. Stream live and playback recorded video of your home, your kids, your pets, or your business on the go with the Amcrest View app. Amcrest Cloud offers optional cloud recording with free live viewing and 4 hours of free video storage accessible from any device including Apple Mac, Windows PC, iPhone, iPad or Android devices. Amcrest cameras also record to an internal MicroSD card (not included), upload to an FTP as well as record to any Amcrest (or ONVIF compliant) Network Video Recorder (NVR) (not included). Each Amcrest camera features two-way talk, night vision, remote pan/tilt, enhanced digital zoom, a 85º viewing angle, smart motion alerts, email alerts and snapshots, advanced recording options, secure SSL/HTTPS connection and wireless AES WPA2 encryption. With the Amcrest HDSeries, you'll never be out of the loop again. Amcrest cameras are compatible together with Foscam cameras only when using AmcrestCloud, Amcrest NVRs, Blue Iris for Windows PC, Live Cams Pro for iOS and TinyCam Monitor for Android.

Amcrest HDSeries 720P WiFi Security IP Camera IPM-721S (Silver): Quick Second Setup / Wide 85° FOV / Remote Web Access from Smartphone or Tablet / Storage to MicroSD, NVR, or Amcrest Cloud / Pan and Tilt + Intelligent Digital Zoom / Night Vision Up to 32ft / Two-Way Talk / Smart Motion Alerts

Keep in mind the foscam cloud service charges, except for the very basic 1 camera setup