Hik-Connect web client not loading NVR

[Jimmyjames]

Good evening gentlemen,


I recently became the admin for another location and it's camera/ security systems. The company that did the original install did a pretty solid job. I've inherited a full Hikvision camera system: 26 total cams, fed into 2 Hikvison unmanaged POE switches, supported by a DS-9632NI-I8 NVR with 4 internal HDD's. As the original configuration sits now we store about 7 months of footage. I have to say I am impressed. The installer did a pretty thoughtful job.... better than most that I have seen.

After cleaning up the cabling/ network rack, my first order of business was to update to the latest NVR firmware version. I was able to accomplish this locally by downloading the firmware from Hik and uploading it via USB drive. Everything went smooth.

Next I used the Hik SADP tool to resest the password. That went smoothly as well. Now I can access virtual host locally.

My next order of business was setting up remote monitoring. I used the QR code method and added it to my HikConnect account. All of the cameras loaded normally and the mobile app is working great.

However.....I am having an issue with this particular NVR on the HikConnect pc web client when I attempt to access it remotely. When I log in to my account the NVR shows up on my devices list but when I click on it....it is unable to load. My other Hik NVR on the account loads fine: it brings me straight to the virtual host login page.

Any ideas on what could be preventing it from loading?

Thanks!


Jim

 

[johnfitz]

I am having an issue with this particular NVR on the HikConnect pc web client when I attempt to access it remotely. When I log in to my account the NVR shows up on my devices list but when I click on it....it is unable to load.

Howdy @Jimmyjames

Could you post a picture/screenshot of the "NVR shows up on my devices list but when I click on it....it is unable to load"...

My other Hik NVR on the account loads fine: it brings me straight to the virtual host login page.

I'm asking for a picture because I think we use different terminology re "virtual host"... I think "virtual host" is only relevant when cameras are connected to PoE ports on the NVR? What you call "virtual host" I call "NVR web GUI" maybe?

 

[Jimmyjames]

Howdy @Jimmyjames

Could you post a picture/screenshot of the "NVR shows up on my devices list but when I click on it....it is unable to load"...



I'm asking for a picture because I think we use different terminology re "virtual host"... I think "virtual host" is only relevant when cameras are connected to PoE ports on the NVR? What you call "virtual host" I call "NVR web GUI" maybe?

John,


Thanks for the reply.

My terminology may be incorrect. When I refer to "virtual host" I am referring to accessing the NVR with a PC through the network without plugging in directly to the NVR, mostly locally, but also through the cloud via the "NVR web GUI" as you put it. I sometimes refer to this as the "web client", and have also heard others refer to it as the "web portal", and also other terms.

 

[Jimmyjames]

I am no expert on the correct terminology here. But just to be clear...... I am having no problems accessing the NVR through my PC locally (over the local wifi network). Only when offsite through the HikConnect website.

 

[johnfitz]

The NVR that you can access remotely probably has "Port Forwarding" configured on the router...



and/or UPnP set ON for both the router and the NVR...






This really is not secure enough... a better way to access the NVR web GUIs remotely would be to use a VPN... if your router supports this, it's not that hard... what model is the router? Does it have a "VPN Server" menu page like this...



(I use L2TP/IPSec for my VPN connection, which is why you are not seeing the configuration in the picture above.)

Only when offsite through the HikConnect website.

Also, you don't need to go to the HikConnect website to connect to the NVRs.. just use the IP address and port number in the browser like

http://1.2.3.4:9999

(I save a link in browser favorites).

 

[Jimmyjames]

The NVR that you can access remotely probably has "Port Forwarding" configured on the router...

The router for the NVR that is accessible remotely has had no configurations made for port forwarding. It just worked without any further configuration that I know of. (TP Link Archer A6)

and/or UPnP set ON for both the router and the NVR...

Great instincts! I just checked the settings and UPnP is on for the router as well as the properly connecting NVR that it serves.

I will check the UPnP settings for the router and NVR in question the next time I am on site.

This really is not secure enough... a better way to access the NVR web GUIs remotely would be to use a VPN... if your router supports this, it's not that hard... what model is the router? Does it have a "VPN Server" menu page like this...

I am not sure of the make/ model. It's Comcast / Xfinity provided equipment. We have the "business package" with the 5g backup module as well.

 

[johnfitz]

TP Link Archer A6

It looks like that router most likely has a VPN server (may depend on version number):



You should definitely consider switching from to UPnP to VPN on that system!

I will check the UPnP settings for the router and NVR in question the next time I am on site.

I am not sure of the make/ model. It's Comcast / Xfinity provided equipment.

Just keep in mind turning on UPnP on the router/NVR is risky... I would turn it on to confirm it works, but only leave it enabled if remote access to the NVR web GUI is absolutely essential and cannot wait for secure VPN solution... investigate to see if the router has a VPN server, and if not, then find/use another VPN option...

 

[Jimmyjames]

Also, you don't need to go to the HikConnect website to connect to the NVRs.. just use the IP address and port number in the browser like

http://1.2.3.4:9999

(I save a link in browser favorites).

Thank you!