Applies to: WRN-1632(S), WRN-816S, and WRN-2110SB1

Summary

This article explains how to use an external DHCP server on WRN recorders. 

Using an External DHCP Server

An external DHCP server connected to the WRN Camera Network will provide IP addresses to cameras connected to its onboard PoE switch and externally connected PoE switches. To use an external DHCP server:

1. Confirm there is an external DHCP server operating on the network that connects to your WRN unit’s Network 1 Port.
    
2. Configure the WRN-1632(S) / WRN-816S / WRN-2110SB1 network ports using the Ubuntu Network Settings menu.
   
   Ethernet (eth0) (In Ubuntu) = Camera Network   = Network 1 Port (as printed on unit)
   
   Ethernet (eth1) (In Ubuntu) = Corporate Network (Uplink) = Network 2 Port (as printed on unit)
    
3. From the Ubuntu Desktop, click the Network icon on the top right corner of the screen, then click Settings.
    
4. Toggle the Ethernet (eth0) network port to OFF.
    
5. Click the Gear icon for the Ethernet (eth0) interface, then click the IPv4 tab. 
    

6. Set IPv4 Method to Automatic (DHCP) and the DNS Automatic toggle to ON, then click Apply.
   
   
    

   NOTE: Depending on your network configuration, you may enter a static IP 
   address by setting the IPv4 Method to Manual and setting DNS and Routes to 
   Automatic OFF. This will allow you to enter a static IP address, subnet 
   mask, default gateway, and DNS information. 

7. Toggle the Ethernet (eth0) network port to the ON position.
   
   
    
8. Start the WRN Configuration Tool from the side Favorite bar.
    
9. Enter the Ubuntu user password and click OK > Next.
    
10. Confirm the Enable DHCP for PoE Ports option is OFF, then click Next > Yes.
    
    
    
    The PoE ports now deliver power to the cameras allowing camera discovery to begin. Please wait for the initial scan to be completed.
     
11. Click Rescan to begin a new scan if all cameras are not discovered.
     
12. If the discovered Wisenet cameras display a Need Password status:
    
    a. Select one of the cameras indicating a Need Password status.
    
    b. Enter a new password and then confirm the password. Refer to the Wisenet camera manual for more information on the required password complexity.
    
    c. Click Set Password.
     
13. If the camera status displays a Not Connected status, or the cameras have already been configured with a password:
    
    a. Verify that the IP address of the camera is accessible.
    
    b. Enter the camera’s current password, then click Connect.
    
    After a few seconds, the selected camera status will change to Connected.
     
14. If the camera status does not change to Connected, or the cameras already have a configured password, click on a camera row, enter the camera's password, then click Connect.
     
15. To change the camera IP address mode/settings, click IP assign. (Wisenet cameras default to DHCP mode.)
     
16. Click Next > Yes > Next to confirm the settings and exit the WRN Configuration Tool.
     

17. Launch the Wisenet WAVE Client to run the New System Configuration.

    NOTE: For best performance, enable the Hardware Video Decoding feature from 
    the WAVE Main Menu > Local Settings > Advanced > Use Hardware Video 
    Decoding > Enable (if supported).