Applies to: BLAZE

Summary

This article provides network interface assignments, configuration recommendations, and DHCP guidelines for BLAZE BRB and BRR Appliances.

Network Interface Assignments

BLAZE BRB and BRR appliances have two or three RJ-45 1Gbps network interfaces. Some BRB models also have 8x or 16x 10/100 Mbps PoE+ ports for connecting cameras and other devices directly.

NIC 1 (Network 1) – The lower port connects to the camera network. On PoE BRB models, this NIC connects to the PoE ports. Use this port to uplink additional switches for cameras and other devices.
NIC 2 (Network 2) – The upper port connects to the external network or Internet.
NIC 3 (Network 3) – On BRR models, this NIC can be used to uplink additional switches for cameras, other devices, or clients.

NOTE: Clients can connect to any available network. All networks are separate
and must not share the same IP address scheme.

DHCP Configuration Guidelines

A DHCP server simplifies the discovery of newly added cameras and the connection of client workstations.

Follow these guidelines when configuring DHCP:

Each network can have only 1 DHCP server or none.
Do not configure the appliance as a DHCP server if another DHCP server already exists on the network.
Although the appliance can be configured as a DHCP client to receive a dynamic IP address, a static IP address is recommended because dynamic addresses can change over time.
Do not enable both the DHCP client and DHCP server on the same network interface.

Best Practices

Use static IP addresses for cameras to avoid address changes caused by DHCP. If the cameras already have static IP addresses, configure Network 1 with a static IP address using the same IP address scheme.

For security and performance, consider isolating the camera network from the client network using both NICs.

If a NIC is not in use, verify that its IP address scheme does not conflict with the NIC in use.

Isolated Camera Network

Example configuration:

NIC 1 - Static IP address 192.168.1.10, with cameras using addresses 192.168.1.101 through 192.168.1.132.
NIC 2 – Static IP address 10.0.0.50, subnet mask 255.0.0.0, and gateway 10.0.0.1. Wired to the corporate network/Internet.

Pros: Increased security and performance.

Cons: Camera web pages cannot be directly accessed from Network 2. However, an Administrator can access them indirectly through Settings in the BLAZE Desktop Client.

Flat Camera Network

Example configuration:

NIC 1 - Static IP address 192.168.1.10, with cameras using addresses 192.168.1.101 through 192.168.1.132. Wired to the corporate network/Internet.
NIC 2 - Unused, but assign a static IP address, such as 192.168.2.10

Pros: Simplifies monitoring and management because all devices are directly addressable.

Cons: Limits the number of available IP addresses, and camera traffic can impact other non-security-related network traffic.