Assign an IP address to a USB Webcam

eamonnq · 31-03-2010 11:57am #1

Is it possible to view a USB webcam over the web, I have read up as much as I can find on this, and have managed it with a wireless IP cam, by forwarding the port.

I have come across some programs (yawcam) etc. which seem to allow you to do it, but it requires setting up port forwarding, but I need an IP address to forward the port ?

Or am I missing something simple ??

Thanks

Dermot Illogical · 31-03-2010 3:24pm

I would assume you'll need to forward traffic on the specified port from your router to the IP assigned to the computer running the cam/software.
Then when you connect to your external IP on that port, it will be directed to the computer.

eamonnq · 31-03-2010 4:07pm

I do have a IP camera with an IP address, (e.g 192.168.1.5 ) and on my router I can forward the port for that camera, as you select the IP address when setting the port forward rule.

But the problem is that my USB webcam does not have an IP address assigned to it.

bonzodog2 · 31-03-2010 5:01pm

Your USB camera would be using the IP of the machine its plugged into. The IP of this machine should be port-forwarded at the router for the port of whatever software you use requires.

You can stream video from a USB cam with VLC media player, in command line mode. Maybe GUI too. I've tried it across my wireless LAN, but so far, no further than that.Decent enough quality, but a few seconds lag. VLC has a streaming how-to you can download, and a fairly helpful forum.

eamonnq · 31-03-2010 8:39pm

Thanks for that, will give it a go using the computer IP address.

I take it this would mean I would need a static IP address assigned to the computer.

Dermot Illogical · 31-03-2010 9:04pm

eamonnq wrote: »

Thanks for that, will give it a go using the computer IP address.

I take it this would mean I would need a static IP address assigned to the computer.

Yes, or a long DHCP lease.
Also you'll need to know when your external IP changes. Maybe dynamic dns* might solve potential problems there, or have it fixed if your ISP allows.

*Try http://www.dyndns.com/

artielange · 31-03-2010 9:28pm

Theres a selection in yawcam that auto detects your webcam
In yawcam under the settings <Output Folder >http icon it gives you the ip address that it will use (that's the ip address you will need to portforward in your router)

ports 8888 used for http

ports 8080 used for streaming

Another similiar program I found handy was mywebcam

http://www.eyespyfx.com/index.htm

The hardest thing I found was the actual port forwarding part.

Hope this helps and info is actually what your looking for. Good luck.

eamonnq · 31-03-2010 10:41pm

Thanks for the replies lads, think I am getting there slowly!!

Have it working internally with the USB webcam, and the IP one is working fine on the web (tested from another location), just have to see can I get the USB one working on the web too now.

Thanks again

Assign an IP address to a USB Webcam

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