CudaEye FAQs

 

Q) What network configuration do I need to do?

A) None - for almost all networks, CudaEye will just work, simply plug it in. If you have a tightly locked down network, you will need to allow the camera to access the CudaEye service through one of port 733 (recommended), port 443, or port 80 as an outbound HTTP connection, and provide either DHCP or configure a static address. You should not have a proxy in the connection. If you have to adjust your network, you should configure the camera to use the selected configuration through either the service (settings/network) if the camera has connected, or through bonjour via the name "Http server on <your camera id>"

Q) How do I connect the cameras to the network via WiFi?

A) We've have deployed multiple cameras using cost effective Ubiquiti NanoStation and PicoStation to install our cameras in remote locations where power is available, but network access is not close at hand. Due to the high power and efficient design of the Ubiquiti equipment, very long ranges can be support (100s of meters) with good throughput.

We don't stock the Ubiquiti products in our store, but we use their major distributor, Streakwave. The following are links to the Ubiquiti products on the Streakwave site:
Pico2HP - PicoStation2 1000mW 2.4GHz AP
NanoStation 2L (NS2L)

The configuration below creates a new wireless network using the PicoStation-HP as the "base station" and the NanoStation at the cameras. If you would like to use your existing wireless network, skip the PicoStation configuration and use the SSID/password data from your existing network for the NanoStation.

Configure PicoStation as the Base Station and create the wireless network (skip if you are using an existing wireless network):

1. Connect the PicoStation to your existing, hard-wired network and plug in the PicoStation power adapter.
2. Use a laptop physically connected to your network to create an SSID name for the base station. Follow the directions on the box to find the initial IP address of the PicoStation.
3. The PicoStation can be configured to either bridge the network or create a new, private subnet and route traffic. If you choose the private subnet option (we usually do), configure the PicoStation to act as a DHCP server for the network.
4. Disconnect the laptop from the wired network and connect wirelessly to the SSID created above.
5. Verify that you can reach the internet.

Configure the NanoStation(s):

1. Connect the NanoStation to your existing hard-wired network and configure as a wifi client.
2. Attach it to the SSID and credentials of your network (either existing or the one just created on the PicoStation).
3. Disconnect the NanoStation from the hardwired network and connect to the LAN port of the NanoStation via physical ethernet cable to a laptop.
4. Make sure that the wireless connection on the laptop is disabled.
5. Verify that the laptop can reach the internet - congratulations, your new network is working.

For each remote camera:

1. Connect the LAN connection of the NanoStation power adapter to the LAN IN connection of the camera POE injector.
2. Connect the camera to the OUT connection of the camera POE injector.
3. Plug in both the POE Injector and the NanoStation.
4. The camera will boot and and connect to the service with in 2-3 minutes.

It is also possible to create a remote group of cameras utilizing a single NanoStation by substituting a POE switch in place of the POE Injector. Using the POE switch we sell in our store, you can connect up to 4 remote cameras using a single NanoStation.

Please contact support if you need additional guidance.

Q) How do I configure the CudaEye network settings?

A) In most cases, CudaEye will automatically configure itself, just plug it in. If you really need to modify the settings, there are two mechanisms. If CudaEye is connected to the service go the Settings page, click on the Network tab, then click on Modify Network Settings.

If CudaEye is not connected, access it from the local network either by accessing http://169.254.123.123:8888/ or with BonJour (a browser technology to automatically discover things... like cameras supported by Safari and available as a plugin for Firefox).

If you are trying to set up CudaEye before you mount it, a good technique it to create a private network directly from your computer. Plug CudaEye into the "out" side of a POE injector to give it power, and the other side of the injector directly into your PC. Bonjour and the 169... address will just work.

Q) How do I install CudaEye?

A) Plug a CudaEye camera into a Power over Ethernet connection. The camera will automatically use your broadband connection to communicate with CudaEye. Log into your account and watch your video. It really is that easy.

CudaEye cameras are Power over Ethernet (PoE) devices. Power comes over the Ethernet cable itself, so there is only one connector. The cable is normal - any Ethernet cable will work - but you need a PoE port. You can make a regular Ethernet connection into a PoE connection with an injector or PoE switch. We sell these in the store or you can get one at most computer equipment retailers.

Mounting the camera is covered in text. We include a good zoom lens and a camera mount for both drop ceilings and screwmount.

Q) What do I need to install on my computer?

A) NOTHING. CudaEye uses the ubiquitous Flash player for the user interface. If you browse the Internet, you almost certainly have it, and it will be automatically installed in your browser at the site if necessary. Flash works with almost any operating system and browser combination. So just go to http://www.cudaeye.com and login.

In some very tight IT managed environments, you may need IT support to allow Flash to be installed in your browser. In the meantime, you can access your video through the mobile interface at http://m.cudaeye.com, which needs only an html compliant browser.

Q) How much bandwidth do I need?

A) For a full discussion, see the bandwidth FAQ. But the simple answer - using Bandwidth Shaping you can typically support 4 cameras on a basic broadband connection (384kbps uplink) with minimal impact on you current traffic and up to 8 if you dedicate the link.

Q) What do I need to install a camera?

A) The most important requirement is a broadband connection with at least 384 kbps uplink bandwidth. Almost all DSL, Cable or other broadband connections meet this requirement. The bandwidth FAQ can give you more information.

CudaEye cameras are Power over Ethernet (PoE) devices and get power from the Ethernet connector. You need a PoE port for each camera. If don't have one you can make a normal Ethernet port into a PoE port with an injector (adds power to a single Ethernet connection) or a PoE Switch (gives you several powered ports).

Q) Can CudaEye be used outdoors?

A) CudaEye should not be placed outdoors on its own. The camera is compatible with third party outdoor camera housings.