Hikvision NVR - Adding IP Cameras Via the LAN port with an External Switch

Fire Alarms & Security
Written By Retz Gerona

NOTE:

The NVR and the IP Camera’s needs to be on the same Network or the same VLAN. Please see a sample illustration below. This will not work if the NVR and the IP Cameras has a different IP scope.

Using an SADP Tool from Hikvision.

SADP Tool - SADP software is used for searching the online devices in the same network. It supports viewing the device information, activating the device, editing the network parameters of the device and resetting the device password, etc.

Download Link:

https://www.hikvision.com/ph/support/tools/hitools/clea8b3e4ea7da90a9/

1. Decide Your Setup Type

  • NVR with built-in PoE ports: Normally assigns cameras their own private subnet (e.g., 192.168.254.xxx).

  • NVR without PoE (LAN-only mode): Cameras must be manually added via the LAN.
    ➡ In your case, since cameras aren’t plugged into the NVR PoE ports, you’ll be using the LAN/manual add method.

2. Connect All Devices to the Same Network

  • Plug cameras into a PoE switch (connected to your router or the same LAN as the NVR).

  • Ensure the NVR is also connected to that same LAN (via its LAN/Network port, not PoE ports).

3. Assign IP Addresses

  • Use SADP Tool (Hikvision’s discovery software) on a PC to find all cameras.

  • Change each camera’s IP to match your LAN subnet (e.g., if your NVR is 192.168.1.100, make cameras 192.168.1.201, 202, 203, etc.).

  • Make sure:

    • Same subnet mask (usually 255.255.255.0).

    • Same gateway (your router’s IP, e.g., 192.168.1.1).

    • No IP conflicts.

4. Enable and Set Camera Passwords

  • Each camera must be activated with a password before it can connect.

  • Use the same password as the NVR for easier integration.

5. Log in to NVR

  • On the NVR monitor → go to Menu > Camera Management > Add Camera.

  • You’ll see a list of cameras found on the LAN.

6. Manually Add Cameras

  • If cameras don’t show automatically, click Add > Manual Add.

  • Enter:

    • Camera IP address

    • Protocol: Hikvision

    • Management Port: usually 8000

    • Username & Password (of the camera)

  • Once added successfully, status should turn to Online.

7. Verify Video Stream

  • Go back to Live View → check if each camera displays properly.

  • If not:

    • Check port 8000 isn’t blocked.

    • Make sure the NVR supports the number of cameras you’re adding.

Retz Gerona
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