Hikvision DS-2CD2042WD-I Camera Setup, Troubleshooting

Hikvision DS-2CD2042WD-I is a Mini Bullet Network Camera with a sensor resolution of 4 megapixels that provides you with a 1080p, high-resolution video quality even in low lighting. This camera is extensively used for surveillance and is an ideal choice if you are looking for a compact camera with quality output at an affordable price. Here are some of the many features of the Hikvision DS-2CD2042WD-I that makes it a worthy purchase.

Hikvision DS-2CD2042WD-I Cam Features

  1. Wide dynamic range – It offers a 120dB Wide dynamic range that helps you to capture a greater scale of brightness. It captures images and videos under varying light conditions and maintains a proper image brightness and exposure.
  2. 3D noise reduction – 3D noise reduction very effective in reducing noise without creating motion blur even in lower lighting conditions.
  3. Region of interest (ROI) – You can also set up a region of interest (ROI) using the H.264+ compression feature that enables you to focus on a specific region or the part of the image with an increased video transmission parameter.
  4. Intelligent analysis functions – Unlike its fellow competitors, the Hikvision DS-2CD2042WD-I also features intelligent analysis functions like line crossing and intruder detection from which you can set up a line or a boundary that need not be crossed, and if the set line is crossed the camera will begin to record or initiate an alert of an intruder invading in the region.
  5. Weather-proof protection – The camera is also given IP67 weather-proof protection to keep you off the worries of rainy days, extremely cold days, extremely hot days, and other weather conditions.
  6. IR range – The Hikvision DS-2CD2042WD-I features a 30m IR range, which means that you can detect the camera’s built-in IR illumination from up to 30m from it.

Hikvision INSTALLATION

After purchase, ensure that the package is a DS-2CD2042WD-1 model and all the components are included inside.

  • Make sure to check the power supply that it matches that of your camera.
    Note- The standard power supply is 12V DC or 24V AC.
  • Before installation, switch on all the related equipment.
  • Make sure to check the installation environment specifications for the network camera.
  • Ensure that the wall can withstand at least four times the weight of the camera and the bracket.
Since the camera supports IR, take the following precautions to prevent IR reflection:
  • Until the installation is finished, keep the dome cover film on.
  • Prevent the dome cover from dust or grease as it will cause IR reflection.
  • Clean the dome cover using a clean soft cloth and isopropyl alcohol if there is dust or grease on the dome cover.
  • Keep the camera lens away from any reflective surface since the IR light from the camera may reflect into the lens that can in turn cause reflection.
  • To isolate the camera lens from the IR LEDs, make sure that the foam ring around the lens is seated flush against the inner surface of the bubble.
  • Attach the foam ring and dome cover seamlessly by fastening the dome cover to the camera body.

Hikvision DS-2CD2042WD-I Camera Setup

There are two ways to set up your Hikvision DS-2CD2042WD-I

Setting the Network Camera over the LAN

To setup, your network camera over the LAN, follow the steps below-

  1. Firstly, connect the camera in the same subnet as your PC.
    * For wiring over the LAN, you can either connect the network camera directly to the PC via a network cable or use a switch or a router as well.
  2. Now install the SADP or iVMS-4200 software to look up and change your network camera’s IP address.
  3. Set the IP address as well as the subnet mask to the same as that of your PC.
  4. Now to view the live video, enter the IP address of the network camera in the address field of the web browser and you are good to go.
Setting the DS-2CD2042WD-I Network Camera over the WAN

There are two ways to set up the network camera over the WAN-

1. Static IP connection
  • Before beginning, make sure to apply a static IP from an Internet Service Provider (ISP) to connect the camera directly to the WAN or via a router.
  • To connect the network camera directly with a static IP, save the static IP in the camera, and connect it directly to the internet.
  • To connect the network camera via a router, follow the steps below-

Connect the camera to the router and assign the LAN IP address, subnet mask, and gateway.

Save the static IP in the router and set the port mapping.

Now, you can view the camera footage via a web browser or client software over the internet.

2. Dynamic IP connection
  • Before beginning, make sure to apply a dynamic IP from an Internet Service Provider (ISP) to connect the camera to a modem or a router.
To connect the network camera via a modem, follow the steps below-
  • Since the camera supports the PPPoE auto dial-up function, so after it is connected to a modem, it gets a public IP address by ADSL dial-up.

Note – Since the obtained IP address is dynamically assigned, thus, it changes every time the camera reboots. To overcome this inconvenience of dynamic IP, you can get a domain name for the DDNS provider.

For Normal domain name resolution, follow the steps below-
  1. Apply for a domain name from a domain name provider and from the setting interface of the router, configure the DDNS settings.
  2. You can now view the camera via the domain name.
For Private domain name resolution, follow the steps below-
  1. Firstly, install and run the IP Server Software on a PC with a static IP.
  2. Now, access the camera through the LAN via a web browser or a client software over the internet.
  3. Enable the DDNS and then select the IP Server as the protocol type.
To connect the network camera via a router, follow the steps below-
  • Connect the network camera to the router and assign the LAN IP address, subnet mask, and gateway.
  • Set the PPPoE credentials in the router and set the port mapping.
  • Now, apply for a domain name from a domain name provider, and from the setting interface of the router, configure the DDNS settings.
  • You can now view the Hikvision DS-2CD2042WD-I camera via the domain name.

HOW TO REBOOT THE DS-2CD2042WD-I CAMERA?

To reboot your Hikvision DS-2CD2042WD-I Mini Bullet Network Camera, follow the steps below-

  1. Go to Configuration and select Basic Configuration.
  2. From the Basic Configuration, go to System and then enter the Maintenance interface.
  3. Now, select Reboot and your network camera will reboot.

HOW TO RESTORE THE HIKVISION CAMERA TO ITS DEFAULT SETTINGS?

If you want to restore your network camera to its default settings, follow these easy steps below-

  1. Go to Configuration and select Basic Configuration.
  2. From the Basic Configuration, go to System and then enter the Maintenance interface.
  3. Now, Select Restore, and your default camera settings will get restored.

Note – The IP address will also get restored to the default IP address.

HOW TO EXPORT/ IMPORT CONFIGURATION FILE ON DS-2CD2042WD-I?

When there are a lot of cameras that need to be configured, configuration files help you to batch configure the camera which in turn simplifies the configuration steps. To export of import a configuration file, follow the steps below-

  1. Go to Configuration and select the Basic/ Advanced Configuration.
  2. From the Basic/ Advanced Configuration, go to System and then enter the Maintenance interface.
  3. Select Export to export the current configuration file and save it to the desired location.
  4. To select a saved configuration file, click Browse and then select Import to begin importing the configuration file.
    Note- After importing the configuration file, make sure to reboot the camera.
  5. Select Export and set the saving path to save the configuration file.

HOW TO UPGRADE THE SYSTEM?

To upgrade the system, follow the steps below-

  1. Go to Configuration and select the Basic/ Advanced Configuration.
  2. From the Basic/ Advanced Configuration, go to System and then enter the Maintenance interface.
  3. Now, to locate the upgrade file, select the firmware or firmware directory.
    Firmware – when you need to locate the exact path of the file.
    firmware directory – When only the directory from where the file belongs to is required.
  4. Click on Browse and select the upgrade file.
  5. Click on Upgrade and the remote upgrade will start.

Note – The Upgrade takes about 1-10 minutes, so make sure to keep the power connected to the camera during the process and the camera will reboot automatically after the upgrade.

HOW TO CONFIGURE WI-FI CONNECTION IN MANAGE MODE?

The wireless network connection keeps you off the hassle of cables which makes it an extremely convenient option for surveillance. To configure the Wi-fi connection in Manage Mode, follow the steps below-

  1. Go to Configuration and select Advanced Configuration.
  2. From the Advanced Configuration, go to Network and then enter the Wi-Fi configuration interface.
  3. Now, from the search bar on the top, search the online wireless connections, and choose a wireless connection on the list.
  4. Select Manage as the Network Mode and the Security Mode will be selected automatically when you select the wireless network. Make sure that you do not change the Security Mode manually.
  5. Type in the key of the wireless network connection as set on the router to connect.

HOW TO CONFIGURE WI-FI CONNECTION IN Ad-Hoc MODE?

If you choose to configure your wifi connection in Ad-hoc mode, there is no need to connect your camera via a router. It can be seen as connecting the camera directly to your computer via a network cable. So, to configure wi-fi connection in Ad-Hoc mode, follow the steps below-

  1. Go to Configuration and select Advanced Configuration.
  2. From the Advanced Configuration, go to Network and then enter the Wi-Fi configuration interface.
  3. Now, from the search bar on the top, search the online wireless connections, and choose a wireless connection on the list.
  4. Select Ad-Hoc as the Network Mode and customize an SSID for your camera.
  5. Now, choose the Security mode for your wireless connection and Enable WPS.
  6. Search the network on the computer side and you’ll be able to see the SSID of the camera listed.
  7. Choose the SSID and connect to it.

WHAT ARE THE FEATURES OF THE LIVE VIEW PAGE?

The Live View page enables you to view the camera footage in real-time. It allows you to capture images, set/call presets, realize PTZ control, and also configures video parameters.
To enter the Live-view page, log in to your network camera or click on Live View on the menu bar of the main page.
Various Options on the Live View page are as follows-

  1. DISPLAY CONTROL – The Display control adjusts the layout and stream type of the live view. You can select the plug-in from the drop-down menu. Internet Explorer users can select web components or quick time while non-IE users can select web components, quick time, VLC, or MJPEG if supported by their respective web browsers.
  2. Live View Window – The Live View Window displays the Live video footage on the screen.
  3. Toolbar – The toolbar has operations like Live view, record, capture, two-way audio, audio on/off, etc.
  4. PTZ Control – The Panning tilting and zooming actions of the camera if the camera supports PTZ or an external pan/tilt unit is installed.
  5. Preset Setting/Calling – The Preset Setting/Calling Set and call the preset for the camera if the camera supports PTZ or an external pan/tilt unit is installed.

HOW TO CONFIGURE TCP/IP SETTINGS ON DS-2CD2042WD-I?

Before operating the camera over the network, make sure that the TCP/IP settings are properly configured. The Hikvision DS-2CD2042WD-I camera supports both IPv4 as well as IPc6 and both versions can be configured simultaneously without any conflict but at least one of these must be configured. To configure the TCP/ IP settings, follow the steps below-

  1. Go to Configuration and select the Basic/Advanced Configuration.
  2. From the Basic/Advanced Configuration, go to Network and then enter the TCP/IP configuration interface.
  3. Now, configure the basic network settings – NIC Type, IPv4 or IPv6 Address, Subnet Mask, Default Gateway, MTU settings, and Multicast Address.

HOW TO CONFIGURE PORT SETTINGS?

You can easily set up the HTTP port, HTTPS port, and RTSP port of the camera. So, to configure the port settings, follow the steps below-

  1. Go to Configuration and select the Basic/Advanced Configuration.
  2. From the Basic/Advanced Configuration, go to Network and then enter the Port Settings interface.
  3. From here you can set up the HTTP port, HTTPS port, RTSP port, and server port of the camera.
  4. Select Save to save the desired settings.

Note- Make sure to reboot the camera for the changed settings to take effect.

HOW TO CONFIGURE PPPoE SETTINGS?

Follow the steps below to configure PPPoE settings-

  1. Go to Configuration and select the Basic/Advanced Configuration.
  2. From the Basic/Advanced Configuration, go to Network and then enter the PPPoE Settings interface.
  3. Select Enable PPPoE and enter the required credentials.
  4. Select Save to save and exit.

HOW TO ENABLE SECURITY SERVICE OF THE DS-2CD2042WD-I CAMERA?

To facilitate better user experience, the Hikvision DS-2CD2042WD-I camera also allows you to enable remote logins and improve data communication security by providing security service. To enable the security service of the network camera, follow the steps below-

  1. Go to Configuration and select Advanced Configuration.
  2. From the Advanced Configuration, go to Security and then enter the Security Service configuration interface.
  3. In the Security Service tab, Check Enable Telnet and Enable SSH to enable remote login by telnet and data communication security respectively.

HOW TO APPLY IP ADDRESS FILTER ON HIKVISION DS camera?

Applying the address filter allows you to access control, so follow the steps below to apply the address filter-

    • Go to Configuration and select Advanced Configuration.
    • From the Advanced Configuration, go to Security and then enter the IP Address Filter interface.
    • In the IP Address Filter tab, check to Enable IP Address Filter and select the IP Address Filter Type from the drop-down list.
    • Now, set the IP Filter list.
To Add an IP-

* Select Add to add an IP and enter the IP Address.
* Click on OK to finish.

To Modify an IP-
  • From the filter list, left-click on an IP address and click on Modify.
  • Now, you can modify the desired IP address.
  • Select OK to finish modifying.
To Delete an IP-

* From the filter list, left-click on an IP address and click on Delete.

To Delete all IPs-

* Select Clear to delete all the IP addresses.

  • Select Save to save and exit.

HOW TO ENABLE ANONYMOUS VISIT ON DS-2CD2042WD-I?

This feature allows you to enable or disable visits from people who do not have the username and password of the device. To enable the anonymous visit, follow the steps below-

  1. Go to Configuration and select Advanced Configuration.
  2. From the Advanced Configuration, go to Security and then enter the Anonymous Visit interface.
  3. Here you can Enable/Disable the Anonymous Visit permission using the drop-down menu.
  4. Select Save to save the settings.
  5. The next time you log in, you’ll see a checkbox for Anonymous. Check the checkbox and click Login.

Note- As an anonymous user, you’ll only be able to access live view.

HOW TO SECURE THE DATA STREAM OF LIVE VIEW?

To specifically secure the stream data of the live view, follow the steps below-

  1. Go to Configuration and select Advanced Configuration.
  2. From the Advanced Configuration, go to Security and then enter the Authentication interface.
  3. In the Authentication tab, Enable/Disable the RTSP Authentication using the drop-down menu.
    Note- If RTSP Authentication is disabled, anyone will be able to access the video stream by the RTSP protocol via the IP address.
  4. Now, select the Web Authentication as Basic or Digest and Save.

HIKVISION DS-2CD2042WD-I REVIEW

The Hikvision DS-2CD2042WD-I Mini Bullet Network Camera as its name suggests is a decent-sized, compact camera that features a 1/3″ progressive-scan CMOS sensor which helps you achieve high-resolution HD videos in real-time. Equipped with a 6mm fixed lens, the camera captures a 55° horizontal field of view that enables a wide coverage area. Also, the IR LEDs surround the camera’s lens providing a 98’ night vision that enables you to record even in dim lighting or complete darkness. The camera also offers features for image enhancements such as the Wide Dynamic Range (WDR), 3d Digital noise reduction (DNR), and backlight compensation that enables you to capture clear and crisp images.

The camera also has a 3-axis adjustment to choose your desired view for monitoring. Also, you can adjust the camera angles easily during the installation to capture the view of a specific area and the camera also features Power Over Ethernet (PoE) technology that allows you to use only one wire for data as well as power for easy and convenient setup.

To provide strength and stability to the camera metal housing and mounting brackets are provided with it. Dual video streaming is provided for maximizing bandwidth usage and the camera also provides security measures like one-key rest, password protection, and flash-prevention. Besides this, motion detection, alarm tampering, network disconnection, and storage exception alarm alerts are on-point and precise. You can monitor the camera from the convenience of your mobile phone via EZVIZ P2P or iVMS-4500. All in all, this camera is multifaceted and a win for anyone looking for a surveillance camera at an affordable price.