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IP Cameras Integration Guide

IP Cameras are independent surveillance devices designed for high-performance security by transmitting high-definition (HD) video over the internet. Within the GCXONE ecosystem, these cameras serve as a cornerstone for real-time monitoring and intelligent alarm management.

Unlike traditional closed-circuit systems, GCXONE integrates with a vast array of IP camera manufacturers (including Axis, Hanwha, and NetVue) to provide a unified, cloud-based security management service (USMS). This integration allows for centralized oversight, reducing the need for on-premise hardware while leveraging AI-powered analytics to filter false alarms.

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IP Cameras

HD Surveillance Cameras

Overview​

IP cameras are the primary visual sensors in modern security systems. When integrated with GCXONE, they provide:

  • Real-time HD video streaming directly through web browsers or mobile apps
  • AI-powered false alarm reduction (80-95% reduction in false positives)
  • Centralized cloud management eliminating the need for on-premise NVRs
  • Intelligent event detection with motion, intrusion, and line crossing capabilities
  • Remote PTZ control and preset management
  • Two-way audio communication via GCXONE Audio (SIP)

System Architecture​

The following diagram illustrates the communication flow between the user and IP camera hardware:

The Proxy Architecture handles device-specific protocols (RTSP, HTTP, SDK) to ensure the core system interacts uniformly with all hardware.

GCXONE Platform Architecture

Figure 1: GCXONE Platform Architecture showing the integration layer between devices and the cloud platform.

Key Functionalities​

When integrated with GCXONE, IP cameras support a comprehensive suite of features across different modes:

Cloud Mode Features​

  • Discovery: Automatic detection and addition of cameras and associated sensors once connected
  • Live Video: Real-time monitoring of high-definition camera feeds directly through your web browser or mobile app
  • Playback & Timeline: Access to archived footage and a chronological view of all recorded data for evidence collection
  • Advanced Alarm Management: Notification and handling of security events (e.g., motion or intrusion) with AI-driven classification to distinguish between real threats and false triggers
  • PTZ & Presets: Remote control of Pan-Tilt-Zoom functions and the ability to recall predefined camera positions
  • GCXONE Audio (SIP): Two-way communication through integrated IP speakers for remote announcements

Health Monitoring​

  • Cloud Polling: GCXONE performs automatic health checks to monitor connectivity, storage, and battery levels
  • Automated Alerts: Receive immediate notifications for critical issues like "Black Screen Cameras," "Connection Failures," or "Obstructed Cameras"

Prerequisites for Integration​

Before beginning the onboarding process, ensure the following requirements are met:

  1. Network Connectivity: The camera must be reachable from the GCXONE cloud. For non-VPN setups, an external IP and open ports are required
  2. Required Ports:
    • HTTP/HTTPS (80/443): For web access and secure communication
    • RTSP (554): Mandatory for real-time video streaming
  3. User Credentials: An administrative user account must be configured on the camera for GCXONE to perform discovery and configuration tasks
  4. Time Synchronization: The camera must be synchronized with an NTP server (e.g., time1.nxgen.cloud) to ensure accurate event timestamps
  5. IP Whitelisting: Whitelist GCXONE Primary Gateway (18.185.17.113) and Secondary Gateway (3.124.50.242) on your firewall

Step-by-Step Onboarding Process​

1. Register the Device in GCXONE​

Device Registration Process

Figure 2: Device registration interface in GCXONE Configuration App.

  1. Log in to the GCXONE platform and navigate to the Configuration App
  2. Select the appropriate Site and click the Devices tab
  3. Click the Add button and select the correct camera type (e.g., Axis, Hanwha, or generic IP Camera)
  4. Enter the Mandatory Details:
    • Name: A custom name (e.g., "Main Entrance")
    • IP Address / Host: The reachable network address
    • Username & Password: Administrative credentials
    • Ports: Verify Control and RTSP ports match your hardware settings
  5. Click Discover. GCXONE will automatically identify and add associated sensors
  6. Click Save

2. Configure Event Forwarding​

To receive alarms, you must configure the camera to "Notify Surveillance Center". Many modern IP cameras use a Webhook Callback mechanism:

Event Forwarding Configuration

Figure 3: Event forwarding configuration for alarm transmission.

  1. Obtain the unique Device ID from the GCXONE device settings
  2. In the camera's web interface, add a new Recipient or Webhook
  3. Enter the URL provided in the device documentation (e.g., https://[proxy].nxgen.cloud/eventIngest/)
  4. Set the authentication to Basic using the Device ID as both username and password

Device Optimization Techniques​

Device Optimization Settings

Figure 4: Device optimization and configuration settings.

  • Continuous Recording: It is highly recommended to set cameras to continuous recording to ensure a complete dataset is available for analysis
  • Smart Events: Prioritize "Smart Events" (e.g., Intrusion Detection or Line Crossing) over basic motion detection to reduce system overload and false alerts
  • Quad Alarm View: For video events, select the "Quad Alarm" view style. This enables the camera to send three critical images (pre-alarm, current, and post-alarm) for more accurate AI processing

Advanced Configuration Options​

Advanced Configuration

Figure 5: Advanced device configuration options for optimal performance.

  • Stream Profiles: Configure main and sub-stream profiles to optimize bandwidth usage
  • Recording Schedule: Set up time-based recording schedules to match site operating hours
  • Motion Zones: Define specific areas for motion detection to reduce false alarms
  • PTZ Presets: Configure preset positions for quick camera positioning during incidents

Troubleshooting Common Issues​

Troubleshooting Guide

Figure 6: Troubleshooting workflow for common IP camera issues.

IssuePossible CauseResolution
No Alarm TransmissionMissing "Notify Surveillance Center" checkEnsure the camera is configured to push events to the registered center
No Video StreamBlocked RTSP portVerify Port 554 is open and forwarded correctly in the router
Incorrect TimestampsTime Zone MismatchSync the camera to an NTP server and ensure the zone matches the GCXONE site settings
Device OfflineNetwork DisruptionCheck physical connections and power supply (UPS recommended)
Poor Video QualityInsufficient bandwidth or incorrect stream settingsAdjust stream resolution and bitrate, or use sub-stream for live viewing
AI Verification FailingInsufficient image quality or lightingEnsure adequate lighting, clean lens, and proper camera positioning

Diagnostic Tools​

GCXONE provides comprehensive diagnostic tools to help troubleshoot issues:

  • Connection Test: Verify network connectivity and port accessibility
  • Stream Test: Test video stream quality and latency
  • Event Log: Review all events received from the device
  • Health Check: Automated system health monitoring and reporting

Supported Manufacturers​

GCXONE supports IP cameras from a wide range of manufacturers including:

  • Axis - Enterprise-grade IP cameras with ONVIF support
  • Hikvision - Professional surveillance cameras with ISAPI protocol
  • Hanwha - High-resolution cameras with advanced analytics
  • NetVue - Cloud-connected cameras with P2P technology
  • Mobotix - German-engineered cameras with edge analytics
  • ONVIF Compatible - Any camera supporting ONVIF standard

Best Practices​

  1. Network Configuration:

    • Use static IP addresses for cameras when possible
    • Implement VLAN segmentation for security
    • Configure Quality of Service (QoS) for video traffic

  2. Security:

    • Change default passwords immediately
    • Enable HTTPS for web interface access
    • Regularly update camera firmware

  3. Performance:

    • Configure appropriate resolution and frame rates based on bandwidth
    • Use sub-streams for live viewing to reduce bandwidth
    • Enable motion-based recording to save storage

  4. Monitoring:

    • Set up health check schedules in GCXONE
    • Configure alert thresholds for storage capacity
    • Monitor bandwidth usage per camera

Need Help?​

If you're experiencing issues with IP camera integration, check our Troubleshooting Guide or contact support.