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ONVIF IP Camera Configuration

Overview​

This generic guide covers the configuration of any ONVIF-compatible IP camera with GCXONE, using the industry-standard ONVIF protocol for universal camera support.

What you'll accomplish:

  • Configure camera network settings
  • Enable ONVIF service
  • Create ONVIF user account
  • Add camera to GCXONE using ONVIF protocol
  • Configure events and features
  • Verify successful integration

Estimated time: 10-15 minutes

Prerequisites​

Ensure you have completed the prerequisites listed in the Overview:

  • ONVIF-compatible IP camera (Profile S or Profile T)
  • Admin access to camera web interface
  • Network connectivity between camera and GCXONE
  • GCXONE account with device configuration permissions
  • Static IP or DHCP reservation for camera

Configuration Workflow​

The configuration process consists of 3 main parts:

  1. Camera Setup - Configure network, enable ONVIF (Steps 1-3)
  2. GCXONE Platform Setup - Add camera using ONVIF (Steps 4-5)
  3. Verification - Test events and features

Part 1: Camera Setup​

Step 1: Access Camera Web Interface​

UI Path: Web Browser → http://[Camera-IP] or https://[Camera-IP]

Objective: Access camera web interface to begin configuration.

Configuration Steps:

  1. Discover camera IP address:
    • Use manufacturer's camera discovery tool
    • Check DHCP server lease table
    • Use ONVIF Device Manager (free tool)
  2. Open web browser and navigate to camera IP
  3. Log in with default or admin credentials:
    • Check camera documentation for defaults
    • Common defaults: admin/admin, admin/12345, admin/[blank]
  4. Change default password (security best practice):
    • Navigate to user/security settings
    • Create strong admin password
Camera Web Interface

The camera web interface appearance varies significantly by manufacturer. Common interfaces include:

  • Axis: Clean white interface with left sidebar navigation
  • Hikvision: Blue-themed interface with top menu bar
  • Dahua: Gray interface with configuration tree on left
  • Hanwha: Modern flat design with card-based layout

Refer to your camera's user manual for manufacturer-specific login screens.

Expected Result: Successfully logged into camera web interface with admin access.

Step 2: Configure Network Settings​

UI Path: Network / Network Configuration (varies by manufacturer)

Objective: Configure camera network for GCXONE integration.

Configuration Steps:

  1. Navigate to Network or Network Configuration
  2. Configure IP Settings:
    • DHCP: Disable (for static IP) or Enable with reservation
    • IP Address: 192.168.1.100 (example - use static recommended)
    • Subnet Mask: 255.255.255.0 (match your network)
    • Gateway: 192.168.1.1 (your network gateway)
    • DNS Server: 8.8.8.8 or local DNS
  3. Configure Ports (if available):
    • HTTP Port: 80 (default)
    • HTTPS Port: 443 (default)
    • RTSP Port: 554 (default)
  4. Click Save or Apply
  5. If IP changed, access camera at new IP address
Network Configuration Best Practices
  • Static IP recommended: Prevents connectivity issues when DHCP lease expires
  • Document the IP: Keep a spreadsheet of all camera IPs for troubleshooting
  • Use network ranges: Assign cameras to dedicated subnet (e.g., 192.168.10.x for cameras)
  • Test connectivity: Ping camera from GCXONE server before proceeding

Expected Result: Camera has static IP and is accessible via network.

Step 3: Enable ONVIF Service and Create User​

UI Path: ONVIF / System / User Management (varies by manufacturer)

Objective: Enable ONVIF service and create integration user.

Configuration Steps:

  1. Enable ONVIF Service:
    • Navigate to ONVIF or Network Services settings
    • Enable ONVIF: ✓ Checked
    • ONVIF Port: Usually same as HTTP port (80) or dedicated port
    • Authentication: WS-UsernameToken or Digest (recommended)
  2. Create ONVIF User Account:
    • Navigate to User Management or Accounts
    • Click Add User
    • Configure user:
      • Username: onvif_user or gcxone_integration
      • Password: Create strong password (save for GCXONE setup)
      • Role/Level: Administrator or Operator
      • ONVIF Access: ✓ Enabled
    • Click Save or OK
  3. Verify ONVIF Service:
    • Check ONVIF service status shows "Enabled" or "Running"
    • Note the ONVIF port for GCXONE setup
ONVIF Configuration Locations Vary

ONVIF settings location differs by manufacturer. Common paths:

  • Axis: System → Integration → ONVIF
  • Dahua: Network → Integration → ONVIF
  • Hanwha: Setup → Network → Integration
  • Hikvision: Configuration → Network → Advanced → Integration Protocol
  • Uniview: Network → Integration → ONVIF

If you cannot find ONVIF settings, consult your camera's user manual or search for "ONVIF" in the settings search bar.

Expected Result: ONVIF service enabled, integration user created with appropriate permissions.

Part 2: GCXONE Platform Setup​

Step 4: Add ONVIF Camera in GCXONE​

UI Path: GCXONE Web Portal → Devices → Add Device

Objective: Register ONVIF camera in GCXONE platform.

Configuration Steps:

  1. Log into GCXONE web portal with admin credentials
  2. Navigate to Devices → Add Device
  3. Select device type:
    • Type: IP Camera
    • Manufacturer: ONVIF or Generic ONVIF
  4. Enter camera details:
    • Device Name: Descriptive name (e.g., "Lobby Camera - ONVIF")
    • IP Address/Hostname: Camera IP from Step 2 (e.g., 192.168.1.100)
    • Port: ONVIF port from Step 3 (usually 80 or custom)
    • Username: ONVIF user from Step 3 (onvif_user)
    • Password: Password for ONVIF user
    • Protocol: ONVIF
    • Time Zone: Select appropriate time zone
  5. Click Test Connection to verify ONVIF connectivity
  6. If successful, click Add Device to register in GCXONE
  7. GCXONE will auto-discover camera capabilities via ONVIF:
    • Video streams (Profile S/T)
    • Event capabilities
    • Audio capabilities (if supported)
    • PTZ capabilities (if supported)
ONVIF Auto-Discovery

GCXONE automatically discovers camera capabilities via ONVIF, including:

  • Video profiles: Resolution, frame rate, codec support
  • Event types: Motion detection, tampering, digital inputs
  • Audio: Microphone and speaker availability
  • PTZ: Pan, tilt, zoom capabilities and preset positions

No manual configuration needed - GCXONE queries the camera's ONVIF services automatically.

Expected Result: ONVIF camera successfully added and shows "Online" status in GCXONE.

Troubleshooting Connection Issues:

  • Verify ONVIF service is enabled on camera
  • Check firewall allows ONVIF port (usually 80)
  • Verify credentials are correct
  • Try using camera's IP address instead of hostname
  • Check ONVIF port matches camera configuration

Step 5: Configure Events and Features​

UI Path: GCXONE → Devices → ONVIF Camera → Configuration

Objective: Configure event detection, arm/disarm, and audio features.

Configuration Steps:

  1. In GCXONE, navigate to newly added ONVIF camera
  2. Click Configuration or Settings
  3. Configure Event Settings:
    • Event Detection: ✓ Enable (ONVIF motion detection)
    • Event Forwarding: ✓ Enable
    • Event Notifications: ✓ Enable (push, email)
    • Event Types: Select supported event types
  4. Configure Arm/Disarm:
    • Enable Arm/Disarm: ✓ Checked
    • Default State: Armed or Disarmed
  5. Configure Genesis Audio (SIP) (if camera supports audio):
    • Enable Genesis Audio: ✓ Checked (if available)
    • Audio Codec: G.711 or camera-supported codec
    • Two-Way Audio: ✓ Enable (if camera has speaker)
  6. Configure Additional Settings (camera-dependent):
    • PTZ Control: Enable if camera supports PTZ
    • Privacy Masks: Configure if required
  7. Click Save Configuration

Note: Available features depend on camera's ONVIF implementation. Configuration options vary by manufacturer and camera model.

Expected Result: Events configured, arm/disarm enabled, features activated based on camera capabilities.

Note: Available features depend on camera's ONVIF implementation. Not all features may be available on all cameras.

Verification and Testing​

Verification Checklist​

Basic Functions:

  • Camera status shows "Online" in GCXONE
  • Live streaming works (if supported by integration)
  • Camera responds to connection tests

Events:

  • Motion detection events forwarded to GCXONE
  • Event notifications received (push, email)
  • Arm/Disarm functions work correctly

Audio (if configured):

  • Genesis Audio (SIP) connects successfully
  • Two-way audio works (if camera has speaker)

General:

  • Mobile app access works
  • No error messages in GCXONE logs

Advanced Configuration​

ONVIF Device Manager​

For advanced ONVIF troubleshooting and verification:

  1. Download free ONVIF Device Manager tool
  2. Discover camera on network
  3. Verify ONVIF services:
    • Device service
    • Media service
    • Event service
    • PTZ service (if applicable)
  4. Test ONVIF capabilities:
    • Get profiles
    • Get stream URI
    • Subscribe to events
  5. Use for troubleshooting GCXONE integration issues

Manufacturer-Specific Optimizations​

For best results with specific manufacturers:

  • Axis: Use Axis-specific integration if available for enhanced features
  • Hikvision: Use Hikvision SDK integration for better performance
  • Dahua: Use Dahua-specific integration when possible
  • Generic ONVIF: Use this guide when manufacturer-specific integration unavailable

Troubleshooting​

See the Troubleshooting Guide for common problems and solutions.

Quick troubleshooting:

  • Camera not discovered: Verify ONVIF enabled, check IP address and ONVIF port
  • Connection fails: Check firewall, verify credentials, test with ONVIF Device Manager
  • No events: Verify motion detection enabled on camera, check event configuration in camera
  • Poor performance: Consider manufacturer-specific integration if available
  • Audio not working: Verify camera supports ONVIF audio, check Genesis Audio configuration
  • Limited features: ONVIF implementation varies - some cameras support more features than others

Manufacturer Resources​

Common ONVIF Locations by Manufacturer:

  • Axis: System → Integration → ONVIF
  • Dahua: Network → Integration → ONVIF
  • Hanwha (Samsung): Setup → Network → Integration
  • Hikvision: Configuration → Network → Advanced → Integration Protocol
  • Uniview: Network → Integration → ONVIF

ONVIF Conformance: Check manufacturer's ONVIF conformance at: https://www.onvif.org/conformant-products/

Need Help?

If you need assistance with ONVIF IP Camera configuration, contact support. For manufacturer-specific guidance, consult the camera's user manual.