Your site is growing, or an old camera needs replacing. Adding the new camera to SSMS is quick when the right details are ready. This guide explains the two ways a camera joins SSMS, the details to collect, and what to check afterwards.
Before you start
- Check the camera model against the supported list. See checking that your cameras work with SSMS.
- Make sure the camera is installed, powered and connected to your network.
- Know who holds the camera's login details.
Two ways a camera joins SSMS
1. Behind an NVR or on a subnet
An NVR (network video recorder) is the box many cameras record to. A subnet is a range of network addresses. SSMS can be pointed at an NVR or a subnet, and it then finds the connected cameras automatically. So when a new camera is added to an existing NVR, SSMS can discover it there. Read more in auto-discovering cameras from an NVR.
2. Connected directly
A camera without an NVR can connect straight to SSMS. It connects over ONVIF, or as an RTSP, RTMP or HTTP/MJPEG stream.
Four terms in plain words
- ONVIF: an open standard, so cameras and software from different makers can work together.
- RTSP: the stream address many cameras publish for live video. It starts with rtsp://.
- RTMP: another streaming method that some cameras and encoders use to send video.
- HTTP/MJPEG: a simple stream of still pictures sent one after another. It is common on older or low-cost cameras.
For examples of real RTSP addresses, see the guides for Hikvision and Dahua.
Details to collect first
Collect these details before you ask for help. They save time for you and for Skyline.
| Detail | Example | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Site | Riyadh warehouse | Puts the camera on the right site |
| Exact location | Loading dock, north door | Helps with naming and finding it later |
| Brand and model | From the camera label | Confirms it is supported |
| Firmware version | From the camera's own settings page | Some versions behave differently |
| IP address | 10.2.1.40 | Lets SSMS reach the camera |
| Connected to | NVR name, or direct | Decides discovery or direct connection |
| Login details | Shared the secure way agreed with Skyline | SSMS needs them to connect |
| Camera name | WH-Dock-04, using your naming rule | Operators read it on the live wall |
| Recording hours | 24 hours a day | Affects storage |
| Stream (direct only) | ONVIF, or the RTSP address | Tells SSMS how to connect |
Firmware is the software inside the camera. Never put passwords in a normal email or chat message.
Check four things before you add it
- Support. The model is a named brand, or it supports ONVIF or offers an RTSP stream.
- License. Each camera counts toward your SSMS license. If you are adding many cameras, check your license count with Skyline. See the SSMS pricing page.
- Storage. More cameras mean more recordings. Use the storage estimator to see the effect.
- Network. The SSMS server must be able to reach the camera over the network. For a branch, that means a working WAN or VPN link to the server.
Adding the camera
Adding cameras was part of your handover. Follow the method your Skyline engineer showed you. If you are not sure, or the camera does not appear, contact Skyline support. Send them the details table above.
After the camera is added
- Find the camera on the live wall. Check its picture and its name.
- Check that it shows the area you planned to cover.
- Wait about an hour. Then play back that hour on the timeline. This shows it is recording.
- Check that the time on the recording matches a trusted clock.
- Add the camera to your camera register.
If the camera shows no picture later, see what to do when a camera goes offline.
Quick checklist
- The model is supported, or uses ONVIF or RTSP.
- All details in the table are collected.
- Login details were shared the secure way only.
- License, storage and network are checked.
- The camera shows on the live wall with the right name.
- Playback works and the time is correct.
- The camera register is updated.
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