JVC VR-N100U User Manual
VR-N100U
Video Disc Recorder
Users Manual v1.0
VR-N100U USERS MANUAL
Contact Information
Please contact your VR-N100U reseller for all sales, service and technical support issues.
Copyright © 1998-2004 xStore. All rights reserved
All other companies and product names are trademarks of their respective holders.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. INTRODUCTION ...........................................................................................................................................................7
1.1. Manual Organization....................................................................................................................................................8
1.2. What is an Appliance?.................................................................................................................................................8
1.3. VR-N100U Addresses Key Issues...............................................................................................................................8
1.3.1. Analog Systems...........................................................................................................................................................8
1.3.2. IP Cameras ...................................................................................................................................................................8
1.3.3. Digital Video Recorders (DVR’s).................................................................................................................................9
1.3.4. Software-Based Solutions...........................................................................................................................................9
1.3.5. The Solution…VR-N100U Security Appliance....................................................................................... ....................9
2. INSTALLING VR-N100U .............................................................................................................................................10
2.1. Before You Begin.......................................................................................................................................................10
2.2. What’s in the Box.......................................................................................................................................................10
2.3. VR-N100U Hardware Overview .................................................................................................................................11
2.3.1 Hardware Layout........................................................................................................................................................11
2.3.2 Embedded Industrial Server .....................................................................................................................................12
2.3.3 Storage Capacity........................................................................................................................................................12
2.3.4 LCD Panel with Keypad and LED Indicators ...........................................................................................................12
• LCD Panel ........................................................................................................................................................12
• Keypad.............................................................................................................................................................13
• LED Indicators.................................................................................................................................................13
2.3.5 Power Supply.............................................................................................................................................................14
2.4. Installing VR-N100U on the Network........................................................................................................................15
2.4.1. The Basic Installation................................................................................................................................................15
2.4.2. Step 1: Acquiring an IP Address...............................................................................................................................15
Method 1: VDRView *Preferred Choice*...................................................................................................................15
Method 2: LCD Panel and Keypad............................................................................................................................16
Method 3: EazyIP .......................................................................................................................................................18
Method 4: Set a Workstation IP Address .................................................................................................................18
2.4.3. Step 2: Using the VR-N100U Web Browser..............................................................................................................19
• Admin Name and Password...........................................................................................................................19
• Setup Wizard ...................................................................................................................................................19
2.4.4. Step 3: Rebooting Your VR-N100U ...........................................................................................................................20
2.4.5. Step 4: Setting Up the Backchannel.........................................................................................................................21
• Backchannel 10/100 Mbit Switch ...................................................................................................................21
• Networked Cameras........................................................................................................................................21
2.4.6. Where to Go From Here.............................................................................................................................................23
3. VR-N100U OVERVIEW ...............................................................................................................................................24
3.1. Getting to the VR-N100U Web Browser Interface....................................................................................................25
3.2. The VR-N100U Setup Wizard..................................................................................................................................... 25
3.2.1. Server Name...............................................................................................................................................................26
3.2.2. admin Password & admin Password Confirm.........................................................................................................26
3.2.3. Date, Time & Time Zone ............................................................................................................................................26
3.3. The Administration “System” Utilities.....................................................................................................................27
3.3.1. Managing Y our Devices.............................................................................................................................................27
3.3.2. General Settings ........................................................................................................................................................28
3.3.3. Managing Users and Groups....................................................................................................................................28
3.3.4. Time Keeper ...............................................................................................................................................................30
3.3.5. Server Event Log .......................................................................................................................................................30
3.3.6. Server Event Notification ..........................................................................................................................................30
3.3.7. Server Reboot ............................................................................................................................................................31
3.4. The Administration “Networks” Utilities..................................................................................................................32
3.4.1. Network Information..................................................................................................................................................32
3.4.2. Static IP Setup............................................................................................................................................................32
3.4.3. DHCP Server Option..................................................................................................................................................33
3.5. The Administration “Cameras” Utilities...................................................................................................................34
3.5.1. Search.........................................................................................................................................................................34
3.5.2. Camera Views (2, 4, 8, 16) .........................................................................................................................................36
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• Camera Name ..................................................................................................................................................36
• Camera Recording Status...............................................................................................................................36
• Auto Playback .................................................................................................................................................36
• Details ..............................................................................................................................................................37
• PTZ or Magnify ................................................................................................................................................37
• Pan/Tilt Arrows................................................................................................................................................38
• Zoom In/Out.....................................................................................................................................................38
• Configure.........................................................................................................................................................39
• Camera Problems............................................................................................................................................39
• Auto Centering for PTZ...................................................................................................................................39
3.5.3. Discover......................................................................................................................................................................39
3.5.4. Motion Log..................................................................................................................................................................40
3.5.5. ISO Files......................................................................................................................................................................40
3.5.6. Setup Motion Detection.............................................................................................................................................41
• Luminance Threshold.....................................................................................................................................41
• Minimum Object Size......................................................................................................................................41
• Noise Filter.......................................................................................................................................................41
• Reference Image Refresh Interval..................................................................................................................41
• Motion Detection Delay...................................................................................................................................41
3.5.7. Setup Camera-Level Security ...................................................................................................................................41
• No Access........................................................................................................................................................41
• Viewer Level.....................................................................................................................................................42
• Operator Level.................................................................................................................................................42
3.6. VR-N100U’s Toolbar...................................................................................................................................................43
3.6.1. Administration Icon ...................................................................................................................................................43
3.6.2. Browse Icon................................................................................................................................................................43
3.6.3. Appliances List Icon..................................................................................................................................................44
3.6.4. Search Icon.................................................................................................................................................................44
3.6.5. About Icon..................................................................................................................................................................44
4. MANAGING VR-N100U WITH VDRVIEW...................................................................................................................45
4.1. System Requirements ...............................................................................................................................................45
4.1.1. Recommended Configuration...................................................................................................................................45
4.1.2. Minimum Configuration.............................................................................................................................................46
4.2. Installing VDRView.....................................................................................................................................................46
4.3. Discovering VR-N100U Appliances..........................................................................................................................47
4.4. Logging into VR-N100U.............................................................................................................................................47
4.5. Definition of Toolbar Icons........................................................................................................................................49
Zerver Information… ......................................................................................................................................49
Set Zerver IP Address…................................................................................................................................49
Administer Zerver… .......................................................................................................................................49
Reflash Firmware on Zerver…......................................................................................................................50
View Large Icons............................................................................................................................................50
View Small Icons............................................................................................................................................50
View List .........................................................................................................................................................50
View Details....................................................................................................................................................50
Edit Remote VR-N100U List….......................................................................................................................50
Communication Settings… ...........................................................................................................................50
New View ........................................................................................................................................................51
Save View........................................................................................................................................................51
Open View ......................................................................................................................................................51
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Edit/Delete View.............................................................................................................................................52
Close View......................................................................................................................................................52
Launch Camera Control .................................................................................................................................52
Full Screen View............................................................................................................................................53
Back to Previous Page...................................................................................................................................54
Go Forward to Next Page..............................................................................................................................54
Refresh Page..................................................................................................................................................54
View VR-N100Us.............................................................................................................................................54
4.6. Definition of Menus....................................................................................................................................................55
4.6.1. File...............................................................................................................................................................................55
4.6.2. View.............................................................................................................................................................................55
• Large Icons......................................................................................................................................................55
• Small Icons & List ...........................................................................................................................................55
• Details ..............................................................................................................................................................55
4.6.3. VR-N100Us..................................................................................................................................................................56
• Load Camera List............................................................................................................................................56
• Refresh Camera List (Ctrl+F5)........................................................................................................................56
• Discover Cameras on All VR-N100Us…........................................................................................................56
• Enable Local Recording .................................................................................................................................56
• Video Archive Settings…................................................................................................................................56
4.6.4. Camera Views.............................................................................................................................................................57
4.6.5. Options .......................................................................................................................................................................57
• Reboot…..........................................................................................................................................................57
• Enable Discovery via Microsoft Browsing….................................................................................................57
• Enable Discovery via Remote Server List….................................................................................................58
• Edit Remote Zerver List… ..............................................................................................................................58
• Communication Settings… ............................................................................................................................59
• Refresh Settings..............................................................................................................................................59
• Refresh (F5) .....................................................................................................................................................60
• Camera Settings..............................................................................................................................................60
4.6.6. Help (About VR-N100U).............................................................................................................................................60
4.7. Definition of Navigation Tabs....................................................................................................................................61
4.7.1. Zerver Center..............................................................................................................................................................61
4.7.2. VR-N100Us..................................................................................................................................................................62
• Camera Preview ..............................................................................................................................................62
• VR-N100U Camera List ...................................................................................................................................62
• Filter Camera List............................................................................................................................................63
• Camera Status Legend....................................................................................................................................63
• Preview Camera Window................................................................................................................................63
• Camera Configuration.....................................................................................................................................63
• Advanced Settings..........................................................................................................................................64
• Preset Positioning...........................................................................................................................................64
• Clear Preview Panel Contents........................................................................................................................64
• Print Panel Contents.......................................................................................................................................64
• Discover...........................................................................................................................................................64
4.7.3. Web Connect..............................................................................................................................................................64
4.7.4. Monitor Cameras........................................................................................................................................................65
4.7.5. Search/Playback ........................................................................................................................................................67
4.7.6. Motion Log..................................................................................................................................................................68
4.7.7. Reflash........................................................................................................................................................................69
5. SUPPORTED DEVICES..............................................................................................................................................71
5.1. Hard Disk Drive Specifications.................................................................................................................................71
5.1.1. Configuring the Hard Drives.....................................................................................................................................71
5.2. Network IP Cameras ..................................................................................................................................................72
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• Advanced Settings for VN-C10U....................................................................................................................72
• Advanced Settings for VN-C11U....................................................................................................................73
• Advanced Settings for VN-C30U....................................................................................................................73
5.2.1. Testing Network IP Cameras.....................................................................................................................................74
5.3. Network Enablers.......................................................................................................................................................75
• Advanced Settings for VN-A1U......................................................................................................................75
5.3.1. Testing Network Enablers .........................................................................................................................................75
5.4. Switches .....................................................................................................................................................................76
6. TECHNICAL TIPS AND TROUBLESHOOTING.........................................................................................................77
6.1. Industrial Server Board.............................................................................................................................................77
6.1.1. Processor ...................................................................................................................................................................78
6.1.2. Memory.......................................................................................................................................................................78
6.1.3. Onboard A TAPI...........................................................................................................................................................78
6.1.4. Onboard SCSI.............................................................................................................................................................78
6.1.5. Onboard Dual Ethernet..............................................................................................................................................79
6.1.6. PCI Expansion Slot....................................................................................................................................................79
6.1.7. USB .............................................................................................................................................................................79
6.1.8. COM Port ....................................................................................................................................................................79
6.2. Jumper Settings.........................................................................................................................................................80
6.2.1. JP1: Flash Disk ..........................................................................................................................................................80
6.2.2. JP2: SCSI Termination...............................................................................................................................................81
6.2.3. JP3: CMOS..................................................................................................................................................................81
6.2.4. CN6: A TX Power Button.............................................................................................................................................81
6.2.5. CN8: Hardware Reset ................................................................................................................................................81
6.2.6. CN22: Software Reset................................................................................................................................................82
6.3. BIOS............................................................................................................................................................................82
6.4. Adaptec SCSI BIOS....................................................................................................................................................82
6.5. LED Panel with Keypad and LED Indicators............................................................................................................83
6.5.1. LCD Panel...................................................................................................................................................................83
6.5.2. Keypad........................................................................................................................................................................83
6.5.3. LED Indicators............................................................................................................................................................ 84
• Status...............................................................................................................................................................84
• Network............................................................................................................................................................84
• 10/100...............................................................................................................................................................85
• Drive.................................................................................................................................................................85
6.5.4. Entering the Address.................................................................................................................................................85
6.5.5. Renaming Y our System.............................................................................................................................................85
6.5.6. Rebooting...................................................................................................................................................................86
6.5.7. View Events................................................................................................................................................................86
6.5.8. Manual Reboot Status ...............................................................................................................................................86
6.6. Power Supply.............................................................................................................................................................87
7. GLOSSARY OF TERMS..............................................................................................................................................88
8. REGULATORY NOTICES, LICENSE A ND WARRANTY............................................................................................97
8.1. Limited Warranty........................................................................................................................................................97
8.2. Agency Certifications................................................................................................................................................97
EMISSIONS CERTIFICATIONS ..................................................................................................................................97
SAFETY CERTIFICATIONS........................................................................................................................................97
8.3. License Provisions ....................................................................................................................................................98
8.4. US Government Restricted Rights Notice ...............................................................................................................98
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1. INTRODUCTION
Since the terrorist attack on the United States back on September 11
important topic for most individuals and organizations. Companies that d id not have any security systems implemented are
now actively looking for the latest digital security solution. Others that currently have one in place are actively looking to
upgrade to a more advanced digital security solution.
The VR-N100U security appliance solution i s an all-inc lusive “black bo x” security appliance that d elivers all of th e component s
necessary to easily and securely implement an IP-based security solution. All of the networking, security, storage, and
management functionalities are included and preconfigured on each VR- N100U appliance. It is completely scalable and can
be implemented into any LAN or WAN environme nt. VR-N100U is the only solution that allows any securit y administrator to
monitor and manage one or more facilities from any where in th e world in real-time. T he VR-N100U is e ngineer ed to of fer new
levels of flexibility, reliability, scalability and performance to the security market.
In the following chapters you will see how the VR-N100U allo ws any individual or company to easil y incorporate and manage
the latest networked digital security technology without the need for “expert” personnel in the fields of n etworking, secur ity and
storage. The VR-N100U security appliances fit easily into any existing distributed computing environment of intelligent
networks. They are low profile, self-contained units that are easy to setup, install and administer. The appliances support
multiple protocols, including SMB, ADS, FTP, NFS, AFT, DHCP, and HTTP and can serve clients using most network
operating systems. They will connect to either 10BaseT or 100B aseTX networks with appropriate performance scaling. T heir
ability to function as servers independently of a file server means that they do not strain the file server resources, they
minimize the overall network congestion, and, even if the f ile server goes down, the VR-N100U security appliance remains
online.
The VR-N100U uses a comprehensive set of tools in a web browser interface to administer storage and security devices,
users and groups, and interact with a wide variety of net work operating systems. The integration of NT Domain and ADS
services provides convenient, user-friendly authentication, and a single-point user/group management. An additional
standalone enterprise tool, VDRView, makes viewing, managing all of the VR-N100Us on the network a breeze. Easily
monitor and manage anywhere from one up to hundreds of thous ands of VR-N100Us and cameras. The unlimited VDRView
user license that is included with the VR-N100U appliance eliminates th ose “unexpected” additional cost of ownership that is
common with most security products. With VR-N100U’s unique architecture, you can now install thousands of cameras without
impacting the performance on your main network. In addition to the nearly unlimited number of cameras that can be
supported, VR-N100U offers the unique auto-discovery of network cameras to elimin ate the cumbersome and time con suming
issues surrounding setting up any manufacturer’s IP-based digital network cameras. From a single software interface of
VDRView, the security administrator can now easily monitor, manage, and control an unlimited number of locations from
anywhere in the world.
th
of 2001, security has been placed as the most
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1.1. Manual Organization
The VR-N100U User’s Manual documents the newest network security appliance. It features the new VR-N100U Security
Technology on the VR-N100U industrial server board. It has been organized in a manner that will allow any individual or
organization to quickly and easily install, setup and manage the VR-N100U security appliance and its associated devices.
1.2. What is an Appliance?
An appliance is an intelligent server that does not require an operator to be physically at the device in order to setup or
manage the server. An appliance generally does not require a monitor, keyboard, or mouse to be physically attached as
access is done via a web browser or software utility. There are many advantages to an appliance. It is designed to do a
specific function or task. In regards to VR-N100U, it manages all cameras and stores t he captured video from those devic es.
An appliance also utilizes minimum physical space and can be installed nearly anywhere.
1.3. VR-N100U Addresses Key Issues
The security market is still dominated by traditional analog systems, but has been undergoing a transition from it s analogbased CCTV products to the newer digital IP-based products. There are limitations in th e analog systems that no longer exis t
with the digital products. However, the digital products have also created new inherent issues. Thanks to the innovative
architecture and implementation of VR-N100U, we has been able to address all of these old and new issues.
1.3.1. Analog Systems
The days of analog security systems are numbered. The security market has been undergoing a transition from its traditional
analog-based CCTV products to the newer digital IP-b ased products. Customers looking for security systems are turning to
digital solutions. There are many drawbacks and limitations surrounding an analog system.
Although VHS-quality video has accepted up to this point, the wide acceptance of DVD-Video in the consumer mark et place
has helped push the demand of customers to require the di gital vi de o format. Also, due to the inher ent physical char acteristics
of tape, the media degrades over usage and time. T he more often the tape is viewed or reused for r ecording, the poorer the
quality becomes on this media. If companies have a very long security retentio n period requ irement, then they would require a
controlled environment for storing their media as well as a scheduled duplication period in order to maintain the video at its
highest possible quality. With analog video, the qualit y is greatly compromised as it degragates with each generation copy.
The VHS tapes have a limited capacity for recording and are relatively bulky media. In some instances hundreds and
thousands of tapes may be used during a c ourse of the year, thus occupying a tremendous amount of physical space for
storage. Although it is relatively easy to s end a co p y of a V HS tape to anywhere in th e world, it is not as portable or durable as
sending a CD, DVD, or as fast as receiving an e-mail or URL to do wnload the video instantly. When trying to search a vide o
tape, it is not only a cumbersome sequentially task, it may take multiple people to go thr ough many tapes to try to locate the
data which they are looking for. All of this involves a lot of resources, time and mone y. Also, nearly all ana log systems requ ire
a dedicated central security room that is the final desti nation for all of the “homeruns.” In these traditional security rooms, yo u
can find tens and hundreds of monitors, multiplexers and VCR equipment that are utilized by a team of personnel monitori ng
activities and constantly replacing VHS tapes once the end of tape has been reached.
1.3.2. IP Cameras
The latest products to hit the security market are network IP cameras. These cameras are self-contained digital n etworked
devices that can be viewed via any web browser. They are very flexible and can be easily setup in any networking
environment. Some are fixed while others offer pan, tilt and zoom capabil ities and motion detection. There are a few new
issues that IP cameras face that did not exist with their analog cousins. IP cameras require resources and must be configured
like other networked devices (e.g. IP address, permissions, passwords, etc.). Therefore, setting up IP cameras is a ve ry time
consuming task as they all come with their own default settings and the interface between different models as well as
manufacturers will greatly differ. Security now becomes an issue as they are susceptible to hackers from outside and within
the company network similar to other networked devices. If you plan on viewing and/or c apturing video from IP cameras, then
it will directly impact the infrastructure as heavy bandwidth will be used by each IP camera on the net work. If there are enoug h
IP cameras on the network, they will eventually cripple the network by ea ting up all of the bandwidth. Some companies also
utilize network attached storage devices as a “bit bucket” to ca pture video from IP-based net work cameras. Once the storage
fills up, you must then manually delete the video to create additional space.
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1.3.3. Digital Video Recorders (DVR’s)
Digital Video Recorders or better known as “DVR’s” is the first attempt for companies to offer an alternative solution to the
traditional analog systems. By adding video capture cards to a PC , many companies are trying to use this type of solution to
replace the popular VCR as the means of capturing and storing the security video digitally. The video from analog cameras are
converted to a digital format and then stored onto hard disk drives. Once the hard drives fill up with video, the customer has
the option to manually archive any of the vide o to a CD or DVD disc as well as delete the captured video in order to make
space for newer data. These solutions cannot be implement ed into most existing net work infrastructures as the dev ices eat up
valuable bandwidth and network resources.
1.3.4. Software-Based Solutions
There are many software-based security products and most require Intel- compatible computers running Microsoft Windows
server operating systems. They offer the ability to capture video from analo g cameras with capture cards or from IP-based
network cameras as well as manage the video. These solutions c an become very complex as well as very costly as each
feature and function is normally broken into various software mo dules. In addition to the options, license costs per camera
and/or per user normally apply, and don’t forget about the Microsoft server licenses. Finally, hidden costs such as new
infrastructures and separate dedicated high-speed networks must be implemented to utilize these solutions, plus dedicated
personnel trained to use and maintain the security system. The cost of ownership is dr amatically incre ased for such solutions.
For companies with multiple locations, it becomes too expensive and an impossible situation to manage and maintain.
1.3.5. The Solution…VR-N100U Security Appliance
With each VR-N100U appliance, a dedicated RAID set of large capacit y hard disk drives for online storage is utilized and
occupies a very small 19” 1U form-factor footprint. Options are available to add additional hard disk drive storage or archivi ng
to other media such as CD, DVD and tape in a seaml ess automated manner provides the maximum flexibility for the VRN100U customer. Thus, the video could reside on non-volatile and random access write-once or rewritable media that has a
life expectancy of at least 50 years for pennies per gigabyte. There is no need for spec ial environments, large dedicated rooms
for media storage, rerecording of discs, or playback compatibility. VR-N100U also supports auto-discovery and configuring of
IP cameras as well as supports analog cameras via network encoders. The camera t ypes can be fixed, pan-tilt-zoom as well
as motion detection. Up to sixteen cameras can be supported by each VR-N100U appliance and completely scalable to
support the enterprise. As more cameras are needed, additional VR-N100U appliances can be implemented. Nearly an
unlimited number of VR-N100U appliances and their cameras can easily be managed from a single software interface.
Installation into existing network infrastructures is supported with minimal resources utili zed. A single IP address is required
for a VR-N100U appliance and 16 cameras. For larger and enterprise environme nts, we offer the ability to utilize our unique
dynamic IP addressing schema to associate a single IP address for an unlimited number of VR-N100U appliances and their
associated cameras. With hundreds and thousands of cameras simultaneously archivi ng video 24x7x365 in real-time at their
highest resolution and frame rate, there is literally no impact on the network bandwidth. Monitoring and managing the VRN100U security appliance can be done from an ywhere in th e world with an internet con nection a nd usin g either a web b ro wser
or the enterprise client software utility called VDRView. No hidden costs exist as un limited user license is included with each
VR-N100U security appliance.
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2. INSTALLING VR-N100U
This chapter covers all aspects for the VR-N100U installation, from the VR-N100U rackmount configuration to manually
acquiring an IP address. Some of the procedures described here may not be relevant to your spec ific installation. Simply skip
the section(s) that do not apply and move on to the next applicable section.
2.1. Before You Begin
WARNING
Disconnect the VR-N100U from its AC power sourc e before you connect or disco nnect cables, install or remove any
components. Failure to do so can result in personal injury or equipment damage that will NOT be covered under the
product’s warranty. Some circuitry on the VR-N100U can continue to operate even though the power switch is turned
off.
CAUTION
Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) can damage the VR-N100U components and devices. Configure the VR-N100U at an
ESD-controlled workstation. You must wear an anti-static wrist strap or equivalent accessories.
2.2. What’s in the Box
The VR-N100U Rackmount Solution includes the following items:
VR-N100U Rackmount System
¾ 19” 1U Rackmount Chassis
¾ Power Supply
¾ VR-N100U Industrial Server Board (VR-N100U OS & APP preinstalled)
¾ LED Display
¾ Multiple Hard Disk Drives (Configured as a RAID-5 set)
¾ Various Cables
VR-N100U Quick Installation Guide (Insert Sheet)
VR-N100U Companion CD (VDRView Application and Use rs Manual)
CAT5/CAT5e Ethernet Cable (Connecting the VR-N100U to the switch that is dedicated for the cameras)
Optional 24-port 10/100 Fast Ethernet Switch (Exclusively for camera backchannel and uses only 17 ports)
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2.3. VR-N100U Hardware Overview
The VR-N100U comes preconfigured in a 19” 1U Rackmount enclosure. The embedded industrial server board with
processor, heat sink, fan, memory, non-volatile flash disk and LCD displa y have all been installed and passed q uality control
prior to shipping. Although the design of the board is ver y compact, it provides all of the key standard components plus many
customized features. The VR-N100U board is the next gener ation industrial grade motherboard that was designed from the
ground-up with storage, performance and flexibility in mind. This all-in-one server board is the most powerful appliance
platform on the market, offering a vast array of onboard storage and conn ectivity components in a ver y small form-factor. The
latest VR-N100U operating system and applications are inst alle d and teste d on the no n-v olatile fl ash dis k. In ad ditio n, the har d
disk drives have also been tested and configured as a RAID-5 set prior to shipping for all VR-N100U 19” 1U Rackmount
Systems.
2.3.1 Hardware Layout
The custom 19” 1U Rackmount enclosure has been designed to provide easy installation for all of the VR-N100U hardware
components. The front-half is designed to integrate the LCD display, up t o four fixed hard drives, and optional slim CD/DVD
drive that is currently not supported by VR-N100U. The r ear-half of the enclosure is designed to integrate the high qualit y
power supply, industrial embedded server board and optional hard drive or expansion card. To ensure good ventilation to keep
the system cool, the VR-N100U hardware is designed to support air ventilation holes, five cooling fans and i ncludes custom
multi-drive cabling that offers minimum air flow restriction within the system.
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2.3.2 Embedded Industrial Server
The engine that runs the VR-N100U security appliance is based on the custom designed fourth generation embedded
industrial server motherboard. The Intel-based processor and memory are preconfigured on the VR-N100U. T he motherboard
comes fully equipped with storage in mind with multipl e onboard ATAPI/IDE Channels that offers the ability to support lar ge
number of peripherals. In addition to the massive number of ATAPI devices, it can also be equipped with an onboard SCSI
Channel with two less ATAPI Channels. The Adaptec Ultr a160-LVD/SE SCSI supports any SCSI-1, SCSI-2, SCSI-3, Narrow,
Ultra, Wide, Ultra Wide, LVD160, and LVD320-based devices. The onboard SCSI offers the ab ilit y for VR -N100U custo mers to
easily expand the total amount of RAID storages. The VR-N10 0U also comes standard with dual onboard 10/100 Network
Interface Connectors (NIC’s) for providing a higher level of flexibility, conn ectivity and functiona lity. LAN1 is des ignated for the
VR-N100U front-channel for connectivity to the company’s main network backbone while LAN2 is used as the VR-N100U
backchannel for managing up to 16 cameras. For additional e xpandability, an onboard 32-bit PCI Expansion Slot can to be
utilized for the optional Video Life Cycle Management function of VR-N100U. As most motherboards today come standard with
USB support, the VR-N100U is no different. The board also has the capability to support onboard USB. Finally, thanks to the
optimized and multi-threaded embedded Operating System and intelligent VR-N100U application installed on the non- volatile
flash disk, VR-N100U is able to achieve fastest performance.
2.3.3 Storage Capacity
The main difference between the various 19” 1U VR-N100U Rackm ount ap plia nce mode ls will be the am ount of on line s t orage
that the customer would like to have. The amount storage capacity will be dictated by the length of time (duration) required to
store the captured video. This calculation will be dictated by the number of cameras mana ged by VR-N100U (up to 16 per
unit), the resolution setting for each camera, as well as the recording method for each camera. As in dicated above, the VRN100U will be normally configured with at least four large capacity and fast performance ATAPI hard disk drives. These drives
will be part of a RAID-set, thus it is recommended that they are all of the same make, model and capacity.
2.3.4 LCD Panel with Keypad and LED Indicators
The VR-N100U appliance is designed to utilize the LCD Display Panel, Keypad and LED Indicators. This LCD Display
supports 2-lines of 16 alphanumeric characters, has four (4) access buttons, and als o includes the four (4) LEDs that provide
important status information for various components. These are utilized by the VR-N100U to provide important information
regarding the current status of the appliance. These include the Status Activity, Network Activity (LAN1), 10/100 Network
Connection Status (LAN1), and Device Activity for all ATAPI and SCSI Channels. The phases of the li ghts provide information
about the operation of the VR-N100U.
LCD Panel
When the VR-N100U starts up, the LCD display will b egin displa ying messages. It will keep you informed of th e
steps the system is going through during the boot up process and is summarized on the chart below. This
comprehensive display graphically illustrates the steps of each process that can be performed using the LCD
Panel.
The LCD Panel begins by displaying the message Hardw are POST with a version number on the second line
(POST stands for Power-On Self-Test). The Status LED (the first indicator light on the left) will display solid red.
As VR-N100U boots the OS (operating system) and detects the driv es, those messages will be display on the
Panel. When the boot up process goes into the next phase, the Status LED changes to solid amber and the
version number of the firmware is displayed on the Panel. The system then attempts to acquire an IP address,
checks the drives, and starts networking services. If a DHCP Server is running on the network, VR-N100U
dynamically acquires an IP address. The Status light turns solid green and the defa ult Server Name displays on
the LCD Panel with the IP address on the next line. T he Server Name and IP address will continue to display
until an event occurs on the VR-N100U, or the user pushes a key. This is called the Stead y State Display, and it
means everything is running. If the VR-N100U did not dynamically acquire an IP address, it will assign itself th e
address 10.10.10.10 and the Status light will slowly blink amber. When a VR-N100U comes up tens, it mean s
that a Static IP address must be assigned to the system before anything else ca n be done with it. You will need
to go your network admin and get an IP address, the Subnet Mask, and the address of the Default Gateway.
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Keypad
Each key has a different function, illustrated by a directional arrow just above and to the left of the key. From left
to right, the first key is the Up key. The next key is the Down key. The third key is the Back key. And, the last
key, the key on the right, is the Enter key.
Up Down Back Enter
LED Indicators
The LEDs are identified by a keyword above each light on t he unit and by the complete name of the LED in the
following graphic. The LED lights can flash green, amber, o r red, each color in dicating a different state or activity
of the system. The chart below summarizes the LED indicators.
Status: The Status LED, the first light on the left, cycles through its power-on sequence as the VR-N100U boots up.
Network: The Network Activity LED flashes green when there is network traffic from an external source on LAN1, the
LED Label Color Aspect Description
Red Solid
Status
Network
Network Activity
(LAN1-Backbone)
10/100
Network Speed
(LAN1-Backbone)
Drive
Drive Activity
Amber Solid
Green Solid
Amber Flashing
Green/
Amber
Green Flashing Indicates that network traffic from an external source
Amber Flashing Indicates that the VR-N100U is transmitting
Amber Solid Your network speed is 10 Mbps.
Green Solid Your network speed is 100 Mbps.
Green Flashing An IDE drive is reading or writing data.
Red Flashing A SCSI drive is reading or writing data.
Blinking
No Light Indicates that there is no network link visible to the VR-N100U
It starts out solid red during self-test. Solid amber indicates the server is booting the OS and t he applic ation.
Solid green indicates the VR-N100U has successfully powered on a nd dynamically acquired a n IP address.
The Status light will remain solid green throu ghout normal operation. If the Status li ght slowly blinks amber,
VR-N100U has failed to dynamically acquire an IP address. You must simply use one of the four methods
outlined in the manual to manually acquire an IP addre ss. When VR-N100U is in the pr ocess of updating or
reflashing the VR-N100U firmware, the Status LED will flash quickl y between green and amber. Under no
circumstances should the process be cancelled or power be removed fr om the unit during the reflash. A
partial or terminated operation may result in a dysfunctional unit.
network backbone. When the Network LED flashes amber, it means the VR-N100U is transmitting
information between the cameras, storage and/or clients over the network.
Power-On
the self-test is completed, the LED transitions to amber and
continues the power-on process.
Power-Off
which power can be safely turned off on the VR-N100U
Power-On
has completed the self-test and is booting the OS and application.
Indicates that VR-N100U is completely initialized. It has acquired
and IP address and is operational.
Indicates that VR-N100U was unable to acquire an IP address. It
defaults to the address 10.10.10.10.
Indicated that VR-N100U is reflashing the firmware.
NEVER INTERRUPT THIS PROCESS!!!
: Solid Red during power-on indicates a self-test. When
: Solid Red during power-off indicates a safe halt, after
: Solid Amber during power-on indicates that VR-N100U
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10/100: The Network Speed LED will be either solid amber, or s olid green. Amber indicates the LAN1 front channel
network speed is 10 Mbps. Green indicates the LAN1 front channel network speed is 100 Mbps. Whe n the
LED is red, there is no network link visible to the server on LAN1.
Drive: The Drive Activity LED lights up whenever data is moving to or from an IDE device or SCSI device. A
flashing green light indicates an attached IDE drive is reading or writing data. A flashing red light ind icates a
SCSI device is reading or writing data. A flashing amber light indicates both IDE and SCSI devices are
active. The Drive Activity LED does not differentiate between reading and writing data.
NOTE: Only LAN1’s Network and 10/100 LED’s are only available on the LCD Display.
2.3.5 Power Supply
The VR-N100U board is also unique in that it has bee n designed to support the two most common types of power supplies
used today (AT and ATX). This flexibility will allow the board to be installed in nearly all enclosures. A powerful and high quality
ATX power supply is recommended and comes standard with all VR-N100U rackmount systems.
NOTE1: When selecting the AT X power adapter, do not forget to attach an ATX power switch to CN6 pin s et. This has
been already configured on the 19” 1U VR-N100U Rackmount Systems.
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2.4. Installing VR-N100U on the Network
BEFORE YOU BEGIN
As the Installer and/or Administrator of the VR-N100U, you are assumed to have a working kno wledge of TCP/IP and your
network. Make sure you have the following items before you begin the installation:
A TCP/IP Network
An Ethernet/Fast Ethernet Connection (backbone)
Available IP Address or DHCP Server on the Main Network
A CAT5/CAT5e Compliant Network Cables
VR-N100U Default Name (found on the VR-N100U enclosure label)
Workstation on the Network with a CD/DVD Drive and Web Browser on the same segment as the VR-N100U
2.4.1. The Basic Installation
VR-N100U requires three primary connections. The first is a con necti on to power the appliance. The second is a connection to
the company’s network backbone via LAN1 Ethernet port. Once VR-N100U is on the network, then the third connectio n will be
to the dedicated camera backchannel via LAN2 Ethernet port.
1. Using a standard CAT5/CAT5e twisted pair network cable, attach the VR-N100U to an Ethernet segment on your
company’s network via LAN1.
2. Connect the power cord to the VR-N100U rackmount enclosure and plug it in to a power strip, lin e conditioner or
UPS. The enclosure has an On/Off switch to control power. Proceed to turn the VR-N100U security appliance ON.
NOTE: At this time, we will concentrate on getting VR-N100U on your network. Once it has been successfully installed, th en
we will explain how to connect the network IP cameras to VR-N100U.
2.4.2. Step 1: Acquiring an IP Address
When the Status LED is blinking amber, it means the VR-N100U was unable to acquire an IP address dynamically. IP
addresses are obtained dynamically by means of one of three methods: D HCP, BOOT P, or RARP. If none of these IP address
assignment methods is available on your net work, the VR-N100U assigns itself a temporary IP a ddress of 10.10.10.10, or
tens. This is not a valid IP address, but it can be used long enough for you to see the VR-N100U on the network and to
change this IP address to a static IP address that is valid for your network. You can use one of the follo wing methods to
achieve that end and get the green Status light.
Method 1: VDRView *Preferred Choice*
Enclosed in the VR-N100U packaging should be a Companion CD. This disc is comprised of additional documentation and
software utilities. VDRView is documented in detail in Chapter 4 Managing VR-N100U with VDRView. VDRView is an
administrative enterprise application tool that discovers all of the VR-N100 Us on your local net work segment, remote servers,
and offers complete camera management from a Windows workstation. One of its functions is to assign static IP addresses to
VR-N100U. The detail instructions for installing VDRView from the VR-N100U Companion CD are detailed in section 4.2
Installing VDRView. This section describes how to use VDRView to assign an IP address.
1. Install and launch the VDRView application.
2. Select (highlight) the VR-N100U from the list of discovered Zervers by clicking on it.
3. Click on the Set IP icon on the Toolbar, or select the Set IP Address option from the Options menu. It will
automatically prompt you with a login dialog box as this function is only available for users with administrator
privileges.
4. Once logged in, the Set IP Address dialog box will be displayed.
5. Set the appropriate addresses and click on the Enable Static IP address checkbox and click on the OK
button. This causes the VR-N100U to automatically reboot.
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Also, you can utilize the Web Connect page to log into the VR-N100U to setup the IP address. Details regarding thi s is listed
in section 3.4.2 Static IP Setup.
You can now skip the following Methods as VDRView has handled the entire process for you. You are ready to begin
exploring the features of VR-N100U in following sections.
Method 2: LCD Panel and Keypad
You can directly input the IP address to your VR-N100U using the LCD Panel and keypad. VR-N100U supports the LCD Panel
and Keypad, a hardware feature that is standard o n the VR-N100U. What will be r eferred to from here o n as the LCD Pane l is
a bezel that consists of an LCD Panel, a four-key keypad an d the four LED indic ator lights. The LCD Panel displays messages
about VR-N100U events and system alerts and accepts some VR-N100 U settings. The settings that ca n be inputted u sing the
LCD Panel include: the IP address, the Subnet Mask, the Default Gateway address, and the Server Name. In addition, the
LCD Panel can be used to reboot the VR-N100U.
When the VR-N100U starts up, the LCD Panel will begin displaying messages. It will keep you informed of the steps the
system is going through during the boot-up process, as shown in this graphic.
This comprehensive display graphically illustrates the steps of each process that can be performed using the LCD Panel. An
explanation of each process follows.
The LCD Panel begins by displaying the message Hardware POST with a version number on the second line (POST stands
for Power On Self Test). The Status LED (the first indicator light on the left) will display solid red. As VR-N100U boots the OS
(operating system) and detects the drives, those messages display on the Panel. When the boot-up pro cess goes into the next
phase, the Status LED changes to solid amber and the version number of the firm ware is displayed on the Pan el. The system
then attempts to acquire an IP address, checks the drives, and starts networking services. If a DHCP Server is running on th e
network, VR-N100U dynamically acquires an IP address. The Status light turns solid green and the default Server Name
displays on the LCD Panel with the IP addre ss on the ne xt line. T he Server Name a nd IP address will continue to displa y until
an event occurs on the VR-N100U, or the user pushes a key. This is called the Steady State Display, and it means all is well.
If the VR-N100U did not dynamically acquire an IP address, it will assign itself the address 10.10.10.10 and the Status light will
slowly blink amber. When a VR-N100U comes up tens, it means that a Static IP address must be assigned to the system
before anything else can be done with it. You will need to go your network admin and get an IP address, the Subnet Mask, and
the address of the Default Gateway.
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Each key has a different function, illustrated by a directional arrow just above and to the left of the key.
Up Down Back Enter
From left to right, the first key is the Up key. The next key is the Down key. The third key is the Back key. And, the l ast key,
the key on the right, is the Enter key. Follow the steps below to enter the addresses:
1. Press the Enter key. The LCD Panel will display the message Network Setup...
2. Press the Enter key. The Panel displays the IP Address entry screen. The cursor will be positioned at the location o f
the first digit in the first set of numbers. Use the Up and Down arrow keys (Up increments the number, Down
decrements it) to locate the first number in the IP address. When the c orrect number is displayed in t he first position,
depress the Enter key. The cursor advances to the next pos ition in the IP a ddress. Contin ue to use t he Up a nd Do wn
arrow keys to locate the numbers in the IP address, depressing the Enter key to accept each number. Use the Back
key to move the cursor one position to the left. Don’t forget, if the address you were given has only one or two digits
in any of the number sets of the address, use leading zeroes to pad the number set to three digits. For example, if the
IP address you were given is 195.182.30.4, enter 195.182.030.004 in the address fields. When you have finish ed an d
have verified that you entered the correct IP address, press the Enter key.
3. The Subnet Mask entry screen displays. Enter the Subnet Mask us ing the arrow keys as you did for the IP address.
When you have finished, press the Enter key.
4. The Default Gateway address entry screen di splays. Enter the address and press the Enter key.
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5. The next screen inquires if you want to Enable Static IP Setting and the other addresses you just entered. If you
select the Y, the addresses will be saved. If you select the N, the option to obtain the IP addr ess dynamically in that
same tool will be selected. Use the arrow keys to toggle between the Y and N. Press the Enter key t o accept your
selection.
6. The next screen that displays asks if you want to Reboot System to apply the addresses you entered. Select the Y if
you are ready to reboot now. Select the N if you plan to change the default Server Name. Make your selection and
press the Enter key. If you select the Y, the VR-N100U will reboot. The LCD Panel will keep yo u informed ab out what
is happening. If you select the N, you will go back to the Network Setup screen.
You can now skip the following Methods as you have manuall y setup the VR-N100U IP address situation. You are ready to go
to the next step.
Method 3: EazyIP
You can use EazyIP to assign a temporary IP address to your VR-N100U, if:
Your workstation uses Microsoft Networking, and NetBios is installed
Your workstation is connected to the same subnet as the VR-N100U
You are operating in a Class C IP networking environment
When you use EazyIP, you have to assign VR-N100U a node number as part of the IP address. You ca n get this number from
the network administrator.
NOTE: The first three numbers of VR-N100U’s new address will be the sa me as the first thre e numbers of your workstation’s
IP address. The fourth number is the node number that was given to you.
1. Open your web browser.
2. Make note of your workstation’s IP address. If you are using Windows 95/98, you can find your workstation’s IP
address by Running winipcfg.exe. For Windows NT/2000/XP users, you can Run ipconfig.exe.
3. Enter the VR-N100UName in your web browser’s address/location field. The VR-N100UName takes the form
ZXXXXXX_NNN. The first part of the name, ZXXXXXX, the default name, can be found on the label of the VR-N100U
enclosure. NNN is the node number.
If, for example, the default VR-N100UName on the label is ZFAB10B, and the assigned nod e number is 199, you would enter
http://ZFAB10B_199 in the address/location field of your web browser.
The use of this URL will force VR-N100U to change its IP address, 10.10.10.10, to the new address, which, continuing with the
example above, will be XX.YY.ZZ.199. (The values XX.YY.Z Z match those of your workstation’s IP address, bec ause both are
on a Class C network.)
EazyIP should work under the following Microsoft Networking operating systems:
Windows 95
Windows 98
Windows NT 3.51 and 4.0
Windows 2000 Professional
Windows XP
WFW using the Microsoft 32-bit TCP/IP stack
Now that you have acquired an IP address using EazyIP, continue to Step 2 Using the VR-N100U Web Browser.
If you are unable to use EazyIP or VDRView because you are not in a Windows environment, or if you don’t meet one of the
other criteria mentioned earlier, try this next final method.
Method 4: Set a Workstation IP Address
If you are not using Windows at all, you will have to recon figure your workstation to an IP address on the same IP network
(subnet) as the VR-N100U.
1. Make note of your workstation’s IP address, then reconfigure it to 10.10.10.X, where X is a number from 1 through 9.
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2. Reboot your workstation
3. Open your web browser
4. Type http://10.10.10.10 (remember, that’s VR-N100U’s assumed IP address) in the address/location field.
NOTE: After you have finished configuring the VR-N100U and rebooting it, don’t forget to reset your workstation
back to its original IP address.
Now that you have a way of accessing the VR-N100U from your workstation, continue to Step 2: Using the VR-N10 0U Web
Browser.
2.4.3. Step 2: Using the VR-N100U Web Browser
From any workstation running any operating system on the same segment as VR-N100U, procee d to access the VR-N100U
with your web browser (http://VR-N100U_IP_Address).
Admin Name and Password
You will be challenged to authenticate your identity as the VR-N100U administrator when a password prompt
dialog appears. The default user name and password are admin and admin.
Setup Wizard
The first screen to appear is the Setup Wizard. If you already have a plan i n place for your VR-N100U that
includes how you want to set the options you are seeing here, go ahead and make your changes. This is the only
time you’ll ever see the Setup Wizard, unless you reset your VR-N100U to factory default settings on reboot.
However, if you don’t want to be distracted by having to deal with setting these options at this time, it is not a
problem. All the options you see here can easily be set and changed at any time using the utilities in the
Administration Toolbox.
If you are just not sure, you can pop ahead to the beginning of 3. VR-N100U Overview. It describes each of the
options in the Setup Wizard and the impact each setting will have on the system.
1. Regardless of what you eventually decide to do here, when yo u have finished doing it, click on the Next
button.
2. You will be presented with the Networks Information Screen and will have t hree availa ble settings options to
choose from, View Network Settings, Change the Static IP Setting, or View/Change DHCP Settings.
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3. Proceed to select the pertinent settings option and fill in t he necessary information. At the very least, you
need to change the IP address under Change the Static IP Address Settings link which will bring you to the
following page.
The Domain Name Server, Domain Name, and WINS Server names are optional. Nevertheless, if you
enter this information, you will be able to address VR-N100U by name. Of course, the WINS (Windows
Internet Naming Service) Server name option is available only in Microsoft Networking environments.
4. Click on the Save button.
2.4.4. Step 3: Rebooting Your VR-N100U
The Reboot screen appears.
1. When you click on the OK button, your VR-N100 U will go throug h an automatic reboot u sing the ne w IP address and
the other information you provided in the form.
2. If you click on Cancel, the information you provided on the Networks Information and Setup Wizard screens is
saved. However, it will not be activated until you reboot the VR-N100U.
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2.4.5. Step 4: Setting Up the Backchannel
Once VR-N100U has been successful installed onto your network, the next step is to configure the “back channel” (also
referred as the camera or video channel) along with the networked cameras.
Backchannel 10/100 Mbit Switch
A dedicated quality Unmanaged Layer 2 24- Port 10/100 Mbit Switch will no w be required to physically attach up
to sixteen (16) VR-N100U supported networked cameras for each VR-N100U. The VR-N100 U will communic ate,
setup, and manage the networked cameras via this backchannel.
1. Utilizing the CAT5/CAT5e net work cable, proceed to co nnect LAN2 of VR-N100U to a one of the ports (e.g.
port 17) of the dedicated Unmanaged Layer 2 24-Port 10/100 Mbit Switch. Both cable and switch were part
of the VR-N100U packaging.
2. Attach the power cord to the 10/100 Mbit switch and proceed to power on the switch.
Networked Cameras
WARNING:
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BEFORE connecting and powering on the networked cameras, the VR-N100U MUST BE
powered on and online. Failure to do so may cause one or more of the networked cameras
to be configured incorrectly, thus VR-N100U would not be able to recognize or manage the
video device.
VR-N100U USERS MANUAL
You can now proceed to connect the VR-N100U supported networked cameras to the backchannel switch. For a
list of supported cameras, you can refer to section 5.2 Netw ork IP Cameras for the latest updated information.
The networked cameras can be either native IP-bas ed or traditional analog-based that utilize special analog-todigital converter devices to network enable them. It is highly recommended that we first attach all of the
networked cameras to the VR-N100U backchannel locally (phys ically near VR-N100U) in order to ensure that
they are all working properly and are rec ognized by VR-N1 00U prior to in stalling them into their final destination.
This will make the troubleshooting, if needed, a lot easier as you have all of the cameras and VR-N100U
together at one location.
3. Connect each of the networked cameras (up to 16 per VR-N100U) to the dedicated backchannel switch
using CAT5/CAT5e Ethernet cables (e.g. ports 1~16).
4. Connect the proper power supply to each c amera an d proc eed to po wer on each of the n etworked cameras.
Please refer to the camera’s owners manual for detail specifications.
5. Using your web browser, proceed to log into VR-N100U as an administrator and select the Cameras
administration page.
6. Prior to viewing the networked cameras, your workstation will need to have the proper Java Runtime
Executable from Sun Microsystems installed and loaded. VR-N100U should automaticall y prompt you with a
Java installation window if the correct JRE is not discovered on your system. Please procee d to ACCEPT
the installation of Java onto your system. This process will take a few minutes and may require a reboot of
your workstation, but should be a one-time procedure.
7. After Java has been successfully installed, log back into VR-N100U and return to the Camera utilities page.
When you click on the Discover button under Configure/View Details for All Ca meras pag e,
VR-N100U will go through an automatic discovery of each networked camera device it detects on its
backchannel, automatically configure them and include them as valid network cameras for VR-N100U.
Whether it is one or sixteen network cameras, it is a ver y f a st and e as y process. T here is no need to log in t o
each individual networked camera (one at a time) to setup and save its network settings.
8. Now you can click on a ny of the camera view buttons (2, 4, 8 or 16 Cameras) and it should automatically
display the associated number of cameras on the page as well as the live video feed from the camera(s).
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9. If all of the networked cameras are recognized and viewable by VR-N100U, you may power off each
camera, disconnect their network cable, and proceed to install them i nto their permanent assigned locations
within your particular environment.
NOTE: If any of the networked cameras did not get recognized, proceed to section 6. Technical Tips and
Troubleshooting section for assistance.
2.4.6. Where to Go From Here
You are all connected, powered, IP addressed, attached and ready to go. So, now what - where to go from here?
Before you begin exploring the features of the VR-N100U, you may want to plan your NT Domain or Active Directory
integration. Integration into these platforms provides a focused approach t o administering users, groups and the c ameras on a
secure VR-N100U, and, as you learn about the VR-N100U features described in the next chapter, you’ll be able to picture their
implementation under the platform integration you have planned.
You can begin your exploration of VR-N 100U in the next chapter, which presents an overvie w of VR-N100U features. You’ll
find that VR-N100U offers a lot more control and functionality other than managing cameras on the network.
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3. VR-N100U OVERVIEW
This chapter describes the functionality and features of VR-N100U and how they are managed using the VR-N100U web
browser interface.
What makes managing IP cameras on a network possible? VR-N100U supports access to the cameras from a variety of
network platforms. If you are on a Mac, or a Unix system, if you are running Windows (98, NT, 2000, 2003, XP), it doesn’t
matter. You and the other networked users with associated rights will have secure, fast, and direct access to the same
camera(s) on the VR-N100U. And, from a user’s standpoint, that is all that matters. The fact that VR-N100U provides
automatic camera recognition and configuration, or that vi deo can be made available both from live camera fee ds connected
to any VR-N100U and previewed from the captured video stored on the local RAID of the VR-N100U is of little consequence to
the average user on the network. But, it is very important to the VR-N100U administrator, as is the ability to configure the
system and camera security, and manage users, groups and the storage.
There are four levels of security available in VR-N100U and they can be applied to each individual camera to offer the
maximum flexibility and security. The VR-N100U administrators and users with admin/Manager rights can setup and custom
configure each camera to their specific needs. Users with operator rights can control and vie w the cameras which they have
permission on. Users with viewer rights can only view cameras which they have been assigned permission to. Finally,
cameras for which users have no permission will automatically not be displayed to eliminate any confusion and reduce the
number of support issues for the administrators.
Management of the VR-N100U system and network connections is h andled through the VR-N100U web browser interface.
Also, VDRView offers a Web Connection tab so that will launch the web browser within the application window. This chapter
describes the features of VR-N100U and how they are ma nag ed using the web browser interface. Following chapters descri be
the VR-N100U management features of the standalone Enterprise Windows-based application, VDRView.
One of the hallmarks of the VR-N100U is its flexibility. It offers a number of ways for you to make c ameras available to key
networked users. The versatility and flexibility of VR-N10 0U is demonstrated in the interface as well. VR-N100U detects your
hardware configuration and organizes the interface acc ordingly. For example, if VR-N100U detects the presence of one or
more hard drives, the components of the interface that allow you to create RAID sets are displayed. If no hard drives are
detected, these features are eliminated from the interface. If a VR-N100U has only one camera attached, then only one
camera window will be active.
This chapter, VR-N100U Overview, describes the VR-N100U features and the management tasks of those features the
interface was designed to perform. You should read this chapter in its entirety to develop an ov erall understanding of VRN100U and all the things it is capable of doing. The sections that include The Administration Utility in the title provide a feature-
by-feature, detailed description of each of the Administration Utilities used to execute each of the management tasks.
The utilities in the Administration Toolbox are divided into three groups: the System Utilities, Networks Utilities, and, of
course, Camera Utilities. The System Utilities contain t he tools you will use to manage VR-N100U, its storage devices, and
users and groups. The Networks Utilities fall more into the category of set it and forg et it. The options in this group include
setting server protocols and IP addresses. The Camera Utilities cover all aspects regarding setting and access management
for each individual networked camera.
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3.1. Getting to the VR-N100U Web Browser Interface
You can use any web browser, such as those from Microso ft IE or Netscape, to acc ess the VR-N1 00U web bro wser interface.
Use one of the following URLs in the address/location field of your web browser to bring up the VR-N100U interface:
The VR-N100UName
This method requires the Windows environment. Your workstation and the VR-N100U must be on the same
subnet. You will use the VR-N100UName as the URL, which can be the default name printed o n a label on the
enclosure, or a name assigned to the VR-N100U using the Setup Wizard or the General System Utility. The
default name takes the form ZXXXXXX. Examples include: http://Z173AF0/, or http://VDR100U/.
The DNS (Domain Name System) Name
Before you can use this method, the DNS name must be added to your DNS server. An example is
http://VIDEO_ZERVER.VIDEO.COM.
The IP Address
An example is http://192.168.20.95.
It is assumed that the first person who accesses the VR-N100U interface will be you, the VR-N100U Installer and
Administrator. When the web browser connects with the VR-N100U, a password prompt dialog such as the Internet Explorer
dialog shown here will display. The default us er nam e and pass word are admin and admin. After you provide the admin/admin
user name and password and click on the OK button, the VR-N100U Setup Wizard displays.
3.2. The VR-N100U Setup Wizard
The Setup Wizard was designed to give you the opportunity to establish some preliminary settings for your VR-N100U
configuration. It appears only this one time, the first time you log in to the VR-N100U web browser interface. You won’t see this
screen again unless you reboot the VR-N100U to the default factory settings.
For those of you who have a specific plan for your VR-N100U, the appearance of the S etup Wizard at this time allows you to
move forward with your plan. For those of you who want to explore the VR-N100U i nterface before you make any ch anges to
the default settings, be assured that each of the options offered in the Setup Wizard is available in the utilities pages such as
the main Administration Utilities page and can be set any time at your convenience.
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3.2.1. Server Name
Let’s have a look at the VR-N100U Setup Wizard. The first field displays the default name of the VR-N100U. Since this is the
name by which the VR-N100U will be recognized on the network, you may want to change it to something more meaningful,
even if it is just VR-N100U, SecuritySystem or CameraServer. The name you choose can have up to 24 alphanumeric
characters and the dash. (The dash cannot be the first or last character of the name)
3.2.2. admin Password & admin Password Confirm
The next option is a very important one. The default admin Password is admin. You j ust used it in the password prompt to
gain access to this screen. In the future, you will be prompted for an admin password every time you want to get into the
Administration Toolbox. It is strongly recommended you change the admin Password at this time to ensure that other users
will not be able to get into the Toolbox, unless you specifically give them admin/Manager rights. (Those users assigned
admin/Manager rights will use their own user names and passwords to gain access to the Toolbox) You can change the
admin Password any time you want to, using the General Settings section of the System Utility.
3.2.3. Date, Time & Time Zone
You have the opportunity to set the current Date and Time on the VR-N100U system clock, using the format indicated. You
can also indicate the time zone you are in by choosing the name of your city, or a city that is in your time zone, from the dropdown list. The Date and Time settings can be set or changed at a later time using the System Utility.
When you have finished setting options and making ch anges, click on the Next button. Your changes, if you made any, will be
saved.
The next screen, the Reboot screen, offers two options. If you click on the Yes button, the VR-N100U will reboot and the
changes you made will go into effect. If you click on the Cancel button, you will go directly into the first page of the
Administration Toolbox, the Devices page. The changes you made have been saved, but will not go into effect until you reboot
the VR-N100U. If you didn’t make any changes to the Setup Wizard, there’s no need to reboot!
Finally, you are in. Normally, when you log in to the V R-N100U interface, it will open at the Cameras Administration Utility
page. But for this first time only, the Devices page displays. If you are testing your installation, this is the page you need to see
to verify that your connected devices are properly installed. So, let’s start our discuss ion a bout manag ing your VR-N100U here
on the Devices page in the Administration System Utilities page.
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3.3. The Administration “System” Utilities
Using your standard web browser or via the VDRView Web Connect, the VR-N10 0U administrator can easily and securely
navigate to the various System Utilities Pages.
3.3.1. Managing Your Devices
By selecting the View and configure options for different devices link, it will bring you to the Devices page that provides an
overview of all of the devices attached to your VR-N100U. One of the immedi ate management ben efits of the Devices p age is
that you can quickly see the current configuration and status of eac h attached device. If you don’t see a device d isplayed on
this page, you know that your VR-N100U has not detected its presence. You can also click on a specific device to view
additional details about the device.
ATAPI and SCSI based CD and DVD drives are normally classified b y VR-N100U as Access Devices. For VR-N100U, these
types of Access Devices are currently not supported and not installed on the security appliance.
Storage devices are hard drives. Hard drives on a VR-N100U have one primary function which is to store the captured video
from the networked IP cameras. If VR-N100U does not detect any hard drive on the VR-N100U, the security appliance will still
be fully functional in managing all networked security cameras, however, no video will be captured and stored on the appliance
until the Storage Devices are correctly configured.
VR-N100U allows the administrator to configure and Create New RAID Groups as RAID-1 or RAID-5. On this page,
information such as name, type and total/used/availa ble capacities are available, plus an easy-to-understand color sc hema
Legend to determine the current status of the RAID Group. Detail information about the RAID can be made available by
clicking on the name of the RAID set.
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3.3.2. General Settings
The General page allows the VR-N100U administrator to easily change the security appliance’s Server Name as well as
update the admin Password settings.
The Server Name has a maximum length is 24 alphanumeric char acters, where the dash/minus sign (-) is not allowed as the
first or last character. For the admin Password, there is a limit of 15 alphanumeric characters with both the comma (,) and
blank space ( ) are unsupported characters. When you ch ange any of these setting, generally it will require VR-N100U to
reboot to activate the new changes.
3.3.3. Managing Users and Groups
In order to set up the secured system, you have to create a VR-N100U Users List. You will includ e in this list the name of
every user who needs to have access to at least one network IP camera on any of the available VR-N100U security
appliances. The Users List is managed in the Users System Utility and can support thousands of entries. T his utility allows
you to add and delete users, and edit user profiles.
By clicking on the Add button, the Ad d Us er page will appear prompting you to enter the User Name, Full Name and VRN100U Password. The User Name can have up to 24 alphanumeric characters and the underscore with the following
characters classified as unsupported (\ / : ; , * ?). The Full Name can have up to 49 alph anumeric char acters with the follo wing
classified as unsupported (? * \ " \ / < > ` ' , : &). The Password can have up to 15 alphanumeric characters, excluding the
comma (,) and blank space ( ). If you want the user you are adding to have administrative rights to V R-N100U, click on the
Grant admin rights checkbox.
By clicking on the Delete button, the Delete User page will appear prompting you to select the checkbox(es) next to the
name(s) of the user(s) you want to delete. Click on the Delete button and a Deleting Us ers confirmation page app ears, listing
your selections. If you are satisfied with the selection(s), click on th e Delete button, or else select Cancel button to return to
the Delete Users page without deleting the selected users. Change yo ur selections, or click on the Cancel button to return to
the Users page.
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If you want to change a user’s Full Name, VR-N100U Password, or admin rights, or assign the user to a group or rem ove the
name from a group, click on the user’s name. Make your editin g changes in the appropri ate field(s). Change the admin rights
setting by clicking on the checkbox. A check in the box next to the name of a group i ndicates that th e user is a member of that
group. Make the necessary assignments and changes. Y ou can proceed to click on the Save button to save the edits or click
the Cancel button to return to the Users page without making any changes.
The users in the Users List can be organized into groups. You can hav e hundreds of groups in your VR-N100U Grou ps List.
The Group List is managed in the Groups System Utility. You will use this utilit y to add and delete groups, and edit group
profiles. You can add user names to groups, or remove user names from groups in either the user profiles or the group
profiles. The Group Name can have up to 24 alphanumeric characters, excluding the follo wing (\ / : , * ?).
Organizing users into groups makes camera management easier to set up and manag e. After you have defined the user base
and established group memberships, you can assign groups and individual user’s access rights to VR-N100U on a camera-bycamera basis, using the Details page for the individual camera under the section 3.5.7 Setup Camera-Level Secur ity.
Users logging in to a VR-N100U System will be prompted t o provid e a us er name and password befor e they are g iven access
to the Cameras utility page when they access cameras via the web browser interfac e. After the user has been authenticated,
the Cameras utilit y page is displayed. Onl y the cameras to which the l ogged in user has bee n given access rights will display
on any of the X Cameras page (where X is 2, 4, 8 or 16 simultaneous camera vie ws on the screen).
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3.3.4. Time Keeper
The Time/Date page allows the administrator to easily change or setup the current Date, T ime and speci fy the local time zone
for the VR-N100U. It is very important to maintain the accurate local settings as it will directly affect the accurate ability to
search on any of the captured video. VR-N100U also us es t he date an d ti me settings when it is logging VR-N100U activities in
the Event/Motion Logs and tracking the creation date and time of ISO Image File creations.
3.3.5. Server Event Log
The Event Log displays a listing of all VR-N100U activities. T he main page displays primary server ev ents. Click on Details
button to view all server events. If you are having an unexplained pr oblem with your VR-N100U, be sure to check the Event
Log to see if it has logged an indication or explanation of the problem.
NOTE: It is recommended that the VR-N100U a dministrator keeps an eye on the Event Log and clicks on the Clear the
Event Log to delete the log file as it may directly affect the performance if it becomes too large.
3.3.6. Server Event Notification
You can be assured of being notified about specific VR-N100U events when you enable the Alerts System Utility. If VRN100U reboots, for example, you and other designated recipients will be notified of the event via email.
This feature can be toggled on and off using the Enable Alerts field. You can configure the Alerts page and turn it off until you
are ready to use it.
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