FAQ
TL;DR: Yes—remote preview works with a simple 3‑step setup, and “check if the P2P service is enabled.” Use ICS, P2P (cloud), and add by SN. [Elektroda, raffin, post #16747240]
Why it matters: This FAQ helps laptop‑tethered Dahua HCVR users get reliable remote access without a fixed public IP.
Quick Facts
- Internet Connection Sharing (ICS) makes your laptop act like a router for the recorder’s network. [Elektroda, gkwiatkowski, post #16746961]
- P2P status must be Connected; Offline means the recorder can’t reach the cloud. [Elektroda, raffin, post #16747240]
- SmartPSS can add the recorder using a single Serial Number (SN), plus login and password. [Elektroda, raffin, post #16747051]
- DHCP vs Cloud: DHCP only assigns IP; cloud/P2P is a separate feature for remote access. [Elektroda, gkwiatkowski, post #16747993]
- Symptom to watch: enabling ICS may freeze local preview until IP settings match the new network. [Elektroda, Morino71, post #16747484]
Can I remotely access a Dahua DHI‑HCVR4108HS‑S3 through a laptop that uses a USB modem?
Yes. Enable Internet Connection Sharing (ICS) on the laptop, turn on the recorder’s P2P service, then view it remotely using the device’s SN. Users confirmed success after these steps. [Elektroda, raffin, post #16747240]
What do I need to make this work without a public IP?
You need a laptop with ICS enabled, the recorder’s P2P (cloud) turned on and showing Connected, and a client app like SmartPSS where you add the device by SN, login, and password. [Elektroda, raffin, post #16747240]
How do I add the recorder in SmartPSS using the Serial Number (SN)?
Install SmartPSS on the remote PC. Add a new device and select the SN method. Enter the recorder’s SN, login, and password. One SN is enough to bind the device. [Elektroda, raffin, post #16747051]
Where do I find the Serial Number (SN) on the Dahua recorder?
Open the recorder’s interface and check the device information pages; users referenced locating the SN in options before adding it in software. Then input that SN in SmartPSS. [Elektroda, Morino71, post #16747081]
Why does P2P show Offline even after I enable ICS?
Offline indicates the recorder can’t reach the cloud. Confirm ICS is active, the recorder gets an IP via DHCP, and the network path is open. As one expert noted, “check if the P2P service… is enabled.” [Elektroda, raffin, post #16747240]
My preview freezes after turning on ICS. What should I change?
Match IP settings to the new ICS network. Users fixed freezes by changing the recorder and PC IP to align with the ICS-assigned subnet, restoring access immediately. [Elektroda, Morino71, post #16747484]
Is switching the recorder to DHCP required for cloud access?
DHCP is not the cloud itself. It simply gives the recorder a valid IP on the laptop’s shared network. Cloud/P2P remains a separate setting you must enable for remote access. [Elektroda, gkwiatkowski, post #16747993]
What is P2P (cloud) in Dahua recorders?
P2P is Dahua’s cloud relay that lets you connect by Serial Number instead of port forwarding. When status shows Connected, remote viewing works from SmartPSS or the app. [Elektroda, raffin, post #16747240]
Quick 3-step: how do I set this up end‑to‑end?
- Enable Internet Connection Sharing on the laptop.
- On the recorder, enable P2P and confirm status shows Connected.
- In SmartPSS, add the device using its SN, login, and password.
“Enable Internet Connection Sharing” is the first step. [Elektroda, raffin, post #16747240]
Can I just use TeamViewer or Skype screen‑sharing instead?
It works but is inefficient. Direct P2P via SN gives cleaner video and less overhead than remote desktop streaming, which can crop or lag. Use SmartPSS with SN for reliability. [Elektroda, raffin, post #16747051]
Do I need an external/public IP to view my cameras?
No. With P2P enabled and Connected, SmartPSS connects over the cloud using the device’s Serial Number, without a public IP or port forwarding. [Elektroda, raffin, post #16747051]
SmartPSS doesn’t show the SN option—what now?
Update SmartPSS to the latest version. Users reported the newer build exposes SN‑based adding and resolved their connection issues. [Elektroda, Morino71, post #16748021]
What if P2P still won’t connect through a laptop bridge?
Some setups fail over a simple bridge. A dedicated router that supports your USB modem, or a router with a built‑in modem, can provide stable WAN for the recorder. [Elektroda, sosarek, post #16747604]
Any hardware alternative to relying on the laptop for sharing?
Yes. Insert the Play USB modem into a router (e.g., MikroTik with USB). Then connect the recorder to that router to get Wi‑Fi and internet for other devices too. [Elektroda, Boosterpl, post #16810935]
Why did switching to DHCP suddenly make it work for me?
Your previous static IP likely used the wrong subnet, blocking communication. DHCP aligned the recorder with the laptop’s shared network, restoring connectivity. [Elektroda, gkwiatkowski, post #16747993]
Is there any expert advice to remember during setup?
Yes: “Enable cloud access on the recorder.” Pair that with ICS and SN‑based adding in SmartPSS for a fast, resilient setup. [Elektroda, gkwiatkowski, post #16746961]
I just don't know how to get to a second computer through the cloud. The program seems to be a simpler solution if you just need to type SN which I found in the options, login and password.
