# How to access your IP camera over Meshnet

## Introduction <a href="#introduction" id="introduction"></a>

Security cameras are becoming a popular purchase for every household. They allow you to see what is happening in your home 24/7. While having cameras is a good security practice, the method of accessing them can raise concerns about privacy.

Security cameras tend to come with proprietary software that allows you to access them remotely. However, for the application to function, the cameras send data to a cloud server and only then to your device. This flow of information leaves more space for interception by a malicious entity. In addition, the video feed leaving your home network and going through a third-party server can be considered unsafe.

Setting up [port forwarding](https://nordvpn.com/blog/port-forwarding/) is another method to have direct remote access to the cameras, without using additional software. Nevertheless, opening ports can leave your network vulnerable to hackers.

By using [Meshnet](https://nordvpn.com/meshnet/), you can easily access your home IP camera without opening additional ports in your firewall. The connections are made via encrypted tunnels using [NordLynx technology](https://nordvpn.com/blog/nordlynx-protocol-wireguard/). This results in fast and secure access from anywhere in the world.

In this article, you will find instructions on how to access your home IP cameras over Meshnet.

## Prerequisites <a href="#prerequisites" id="prerequisites"></a>

Before starting the setup process, ensure that:

* You have a [host device for traffic routing](https://meshnet.nordvpn.com/~/changes/1En9yEoSh1cmyjIBsnEk/features/routing-traffic-in-meshnet#hosts).
* You have an IP camera that supports connections via its IP address.
* You know the IP camera’s local IP address and port number (if required).
* The host device and the IP camera are in the same [local area network](https://nordvpn.com/blog/what-is-lan/) (LAN).

## Set up a host device <a href="#set-up-a-host-device" id="set-up-a-host-device"></a>

First, set up Meshnet on your traffic routing-capable device, which will act as an intermediary between your client devices and the network camera you want to access.

### Install NordVPN <a href="#install-nordvpn" id="install-nordvpn"></a>

Instructions for downloading and installing NordVPN can be found in the following articles:

* [Instructions for Windows](https://support.nordvpn.com/1888230932)
* [Instructions for macOS](https://support.nordvpn.com/1135836372)
* [Instructions for Linux](https://support.nordvpn.com/1182453582)

### Manage permissions <a href="#manage-permissions" id="manage-permissions"></a>

After installing the app, you must enable the following Meshnet permissions for all peer devices that you want to have access to the IP camera:

* [Traffic routing](https://meshnet.nordvpn.com/~/changes/1En9yEoSh1cmyjIBsnEk/features/explaining-permissions/traffic-routing-permissions)
* [Local network](https://meshnet.nordvpn.com/~/changes/1En9yEoSh1cmyjIBsnEk/features/explaining-permissions/local-network-permissions)

The permissions can be managed in the Meshnet menu of the NordVPN app.

{% hint style="info" %}
**Note**

The previously mentioned permissions are enabled automatically for all devices using the same Nord account. For external devices, the permissions are chosen when sending an invite.
{% endhint %}

## Connect to an IP camera <a href="#connect-to-an-ip-camera" id="connect-to-an-ip-camera"></a>

With Meshnet fully set up, you can start using the traffic routing feature to reach your IP camera from outside of the home network.

### Route traffic <a href="#route-traffic" id="route-traffic"></a>

First, you need to start routing traffic from a client device through the host device you have set up. To do this, follow the steps provided in the [Routing traffic in Meshnet](https://meshnet.nordvpn.com/~/changes/1En9yEoSh1cmyjIBsnEk/features/routing-traffic-in-meshnet#see-also) article.

**Example**

<figure><img src="https://3559400189-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F0cTezbT2vN0lurEio8Z5%2Fuploads%2FsLtNmGa8OPzc9PSpst08%2Fazure_mesh_route.png?alt=media&#x26;token=7686174c-9e12-4b6d-add5-60a8cc11b0a9" alt="Click the Route all traffic button on the Windows NordVPN application."><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### Access the IP camera <a href="#access-the-ip-camera" id="access-the-ip-camera"></a>

With the traffic routing connection established, the client device can freely interact with all devices located in the host device’s LAN, including the IP cameras. This allows you to access your camera using an internet browser.

1. Open your internet browser.
2. In the URL bar, enter the following:\
   \
   `<IP>:<Port>/`\
   \
   Where:\
   • `<IP>` is the local IP address of the network camera.\
   • `<Port>` is the port used by the network camera (if required).\
   \
   **Example:**

   ![](https://3559400189-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F0cTezbT2vN0lurEio8Z5%2Fuploads%2FneuiigPVBjsgEbzsEKfe%2Fweb_lan_ip.png?alt=media\&token=445202e6-5a3d-49c7-a265-252a867f18f5)

The interface of your IP camera should load, giving your full access to the camera.&#x20;
