Networking¶
Plan your network before you deploy BrainFrame. Cameras, the BrainFrame server, and the devices people use to view it all need to reach each other.
Camera and NVR (Network Video Recorder) IP addresses¶
IP cameras are usually configured with static IP addresses, for example 192.168.x.x or 10.x.x.x, instead of DHCP. Once the network is set up, a static address does not change, so the system keeps working if cameras are not assigned a new address after a power loss.
Small networks may use DHCP. In that case, reserve a range of addresses for static IPs, for example 192.168.x.0 to 192.168.x.100, and assign the device addresses from that range.
BrainFrame Server on the same network as the cameras¶
The BrainFrame server pulls video from the cameras, so it needs to be on the same network as the cameras. We recommend a static IP address for the BrainFrame server as well, so that its address does not change.
To analyze cameras on other private networks, see Premises.
Access BrainFrame from phones and computers¶
Users should be able to reach the BrainFrame server's IP address from their phones and computers. From there they can:
- Check live videos and event records.
- Configure the system.
- Use Security Operation Center (SOC) functions, for example hearing voice alerts when something happens around the building.
See Web Client for how to open BrainFrame from a browser.
BrainFrame access to the internet¶
The BrainFrame server needs access to the internet to send email alerts to users when an event happens.
Local deployment¶
When BrainFrame OS is deployed locally, everything stays on the server. The only traffic to the internet is the periodic validation of the license.
There is also an offline deployment option. In this mode the BrainFrame license is bound to the machine fingerprint, and there is no traffic to the internet at all.
Talkdown.ai¶
The Talkdown.ai application, built on top of BrainFrame OS, sends emails with camera snapshots to the users you configure.
Managed security service¶
If you purchase a managed security service, additional software may be installed on the AI server, for example:
- Remote access: MeshCentral, for remote configuration and maintenance.
- Backup: the system configuration may be backed up to the cloud, so that the system can be restored.
- Incident investigation: your security patrol provider may access your video footage and pictures to investigate incidents, and share them with the police for criminal reports.
For the Intellectual Property, Data Privacy, and Data Communication policies, see Privacy & Terms on the homepage.
Other devices¶
A typical deployment also uses these network devices:
- Routers: configure DHCP and static IP addresses for all devices.
- PoE switches: connect the cameras and provide power to PoE-enabled cameras.
- Remote A/C power switch: manage the power of the devices, for example to restart a machine remotely for maintenance.
The diagram below shows a typical network topology.